KUCHING: A new book documenting the role of early Chinese leadership in Sarawak sheds light on how migrant pioneers helped shape the state’s social, economic and cultural foundations.
Titled Kangchus & Kapitans: Chinese Leadership in Early Sarawak, the book by Sarawak-born author Dr Hing Yan Lee explores the contributions of Kangchus — river chiefs who established early settlements — and Kapitans, community leaders who represented Chinese communities during Sarawak’s formative years.
Through detailed research and illustrated narratives, Dr Hing traces how these leaders opened up riverine areas, built towns and trade networks, established schools and temples, and acted as intermediaries between their communities and colonial authorities.
Their efforts, he argues, were instrumental in fostering social cohesion and economic growth while bridging cultural divides in a rapidly changing society.
More than a collection of biographies, the book highlights themes of resilience, leadership and belonging, chronicling how early Chinese settlers put down roots far from their ancestral homes and contributed to the development of modern Sarawak.
Their legacy continues to influence the state’s institutions, economy and multicultural identity.
Dr Hing, who was born here and received his early education at St Joseph’s School, spent more than three decades in Singapore’s public sector before serving as executive vice president for the Asia-Pacific region and later Government Affairs at the Cloud Security Alliance.
He has also served as an adjunct associate professor at the National University of Singapore and is a Fellow of the Singapore Computer Society.
He holds a PhD and master’s degree in computer science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, as well as degrees from Imperial College London.
A long-time historian and writer, Dr Hing has previously authored From Nanhai to Nanyang: Lee Weng Thong of Sarawak, Kapitan China of the Cantonese Community and From Xiangshan to Nanyang: Cheng Mo Seng of Singapore.
His latest work continues his efforts to document and preserve the stories of overseas Chinese pioneers for future generations.
Dr Hing presented the copy of the book, to Deputy Premier Datuk Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian in a simple ceremony at Wisma Bapa Malaysia on Wednesday (Jan 28).
Dr Sim, who is also Public Health, Housing and Local Government Minister, authored the foreword to the book.
He described the publication as both a tribute and a reminder, honouring the vision and perseverance of early Chinese leaders while underscoring enduring values of service, integrity and unity that continue to guide Sarawak today.
Kangchus & Kapitans is aimed at history enthusiasts, descendants tracing family roots and readers interested in understanding the forces that shaped Sarawak’s early development.
