KOTA KINABALU: The City Hall (DBKK) held discussions with Sir George Jessel, descendant of Sir Charles James Jessel, after whom Jesselton was named, on plans to establish a heritage gallery highlighting the city’s history and the legacy of the North Borneo Chartered Company (NBCC).
The meeting on Monday was chaired by Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, whose portfolio covers DBKK, and attended by Mayor Datuk Seri Sabin Samitah and DBKK Director-General Datuk Lifred Wong.
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Joniston described the discussion as a positive step for DBKK to create development opportunities aligned with its vision and function, particularly through planning and coordinating tourism activities in and around Kota Kinabalu while strengthening promotional initiatives.
He said the proposed gallery could highlight the city’s history and boost heritage tourism, giving residents and visitors an opportunity to connect with Kota Kinabalu’s past, adding that Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor had expressed support for the initiative and that DBKK would review potential sites.
Sabin said the proposal reflects the importance of preserving historical connections while strengthening goodwill and cultural understanding, noting that heritage remains central to the city’s vision of becoming a Smart, Liveable and Globally Connected Coastal City.
Jessel expressed support for DBKK’s proactive approach and said he was prepared to contribute historical artefacts, including NBCC memorabilia, to help create an interactive gallery showcasing the origins of the NBCC and the early development of Jesselton.
Kota Kinabalu began as a small settlement known as Api-Api, later renamed Jesselton in 1899 under the administration of the British North Borneo Company in recognition of Sir Charles James Jessel, before officially adopting its current name in 1967.
