In a 2016 congratulatory letter to the UNESCO High Level Forum on Museums, President Xi said: “Museums, which are important places that protect and pass on human civilizations, as well as bridges that link the past, the present and the future, play a special role in promoting the exchanges and mutual learning of the world’s civilizations.”

As the 49th International Museum Day approaches, we are honored to announce that during the 11th meeting of the 7th Council of the Chinese Museums Association (CMA) held on 29 April, the Fuqing Overseas Chinese Museum Liem Sioe Liong Memorial Hall was approved as an institutional member.

Formally the Chinese Museum Society founded in 1935, it was renamed The Chinese Museums Association or CMA in 2010. Unites and guides museums, museum professionals, related enterprises, institutions, social organizations and individuals nationwide, CMA is dedicated to protecting, researching, upholding and promoting fine traditional culture, revolutionary culture, and advanced socialist culture of China; advocating the spirit of science, disseminating knowledge, advancing social progress and civilization, and working tirelessly to fulfil the “Two Centenary Goals” and make true the dream of great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. 

As a member of the CMA, it will help us to enhance professional standards through industry guidance and resource support; facilitate inter-museum exchanges and collaboration, share expertise in overseas Chinese-related cultural heritage preservation as well as broaden our reach to better showcase the history of overseas Chinese, uphold their spirit and advance cultural heritage and international exchanges.

The future of museums in a rapidly changing society, the theme of the 2025 International Museum Day emphasizes how museums, amid rapid societal changes, can redefine their roles in safeguarding, innovating, and reconstructing cultural identities, proactively addressing opportunities and challenges to stay in sync with the times.

Aligned with this year’s Museum Day theme and our CMA membership, we will focus on the following initiatives:

• Social education: Leverage best practices from leading CMA institutions to develop educational programs and activities integrating overseas Chinese culture and patriotic education. Strengthen partnerships with schools and communities.

  
  

• Collaboration and exchange: Organize collaborative exhibitions and events with domestic and international CMA members to promote overseas Chinese cultural exchange. Utilize the CMA platform to strengthen global museum ties and elevate international visibility.

  
  

• Industry self-regulation and standards: Strictly adhere to CMA’s professional ethics codes and industry norms. Improve internal management and supervision.

Text: Liem Sioe Liong Memorial Hall