Peace Gallery Soft Opening in Ipoh: Honouring Heritage, History, and Legacy

The soft opening of Peace Gallery in Ipoh on 24th August 2025 drew together leaders, educators, and cultural figures who share a common conviction: that the tragedies of war must never be forgotten, and that peace must be cherished as a shared responsibility.

founder of Peace Gallery Prof Gary Lit Ying Loong

The Peace Gallery is the brainchild of Professor Gary Lit Ying Loong, a distinguished academic whose lectures across Asia and Europe have often been coloured by the sobering consequences of war: shattered lives, ruined cities, and fractured societies. His conviction is clear: if peace is to endure, it must be cultivated deliberately, through dialogue, memory, and education.

guests read newspaper articles written by Prof Gary Lit

In an age where global tensions are once again on the rise, Peace Gallery stands as both a sanctuary and a reminder. Steeped in Ipoh and the Kinta Valley’s wartime past, the gallery safeguards neglected heritage: forgotten battlefields, abandoned tombstones, and silent relics that testify to unspeakable suffering.

Tan Lor Che (L) spots Prof Gary's article on her father, the Late Lt-Col Tan Chee See — Tan Lor Che (L) spots Prof Gary’s article on her father, the Late Lt-Col Tan Chee See

Yet, its purpose is not to dwell on conflict, but to transform remembrance into resilience, reconciliation, and a collective hope for a better future.

A Survivor of 4 Wars: The Chief Guest

The event’s most poignant presence was Mrs Yeoh Kian Teck, who, at 99 years old, symbolises endurance and courage across nearly a century of upheaval. Travelling from Singapore to lend her support, she embodied the gallery’s spirit of remembrance.

Mrs Yeoh Kian Teck arrives, with her daughter Chee Koon (R)

Prof Gary Lit (R) introduces Mrs Yeoh Kian Teck and her daughter Chee Koon to guests

Her life story is nothing short of extraordinary. Born in southern China amidst turbulence, she endured the ravages of four wars, from Japanese air raids to the harsh privations of displacement. Yet, instead of succumbing to despair, she carved out a legacy in Malaya as the first lay principal of SRJK Ave Maria Convent (AMC) Ipoh, nurturing generations of students with values of discipline and compassion.

Mrs Yeoh Kian Teck shares her personal wartime stories with guests

Her survival, resilience, and leadership illustrate why remembering the past is vital: so that humanity may resist repeating its darkest chapters.

Guests of Honour and Special Guests

The gallery’s soft opening was further enriched by the presence of dignitaries and supporters, whose participation underscored the importance of its mission.

Dato' Irene Lee, DSPN, AMP (R) — Dato’ Irene Lee, DSPN, AMP (R)

Among them were:

Dato’ Irene Lee, DSPN, AMP (Guest of Honour)

Mr and Mrs Ignatius Chew

Dr Ting Cheh Sing

Madam Moy Ooi Thye

Mr Marcus Ooi Kean Giap

Madam Chik Mun Ling, PPT

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Together, their support represents a shared commitment to heritage, dialogue, and cultural cooperation.

Marc Koo & James Gough — Marc Koo (L) & James Gough

War Memories Matter More Than Ever

The Peace Gallery compels us to confront a sobering truth: war is not a distant tragedy confined to history books, but a recurring shadow that continues to haunt the modern world. From Eastern Europe to the Middle East, the consequences of conflict (displacement, death, and despair) are once again daily realities.

Dato' Gan Tack Kong (L) is guided around the gallery — Dato’ Gan Tack Kong (L) is guided around the gallery

Ipoh and the Kinta Valley, though far from today’s frontlines, still bear their own scars of history. Tombstones etched with forgotten names, disused tunnels, and weathered memorials silently warn us of the cost of conflict. Preserving these memories is not an exercise in nostalgia but an urgent moral duty – a means of reminding ourselves that peace must never be taken for granted.

representatives from the YLCO (Yeoh Lim Chew & Oh) clan

Shaping the Future Through Heritage and Dialogue

The Peace Gallery is not solely a gallery; it is envisioned as a centre for education, dialogue, and cultural exchange. Students, researchers, and visitors are invited to engage with the stories that shaped the region, and in doing so, to reflect on the fragility of harmony in today’s world.

Its mission is deeply human: to transform pain into purpose, memory into meaning, and conflict into cooperation. By honouring the sacrifices of the past, the gallery invites each visitor to participate in shaping a more compassionate and peaceful tomorrow.

Cake-Cutting Celebration

A highlight of the evening was the cake-cutting ceremony, which became a symbol of both resilience and recognition. Mrs Yeoh, who had just celebrated her 99th birthday, was honoured for her extraordinary life story, a journey that has withstood the cruelties of war and blossomed into decades of service in education.

Dato’ Irene Lee, recently conferred the honorary title of “Dato’” by the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Pulau Pinang, Tun Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Ramli bin Ngah Talib, was also celebrated for her achievements. Recognised for her visionary role in property development, education, and community service, she has reshaped both Ipoh’s landscape and its social fabric.

Together, their legacies embodied the very spirit of the Peace Gallery: remembrance, resilience, and renewal.

The Peace Gallery is located on the first floor of No. 29 Jalan Leong Sin Nam, 31350 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia.

For those who value heritage, history, and humanity, a visit to the gallery is more than a cultural experience. It is a journey of remembrance and renewal, an opportunity to understand the tragedies of war and to commit to the promise of peace.