Sng pointing to a portrait of the third Rajah of Sarawak, Charles Vyner Brooke, displayed in the clubhouse.
FOR more than a century, Island Club Sibu has stood quietly by the Rajang River, witnessing the town’s transformation from a colonial outpost into a bustling riverine hub.
Founded in 1915, the club is preparing to mark its 111th anniversary – a milestone that speaks not just of age but of endurance, adaptation and community spirit.
Its current president, Daniel Sng, said reaching 111 years is deeply significant in a town where few institutions have remained relevant across generations.
“It reflects more than a century of continuity, resilience and service to the Sibu community. It represents the dedication of past and present members, committee leaders and staff who have nurtured the club over time,” he said.
The swimming pool is one of the club’s popular facilities.
Island Club was established by British administrative officers as Sibu’s first family club at a time when social spaces were scarce and daily life in the tropics was demanding.
Its original purpose was simple: to provide a place for social gatherings, recreation and, as Sng put it, “at least have a pint after a hard day’s work in the hot and humid tropical climate”.
Facilities were modest at first, centred mainly on dancing and swimming. It later relocated to its current site in Jalan Teng Chin Hua (previously Old Airport Road) after the establishment of the Rajang Port Authority in 1971, marking a new chapter in its development.
Island Club Sibu sits on a 2m hill covering 0.6ha. It has 145 members, including 25 from outside Sibu. Sng himself hails from Kapit.
The club’s history mirrors broader social changes. Before 1946, membership was restricted to expatriates. That changed when then-president JCH Barroff amended the rules to allow locals to join, opening the doors to the wider community.
A further symbolic shift came in 1968 when Datuk Peter Tinggom, Sibu Resident at the time, became the first local president. Since then, leadership has remained firmly in local hands.
Winners of a singing competition held at the club celebrating with their trophies.
Sng is the club’s longest-serving president, now in his sixth term and 11th year at the helm – a testament to continuity in leadership during changing times.
Reminders of the colonial past remain: two photographs of the White Rajahs still hang in the bar, one signed by Rajah Charles Vyner Brooke. Artefacts such as a coin-operated telephone, a bowling pin and old club badges offer glimpses into earlier eras.
During the colonial period, the club was a focal point of Sibu’s social life, hosting formal dinners, ballroom dances and social parties that brought people together across administrative and social lines.
Over the decades, lifestyles and demographics have shifted, requiring the club to evolve. Bowling was introduced in 1930, and many locals embraced the game.
Island Club is affiliated with 13 clubs in Malaysia and three in Singapore, including the Sarawak Club in Kuching, the Royal Selangor Club in Kuala Lumpur and the Singapore Cricket Club. These affiliations allow members access to facilities at these 16 clubs, subject to house rules.
The club’s women members celebrating Mother’s Day with past president Datuk Dr Soon Choon Teck (seated left).
“As lifestyles changed, the club evolved into a vibrant hub offering more than traditional social functions,” Sng said.
Sports, recreational, cultural and family-oriented activities were gradually introduced, alongside modern touches such as karaoke and whisky and wine tasting sessions, aimed at engaging younger members.
Recently, the club completed a major renovation of its main hall, creating a larger and more comfortable space for events.
The upgraded hall accommodates singing competitions, fitness programmes, dance workouts and private functions, including birthdays, weddings, association dinners, corporate events and even trade exhibitions.
“The renovation is about creating a better environment for networking, socialising and shared passions,” Sng noted.
Membership has also evolved. From a once-exclusive enclave, the club now reflects a broad cross-section of Sibu society, spanning professions, age groups and family backgrounds.
Pickleball courts are among the new facilities at Island Club.
Yet challenges remain. Many long-time members are ageing, while younger generations increasingly move to larger cities such as Kuching or to Peninsular Malaysia for work and study.
Attracting younger members is one of the club’s ongoing struggles.
“We hope the younger generation will spend more time in the club – a place that is not profit-oriented – where members come together, contribute collectively and work hand in hand to sustain long-standing traditions,” Sng said.
The club’s facilities continue to reflect its social roots. Activities such as mahjong, badminton, dancing, karaoke and potluck dinners remain central to its identity.
Potluck dinners, in particular, foster camaraderie through shared food and conversation.
Part of the club’s land has been leased to develop four pickleball courts, expanding recreational options.
Like many heritage institutions, Island Club faces financial challenges. The Covid-19 pandemic was especially testing, though takeaway services helped the club weather the difficult period.
Island Club will be 111 years old this year.
As president, Sng sees his role as both practical and personal: maintaining infrastructure while fostering harmony among members.
“Differences and conflicts may arise, and it is important to mediate fairly and remain impartial,” he said, adding that generosity is a value he hopes future leaders will uphold.
To mark its 111th anniversary, Island Club will host a fundraising dinner themed “To Make It Feel Like Home” on Jan 11. The event aims to support restoration and beautification efforts while calling on younger generations, particularly the children of long-standing members, to help sustain the club’s future.
Looking ahead, Sng envisions Island Club as a place that continues to adapt without losing its soul – bridging past and future through shared experiences.
“In an era of modern lifestyle clubs and digital socialising, people still need a place to mingle,” he said. “A social club is always different from a bar or restaurant. People need a place to share a meal and enjoy each other’s company.”
When future generations look back, Sng hopes Island Club will be remembered not as an exclusive enclave, but as a place of joy.
“I want it to be remembered as a place to eat, drink and have a great time – full of laughter, joy and good vibes,” he said.
