Soong Tse-an

Song Zian was born in Shanghai in 1906. He graduated from St. John's University in Shanghai in 1926, then went abroad to study in the United States, completing his studies at Harvard University in 1928. After returning to China, he was less involved in politics and held positions such as manager of the Songjiang Salt Tax Inspection Office, vice-commissioner of the Songjiang Salt Transportation, manager of China Construction Bank Corporation, and chairman of Guangdong Bank. Guangdong Bank was founded in 1913 by Chinese Americans but went bankrupt in 1935 due to poor management and an economic crisis. Song Ziwen acquired the bank in 1936, and Song Zian, demonstrating talent, served as chairman to carry out comprehensive reforms, improve services, expand business, and successfully reversed the bank’s losses. During the Anti-Japanese War, he served as general manager of the Southwest Transportation Company, personally responsible for frontline logistics, bravely commanding the fleet to shoot down enemy planes during Japanese attacks. In 1948, he became chairman of the board of Guangzhou Bank in Hong Kong, after which his family moved to San Francisco, USA. He passed away in 1969 due to a cerebral hemorrhage at the age of 63, with his funeral held at a Christian church in Hong Kong. His family included his father, Song Yaoru, his mother, Ni Guizhen, and several well-known sisters and brothers.