‘Vui Ko’, famed mirror and frame maker of Kuching’s Carpenter Street, laid to rest

KUCHING (Feb 28): Renowned photo mirror and frame maker Au Yang Vui Choi, a familiar figure along Bishopsgate Street for decades, was laid to rest today at Kwong Wai Siew Peck San Teng Cemetery on 4½ Mile Penrissen Road. He passed away at the age of 95.

In line with Chinese funeral customs that honour longevity, his age was symbolically observed as 100.

Born in 1931 in Guangzhou, China, Au Yang moved to Hong Kong at the age of 14, taking on odd jobs before eventually settling in Kuching.

He stayed with his childless paternal aunt and uncle-in-law and began working as an apprentice in their frame-making shop along Bishopsgate Street.

After his uncle-in-law passed away, Au Yang took over the business, and Yeck Sung Frame Makers grew to become one of the last remaining traditional shops in the historic Carpenter Street area.

The shop specialised in high-quality photo mirror frames, three-dimensional box frames, and glass casings.

In the early days, photo framing was not widely sought after, but over the years, custom-made frames and decorative pieces gained popularity.

The business undertook numerous projects for government agencies, producing presentation frames and commemorative pieces for ministers, VIPs, and royalty, often featuring Sarawak’s indigenous motifs and cultural elements.

It also crafted souvenir pieces for official functions.

Au Yang dedicated about 70 years to his craft before retiring at the age of 90.

The business is now managed by two of his three sons, Alan and Henry Au Yang, and will continue operating. His eldest son is Colin Au Yang.

Henry, his youngest son and primary caregiver, said his father remained mentally and physically strong despite undergoing hip surgery following a fall five years ago.

“He was healthy in January, but his condition suddenly worsened on the fifth day of the Chinese New Year,” Henry told The Borneo Post.

Au Yang spent the festive season with his sons, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren before his health declined, passing away peacefully at 4.40pm on Thursday in the presence of his family.

Henry fondly recalled his father’s daily routine: climbing down the stairs each morning, sitting in his wheelchair in front of the shop, greeting passers-by, and watching the bustling street.

“And every morning, he would eat kolo mee.

“He wouldn’t eat anything else,” Henry said, adding that friends often joked about his enduring love for the local favourite despite his advanced age.

Au Yang was known in the community for his friendly, humble, and humorous nature. Many fondly addressed him as “Vui Ko” (Brother Vui in Cantonese).

During his funeral, numerous members of the surrounding community turned up to pay their final respects.

He will be buried beside his wife, who passed away 15 years ago.