(Yicai) Sept. 24 -- The first Yicai Panorama salon explored the historical role of Qiaopi -- remittance letters sent by overseas Chinese -- in advancing industrial development and improving rural livelihoods in southern China especially during the Republic of China period (1911–1949).

The cultural salon, recently held in Singapore, was co-organized by Yicai, Guangdong University of Foreign Studies (GDUFS), and the local Nanyang Technological University (NTU). The event examined the impact of Qiaopi, also known as “silver letters,” which has been inscribed on the UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register in 2013.

This was the inaugural session of the Yicai Panorama (Yicai Global Humanities Salon) series, which aims to support Chinese enterprises going global by fostering cross-disciplinary communication among figures in art, humanities, business, and more. The salon followed the opening of an exhibition featuring historical Qiaopi letters.

Chen Juan, deputy director of Yicai Global, said Qiaopi documents the migration journey of Chinese emigrants from the mid-19th century and captures a unique chapter in the development of China’s financial system. It represents a path of internationalization forged by ordinary people striving for a better life for their families, she said.

The surviving Qiaopi are valuable historical artefacts that shed light on social dynamics and migration patterns. Following waves of migration from southern China to Southeast Asia and North American in the 19th century, the letters -- often containing money and handwritten notes -- helped fund the construction of houses and roads, while offering emotional support to families at home.

Before formal delivery systems were established, “water couriers” -- individuals traveling between China and foreign countries -- personally delivered these letters. Eventually, a network of dedicated companies and associations formed to manage remittances more efficiently.

The Qiaopi industry thrived for decades, especially in the early 20th century, before the Japanese invasion in the 1930s. Though modern banking had emerged in southern China at that time, people still sent money home via the traditional Qiaopi channel. It was not until after the war that, with the maturity of modern banking and postal services, the Qiaopi industry began to gradually decline.

The exhibition opening featured a touching moment as Chen Laihua, director of the Singapore Shilipo Folk Culture Museum, donated a series of Qiaopi items to GDUFS. Professor Wang Kaihong accepted the donation on behalf of the university, noting it would enrich the school's collection and provide crucial materials for research on overseas Chinese culture.

Editors: Tang Shihua, Emmi Laine