Early Penampang
The administrative center of the Penampang district was originally located in Putatan. The name “Putatan” originates from the word Putat, a type of fruit-bearing tree whose fruit is edible and often eaten as a side dish with rice. The majority of the residents were Kadazan, alongside other ethnic groups such as the Bajau, Brunei Malays, and Chinese.
In 1925, the administrative center was relocated to Kasigui. This move was made because a substantial population had settled around Kasigui and required administrative oversight, and the area was also well-connected by road networks.
Kasigui Town: Administrative Center of Penampang District
At that time, the Kadazan people lived scattered across the lowlands and hillsides. On the plains, they cultivated wet paddy, while on the slopes, they planted hill paddy. In addition, they grew sago and raised chickens, pigs, and water buffaloes. Rice was cultivated mainly for their own daily sustenance; nevertheless, some households harvested as much as 5,000 gallons of paddy a year.
Kasigui was a small town that served as the administrative center of the Penampang district. Around twenty years earlier, the town had only three small shops where local residents could purchase daily necessities, and road conditions back then were quite poor. In 1925, a district office was established in the town to administer the area.
Donggongon Town, Penampang District
Donggongon is a major town located on the West Coast of Sabah, Malaysia. Belonging to the Penampang district, it is now considered part of the Greater Kota Kinabalu metropolitan area.
Historically, “Donggongon” was known by its older name, “Tundongon” — a Kadazan word meaning “a place to rest.” Travelers en route to Api-Api (which later became Kota Kinabalu) would often stop to rest at Tundongon. Over time, the pronunciation of “Tundongon” gradually evolved into “Donggongon.”
Sabah Penampang Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCCI) Founded: August 3, 1996
The Sabah Penampang Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry was established on August 3, 1996, and has grown to become the largest Chinese commercial organization in the Penampang District of Sabah. Since its inception, the Chamber has kept pace with the times, making significant contributions to local economic and social progress.
The Chamber is committed to serving as a bridge between the business community and the government, fostering commercial and industrial prosperity, and advancing cultural, educational, and vocational training initiatives to elevate the community’s overall development.
In 1996, Datuk Wong Koon Chun and Yuen Ying Ping, together with an enthusiastic group of merchants—including Datuk Lim Tiong Chai, Datuk Wong Hoi Ming, Kapitan Koh Kok Heong, Kapitan Chin Shin Yu, Chew Tian Lai, Lim Poh Yew, Chang Hoi Yip, Lee Yung Ming, Yong Kok Wai, Yong Teck Fu, and others—jointly initiated and organized the Sabah Penampang Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry to serve and promote the growth of commerce and industry across the Penampang district.
Meeting with Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad
This grand goodwill gala aimed to promote exchange and cooperation among various chambers of commerce, deepening friendships and enhancing mutual understanding.
During the evening, business leaders and distinguished guests from across the region gathered in celebration to enjoy a memorable time together. Through vibrant cultural performances and engaging interactive sessions, the event not only showcased the Chamber’s strong cohesion but also provided an excellent networking platform for attendees. This goodwill gala strengthened ties within the business community and laid a solid foundation for future collaboration.
1999–2000: Academic Excellence Awards for Members' Children
The Chamber once again demonstrated its unwavering support for education and its deep care for the growth of the younger generation by presenting academic excellence awards to members’ children, providing valuable financial assistance and encouragement to numerous students. This incentive program aims to reward students who excel academically and exhibit exemplary moral character, helping them advance further along their educational journeys.
2000: Delegation
The primary mission of the delegation is to study and draw upon advanced business philosophies and management practices through field visits and collaborative exchanges, thereby enhancing the operational capabilities and global competitiveness of both the chamber of commerce and its members.
2000: Attended the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Sabah United Chinese Chambers of Commerce (SUCCC).
Held in Sipitang, the assembly brought together delegates from Chinese chambers of commerce across Sabah to review the annual working report and explore regional cooperation and development. During the meeting, chamber leaders summarized the achievements of the past year and engaged in in-depth exchanges on future strategic directions. This event not only strengthened internal collaboration and communication within the Sabah United Chinese Chambers of Commerce (SUCCC), but also provided valuable networking opportunities for members across its constituent chambers.
2002: The first newlywed couple, officiated by Assistant Registrar of Marriages, Mr. Lim Pau Yew.
In 2002, the Penampang Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCCI) marked a historic milestone as its first couple successfully registered their marriage, officiated by Assistant Registrar of Marriages, Mr. Lim Pau Yew. This significant occasion not only opened a new chapter of happiness for the newlyweds, but also highlighted the Chamber’s active role in promoting social harmony.
2002: Invited to attend the 55th Anniversary Dinner of the Bandar Seri Begawan Chinese Chamber of Commerce.
Held in Sipitang, the assembly brought together delegates from Chinese chambers of commerce across Sabah to review the annual working report and explore regional cooperation and development. During the meeting, chamber leaders summarized the achievements of the past year and engaged in in-depth exchanges on future strategic directions. This event not only strengthened internal collaboration and communication within the Sabah United Chinese Chambers of Commerce (SUCCC), but also provided valuable networking opportunities for members across its constituent chambers.
2003: Business Delegation: Exchange Meeting with the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, Indonesia.
In 2003, the Penampang Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCCI) organized a meaningful business delegation, traveling to Balikpapan in East Kalimantan, Indonesia, for exchanges. During the visit, the delegation engaged in active discussions with local business figures, enhancing mutual understanding and cooperation. Members of the delegation also took a group photo at the Balikpapan airport, capturing this significant moment.
2007: Invited Deputy Minister of Tourism Malaysia, Datuk Donald Lim Siang Chai, for an official exchange and dialogue.
This event not only provided a platform for chamber members and community residents to explore and exchange tourism information, but also promoted cooperation and development with the tourism industry across various regions. Aimed at fostering the sharing of tourism resources and expanding partnership opportunities, the tourism exchange injected new vitality into regional economic development and cultural exchange. Furthermore, it offered participants a comprehensive opportunity to understand the tourism market and resources, while driving further growth and collaboration within the tourism sector.
2008: Business Delegation: Study visit to the Taixing Chengdong Industrial Park.
In 2008, the Chamber organized a study visit to the Taixing Chengdong Industrial Park. This inspection tour aimed to understand the development model and successful experiences of the industrial park, providing valuable reference and inspiration for local enterprises.
2008: Charitable Contribution: The Chamber donated relief funds to the victims of the catastrophic Wenchuan earthquake in Sichuan, China.
Upon learning of the catastrophic earthquake in Wenchuan, Sichuan, China in 2008, the Chamber acted swiftly to donate relief funds to the disaster-stricken area, expressing its care and support for the people affected. The donation was officially received on behalf of the disaster area by Mr. Xie Fugen, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Kuching, reflecting the Chamber’s steadfast commitment to social responsibility.
2010: Briefing Session: Marriage Law Briefing / Seminar on Marriage Legislation.
This briefing session aimed to popularize knowledge related to marriage legislation among community residents. It provided members of the public with an opportunity to understand marriage laws, policies, and rights protection, helping to raise legal awareness and safeguard personal rights and interests.
2021: Community Service - Providing complimentary spectacles for children in Ranau.
The Chamber provided free eyeglasses to 50 to 60 children at Gereja SIB Bundu Tuhan in Ranau. This initiative aimed to help children with vision impairments improve their learning and quality of life. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, the Chamber actively prepared and carried out the event. This philanthropic endeavor not only corrected the children’s vision, but also strengthened community cohesion.
2023–2025: Inauguration Dinner - Swearing-in Ceremony for the Board of Directors / Council Members.
The Chamber successfully held the Inauguration Dinner and Swearing-in Ceremony for the 2023–2025 Board of Directors. The grand event brought together numerous business elites and community figures to witness the official establishment of the new council. During the banquet, the President delivered a speech reviewing the Chamber’s achievements over the past few years and expressing high hopes for the future development of the new board. The newly elected directors took their oaths to serve with utmost dedication and to promote the economic and cultural prosperity of the Penampang region.
2024: Business Exchange - Exchange Session with the Delegation from Wuhan, China.
The Chamber welcomed a delegation from Wuhan. During the event, Founding President Datuk Yuen Ying Ping, Permanent Honorary President Yu Yang Chong, Honorary Advisors Mr. Lim Pau Yew and Mr. Vun Tet Khiung, together with President Kou Lip Chang and the council members, joined Datuk Frankie Liew of the Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) Sabah Branch to engage in in-depth discussions with the visiting delegation.
2024: Relief Mission - Visiting affected merchants and delivering relief supplies to the evacuation center.
In 2024, the Penampang Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCCI) organized a relief mission to visit affected merchants and deliver humanitarian supplies to the evacuation center. This initiative aimed to show care for affected business owners and provide urgent support to the impacted community. Chamber representatives personally visited the disaster-stricken areas to extend condolences and support to local merchants, while ensuring that the prepared relief supplies were safely delivered to the evacuation center.
2024: Courtesy Visit - Paying a courtesy call on the Sabah China Chamber of Commerce.
The Chamber welcomed a delegation from Wuhan. During the event, Founding President Datuk Yuen Ying Ping, Permanent Honorary President Yu Yang Chong, Honorary Advisors Mr. Lim Pau Yew and Mr. Vun Tet Khiung, together with President Kou Lip Chang and the council members, joined Datuk Frankie Liew of the Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) Sabah Branch to engage in in-depth discussions with the visiting delegation.
2024: Official Appointment - Appointment of the Assistant Registrar of Marriages.
The Chamber held an appointment ceremony for the Assistant Registrar of Marriages. This appointment aimed to further enhance the professionalism and convenience of local marriage registration services, providing residents with an improved service experience. During the ceremony, the Chamber officially introduced the newly appointed assistant registrar, outlining their responsibilities and future work plans.
