About Lau King Howe Hospital Memorial Museum
The Lau King Howe Hospital Memorial Museum in Sibu, Sarawak, is a preserved heritage building that was Sibu's first hospital, operating from 1936 to 1994. Donated by philanthropist Lau King Howe, the building was converted into a memorial museum in 1996. It displays medical equipment, photographs, documents and exhibits tracing the history of healthcare in Sibu and the hospital's role in the community's development.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a small, single-storey colonial-era hospital building preserved as a museum near Sibu town centre. Inside are exhibition halls with old medical instruments, hospital furniture, photographs, documents and panels detailing the hospital's history from 1936 to 1994. The surroundings are quiet and landscaped, with informative displays explaining early healthcare services in Sibu and the contribution of Lau King Howe.
Key highlights
- 01
Original 1936 Lau King Howe Hospital building preserved as a memorial museum
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Exhibits of historical medical equipment, instruments and hospital furniture
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Photographic and documentary displays on the history of healthcare in Sibu
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Tribute to philanthropist Lau King Howe who donated the hospital
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Heritage architecture reflecting 1930s colonial hospital design
History of Lau King Howe Hospital Memorial Museum
Lau King Howe Hospital was Sibu's first hospital, built in 1936 through the donation of local philanthropist Lau King Howe. It served as the main healthcare facility for Sibu and the Rejang Basin until 1994 when Sibu Hospital was opened. The building was subsequently preserved and opened as a memorial museum in 1996 to commemorate the history of medical services in Sibu.
Culture & Context
The museum commemorates community philanthropy and the development of modern healthcare in Sibu. It reflects the contribution of the Chinese community and Lau King Howe to public welfare and serves as an educational heritage site on the town's social and medical history.
Route
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