(Singapore, 4th October, 2024) In commemoration of the 150th anniversary of Tan Kah Kee, the TKK150 Symposium, themed “Forward Momentum: Connecting Businesses for Impact Success,” took place today at Furama Riverfront Singapore.
During his era, Tan Kah Kee forged a significant business legacy spanning agricultural farming, consumable and non-consumable manufacturing, property development, shipping services, and global trade. This legacy, underpinned by values of collaboration, leadership, benevolence, sincerity, perseverance, respect, and trust, embodies the “Kah Kee Spirit”. In alignment with the “Kah Kee Spirit”, the TKK150 Symposium entitled Forward Momentum: Connecting Businesses for Impact Success serves as a unique platform connecting investors, innovators, philanthropists and professionals in the impact-investment sector from the region and beyond. It facilitates connections, collaborations and cooperations for meaningful purposes tailored for SMEs and Start-Ups.
Mr. Tan Dib Jin, Tan Kah Kee’s grandson, delivered the opening speech on the development of social investment in Singapore. He hopes that a stronger partnership and network shall be built to foster social investment in Singapore. He also emphasized the importance of learning from the business and social investment partner, quoting the sentence from the Chinese classic, “When three walk together, one must be my teacher (三人行必有我師焉).”
TKK’s Influence Spreading throughout Southeast Asia
It is reported that the date of 21st Oct is designated as “Tan Kah Kee Education Heritage Day”, effective from 2024, which is implemented through the “Measures for the Protection of Tan Kah Kee Educational Heritage in Xiamen” issued by Xiamen government.
Born in Xiamen, Tan Kah Kee was a Chinese businessman, investor, and philanthropist as well as a prominent figure in the overseas Chinese community in Singapore and wider Southeast Asia during the 20th century. He was responsible for gathering much support from the community to aid China in major events such as the Xinhai Revolution (1911), the Kuomintang’s Northern Expedition (1926–28), and the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937–45).
Apart from donating most of his assets and earnings to aid China in those major events, Tan set up funds in Southeast Asia and Hong Kong and contributed to the establishment of several schools in Southeast Asia and China’s Fujian Province, including Xiamen University.
Tan Kah Kee’s influences were not limited to China, but spread throughout Singapore, Malaysia and other countries in Southeast Asia, where they organise events, seminars to review the journey of the great man, and explore the succession of TKK’s spirit.
Kian Heng Liew, the founder of Liew Strategics, shared his view on Tan Kah Kee’s legendary strategic management, focusing on his contribution to the educational sector. Kian Heng Liew argued that long before formal western management was established, Tan Kah Kee was already imbued with the art of strategic management. His strategic management on education impacts were so resounding and resonating with many institutions he founded – pre to post both WW1 and WW2 – celebrating their centennial anniversaries! Many such as Xiamen University, NUS, NTU, ACS, Hwa Chong etc are top institutions in global rankings today.
IOA Make Three Calls to Action
The TKK150 symposium is organized by Impact of Asia Limited, a non-profit registered in Singapore that aims to promote a culture of collaboration in impact investing for social, environmental, and financial benefits, the event was a collaborative effort with various partners and sponsors.
Continuing to honour TKK Values and drawing on lessons from the past, Daryl Tan, the great grandson of Tan Kah Kee as well as the executive chairman of IOA, make three Calls To Action in his speech, calling upon Unite, Inspire and Ride for a great cause. He gave an example on the Chan She Shu Yuen Clan Ancestral Hall of the Tan Clan in Kuala Lumpur, and explain how they explore mutually beneficial collaboration as one united family. The members of the Tan Clan unite together based on their expertise to form joint businesses in the F&B, construction and technology industry sectors while contributing to the development of their Ancestral Hall.
Under the theme “Honouring The Past • Energizing The Future,” the symposium highlighted key sectors like education, healthcare, commodities, and sustainability. The program featured segments such as “Investor’s Priority” and “Innovator’s Pitch,” encouraging collaboration and mutual benefit creation.
One of the distinctive features of the symposium was its charitable aspect. All proceeds from the registration fees were dedicated to the Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped (SAVH), emphasizing a commitment to supporting education initiatives. The legacy of Tan Kah Kee, characterized by diverse business ventures spanning agriculture, manufacturing, property development, shipping, and international trade, was a central focus. Rooted in values such as collaboration, leadership, benevolence, and respect, his legacy embodies the enduring “Tan Kah Kee Spirit.”
Aligned with these values, the symposium provided a platform for impact-driven investors, innovators, and leaders to connect and collaborate. Tailored for SMEs and startups, the event showcased projects emphasizing impact investment and growth.
Thematic Panel Discussion on Role of Tech for Impact Investment
A panel discussion thematic as “The Role of Technology in Advancing Impact Investment Strategies in South East Asia” was held at the symposium, and 4 panelists share their own expertise and experience.
Daphne Tay, the CEO of Bluente elaborated the industry-trends on how technology drives further progress within the impact industry and AI-powered translation service sector. As a social impact entrepreneur, Tobias Ang developed a movement analytics platform to improve patient care and re-habitation services, as well as a home-health monitoring solution to support seniors living independently within the local community.
Alex Tan Tiong Hee, the trustee & legal Advisor to the Settlement of Dr Lim Boon Keng (1921), is the son of Tan Yeok Seong, a historian specializing in Southeast Asia and a collector of books and historical artefacts. He co-authored “Theatres of Memory: Industrial Heritage of 20th Century Singapore”. He narrated the achievements of Tan Kah Kee and how this leveraged technology to advance the impact investment sector during his time.
Annie Song, the Editor-in-Chief of Fortune Times, said tech-backed media is bringing wings to the tiger in the world of social investment. With data analysis technologies and leveraging SEO, the organisations can enhance their online visibility. She warned, however, the reputation of social investment project relies not only on media coverage but also on the ethical conduct and behaviour of its executives, there are also potential risks associated with digital media. Fulfilling the media responsibility, she feels proud that Fortune Times had written more than 250 news articles about social investment published online this year. As we harness the power of technology in storytelling, we create opportunities for greater engagement, collaboration, and ultimately, a more significant impact on society.
