On March 29, 2009, Malaysia Contemporary Chinese Painting and Calligraphy Association, SGM and Persatuan Peminat Lukisan dan Kaligrafi Sim held a memorial ceremony in memory of Dato' Sim Mow Yu and his noble, righteous and selfless spirit at the Wisma Kebudayaan SGM, Kuala Lumpur.

The much-honoured calligrapher was also a fearless fighter and educationist who had risked his life and career in ensuring the use of Chinese language and culture continues strongly till today. At a ripe age of 75, he was arrested under the Internal Security Act in Operasi Lalang and was detained for two years. He founded the country's longest-standing private Chinese school, Seng Cheong Night School in Melaka and won a place in the Malaysia Book of Records for being the longest-serving school principal for 57 years.

Dato' Sim's calligraphic journey started when he was six. His unique style, fondly referred to as "Sim's Style", was developed by adopting the traditional with new concept, producing a new style with old ideas, imbued with a noble and righteous spirit.

During the memorial ceremony, a poem specially written by Tan Sei Kheng was recited, expressing his admiration and deep respect for Dato' Sim. Foo Yong Kong and Lim Guan Swee related his life-long services and contributions to the Chinese community in Malaysia. Dr Foo also reported on progress of the Sim Mow Yu Memorial Museum which will not only preserve Dato'Sim's works but also keep his noble spirit and character alive for future generations. Following his custom at home, his family members presented three songs that extolled the strong bonds amongst siblings, respect for parents and a general's patriotic sentiments.

A posthumous exhibition of his calligraphy was held from March 29 to April 5, 2009, displaying about 70 pieces of calligraphy executed in his later years, some of which are huge in size or rarely shown before. They express Dato' Sim's spirit - powerful, bold and courageous.