Mr. Tan Kah Kee (1874-1961), a renowned Overseas Chinese entrepreneur, social reformer, philanthropist, and educationist in modern history, was an outstanding representative of his peers fighting for nation's prosperity and revitalization. With deep love for his motherland he generously donated to schools and made remarkable contribution to Chinese nation's revival.

Mr. Tan Kah Kee departed for Singapore in his youth time to work for his father's shop, and expanded his business by developing rubber industry and shipping, making himself a successful and outstanding entrepreneur. Mr. Tan had never forgotten his motherland and hometown. He financed a series of world famous schools and universities, such as Jimei Schools, and Xiamen University. In Sino-Japanese War which broke out in 1937, Mr. Tan united mass Chinese people in Singapore and organized many relief funds under his name. He also organized a large number of overseas Chinese back to China to support in Anti-Japanese War. His love for his country and his national integrity are worth admiring by Chinese people forever. Chairman Mao Tse-tung praised Mr. Tan Kah Kee as "flag of overseas Chinese and flame of Chinese nation". Premier Zhou Enlai spoke highly of Mr. Tan Kah Kee that "he had tried his utmost for national victory and made boundless painstaking efforts for unification in Anti-Japanese War; His heart is to stay untainted in spite of rumors and slanders, and he is never to be subdued by force."