On Oct 11, HQU marked the 150th birth anniversary of Tan Kah Kee, a patriotic overseas Chinese business pioneer and philanthropist, with a special celebration. The thematic event celebrates his enduring legacy by reflecting on his patriotic contributions, entrepreneurial spirit, and dedication to education, to inspire students to inherit and carry forward his admired courage.

“Like sunshine on a cloudy day, his memory stays bright. Warming our souls, illuminating the path to what is right, his spirit remains, forever in our hearts...” At Xiamen campus, Tan Kah Kee Scholarship recipients gathered to honor the legacy of Tan Kah Kee. The students delivered heartfelt recitations of the poem “In Praise of Tan Kah Kee” and performed a moving choral rendition of “Never Forget” to express their gratitude and admiration for the revered philanthropist.

Since its inception in 2017, Tan Kah Kee Scholarship has supported 408 exceptional overseas Chinese students of HQU from 9 countries and regions along the Belt and Road. Furthering its commitment to educational excellence, the university launched Tan Kah Kee Academy in May 2018.

The highlight of the event was the premiere of a short video series “In Memory of Tan Kah Kee”. The series was planned and filmed by 119 HQU students from Tan Kah Kee Academy. Through 12 captivating stories, divided into 4 thematic chapters — Loyalty, Perseverance, Diligence, and Innovation — the series explores Tan Kah Kee’s extraordinary life and remarkable achievements. The production seeks to inspire youth to embrace his entrepreneurial and philanthropic spirit, encouraging them to shoulder responsibility, pursue their own missions with passion, and champion contemporary values.

HQU’s deep connection with Tan Kah Kee dates back to its founding in 1960. As then-Chairman of All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese (ACFROC), Tan made a pivotal donation of RMB ¥500 million in foreign currency. This substantial contribution was directed towards importing advanced instruments, equipment, and essential construction materials for the university, significantly supporting its growth and development. In addition, Tan was entrusted by the central government to prepare Jimei Overseas Chinese Tutoring School (predecessor of HQU College of Chinese Language and Culture), based on his own suggestions. Tan Kah Kee Auditorium of Quanzhou Campus, initiated by ACFROC and donated by overseas Chinese, and Hong Kong and Macao compatriots, is still a campus landmark and stands as a lasting memorial to Tan Kah Kee, fostering a deep sense of belonging among HQU students and faculty.

(Editor: Wei Linying)