During his research trip to Fuqing for cultural and tourism projects, Yu Yanzhu, President of the Fuqing Shanghai Chamber of Commerce, organized some 30 chamber members to visit the Liem Sioe Liong Memorial Hall on 7 May. Retracing Mr. Liem’ arduous entrepreneurial journey in a foreign land, and reflecting on the immense contributions made by Mr. Liem and other Fuqing-born overseas Chinese pioneers to the reform, opening-up and socio-economic development of their hometown, the visitors were inspired to shoulder responsibility and innovate while maintaining stability. Aspiring to empower sustainable business growth with the spirit of the diaspora pioneers, they vowed to contribute to the economic development of their hometown.

Guided by docents, the visitors toured the four exhibition halls and shared their reflections at the end of the visit.

Yu Yanzhu, President 

“Visits to the Liem Sioe Liong Memorial Hall is a vital part of the cultural development of our chamber of commerce. Mr. Liem Sioe Liong, the most illustrious Fuqing-born entrepreneur with unparalleled achievements, is a household name in our hometown. His selfless dedication to Fuqing has become an unshakable spiritual beacon in the hearts of our people. Co-founding the Yuanhong Investment Zone along with other overseas Chinese pioneers and the government, he spared no efforts in spearheading economic growth in his hometown. Today, the Yuanhong Investment Zone is designated as China’s participating industrial park in the China-Indonesia ‘Two Countries, Twin Parks’ initiative. As members of the chamber of commerce, we shall follow Mr. Liem’s footsteps, actively heed government calls to attract investment and develop industries, and strive to contribute to the development of the investment zone, and live up to the aspirations of the pioneers.”

Xue Guangcao, Executive President and Secretary-General

“Although this is my second visit, I feel equally awe-inspiring and touched as my first visit when I came here as a member of a Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference team. Here in the memorial hall, we are treated with a comprehensive demonstration of Mr. Liem Sioe Liong’s entrepreneurial journey, and his contributions to the reform and opening-up in his hometown. I am particularly struck in awe by the wall covered with donation documents. Along with fellow members of the chamber of commerce this time, I find that there is so much to learn here, especially at the spiritual level. We must inherit the spirit of the diaspora, dare to innovate and inspire member enterprises to draw wisdom from their virtuous culture and achieve mutual success through exchange and cooperation.”

Yu Liming, Vice President

“Economic progress and social development in our hometown would have been impossible without the selfless dedication of our overseas Chinese forefathers. We must never forget this as we always say when drinking water, never forget those who dug the well. Visiting the Liem Sioe Liong Memorial Hall is both a vivid history lesson and a masterclass in business wisdom. Guided by the spirit of our forebears, we must balance corporate growth with social responsibility and contribute to Fuqing’s economic prosperity.”

Text: Lan Zhenhua

Photograph: Hong Ning