On October 21, during a seminar held in Xiamen commemorating the 150th anniversary of the birth of Mr. Chen Jiageng, a speaker discussed the lasting impact of the “Jiageng Spirit,” a legacy left by Chen that holds significant value in today’s world. “To promote and uphold the Jiageng Spirit in the new era, we must connect our understanding of history, our current reality, and our future aspirations,” said Ren Guixiang, former director of the Publicity Department of the Central Party History Research Office and an esteemed researcher.
The event gathered around 150 distinguished guests, including renowned scholars from home and abroad who study the Jiageng Spirit, as well as students and alumni from Jimei School and descendants of Mr. Chen.
Ren highlighted Chen’s remarkable contributions to the establishment of New China. After the founding of the People’s Republic, Chen officially settled in Jimei in September 1950, closely collaborating with the Communist Party to develop the new nation—a prime example of how the Jiageng Spirit can be carried forward in the current era.
Chen Jiageng made his mark as a prominent industrialist among the overseas Chinese when he fled south in his youth. Throughout his life, he invested heavily in education, cultivating a new wave of educational reform both domestically and internationally. His patriotic dedication was particularly evident during the Anti-Japanese War, where he raised significant funds and mobilized overseas Chinese workers to support China’s war efforts, becoming a symbol of the national united front against Japanese aggression. After the establishment of New China, he returned to his hometown to offer valuable insights and devoted his energy to local development.
“The Jiageng Spirit encompasses a resilient entrepreneurial spirit, a commitment to national and ethnic integrity, and a genuine concern for educational advancement,” Ren stated.
Zhang Huimei, a researcher at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, noted Chen’s unique business acumen and adaptability, which allowed him to build a global business network with an open, inclusive, and international perspective. Following his commercial successes, he actively participated in various social, cultural, educational, and political initiatives in both Singapore and China, making significant contributions.
Zhang emphasized that Chen Jiageng and the Jiageng Spirit serve as a shared historical memory for both the Southeast Asian Chinese community and Chinese society. This connection is vital for contemporary China’s development and its relationship with overseas Chinese.
As a great educator, Chen not only invested in education but also embraced progressive educational philosophies. Professor An Huanran from New Era University College in Malaysia remarked that Chen Jiageng’s spirit of educational ambition profoundly influences Chinese-language education in Malaysia.
“In fact, the Jiageng Spirit has consistently been a vital source of strength for the development of Chinese education in Malaysia,” An noted. Many influential figures in the history of Chinese-language education in Malaysia were inspired by Chen’s values, contributing financially and passionately to education while integrating modern educational reforms and practices.
Zhu Shuiyong, a professor in the Department of Chinese Language and Literature at Xiamen University, recited a compelling excerpt from Chen Jiageng’s speech when he was establishing Xiamen University in 1919: “With a nation of 400 million, we cannot settle for being at the bottom. If we don’t achieve today, there’s always tomorrow. Even if I don’t succeed, my descendants will, like the mythical bird that fills the sea and the foolish old man who moves mountains, we will ultimately reach our goals.”
“Every word resonates powerfully, echoing the unwavering belief and indomitable spirit of the Chinese nation’s great rejuvenation,” Zhu remarked. He concluded that the Jiageng Spirit is a shining asset in the new era, still radiating national brilliance.
