Taiwanese team uncovers Kenyalang Park’s rich history

KUCHING (Sept 8): A team from Taiwan’s Chung Yuan Christian University recently engaged in an in-depth exploration and documentation of collective memories from the local community of Kenyalang Park here.

The engagement was for the ‘Collaborative Grounds: Collective Memories of Kenyalang Park’ project, an initiative by the university’s Assoc Prof Eric Chen.

Over the past three weeks, the team comprising students from the Department of Architecture conducted a series of interviews with community leaders, residents, business vendors, and principals of local schools, gathering rich oral histories that highlight the unique character and history of Kenyalang Park.

The team also paid a courtesy call to Kuching South Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng to present their research findings.

The meeting fostered a productive discussion between the mayor and the students, focusing on the challenges faced by this distinctive residential community and exploring potential solutions.

The results of the students’ research were also presented in an exhibition featuring drawings, photographs, and written narratives.

Wee yesterday paid a visit to the exhibition where he commended the students for their dedication and thorough research.

He emphasised that the project not only showcased their professional skills but also revealed numerous opportunities for enhancing Kenyalang Park as a lively community that is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.

Wee also expressed his enthusiasm for continuing this meaningful collaboration, proposing further exchange programmes between Chung Yuan Christian University and local universities, as well as between Kuching South City Council (MBKS) and Taiwan’s Taoyuan city government.