KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 14 (Bernama) -- The year 2024 marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of Tan Kah Kee, a renowned patriotic overseas Chinese leader, entrepreneur, educator, philanthropist, and social activist. whose contributions continue to shape modern China.
Widely revered for his patriotic dedication and groundbreaking work in education, Tan’s legacy remains deeply embedded in his hometown of Jimei, located in Xiamen, where he began his life’s work at just 20 years old.
In 1894, Tan invested 2,000 silver dollars to establish the "Ti Zhai Academy" in Jimei, marking the beginning of his remarkable 67-year journey in education, according to a statement.
His commitment to advancing learning led him to fund and construct numerous large-scale school buildings, including elementary, middle, business, and navigation schools. These century-old buildings now stand as lasting symbols of his influence, with Jimei School Village being a picturesque testament to his enduring vision.
Today, Jimei District in Xiamen City, home to the Jimei School Village, has grown into a vibrant cultural and educational hub. Spanning 23 square kilometres, this area is home to 16 universities and research institutes, with over 167,000 college students.
The district is dedicated to preserving and promoting the "Kah Kee Spirit", a cultural ethos rooted in Tan’s values of education, social responsibility, and community development.
According to the district spokesperson, the "Kah Kee Spirit" is a cornerstone of Jimei’s identity and will continue to inspire not only its educational system but also local economy and urban development.
Jimei’s focus on transforming cultural soft power into urban development is central to its strategy for boosting Xiamen’s competitive edge as a growing economic zone.
This year’s commemoration of Tan’s 150th birthday is not only a celebration of his historical contributions but also a reminder of how his values continue to shape the present and future of education, culture, and development in Xiamen and beyond.
-- BERNAMA
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