(20 Oct, Singapore) 2024 marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of Tan Kah Kee, and a series of events are being held across China to commemorate this occasion. These include the “Pursuing the Chinese Dream: Promoting Tan Kah Kee’s Spirit” media event held in Shaanxi in July and a special exhibition titled “Nine Days in Yan’an—150th Anniversary of Tan Kah Kee” hosted at the Chinese Museum of Overseas Chinese History in Beijing this October. Furthermore, China Central Television (CCTV) has released a five-episode documentary in October, titled Tan Kah Kee: Flagbearer of Overseas Chinese.
Xiamen Establishes the date of 21 Oct as the ‘Tan Kah Kee Education Heritage Day’
On October 1, the Xiamen government passed the Xiamen Tan Kah Kee Education Heritage Protection Act, designating October 21 as “Tan Kah Kee Education Heritage Day” from this year onward. The act clarifies the concept of Tan Kah Kee’s educational heritage, defining it as any resources embodying his educational philosophy and efforts to promote learning. The protection list includes significant buildings such as parts of the Jimei School Village, Xiamen University, the main building of the Overseas Chinese Museum, and other structures like the Jimei Dragon Boat Pond and Tan Kah Kee’s Tomb (Aoyuan). Key documents, manuscripts, and other symbolic items related to Tan Kah Kee’s educational contributions are also protected under this act.
It is reported that a total of 38 commemorative events in Xiamen will have been organized, including tomb-sweeping ceremonies, cross-strait dragon boat races, concerts, symposiums, and exhibitions in 2024. These activities culminated in the completion of the renovation of Tan Kah Kee’s former residence and its accompanying exhibition projects. In addition, prominent local universities like Xiamen University and Jimei University are hosting related commemorative events.
Tan Kah Kee’s Descendants Carry Forward His Mission
Xiamen, Tan Kah Kee’s hometown, remains a focal point for these commemorations. His former residence, located in Jimei District, covers over 400 square meters and once served as his workspace and living quarters during his visits back to China. In May 2024, renovation work began on the residence to restore it to its appearance in 1958, when Tan Kah Kee last lived there. The project also added an outdoor exhibition to showcase the historical evolution of his former home.
Tan Kah Kee’s grandson, Tan Did Jin, from Singapore, along with his son, Daryl Tan, participated in a series of commemorative events in Xiamen this year. On October 19, 2024, the renovation of Tan Kah Kee’s residence was completed, and a plaque unveiling ceremony was held. Tan Did Jin emphasized that the residence symbolizes his grandfather’s frugality and dedication to the country, highlighting his enduring values of patriotism, solidarity, and innovation.
Daryl Tan expressed that it is his inherent mission to promote his great-grandfather’s spirit and contribute to Xiamen University’s vision of becoming a world-class institution. In response to the “150th Anniversary of Tan Kah Kee’s Birth”, on October 4, Daryl Tan hosted a symposium in Singapore to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Tan Kah Kee’s birth on behalf of the “Impact of Asia”. As a descendant of Tan Kah Kee, Daryl Tan spared no effort to promote the spirit of Tan Kah Kee and actively interacted with China. Last month, he participated in the 9th Xiamen University Global Alumni Association President Secretary-General and Alumni Representative Conference in Chengdu, with the theme of “Inheriting the spirit of Tan Kah Kee and gathering the power of progress”. From this, he felt the respect and gratitude of Xiamen University alumni for his great-grandfather, Mr. Tan Kah Kee, and their love and support for Xiamen University founded by his great-grandfather.
Southeast Asia’s Enthusiasm for Tan Kah Kee’s Legacy
In line with the global celebrations, several events have taken place in Southeast Asia. In Singapore, the Tan Kah Kee Foundation organized a series of lectures and academic discussions starting in July to promote Tan Kah Kee’s spirit. On October 5, former Foreign Affairs Minister of Singapore, George Yeo delivered a keynote speech at a commemorative exhibition, praising Tan Kah Kee for his tireless efforts and contributions that have had a lasting impact on both China and Singapore.
