As spring gave way to early summer, with lush grass and singing warblers, all things thrived in the glow of blossoming dreams. 160 energetic upper level kindergarteners from Fuqing Jingshi School Kindergarten visited the Liem Sioe Liong Memorial Hall on 11 April for their ‘Childlike Wonder, Guided by Heroes’ tour program.

Forming a neat line as instructed by their teachers, the good mannered children stepped into this cultural sanctuary showcasing the history and contributions of overseas Chinese, with curiosity and anticipation. Immediately enthralled, they lifted their innocent faces and stood quietly gazing at the white marble seated statue of Mr. Liem Sioe Liong, as if engaging in a timeless dialogue with the benevolent elder.

Guided by docents, the children explored the four exhibition halls. In Hall 1, they admired the “Dean’s Medal” awarded to Mr. Liem by the Wharton School. In Hall 2, they watched an animated film in Hall 2 on industries that the Salim Group operates. In Hall 3, they saw historical documenting donations made by Fuqing-born overseas Chinese supporting their hometown. Not a single exhibit failed to fascinate the young visitors.

Upon reaching Hall 4, a teacher softly called out, “Come quick! Mr. Liem is speaking in Fuqing dialect!” The children turned to the screen, where Mr. Liem smiled kindly and friendly like the grandfather next door. Though too young to fully grasp his emotional return to his homeland after 29 years or the urgency behind his pledge to “vigorously support” hometown development, the sincerity behind his words, infused with thick local accents, gently nourished the children’s hearts like spring rain.

After the tour, the children filed out in neat lines. As they bid farewell to the docents, one boy whispered, “This place is wonderful. I want to come again.”

At the Overseas Chinese Park, the children unleashed their playful spirits, their laughter ringing like silver bells. They documented their visit in art and words - some crafting leaf-decorated frames, others flying makeshift kites using plastic bags across the lawn. Their sunshine energy lit up the grounds.

Text: Lan Zhenhua

Photograph: Hong Ning

Videos and some photographs by Fuqing Jingshi School Kindergarten