When Ming Pao from Hong Kong invites me, the youngest daughter, to write about the life of my beloved father, the late Tan Sri Tiong Hiew King, I find myself at a loss.

It would be disrespectful to turn down the invitation, yet a thousand words still cannot express the depths of my heart.

Condolences have poured in from friends across the global Chinese community and business world following my father’s passing. The messages have flowed into my heart like a warm and gentle current. The remembrance and sympathy from all walks of life reminded my family and me that my father’s lifelong dedication and inspiring presence have long become a collective memory for all.

Every comforting message, every bouquet of flowers, every tribute—each allowed us, amid grief, to feel the deep affection between the senders and him. On behalf of my family, I extend my sincere gratitude to all who have honoured and remembered my father.

The warmest beacon in my life

As a “small businessman”—a term he always used, saying he was just a man who worked tirelessly each day to put food on the table.

However, with his broad vision and steadfast conviction, he devoted himself to the advancement of Chinese-language media.

He upheld values of integrity, rationality, harmony and balance; he saw preserving culture as a mission and media as a bridge—to speak for justice, to document history and literature, and to carve a wider space for Chinese culture.

He often said: “Media is not just an industry; it is a carrier of knowledge and an indispensable part of culture. It is the flame that lights an era.”

Thus, he poured his heart and soul into building and renewing Chinese media, making it a vital pillar that connects communities.

 To me, he was a role model.

When I was little, he held my hands and taught me to walk. As a child, he taught me to read and behave. As an adult, he guided me forward.

He was always the warmest beacon in my life journey. Those days spent accompanying him travelling for business trips or listening quietly in his study room—every word now feels like a precious gem.

Helping others quietly, with no thought of expecting return

In business, he led with foresight, steadiness, and magnanimity, earning deep respect. Yet more touching than his accomplishments was his character—humble, sincere and generous.

He helped others without expecting anything in return and became a benefactor to many.

He often said: “To build a career, you must first build your character; to attain achievement, you must also uplift others.”

He treated colleagues with humility and gave back to society with sincerity.

Even in the face of storms, he remained calm.

His spirit and wisdom have now become part of our family’s values and a guiding principle as we take on the mantle.

Every step I take forward, I feel as if I still see his smile and hear his gentle reminder:

“The pen of the media can write for a thousand years; the ink of the human heart must nourish the world.”

In philanthropy and in Chinese education, he was steadfast and tireless. Whether helping the needy, supporting education, or serving community organisations, he avoided publicity for fear of not doing enough.

He understood that culture, education and charity are long-term endeavours that benefit generations.

Thus he gave all he could—quietly and selflessly.

A father’s love — gentle, deep and unforgettable

As a family, we knew even more about his love. He  led by example—teaching us to live with virtue, treat others with sincerity, broaden our hearts and stay true to ourselves.

He taught us to pursue excellence in our careers, kindness in our conduct and lifelong learning.

When I returned from studying in Australia, neither of us quite knew how to adjust to each other. I once thought he should be a flawless father—but years later I realised he, too, was learning how to be a good dad.

A traditionally serious father and a daughter fresh from Western education—my emotional intelligence then was nearly zero. Naturally, we had many conflicts.

I was a newbie just stepping into society. Perhaps that was why he often took my sister and I on cruises to travel around the world. Once, he even took all of us on the Concorde for a Europe–US trip—unbeknownst to the family that it was the world’s most luxurious, cutting-edge supersonic jet. When the headline “Whole family takes Concorde, costing £100,000” appeared on newspaper, it stirred public conversation.

Yet he never again mentioned that trip.

My father wanted us to broaden our horizons, learn to be good people, read widely and travel far.

But he never explained his intentions or the sacrifices he made.

 Only years later did I understand his painstaking care.

 From those experiences I learned that a person’s quality and presence are closely tied to their knowledge and character.

I thank the Lord for giving me such an exceptional, great, handsome and extraordinary father. He was God’s chosen role model for me.

He made me understand that wealth does not justify idleness; such a life may not bring true happiness.

One must live with purpose, faith and love, becoming a blessing to those around them.

The person who shaped me the most was him.

Though he spoke little, his philosophy of life profoundly influenced me.

Through him, I saw the unconditional love of Christ.

When Evergreen Hotel was opening, I faced huge challenges.

My only experience was having stayed in many hotels.

 Yet you, dad, stood firmly by my side—encouraging me and supporting me.

Dad, I have come to realise—no one in this world loves me more than you and mom.

 I thank our heavenly father for giving you to us as his representative on earth, allowing me to treasure every moment with you.

 You will always be my good father.

I had intended to stop writing here, but memories kept me going on —your stories, your grievances, your endurance…

You lived humbly, dressed simply and never chased after brands.

 You saw yourself as a farmer’s son and never forgot the frugality behind the saying, “Every grain comes with hardship.”

You were strict with yourself and gentle with others. Your magnanimity and tolerance taught us to be empathetic and mindful—lessons that often left us feeling inadequate by comparison.

You once said, “As long as my hands and feet can move and my mind is clear, I will work until my last day.”

Entering the media industry — challenges everywhere

When you entered the media business, some critics mocked you as an uneducated timber merchant burning money in the media to brand yourself.

But when I learned you had over 8,000 books in your study room, I realised that a man who loves reading and self-study is not only a literary soul, but a cultured gentleman of refinement.

 In your office hung a calligraphy scroll that read, “A day without reading leaves thorns in the mouth.”

You knew the risks and challenges of media industry—political pressure, scrutiny, extremism and suspicions.

 You often said that if a newspaper cannot tell the truth, stand upright, or remains timid in the face of power—or resorts to sensationalism and falsehoods—then it has lost its purpose.

Most importantly, you believed the growth of Chinese media is essential for giving Chinese communities worldwide a voice, breaking the bias and arrogance of Western mainstream media.

Though the acquisition of Nanyang Press triggered a storm of criticism, you remained calm.

 You sought no monopoly—only to secure voice for Chinese people.

Economics can uplift a nation, but only culture is eternal. Culture makes a nation great.

Passion and talent for music

Though not formally trained, you had great passion and talent for music.

The Evergreen song was your creation.

Your piece Remembrance was a tribute to your parents.

You once said that if finances had allowed, you would have studied music.

My second sister joked, “Luckily you didn’t—otherwise where would Evergreen Group and our family’s blessings come from today?”

I remember you were never politically aggressive, yet at the start of your career you suffered misfortune—wrongly imprisoned for 18 months.

 The first thing you did upon returning home was buy an expensive grand piano as a gift to your siblings, making up for lost time.

You loved tropical fruits—durian especially—and black olives, pineapple, rambutans, green longan, wild Borneo mangoes, fragrant mangoes and jackfruit.

You loved pork trotters and fatty meat, eating them with great joy.

Even when our doctor uncle advised moderation, you would laugh and say: “Doctors’ advice—accept half of them will do !”

Traveling the world yet always feeling “home is best”

God blessed you with remarkable health and stamina.

You had no jet lag, always full of energy, always working. You were rarely home. On Father’s Days we often didn’t know where you were in the world.

We wished to throw birthday celebrations for you, but you always said your birthday was unimportant.

You once gently rubbed the back of my hand, reminding me to dress warmer—and only later did I realise you preferred modest, ladylike attire for us, though you never scolded us harshly.

Once, someone asked you which place in the world you found most unforgettable.

 You replied without hesitation:“Home.”

For you, after all the toil, home was the true haven.

When asked about the purpose of making money, you answered instantly:

“To help those who need help.”

At 18, you wished to return to China to study, but after reading Grandpa’s heartfelt letter, you gave up that dream—to work and support your younger siblings instead. And you kept your promise; your siblings never forgot your great kindness.

Reading the Bible in Fuzhou Dialect

You were a devout Christian, steadfast in your faith.

You once testified in church, writing publicly about the value of religious.

You owned a Fuzhou Bible and loved reading scripture aloud in Fuzhou dialect.

 You believed in God’s grace, which gave you strength in confusion and hardship.

Thus, you never believed in superstition or feng shui.

You upheld principles and integrity. You often joked that you did not know how to “follow the wind” or “sit on the fence”.

Thinking of Sin Chew even when bedridden

Even when bedridden,  you asked, “How is Sin Chew doing lately?”

You never stopped worrying about it.

Former Evergreen employees used to tease: “You run to Sin Chew every day—have you forgotten Evergreen?”

A year ago, after your illness stabilised, we chartered a plane to take you on a trip.

 In Johor Bahru, Muar and Kuala Lumpur, when old colleagues sang Jasmine Flower for you, you sang along, tapping the rhythm.

Everyone was amazed—you could no longer walk or speak fluently, yet your spirit was unchanged.

On these trips,  Musang King and Black Thorn were prepared for you. After returning home, whenever we asked if you wanted to travel again, you would raise your voice or nod strongly—“Yes!”

We later took you by car to tour nearby cities—Kuching, Lun Bawang, Damai.

You loved trying the local foods.

Holding on for 8 Days

Your resilience was extraordinary.

After battling illness for over eight years, you finally returned to the Lord.

Even when your heart stopped for the first time, you revived during resuscitation. Doctors warned us you might not make it past the next day.

But it seemed you knew the family wasn’t ready—relatives overseas were still rushing home.

With immense willpower, you held on for eight more days before taking your last breath. Doctors called it nothing short of a miracle.

You departed on November 11 at 11:11 (55 minutes)—a “four elevens” coincidence that some saw as symbolic.

Your passing leaves endless longing, but also a flame that will never go out.

Your philosophy shines like the moon that lights up the darkest night—guiding us to continue your ideals with resilience, and to treat the world with love and kindness.

Respect from people around the world is the highest affirmation of your life’s embodiment of the “Confucian merchant’s way.”

As your daughter, I am deeply moved and even more aware of the responsibility on my shoulders—to uphold your life’s calling.

Though you have rested in the Lord, the cultural flame you ignited, the light of kindness you spread, and the warmth you gave humanity will shine forever.

The tributes from friends across the world are the greatest honour to your life and a source of deep comfort to our family.

You may have left us, but your spirit lives on—in every story written, every truth spoken, and every heart you once warmed.

May we take gratitude as our vessel and longing as our sail and continue to carry forward your unfinished dream—so that the light of the Chinese community shines even farther.

A father’s love—forever in our hearts.

The kindness of all—forever remembered.