The 2024 cohort of the Cultural Heritage and Museology program in Minjiang University visited the Fuqing Overseas Chinese Museum Liem Sioe Liong Memorial Hall on 12 June. The field study of the overseas Chinese hometown and the Chinese diaspora was led by two teachers, Weng Weizhi and Chen Qiuting.

Upon entering the memorial hall, an exquisitely carved white marble statue of Mr. Liem Sioe Liong came into view. Its solemn expression, as if recounting the struggles of the past, instantly immersed the students in profound reverence for this great leader of the overseas Chinese community.

The students then proceeded to explore the four themed exhibition halls. Through vivid explanations from the docent and the physical exhibits on display, they gained a concrete understanding of Mr. Liem Sioe Liong’s remarkable life. Multimedia presentations further deepened their appreciation of his journey spanning from venturing overseas to enduring hardships and building up his business empire. They learnt his unwavering resilience and extraordinary wisdom in turning crises into opportunities.

Hall 3 focuses on Mr. Liem Sioe Liong’s numerous philanthropic deeds as he gave back generously to the society after achieving fame and wealth. He established foundations to support Fuqing’s development, partnered with the government to invest in the Rongqiao Development Zone, founded the Yuanhong Investment Zone, and facilitated the Minjiang River Diversion Project to solve water shortage in his hometown. These acts deeply moved every student present, who genuinely felt his unwavering devotion to his homeland.

The visit enabled the students to understand not only the legendary life of Mr. Liem Sioe Liong, but also the spirit of courage, integrity, patriotism and selfless devotion demonstrated by the Fuqing-born overseas Chinese, including Mr. Liem. The students were greatly inspired.

This field study is a specialized research project conducted by the Cultural Heritage and Museology major students on Fuzhou’s Maritime Silk Road culture. By combining disciplinary knowledge with practical field experience, the visit helps to solidify study, reflection, and application skills and equips students with real-world readiness.

Text: An Jin
Class of 2024, Cultural Heritage and Museology Program, Minjiang University
Photograph: Hong Ning