June 18, 2025
Location: Utrecht, Hua Cheng Restaurant
Interviewer: Representative of the 17th Council of the Federation of Chinese Organizations in the Netherlands
On a gentle breeze-swept early summer afternoon, our group, filled with immense reverence and gratitude, made a special trip to Utrecht Hua Cheng Restaurant to visit Mr. Hu Keming, an outstanding representative of the Dutch Chinese community and Honorary President of the United Association of Chinese Organizations in the Netherlands. This was not just a warm visit, but also a spiritual dialogue that transcended time. As one of the early representatives of the overseas Chinese community in the Netherlands, Mr. Hu has dedicated countless efforts over the decades to the unity and development of the Dutch Chinese society, truly embodying the spirit of an “elder in the overseas Chinese community.” He has demonstrated the spirit of “selfless dedication and passing on the torch” through his actions, becoming a role model for our generation of Chinese people to learn from.
Pictured is Mr. Hu Keming, Honorary President of the Overseas Chinese General Association in the Netherlands, being interviewed.
Across the ocean, embarking on the path of a foreign life
Mr. Hu Kemin's ancestral home is Yuhu Town, Wencheng County, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China. He was born in 1947 into a hardworking and honest overseas Chinese family in Malaysia. In 1969, to reunite with his father who had gone to the Netherlands years earlier for work, he traveled to Europe alone and began his career in the Netherlands.
“It was really tough when I first arrived,” Elder Hu recalled emotionally. “I didn't know the language, I was unfamiliar with the place, and I didn't even have legal status, let alone a stable job.” Lacking residency status, he was marginalized for a time, barely making a living through odd jobs. Later, with the suggestion and help of his old friend Mr. Hu Zhiguang, he resolutely went to France, overcame numerous difficulties, and obtained a legal residency card, which allowed him to successfully return to the Netherlands and begin a new chapter in his life.
That period was lonely and arduous. He recalled that the Chinese community in the Netherlands at the time was very small, lacked organization, and had little contact with each other. He worked during the day and rested at night, living a monotonous and secluded life. However, it was precisely this loneliness and perseverance that laid a solid foundation for his later involvement in overseas Chinese associations and shaped his firm and persistent character. Elder Hu's early experiences are a microcosm of many first-generation overseas Chinese in the Netherlands, realistically showcasing how they struggled to establish roots, survive, and gradually grow into bridges and bonds in a foreign land.
From participation to responsibility, sowing the seeds of overseas Chinese community strength
In 1970, through Mr. Hu Zhiguang's recommendation, Hu Keming officially joined the Council of Chinese Organizations in the Netherlands, embarking on his path of serving the overseas Chinese community. Starting as an ordinary member, he quickly became involved in various affairs such as overseas Chinese affairs organizations, cultural and educational activities, and festival preparations. Every weekend, everyone would gather together to discuss and plan activities, and gradually, that lonely stranger found his “second home.”
He actively participated in organizing major festive events such as National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival, which not only enriched the cultural life of the overseas Chinese community but also enhanced ethnic cohesion and a sense of belonging. Furthermore, he enthusiastically devoted himself to Sino-Dutch cultural exchange, and was a core founding member of "Overseas Chinese News," using the media platform to spread the voices of overseas Chinese and promote Chinese culture.
Old Man Hu deeply understands that language and education are key to cultural inheritance. For this reason, he became one of the founding initiators of the Twente Chinese School and has continuously paid attention to the school's teaching and development for many years. He is not only a behind-the-scenes supporter but also frequently visits the school to encourage teachers and students. In 2017, he was awarded the “Award for Outstanding Contribution” for his long-term dedication to overseas Chinese education and was recognized as a “Devoted Overseas Chinese Educator,” a well-deserved honor.
The picture shows Mr. Hu Guoqian, president of the Chinese Overseas Federation in the Netherlands, presenting a calligraphy work by Mr. Xu Hezheng to Mr. Hu Kemin.
Caring for overseas Chinese, good deeds warm people's hearts
Mr. Hu has always been low-key and pragmatic, never concerned with personal gains or losses. He often interprets the responsibilities and commitments of a community leader through practical actions. His work is not for personal reward, but out of a deep affection for his country, hometown, and fellow villagers. On May 13, 2000, a fireworks explosion occurred in the Netherlands, shocking the entire nation. Numerous residents were left homeless and temporarily housed in a gymnasium. Mr. Hu Keming personally closed his own restaurant, repurposed its kitchen resources into a “kitchen of love,” and personally led his employees to prepare hot meals and drinking water for the disaster victims every day. During that period, he barely rested, but was always concerned about the victims' meals and well-being.
Although the restaurant's closure caused him significant financial losses, Mr. Hu Keming never mentioned them. He was more concerned about whether the disaster victims could have a hot meal and clean water. Every time he saw the relieved smiles on people's faces after they had eaten, his eyes seemed to gain a sense of solace and comfort. It is precisely this silent act of kindness and great love that earned him the admiration of the Chinese community and the high recognition of mainstream society. Subsequently, the Dutch royal family awarded him the “Order of Orange-Nassau,” a supreme honor that not only commends Mr. Hu personally but also symbolizes Dutch society's affirmation of the positive energy within the Chinese community.
Pictured is Mr. Hu Guoqian, President of the Federation of Overseas Chinese in the Netherlands, presenting a souvenir from the Federation to Mr. Hu Zhiguang.
A message to the future: may overseas Chinese associations pass the torch from generation to generation.
Mr. Hu Kemin, now in his seventies and having long since retired from the demanding affairs of overseas Chinese associations, still cares about the development of the Chinese community and is always concerned about the future of these associations. When discussing the succession of the associations, he earnestly stated: “We older members are getting on in years, and we truly hope that young people can get more involved so that the associations can continue to be vibrant.”
He particularly emphasized that overseas Chinese associations should keep pace with the times in terms of language and communication methods, using Dutch more for promotion. This will make it easier for second and third-generation Chinese born and raised in the Netherlands to access and understand the affairs of overseas Chinese associations, thereby enhancing their sense of identity and belonging. “As long as we continue to pass on the spirit of unity, mutual assistance, and dedication, the association will surely get better and better.” This is Elder Hu's earnest hope and a heartfelt call to the new forces in the overseas Chinese community in the future.
Interview closing
This interview has given us a deeper understanding of the meaning of “Overseas Chinese”: it is not just an identity, but also an emotion and a responsibility. Mr. Hu Keming, through his personal experiences, has painted a historical scroll for us, depicting the journey of the Chinese community in the Netherlands from a difficult start to gradual growth and prosperity. His story is an important chapter in the history of the development of the Dutch Chinese community; his every word and deed is a vivid portrayal of the spirit of overseas Chinese organizations.
Here, we, on behalf of the 17th Council of the Chinese Association in the Netherlands, extend our highest respect and most sincere gratitude to Mr. Hu Keming. May he enjoy good health and a long life. May the Chinese community in the Netherlands unite, help each other, and pass on the torch, writing even more brilliant chapters in the wave of the new era.Pictured is a warm group photo of representatives from the United Chinese Association in the Netherlands with two senior overseas Chinese leaders (Photo members: Hu Zhiguang, Hu Keming, Hu Guoqian, Pan Shibiao, Shan Ning, Chen Jiuzeng, Xu Hezheng, Hu Shaoxi, Lin Feng, Feng Jimin, Zhou Xuejiao)
Written by:Secretariat of the Chinese in the Netherlands Association
Image source:Secretariat of the Overseas Chinese Federation of the Netherlands, European Chinese Media
Edit:Zhang Chenlin Alex ZhangI made
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