A ten- minute ride from the heart of Sibu will bring you to this memorial garden right next to the Red River, where Foochow pioneers first set foot and change the landscape of Sibu. See for yourselves how this landing point has developed into a quaint bazaar and learn of the struggles of the early Foochows in this part of the world.This site of Wong Nai Siong’s first landing in Sibu has enhanced the satellite town’s aesthetics ambiance. Extremely popular with visitors is the Sungei Merah Heritage Walk, just next to the park. It offers an opportunity to reminisce the history of the place. One thing unique about Sungei Merah is its colour, changing from dark red to yellowish brown, depending on the weather.
A “Wong Nai Siong Memorial Park” was built and the memorial depicting the 100-year struggle and growth of Foochow settlement was put up.
Wong Nai Siong was born in the Couty of Ming-Ching of Fujian Province, China. He left mainland China for Nanyang due to the chaotic condition in China. His signing an agreement with the second Rajah of Sarawak enabled him to establish a Foochow settlement in Sibu. All in all he helped to bring in over a thousand Foochow pioneers from China.
Born on 25th July 1849, Kang-Chu passed away on 22nd September 1924. To commemorate the Centenary Celebration of Foochow settlement in Sibu, this statue of Kang-Chu (at World Fuzhou Heritage Gallery) was built in hounour and in rememberance of him.