2023 Tan Kah Kee International Forum was successfully closed at Xiamen University's Malaysia on 10 November 2023. 

With the theme "Commerce Nurture Culture: Inheriting and Sustaining Tan Kah Kee Spirit", scholars from China, Malaysia, Singapore, etc. presented research papers on topics including "Tan Kah Kee spirit transcending space and time", "Entrepreneurial spirit, social responsibility, and national sentiments", and "Era changes and the continuation of Tan Kah Kee spirit".

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Group photo (Credit to Sinchew Daily)

Prof. Zeng Ling from School of History and Cultural Heritage, Xiamen University gave the keynote speech. Addressing both the material and cultural dimensions, she expounded on the significance of Tan Kah Kee spirit, contemplating the contemporary relevance and value of the Tan Kah Kee spirit, particularly within Southeast Asian Chinese communities.

YB Tuan Liew Chin Tong, the Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry, highly commented on Mr. Tan Kah Kee's accomplishments in both industry and education in his speech. He acknowledged the profound impact Mr. Tan Kah Kee left on Malaysian society, especially the significant role he played in modern industry and education.

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(Credit to Sinchew Daily)

Prof. Wang Ruifang, President of Xiamen University Malaysia, introduced the university's commitment to social development under the guidance of Tan Kah Kee spirit. He highlighted the university’s role in promoting Tan Kah Kee spirit through dynamic education practices, as well as acting as a bridge to script a new chapter for Tan Kah Kee spirit in the contemporary era.

Datuk Tan Yew Sing, the Chairman of the organizing committee - Malaysia Tan Kah Kee Foundation, said that the Forum aims to unearth Mr. Tan Kah Kee's accomplishments, and discuss and promote Tan Kah Kee spirit. He hopes that the event will deepen participants' understanding of Tan Kah Kee spirit and facilitate its better transmission to the younger generation.

In addition, the opening ceremony of Tan Kah Kee Study at A3, Xiamen University Malaysia took place in the presence of Prof. Wang Ruifang and Datuk Tan Yew Sing. This multifunctional space combines exhibition and library functions, featuring rich collections of historical records and archival documents related to Mr. Tan Kah Kee and his era.

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Group photo in front of Tan Kah Kee Study