Li Xiu Tian was the principal of Chung Hua Middle School in Sarawak. He held other teaching roles at Seremban Chung Hua High School, Ipoh Yuk Choy High School and Chung Hwa Independent High School (Kuala Lumpur) for a duration of over two decades. He first established his calligraphy classes in 1955. Upon his retirement from teaching in the 80s, he focused on spreading his calligraphy knowledge for the rest of his life. He was conferred the highest cultural honour by the Malaysian Chinese Cultural Society in the inaugural award ceremony. Li’s calligraphy is well-constructed and steady; well-ordered and neat.