On 19 June 2026, the Sabah Working Committee of the China Enterprises Chamber of Commerce in Malaysia (CECCM) organised a group screening of the heartwarming film A Letter to Grandma for employees of its member companies at a cinema in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. The event received an enthusiastic response, with full attendance as employees from Chinese-funded enterprises across Sabah gathered to experience the touching story together and reflect on the legacy of the early Chinese migrants to Southeast Asia.
Centred on the cultural heritage of Qiaopi—letters and remittances sent by overseas Chinese to their families—the film tells a moving story of enduring family bonds across generations and great distances. Set against the historical backdrop of the “Nanyang” migration over a century ago, the film vividly portrays the lives of early Chinese immigrants who left their homeland in search of a better future while remaining deeply connected to their families through heartfelt letters. The film’s emotional narrative resonated strongly with the audience, particularly those living and working in Sabah, many of whom saw reflections of their own experiences of living far from home. Numerous participants shared that the film vividly captured the nostalgia, filial devotion, and deep emotional attachment to one’s homeland that many overseas Chinese continue to hold close to their hearts.
During the event, on behalf of Chairman Mr. Yang Xiao, the organising committee delivered welcome remarks, noting that Sabah is home to many Chinese-funded enterprises engaged in infrastructure, trade, tourism, and other industries. Like the early Chinese pioneers who journeyed to Nanyang, many employees of these enterprises have also left their hometowns to pursue opportunities abroad. The screening of A Letter to Grandma was therefore not only a meaningful cultural activity but also an opportunity to deepen appreciation for the values embodied in Qiaopi culture, including family devotion, perseverance, and resilience. It also served to strengthen solidarity among Chinese-funded enterprises in Sabah and foster closer connections among member companies.
The screening was conducted in an orderly and warm atmosphere, with a full audience throughout the event. Following the film, many participants stayed behind to exchange their thoughts and reflections. One corporate representative remarked that living and working overseas often brings thoughts of family and home, and that the film deeply resonated with overseas Chinese. It also served as a reminder to remain grateful, stay true to one’s aspirations, and continue contributing to China–Malaysia economic and trade cooperation through dedication and hard work.
The CECCM Sabah Working Committee has long been committed to organising a wide range of cultural and networking activities to enrich the cultural life of employees of Chinese-funded enterprises in Sabah while providing a platform for communication among government agencies, businesses, and member companies. Looking ahead, the Working Committee will continue to organise diverse cultural programmes that foster a stronger sense of identity and belonging among overseas Chinese enterprises, while further promoting economic, trade, and people-to-people exchanges between China and Sabah.
