The 2025 Nanhai People Global Conference will kick off on October 30 in Nanhai District, Foshan City, welcoming over 800 participants from around the world back to their hometown.
From their early migration to Southeast Asia in search of better livelihoods to their global presence today, the overseas Nanhai community has flourished. United by shared roots and dialects, they have established more than 200 hometown associations across five continents, with strong networks in Southeast Asia, the Americas, and Europe.
The 2025 Nanhai People Global Conference launch event
The following representative associations reflect the diversity and vitality of Nanhai's overseas communities.
Highest Concentration: Hong Kong and Macao
Among the more than 400,000 overseas Nanhai natives, over half reside in the Hong Kong and Macao SARs. To date, Nanhai natives have established 26 associations in Hong Kong SAR and seven in Macao SAR.
Nam Hoi Traders' Association in Hong Kong hosts its 114th anniversary celebration
The Most Courageous Association: Nanhai Fok Yun Tong
Founded in 1855 by Nanhai natives from Jiujiang, Xiqiao, and Shishan living in San Francisco, Nanhai Fok Yun Tong (旅美南海福荫堂) was the first traditional overseas Chinese association to raise the National Flag of the People's Republic of China.
The Oldest Association: The Kwangtung and Tengchow Association, Penang
Founded in 1796, the Kwangtung and Tengchow Association in Penang (槟榔屿广东暨汀州会馆) is one of the oldest overseas Chinese organizations. It oversees 18 affiliated associations, 15 of which have histories of over a century. Upholding its founding principles, the association has long contributed to Malaysia's social development, the preservation of Chinese culture, support for the motherland's progress, and the strengthening of China–Malaysia friendship.
The Youngest Association: Cambodia Nanhai Chamber of Commerce
The Cambodia Nanhai Chamber of Commerce (柬埔寨南海商会) will be officially inaugurated during the 2025 Nanhai People Global Conference, marking the newest addition to the global network of Nanhai hometown associations.
The Farthest Island Community: Société Nam Shun Fooy Koon
In Mauritius, an island nation off the southeast coast of Africa, Nanhai natives have also left their mark. The Société Nam Shun Fooy Koon (毛里求斯南顺会馆), established by early immigrants from Nanhai and Shunde, was officially registered in 1894 and continues to reflect the enduring spirit of overseas Nanhai communities.
Reporter: Chen Xueting
Photo: United Front Work Department of Nanhai District
Editor: Liu Lingzhi, James Campion, Shen He
