YB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr. George Chan Hong Nam giving his speech during the official opening of Hockien Garden

The state government places great importance to the development of parks and open spaces in the cities and townships of Sarawak,” said YB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr. George Chan Hong Nam, Deputy Chief Minister, Minister of Industrial Development and Minister of Modernisation of Agriculture when he officiated at the recent official opening of Hockien Garden, one of the park adoption programme of the Council of Kuching City South (MBKS).

He adds, “The vision of creating Kuching as a Garden City pioneers the greening programme of all our major towns and cities in the state.” Two important objectives must be achieved in creating a Garden City – to strike a balance between leading a hectic urban lifestyle and keeping in touch with nature, and pursuing economic development and preserving our environment.

The lovely 1.54-acre Hockien Garden is another successful park adoption programme of MBKS

The Hockien Garden, which combines elements of Hockien history and architecture in a beautifully landscaped environment, will provide the people with a clean, green and serene atmosphere for recreational activities and relaxation after a hard day’s work. Considered a successful park adoption programme, the Hockien Garden is an excellent example of good public support and sponsorship towards a public park. According to YB Mayor Chan Seng Khai, Mayor of Kuching City South, the "Adopt A Park" programme aims to achieve the following:

� Inculcate a sense of ownership for public parks, and hence encourage the development of gracious community

� Instill greater awareness amongst the community of the importance of nature and greenery, and

� Bring about greater community bonding through the organization of partnerships and activities as part of the "Adopt A Park" programme

The spacious 1.54-acre Hockien Garden is co-funded and jointly implemented by MBKS and Kuching Hockien Association. It features 6 pavilions representing the different districts of the Fujian Province in China, interspersed with interesting sculptures and murals depicting the rich history and cultures of the Hockiens, who made Sarawak one of their homes more than 165 years ago.

The history of the Hockiens are depicted through interesting sculptures and murals at the Hockien Garden