On 21 June, the Li Foundation welcomed close friends and partners to a private screening of Dear You, the acclaimed Chinese film that has captivated audiences both in China and, more recently, in Singapore. Inspired by the history of qiaopi — the letters and remittances exchanged between overseas Chinese and their families — the film traces the journeys of the Teochew diaspora across Southeast Asia through a deeply moving story of separation, sacrifice, longing, and love.
Beyond its emotional storytelling, Dear You has also sparked thoughtful public discussion. While many viewers have praised its sensitive portrayal of migration and the enduring bonds between generations, others have questioned how stories centred on ancestral homelands and the overseas Chinese experience should be understood in today’s geopolitical landscape.
Among our guests was Ms. Xu Haina, who served as a judge of the Inspiring Asia Micro Film Festival last year. Following the screening, she penned a thoughtful commentary, later published in Lianhe Zaobao, reflecting on the conversations the film has inspired. Drawing on the scholarship of historian Wang Gungwu and the writings of several philosophers, Ms. Xu argues that Dear You is best understood not through the lens of modern geopolitics, but through the timeless human experiences it portrays. Her essay reflects on how migration, family, cultural memory, and compassion have long transcended political borders, and how emotional connections to one’s heritage can coexist with a coherent sense of national identity.
Ultimately, her reflection suggests that the film’s enduring resonance lies not in the politics of borders, but in the universality of human relationships. The tears it evokes are born not of allegiance to any one nation, but of recognising ourselves in the experiences of those who came before us—their sacrifices, their hopes, and their enduring capacity for love.
We are pleased to republish Ms. Xu’s commentary, and hope it invites readers to reflect on the themes that Dear You brings to life: memory, belonging, and the enduring truth that compassion knows no borders.
The book showcases how the participants challenged their limits and conquered the World Marathon Challenge and North Pole Marathon to inspire people to challenge their own limits and pursue their dreams boldly.
The book tells the stories behind the event which saw the largest number of people in history running 1045km round Taiwan in 19 days.