On 15 August 2024, Prof. Wang Xiaomei, Head of Department of Chinese Studies of XMUM, Dr. Koh Chong Wah and Dr. Gui Wei attended the ceremony in memorial of the Nanyang Volunteers and Malayan World War II Victims at Kuala Lumpur Kwong Tong Cemetery, together with 4 students from the department. The event drew participants from across the country as well from China.

The ceremony begun at 9am. Yong Pock Yau, the President of Kwong Tong Cemetery, together with YB Anthony Loke Siew Fook, the Minister of Transport of Malaysia, and Tan Kok Wai, the Member of Parliament for Cheras, laid wreath for the Nanyang Volunteers who sacrificed their lives in defense of the country. Following the presentation of funeral oration by Chong Keat Aun, all participants paid a silent tribute to the deceased ancestors and bowed three times.

Image

Attendees paid tribute to the Nanyang Volunteers.

Attendees then proceeded to the Kwong Tong Cemetery's World War II Memorial Peace Park for a memorial ceremony honoring the victims of WWII in Malaya. The event served as a reminder of the historical events during the Japanese occupation in Malaya, highlighting the significance of peace and prosperity today. 

Image

Attendees commemorated the victims of World War II in Malaya at Memorial Peace Park, commemorating the deceased and praying for peace.

Wang Jun, the Secretary of Chinese Embassy to Malaysia, and YB Anthony Loke Siew Fook, both emphasized in the speech that the world must remember the tragic history of WWII and safeguard the peace we have today. Although 79 years have passed since the WWII, conflicts and wars continue to erupt around the world. As war brings only cruelty and suffer, both speakers expressed their sincere hope for world peace and national prosperity.

At the end of the ceremony, all the attendees laid flowers in honor of the Malaya victims of World War II, paying tribute to the peace and prosperity that they secured for the people today.

Image

Prof. Wang Xiaomei and Dr. Gui Wei laid flowers in honor of the Malaya victims of WWII. 

Earlier this year, the Department of Chinese Studies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for teaching and research collaboration with Kuala Lumpur Kwong Tong Cemetery. This event has further deepened the bond between both parties. Looking ahead, both sides will be excited to anticipate more collaborative opportunities in research and even employment. XMUM and Kuala Lumpur Kwong Tong Cemetery will continue to work together so as to contribute to the preservation of Malaysian Chinese history and culture.

(Contributed by Ng Yi-Hong)