The 2023 cohort studying ideological and political education at Fujian Polytechnic Normal University visited the Fuqing Overseas Chinese Museum Liem Sioe Liong Memorial Hall on 18 April. The visit, a social practice event aimed at reinforcing patriotic values through education, upholding the revolutionary legacy and enhancing national identity, enabled the students not only to experience the ethos of the overseas Chinese firsthand, but also build dreams through on-site learning.

Guided by the museum docents, the students explored the four themed exhibition halls. Going through yellowed historical photographs, precious overseas Chinese artifacts and vivid audiovisual materials, they gained better understanding of Mr. Liem Sioe Liong’s legendary life from an impoverished youth in eastern Fujian to a titan of commerce in Southeast Asia; and witnessed, up close, the overseas Chinese spirit, the unshakable love for homeland and relentless courage to triumph against all odds.

At the end of the visit, the students concluded that the overseas Chinese pioneers lived their lives venturing across the globe with unwavering loyalty to their origins, and giving back to their homeland after achieving success. This practice provides a tangible framework for young people in the new era to embody socialist core values. Their post-visit reflections underscored their role as future political educators in fostering cultural self-assurance and emulating the trailblazing spirit of overseas Chinese.

Shi Yutong

Class of 2023, Ideological and Political Education Major

Fujian Polytechnic Normal University

In the 6,782-square-metre Liem Sioe Liong Memorial Hall, a testament to the enduring story of the overseas Chinese designed around the concept of "falling leaves returning to roots", I learnt the stories of overseas Chinese from ASEAN countries, especially Indonesian entrepreneur Liem Sioe Liong. These individuals achieved extraordinary success through arduous entrepreneurship abroad yet remained deeply connected to their homeland, giving back generously. The exhibition, unfolded on the themes of "kinship, sincerity, shared prosperity and inclusiveness", enhanced my appreciation for the struggles of overseas Chinese along the Maritime Silk Road.

The overseas Chinese spirit is a fusion of traditional Chinese culture and modern ethos. As a student in the new era majoring in ideological education, I learnt, through the visit, that we must not only tell the stories of the overseas Chinese but also carry forward the cultural heritage and responsibilities across the sea, ensuring their spirit shines brightly in our times.

Chen Shijia 

Liem Sioe Liong embarked on the sea journey to Indonesia in 1938 to seek a better life. Starting with small businesses trading coffee and cloves, he went on to build a vast commercial empire through wisdom and resilience. He remained devoted to his homeland even after attaining wealth and fame. When China opened its door for reform, he was the first to return, channeling investments and development projects to his hometown. His actions demonstrated his love for his homeland. 

In Mr. Liem, we see the tenacity of entrepreneurship and the unbreakable bond of family and nation. This spirit is not only the foundation of his success but also a treasure for the young, inspiring us to bravely shoulder the mission of our times and contributing to the development of China.

Fu Yiqi

From a humble peddler to a business magnate, Mr. Liem kept his roots deep in Chinese culture, adopting the name "San Lin" (三林) to honor his heritage. What moved me most was a wall displaying donation records. From Wenchuan earthquake relief to rural revitalization projects, the yellowed documents are evident proof that he lived out his personal philosophy of "taking from society, giving back to society". The generous donations stand in stark contrast to his modest office furniture.

As young people of the digital era who often marvel at the surge of online startups, we’ve finally come to understand, taught by these old artifacts, that the true essence of business civilization is not the carnival of capital games but down-to-earth perseverance; not blind accumulation of wealth but a steadfast devotion to homeland. Pondering over Mr. Liem’s numerous business and personal visits to his hometown even at a ripe age, I suddenly realized that true entrepreneurship has always been about merging personal struggle with the tides of history, allowing business success to illuminate human progress.

Deng Bowen

Mr. Liem Sioe Liong’s life epitomized the values that he cherished: Everyone has roots, and this matters. Though abroad, he stayed connected to the motherland and his hometown, actively responded to the call of the nation’s reform and opening-up policy and returned to invest and establish businesses, spurring economic growth in his hometown. He donated generously to improve education and healthcare, and supported infrastructure development such as the Minjiang River Water Diversion Project. The elevation from personal success to public good exemplifies the interpretation of patriotism in today’s world.

Mr. Liem’ life story serves as vivid ideological education material, giving me deeper insight into patriotic spirit. As an ideological education major, I shall follow his example by mastering my disciplinary knowledge and incorporating his values into future teaching. I will articulate compelling narratives of patriotism, inspiring more people to connect personal growth with national destiny, thereby contributing to China’s great rejuvenation.

Zhang Yiting

What struck me most were the physical displays of Nanyang scenes, faded letters in meticulous calligraphy expressing the longing for native soil by those wandered afar. This timeless emotional bond has taught me what the overseas Chinese spirit really means. It is not merely arduous entrepreneurship, it is an epic of unwavering patriotism. Standing in front of the exhibits, I suddenly felt that textbook theories of political education became palpable tangible history right before my eyes.

As I stepped out, the memorial hall was gilded under the setting sun. Perhaps Mr. Liem’s greatest legacy is not business acumen but the philosophy of adapting to trends while holding firm to principles. For those of us pondering life’s path, this wisdom carries revelatory significance that transcends time and space.

Mei Zenghan