New Book Launch and August 15 Commemoration Series of Activities Held Successfully
Telling Heroes' Stories, Inheriting Historical Memory
吉隆坡,2026年8月15日 为纪念南侨机工的伟大贡献,一场规模盛大的"2026年815公祭及系列活动"于8月14-16日在吉隆坡举行。活动期间,备受关注的南侨机工新书首次推介,众多来自政府、学界及社会各界的代表齐聚一堂,共同缅怀这段峥嵘的历史。Kuala Lumpur, August 15, 2026 — A series of large-scale "2026 August 15 Commemoration and Series of Activities" was held from August 14-16 in Kuala Lumpur to honor the great contributions of the Chinese Overseas Mechanics. During the event, the long-awaited new book was unveiled for the first time, and representatives from government, academia, and various sectors of society gathered together to commemorate this glorious historical period.
上图:循人中学学生吴建轩代表朗读祭文,表达对南侨机工的深切。Tsun Jin High School student Ng Jiun Shaun recites the memorial eulogy on behalf of the attendees, expressing profound respect for the Chinese Overseas Mechanics.
上图:南侨机⼯纪念馆全体为烈士们默哀All those present at the Nanqiao Machinery Works Memorial Hall observe a minute’s silence in honour of the martyrs
部长亲述家族故事,新书承载历史使命
联邦直辖区部长杨巧双在公祭仪式中的致辞令人印象深刻。杨部长动情地分享了家族故事——她从未见过自己的爷爷,但她深知,爷爷曾为国家做过一件伟大的事业。这位长者正是当年为抗日救国而奔赴战场的南侨机工。杨部长的致辞拉近了历史与现实的距离,让每一位听众都感受到了这代人的使命与担当。
A Minister's Personal Family Story, A New Book Carrying Historical Mission
Federal Territory Minister Hannah Yeoh Tseow Suan delivered a moving address at the memorial ceremony. The minister emotionally shared a family story — she had never met her own grandfather, but she deeply knew that he had done a great deed for the country. This elder was one of the Chinese Overseas Mechanics who went to the battlefield to resist Japanese aggression and save the nation. The minister's address narrowed the distance between history and reality, allowing every listener to feel the mission and courage of that generation.
上图:当杨巧双部长谈到爷爷曾为国家做出的伟大贡献时,眼泪不禁涌上眼眶。Minister Hannah Yeoh Tseow Suan was visibly moved as she spoke of her grandfather's extraordinary service to the nation during wartime.
新书推介礼精彩纷呈
在8月15日上午的新书推介礼中,推介了《南侨机工历史人物汇编》(非卖品)。公祭主席杨博耀分享了编辑新书的初心——旨在让更多年轻一代了解和认识这段重要的历史。他表示,南侨机工在二战时期做出的巨大牺牲和贡献,不应被遗忘。通过新书的出版和推介,期盼能够激发更多人对这段历史的关注和思考。
New Book Launch Ceremony Was Spectacular
During the morning of August 15, the new book titled "Compilation of Historical Figures of Chinese Overseas Mechanics" (Non-commercial publication) was launched. Chiarman Yong Pock Yau explained the original intention behind publishing this book — to help more young people understand and recognize this important period of history. The enormous sacrifices and contributions made by Chinese Overseas Mechanics during World War II should not be forgotten. Through the publication and launch of the new book, it is hoped that more people will pay attention to and reflect on this historical period.
上图:主席杨博耀与杨巧双部长共同为新书签名留念。Chairman, Yong Pock Yau and Minister Hannah Yeoh Tseow Suan jointly signed the new book as a memento.
深⼊对话 多⻆度阐释南侨机⼯的历史意义
推介活动后,主席杨博耀、联邦直辖区部⻓杨巧双和作者汤晓梅进⾏了⼀场深⼊的对谈。三位嘉宾从历史保护、 学术研究和制度建设等多个⻆度,全⽅位阐释了南侨机⼯历史的当代价值和现实意义。
In-Depth Dialogue: Multi-faceted Interpretation of the Historical Significance of Chinese Overseas Mechanics
Following the launch ceremony, Chiarman Yong Pock Yau, Federal Territory Minister Hannah Yeoh Tseow Suan, and author Tang Xiaomei engaged in an extensive dialogue. The three speakers provided a comprehensive examination of the contemporary value and practical significance of the history of Chinese Overseas Mechanics from multiple perspectives, including historical preservation, academic research, and institutional frameworks.
上图:左起主席杨博耀、杨桥双部⻓和作者汤晓梅进⾏不同⻆度探讨了解南侨机⼯的历史意义和现实启⽰进⾏了⼀场深⼊的对谈与采访。From left to right, Chairman Yang Boyao, Minister Yang Qiaoshuang and the author, Tang Xiaomei, engaged in an in-depth discussion and interview, exploring the historical significance and contemporary implications of the Nanhai Overseas Chinese Machinery Factory from various perspectives.
申请国家⽂化遗产,传承⺠族精神
在对谈中,杨巧双部⻓表⽰,南侨机⼯的历史和遗迹具有极⾼的⽂化和教育价值,应该得到更⾼层次的保护和重视。她指出,⾃⼰正在积极推动,将与南侨机⼯相关的⽂化遗产和纪念地申请升级为国家⽂化遗产。这样的举措不仅能够彰显对历史的尊重,更能够激励新⼀代⼈铭记先辈的贡献和牺牲,传承⺠族精神。
Applying for National Cultural Heritage Status to Preserve National
SpiritDuring the dialogue, Minister Hannah Yeoh Tseow Suan emphasized that the history and heritage sites related to the Chinese Overseas Mechanics possess exceptional cultural and educational value and deserve protection and recognition at the highest levels. She disclosed that she is actively working to elevate and apply for national cultural heritage status for historical sites and memorials associated with the Chinese Overseas Mechanics. Such efforts not only demonstrate respect for history but also inspire younger generations to remember the contributions and sacrifices of their predecessors, thereby preserving national spirit and values.
重新整理史料,还原历史真实
作者汤晓梅在对谈中强调,编写《南侨机⼯历史⼈物汇编》的过程是⼀次深⼊的学术梳理。她通过⼤量的⽂献研究和⼝述历史采集,重新认识并整理了⼤量鲜为⼈知的南侨机⼯史料。汤晓梅特别指出,这本汇编⾸次对南侨机⼯的⼈数进⾏了⽐较清晰的统计和汇总,纠正了过往记录中的若⼲错误。书中不仅列举了数百位南侨机⼯的名字,更对⼀些登记信息有误的⼈员进⾏了逐⼀纠正,确保历史记录的准确性。这项⼯作对于完整还原这段历史、铭记每⼀位为国家做出贡献的个体,具有重要的学术和纪念意义。
Systematically Organizing Historical Records to Restore Historical Truth
In her remarks, author Tang Xiaomei underscored that the compilation of "Compilation of Historical Figures of Chinese Overseas Mechanics" represents a rigorous academic undertaking. Through extensive documentary research and oral history collection, she has uncovered and reorganized numerous previously obscure historical records of Chinese Overseas Mechanics. Tang Xiaomei particularly highlighted that this compilation provides the first comprehensive statistical compilation of the total number of Chinese Overseas Mechanics, correcting several inaccuracies in previous records. The book not only lists hundreds of names of Chinese Overseas Mechanics but also systematically rectifies registration errors for numerous individuals, ensuring the accuracy of historical documentation. This scholarly work is of significant importance both academically and as a memorial to those who made contributions to their nation.
上图:《南侨机工历史人物汇编》作者汤晓梅女士与新书合影。Author Tang Xiaomei poses with the newly published "Compilation of Historical Figures of Chinese Overseas Mechanics."
历史责任与现实启示
与会的蕉赖区国会议员陈国伟在随后的发言中,将南侨机工的故事与当今的国际局势联系起来。他表示,近年来日本扩大国防工业、加强军工生产和提升持续作战能力的政策动向令人担忧。陈国伟议员强调,一个国家不能只以受害者身份讲述历史,却回避自己曾经加诸他人的伤害。真正具有道德力量的国家应当勇于承担历史责任,汲取历史教训。南侨机工舍生忘死的精神,正是当代人应该牢记的警醒。
Historical Responsibility and Contemporary Implications
Member of Parliament for Bandar Selayang Chen Guowei, in his subsequent remarks, connected the narrative of Chinese Overseas Mechanics to contemporary international dynamics. He expressed concern about Japan's recent policies of expanding its defense industry, enhancing military production, and strengthening sustained warfare capabilities. MP Chen emphasized that a nation cannot confine itself to the role of a victim in recounting history while simultaneously evading responsibility for the harm it has inflicted upon others. A truly moral nation must have the courage to assume historical responsibility and draw lessons from history. The spirit of sacrifice exemplified by the Chinese Overseas Mechanics serves as a sobering reminder for contemporary society.
上图:蕉赖区国会议员陈国伟致辞,强调"真正具有道德力量的国家应当勇于承担历史责任"Bandar Selayang MP Chen Guowei delivers remarks, emphasizing that "A truly moral nation must have the courage to assume historical responsibility."
中国与马来西亚携手维护和平
中国驻马来西亚大使馆公使衔参赞王家荣强调,二战给中国、马来西亚以及其他遭受日本侵略的亚洲国家和人民带来了深重的苦难。这段历史不应被遗忘,也不能被扭曲。王参赞表示,中国愿与马来西亚及所有热爱和平的国家一道,坚决捍卫二战胜利成果和国际公平正义。他强调,国际社会应该一致反对军国主义的任何复燃,绝不允许历史悲剧重演。
China and Malaysia Join Forces to Safeguard Peace
Wang Jiarong, Minister-Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Malaysia, stressed that World War II inflicted profound suffering upon China, Malaysia, and other Asian nations and peoples subjected to Japanese invasion. This history must not be forgotten nor distorted. Wang Counselor stated that China is willing to work together with Malaysia and all peace-loving nations to firmly defend the fruits of the Second World War's victory and international justice and fairness. He emphasized that the international community must collectively and firmly oppose any resurgence of militarism and absolutely prevent the recurrence of historical tragedy.
上图:中国驻马大使馆公使衔参赞王家荣致辞,代表中国政府表示坚决反对军国主义复燃,绝不允许历史悲剧重演。Minister-Counselor Wang Jiarong of the Chinese Embassy in Malaysia delivers remarks on behalf of the Chinese government, firmly opposing the resurgence of militarism and absolutely refusing to allow historical tragedy to recur.
群贤毕至,共同见证
此次公祭学术活动规模盛大,吸引了约百人参加,其中包括来自中国、新加坡、印尼、泰国、菲律宾等二十多所大学和研究所的四十多位教授、学者,以及来自各地华人社团的代表。出席公祭仪式的主要嘉宾包括中国驻马大使馆公使衔参赞王家荣阁下、蕉赖区国会议员陈国伟、吉隆坡广东义山副主席李振光等。
Gathering of Talents, Witnessing Together
This commemorative academic event attracted approximately 100 participants, including over 40 professors and scholars from more than 20 universities and research institutions in China, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, and other countries, as well as representatives from various overseas Chinese associations. The main guests who attended the memorial ceremony included Wang Jiarong, Minister-Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Malaysia; YB Chen Guowei, Member of Parliament for Bandar Selayang; Li Zhenguang, Vice-Chairman of the Kuala Lumpur Guangdong Cemetery Association; and other dignitaries.
背景
南侨机工是二战时期从东南亚回国参加抗日的机械工人和技术人员的总称。他们不顾个人安危,远离家乡,为中国的抗日战争做出了巨大的人力和物资贡献。2026年的这次公祭活动,既是对历史的致敬,也是对当代人的启发。
Background
The Chinese Overseas Mechanics were a general term for mechanical workers and technical personnel who returned from Southeast Asia to participate in the anti-Japanese resistance during World War II. They risked their personal safety and left their hometowns to make enormous contributions in manpower and resources to China's anti-Japanese war effort. The 2026 memorial ceremony is both a tribute to history and an inspiration for contemporary people.