Of particular exemplar significance, as a leader with a broad cultural vision, Qiu Xiangchi not only dealt with incessant interferences by authorities regarding Chinese culture but also actively utilized the elevated position of the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall, in conjunction with the collective strength of other significant Chinese associations nationwide, to formulate a comprehensive cultural agenda in response to official national cultural policies. Before Qiu Xiangchi took office, in 1981, marking the tenth anniversary of the national cultural policy, the government had reviewed this policy, inviting opinions from the Chinese community. This was seen as an opportunity to rectify the policy, prompting enthusiastic responses from the community. However, it wasn’t until Qiu Xiangchi assumed the presidency of the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall that the Chinese community formally submitted a comprehensive demand for a Chinese cultural memorandum to the government.

This memorandum, known as the “National Cultural Memorandum,” was jointly drafted by the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall and 14 other major Chinese associations nationwide, including state Chinese Assembly Halls, chambers of commerce, and educational associations, after several months of deliberation and planning. Following the drafting of this memorandum, representatives from these involved associations convened an unprecedented National Chinese Cultural Conference on March 27, 1983, in Penang, attended by over a thousand delegates from various Chinese organizations and cultural circles. This conference not only endorsed the “National Cultural Memorandum” but also passed a cultural conference declaration and eight proposals.

The “National Cultural Memorandum” and the National Chinese Cultural Conference sparked widespread and profound discussions within the Chinese community at the time, with general affirmation towards both initiatives. In fact, the memorandum and the declarations adopted at the cultural conference fully reflected the sentiments and anxieties of the Chinese community, although the government evidently could not accept the Chinese viewpoints on national cultural policies. Despite the government’s refusal to accept the cultural memorandum from the Chinese associations, the submission of the “National Cultural Memorandum” and the convening of the cultural conference ignited a fervor in the Chinese community to promote cultural activities.

The emergence of the “15 Chinese Associations” allowed national Chinese associations to consolidate their efforts in promoting more beneficial plans for the Chinese community. The Resource and Research Centre was established on January 1, 1985, providing the community with an informational and theoretical institution to assist Chinese associations in making reasoned responses to government policies, measures, or major national issues based on accurate information. Initially proposed by The Federation of Alumni Association of Taiwan Universities Malaysia, in the establishment of the Huazi Resource & Research Centre received full support from the “15 Chinese Associations,” with planning primarily led by the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall under the guidance of Qiu Xiangchi. Following its establishment, Qiu Xiangchi was unanimously elected as Chairman of the Management Committee of the Centre.

Drawing from the experience of the 1983 Cultural Conference Declaration and the “National Cultural Memorandum,” Qiu Xiangchi and other directors of the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall, particularly Zhang Jingliang and Liu Xitong, began drafting a “National United Declaration of Chinese Associations” encompassing political, economic, cultural, and educational domains. This declaration was adopted by the Joint Meeting of the 15 Chinese Associations on May 19, 1985. Upon its publication, it garnered recognition and support not only from Chinese communities nationwide but also from ethnic Chinese-majority parties across the political spectrum.

Subsequently, on January 9, 1986, the “15 Chinese Associations” established the National Chinese Associations Civil Rights Committee, chaired by Qiu Xiangchi, to implement the goals outlined in the Chinese Associations Declaration. The declaration aimed to convey to those in power the Chinese associations’ demand for a fair and democratic society, while the Civil Rights Committee aimed to advance civil rights movements to achieve this aspiration. Qiu Xiangchi’s tenure as chairman was marked by his significant contribution in defining clearer development directions for Chinese associations and systematically advocating for ethnic rights within the Chinese community.

Shortly after the establishment of the Civil Rights Committee, Qiu Xiangchi stepped down from the presidency of the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall due to constitutional limitations. However, during his tenure, he continued to influence and drive the development of the Civil Rights Committee, the “National United Declaration of Chinese Associations,” the Chinese Community Information and Research Centre, and the “National Cultural Memorandum.” These initiatives had a lasting impact on the development and direction of the Chinese community.

In 1993, Qiu Xiangchi was awarded the Lin Lianyu Spirit Award. The reasons for his award included his long-term active service to the community and significant contributions. Particularly noted was his role as the President of the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall, where he facilitated the formation of the “15 Chinese Associations” and implemented a series of non-traditional plans that profoundly influenced the organizational development and efforts of Chinese associations in Malaysia.

It’s noteworthy that Qiu Xiangchi was a close friend and fellow native of Engchoon with Lin Lianyu. During the Japanese invasion of Malaya and Singapore, both participated in medical relief efforts amidst gunfire and bombardment. In the 1950s, Lin Lianyu actively opposed the “Final Objective” to prevent its passage, facing imprisonment as a consequence. During these times, Qiu Xiangchi was entrusted with the care of Lin Lianyu’s wife and children, this represents a testament to his character and integrity.