From Humble Beginnings to Overseas Chinese Icon

The term “overseas Chizi” (海外赤子) carries deep cultural resonance in Chinese history. Originally meaning “infant,” Chizi evolved to symbolize pure-hearted citizens loyal to their homeland. For generations, Chinese diaspora communities adopted this identity to affirm their roots despite living abroad. Among these overseas Chizi, one name shines brightest: Tan Kah Kee (陈嘉庚).

Born on October 21, 1874, in Jimei Village, Fujian Province, Tan entered the world during the mass migration wave called “Xia Nanyang” (下南洋). From the Ming to Qing dynasties, millions from China’s southeastern coast ventured to Southeast Asia—Malaya, the Philippines, Indonesia—seeking livelihoods. Tan’s family epitomized this trend; his father ran a rice business in Singapore. At 17, Tan followed this path, joining his father abroad after a traditional Chinese education.

The Making of a Moral Capitalist

Tan’s early adulthood forged his legendary character. In 1893, he returned to China to marry but discovered his cousin had become a dissolute gambler. In a dramatic act, Tan tied him to a tree for a public whipping, then convinced his family to donate 2,000 silver dollars—their entire savings—to establish the “Tizhai Private School.” This moment revealed Tan’s lifelong conviction: education transforms society.

A greater test came in 1904 when his father’s business collapsed, leaving massive debts. Unlike contemporaries who exploited Singapore’s bankruptcy laws, Tan vowed: “As long as I live, every debt will be repaid!” Starting with one failing rice shop, he expanded into pineapple canning, then revolutionized Southeast Asia’s rubber industry. By 1925, his empire spanned:
– 15,000 acres of rubber plantations
– 30+ factories (timber, leather, soap)
– 150 retail outlets
– 30,000 employees

Dubbed the “Rubber King,” Tan’s net worth exceeded 12 million yuan. Yet wealth was never his endgame.

Building a Scholarly Empire

Tan’s educational vision outpaced his commercial success. In 1913, he founded Jimei Primary School, seeding what became China’s first integrated “school village” (学村). By 1923, Sun Yat-sen officially recognized Jimei as a “Permanent Peace School Village,” featuring:
– Specialized colleges (nautical, agriculture)
– Libraries, hospitals, power plants
– A stadium rivaling urban facilities

His crowning achievement came in 1921: Xiamen University. Despite advisors urging caution, Tan pledged his entire fortune—4 million yuan—to create China’s only privately funded national university. When the Great Depression (1929-1934) wiped out his businesses, he mortgaged properties to sustain both institutions, declaring: “I’d rather sell my skyscrapers than close Xiamen University!”

War, Politics, and an Ideological Awakening

Initially aligned with the Kuomintang (KMT), Tan funded 10 fighter planes for Chiang Kai-shek in 1936. However, a 1940 inspection tour exposed stark contrasts:
– Chongqing: Officials dined lavishly while selling donated war supplies on black markets
– Yan’an: Mao Zedong hosted him with 1-yuan peasant meals in cave dwellings

Tan’s subsequent report shocked diaspora communities: “The KMT will fail; the Communists will win.” His shift was sealed when KMT officials wasted funds meant for war refugees. During Japan’s occupation of Singapore (1942-1945), Tan narrowly escaped capture, carrying cyanide to avoid forced collaboration.

Legacy in Stones and Stars

Post-1949, Tan relocated permanently to China, overseeing Jimei and Xiamen University’s expansion. Despite allocating millions, his personal austerity became legendary:
– Patched cotton vests worn for decades
– 5-cent daily meal budgets
– Reusing broken teacups as candleholders

Before dying in 1961, Tan bequeathed his remaining 3 million yuan to education. Today, his impact endures through:
– Jimei School Village: Still China’s largest private educational complex
– Xiamen University: A top-20 Chinese university
– Cosmic Honors: Asteroid 2963 bears his name
– Global Recognition: Featured on Singapore’s 2019 commemorative banknote

Tan’s life embodied his maxim: “Money is like fertilizer—it only matters when spread.” From南洋赤子 to national icon, his journey redefined patriotism through pencils rather than swords.