The 11th World Fujian Convention opened in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Nov. 9, 2024.
More than 3,300 leaders from the Fujian Overseas Chinese community across more than 100 countries attended the event.
Fujian, a province in South China on the west coast of the Taiwan Strait, is the ancestral home of many overseas Chinese, including Filipino-Chinese tycoons who transformed the Philippine economy.
These include Henry Sy Sr., John Gokongwei Jr., George Ty and Lucio Tan.
Among those who participated in the Kuala Lumpur convention is Federation of Filipino Chinese Associations president Cai Xiao Ning.
With the theme “Sailing Dreams of Maritime Silk Road, Gathering Local Sentiments of World Fujian Overseas Chinese,” the event aims to encourage collaboration and shared development among participants.
The opening ceremony featured remarks from Malaysia House Speaker Datuk Seridan Doctor Harry, who underscored the convention’s significance in fostering cross-border and cross-industry partnerships.
He recognized the valuable contributions of the Chinese community to Malaysia’s development and economic advancement.
Datuk Seridan Lin Fu Shan, president of the Malaysia Federation of Fujian Societies and chairman of the convention, highlighted Malaysia’s distinctive role as the only nation outside of China to integrate Chinese education into its national curriculum.
He pointed out the Malaysian Chinese community’s dedication to preserving the said educational legacy.
Lin also proposed the establishment of the Federation of ASEAN Fujian Societies.
The new federation is designed to strengthen regional cooperation among Fujian communities throughout Southeast Asia.
