PM Rabuka acknowledge first Chinese settler to Fiji
The first Chinese settler to Fiji, Moy B Ling, came to Fiji as a trader in beche-de-mer and sandalwood.
Sunday 26 October 2025 | 01:00
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka (second from left) with his wife Sulueti Rabuka, Chair of the Organising Committee and President of the Chinese Association of Fiji Jenny Seeto, and Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Fiji Wang Yuan (right), during the celebration of 170 years of Chinese settlement in Fiji and 50 years of China–Fiji diplomatic relations at Ratu Sukuna Park in Suva on October 25, 2025.
Photo: Talei Roko
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka traced back the Chinese Community in Fiji's roots to 1855, acknowledging the arrival the first Chinese settler to Fiji, Moy B Ling.
The Chinese settler came to Fiji as a trader in beche-de-mer and sandalwood.
His descendants were present at the 170 years anniversary since the first Chinese settler arrived in Fiji.
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The event also celebrated the 50 years diplomatic relations between Fiji and China.
During the double celebrations, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka thanked the Chinese community in Fiji for being the “mainstay” of the nation’s economy and society.
“You have been the mainstay of our society, particularly in the business side of things,” Mr Rabuka said.
“Your families have been part of Fiji’s story for generations, building businesses, creating livelihoods, and contributing to our economy, to our culture, and to our community.”
The double celebration drew families, descendants of the Chinese Community in Fiji to Sukuna Park, in what Mr Rabuka described as a “vibrant sea of red.”
Mr Rabuka acknowledged prominent Chinese Fijian families including the Hong Lees, the Ham Nams of Wahleys Butchery, the Yees of Leylands butchery, and the Seetos.
He noted their contributions across education, health, business, and culture spanning seven generations.
Chinese Association of Fiji President Jenny Seeto led the organising committee for the event, which featured lion and dragon dances, cultural performances, and speeches from government officials.
Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy, Mr Wang Yuan, praised the community's spirit of “hard work, unity and mutual assistance, dedication and contribution to society.”
The celebration follows a year of commemorative events including Chinese New Year fairs, photo exhibitions, and cultural competitions marking the milestone anniversaries.
Mr Rabuka highlighted how China has become one of Fiji's major trading partners, with cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative bringing infrastructure development and agricultural advancements.
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