Kiang Wu Hospital Museum set for repairs with up to MOP500,000 in funding

The Kiang Wu Hospital History and Heritage Museum, situated within Macau’s private Kiang Wu Hospital, has been designated as part of the fourth batch of national-level memorial facilities commemorating the anti-Japanese war by China and will receive repair support of up to MOP500,000 from the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC).

The request for maintenance support was announced by the IC president, Deland Leong, on Friday after receiving unanimous approval from the Cultural Heritage Committee during its regular closed-door meeting.

She noted that the Kiang Wu Hospital Charitable Association, the relevant charitable organization, submitted the application for support late last year.

Completed in 1989, the memorial hall is Macau’s second national-level facility commemorating the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, following the Xian Xinghai Memorial Hall, which was included in the list in 2020.

Last September, it was chosen for the fourth batch of national-level War of Resistance memorial facilities and sites announced by the State Council, acknowledging its historical contributions in treating wounded soldiers and civilians and supporting the war effort during the conflict.

Founded in 1871, Macau’s Kiang Wu Hospital has been instrumental in supporting the resistance since Japan’s invasion of China in 1931, treating both military personnel and civilians.

According to reports, the hospital provided essential medical supplies to the front lines and served as a training center for medical personnel assisting both combat operations and Communist guerrilla forces.

In a media interview last September, the Kiang Wu Hospital Charitable Association announced plans to expand the memorial hall to showcase additional historical materials and said it was considering extending visiting hours to enhance public access.

On Friday, the Cultural Heritage Committee held its first regular plenary meeting of the year, where a proposal to provide restoration support for the memorial hall was discussed.

During a post-meeting press conference, the IC president announced that the project received unanimous approval from committee members.

She noted concerns about the memorial hall’s deteriorating facilities, including roof leaks, peeling wall paint, and damaged monuments.

According to her, repairs will focus primarily on addressing roof and wall water seepage and the restoration of stone monuments, with a preliminary budget not exceeding MOP500,000.

Authorities stressed that the memorial symbolizes the nation’s recognition of the city’s historical contributions to the War of Resistance and the global fight against fascism.

The bureau said it will soon initiate the tendering process for the restoration plan, and construction will begin once administrative procedures are completed, in coordination with the building’s usage schedule.