KUCHING: A first of its kind gallery dedicated to preserving the long history and rich heritage of the Scout movement in Sarawak has been established, opening at the Sarawak Scout Headquarters at Jalan Batu Lintang here. Local Government Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian pointed out that Sarawak made another mark by becoming the first in the country to set up this remarkable gallery. “Out of the 1.5 million scouts in Malaysia, Sarawak recorded the highest number at 68,000 even though our population is small; which just goes to show that Sarawakians are active and keen to do something good as is the nature of Sarawakians,” he said. “This is timely and appropriate 103 years after 1913 when scouting started in Sarawak. It is our culture to recognise and acknowledge all past scouting leaders.” Dr Sim highlighted this during the opening ceremony of the gallery which was attended by Scout Foundation of Sarawak chairman Ng Yaw Hua, Chief Scout Commissioner of Sarawak Sudaryo Osman and organising chairperson John Lim. Stressing the importance of learning, treasuring and upholding this valuable culture, he reminded that Sarawak would not be what it is today without the contributions of past leaders. This small gallery filled with documents, memories and memorabilia of the life of a scout, that only time can make, serves as a library for future generations to reflect on. “Don’t treat this just as a gallery as you will soon take charge of the preservation efforts when the present leaders have retired,” he told the young scouts gathered. “This gallery is yours so look after it. More importantly, you must take it further by adding materials as time goes on, and pass it down from generation to generation,” he said. Meanwhile Ng shared that for the past century of scouting in Sarawak, thousands went through the unique experience that only scouting can offer. “The founder Lord Baden-Powell has built the framework of the scout movement by drawing on what he had experienced throughout his military career in India, Africa and his home country, England,” he said. He pointed out that many of the legacies of values, principles, life-long skills and literature associated with scouting would be lost unless concerted efforts were made to preserve them. “More importantly, these values must be shared with fellow scouts to convey a sense of continuity,” he added. The Scout Heritage Gallery not only serves the educational purpose of imparting knowledge and inspiring scouts to learn and be proud of their heritage, but is a repository of scouting artefacts and memorabilia as well as impactful stories and experiences to be shared and enjoyed. News report from: The Borneo Post, Sarawak For more picture, please refer to the link below. *The gallery was officially open on 06th May 2017.