On 27 Sep, a business exchange seminar thematic as “Tan Kah Kee and the Chinese root of Malaysia” between Xiamen University alumni entrepreneurs and Malaysian entrepreneurs was held at Xiamen University Malaysia Campus, as a part of memorial programm for the 150th anniversary of the birth of Mr. Tan Kah Kee.
As China and Malaysia’ a relationship continues to grow stronger with each passing year. This is evidenced by the recent significant visit of Malaysian King to President Xi Jinping, an occasion that serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring friendship between two nations. Daryl Tan is proud of his great grandfather, Mr Tan Kah Kee’s vision and efforts were a testament to the power of cross-border collaboration in education, culture, and development.
A key aspect of Tan Kah Kee’s legacy was his dedication to education and selfless generosity. Foreseeing the future, Looking ahead, the education system must not only nurture skilled and innovative talent but also impart the spirit of the times, equipping them to face challenges and keep progressing. Daryl Tan think, Malaysia and China can work together and create opportunities that foster innovation, drive growth, and ensure the continued prosperity for the people.
On the evening of 27 Sep, the symphonic poem drama ” Kah Kee Letters · 2963″(家書 2963）was premiered at Xiamen University Malaysia Campus. Reflecting the life of Mr. Tan Kah Kee, the play is a tribute to the 150th anniversary of Tan Kah Kee’s birth, presented by Xiamen University and Xiamen Alumni Association Entrepreneur Branch of Xiamen University. The “2963” in the title is taken from the planet 2963 named after Tan Kah Kee.
The premiere was held at the Xiamen University Malaysia Campus “Little Arena” Theatre, attracting the students of Xiamen University attended and watched the dramas. When the poetic drama began, Mr. Tan Kah Kee’s handwriting “Jiashu” (家書) on the stage background was particularly eye-catching. The whole play narrated the story through the family letters of Tan Kah Kee’s, and used the symphony, 24 festival drums, situational recitation and other colorful art forms to show Mr. Tan Kah Kee’s great life path from a young age, doing business in Southeast Asia, donating money to build schools, and supporting the China’s Anti-Japanese War from multiple angles.
Huang Xiaofang, the chief planner, said that the play cleverly incorporates the traditional Chinese 24 solar terms into its structure, which is a metaphor for Mr. Tan Kah Kee’s rich life; the performance also incorporates the Malaysian-style 24 festival drums. ” Kah Kee Letters · 2963″ shows the common cultural memory and emotional bond between China and Malaysia, and deeply explores the spirit of Tan Kah Kee.
Zeng Tong, president of Xiamen Alumni Association Entrepreneur Branch of Xiamen University, introduced that the play was conceived in 2021 for the centennial celebration of Xiamen University and was produced with deliberated creation and plan. The premiere will be held at Xiamen University Malaysia Campus, in Malaysia where Tan Kah Kee started his business, and on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of Tan Kah Kee’s birth, in order to allow the young people to have a deeper understanding and carrying one the spirit of Tan Kah Kee. Zeng Tong also introduced that after the premiere, the play will also be held in many places in China to tour.
Xiamen University returned to Malaysia to open the campus more than 90 years after it was founded by Tan Kah Kee. In the view of Daryl Tan, the great-grandson of Tan Kah Kee who watched the performance, this is a reflection of Tan Kah Kee’s spirit, furthermore, the production will foster a shared spiritual connection between China and Malaysia.
