Afterthoughts on the Project

In our reflections after the project, we realize that the forefathers of Singapore had a sense of corporate social responsibility. This notion of CSR had predated the era of big modern MNCs. They had invested their returns from their businesses to help society. They developed infrastructure such as waterworks and public necessities such as healthcare services. They were also forward-looking by emphasizing on education by building schools. Importantly, these contributions still exist today to make us realize the importance of their ideas.

Secondly, these visionaries also contributed to the multi-racial social fabric that we thrive in today. The Aljunieds contributed land to build the St. Andrew Cathedral while Tan Tock Seng set up hospital that helped every race in society. These contributions probably laid the foundations for the type of society that we are in today. Their contributions transcended skin colour. These are probably lessons that we can learn from to maintain our harmonious multi-racial society. We should also reflect on how we can adopt the mentality of our forefathers to make Singapore a more inclusive society for the increasing number of new immigrants who are calling Singapore home.

In conclusion, this journey has encouraged us to be more aware of the contributions of the early immigrants. They are integral part of Singapore’s history and should always be remembered. Importantly, their foresight contributed greatly to Singapore’s current success.

Singapore - Finland

After our street tour and learning more about the important men in Singapore’s history, I was surprised how generous they were and how much they helped the development of Singapore. I was also impressed by their wealth they accumulated by making different kinds of business. Of course there were a few similar men in Europe that contributed to the society and helped building the nation with their wealth. However, to the best of my knowledge these kinds of men were not many. During the industrial revolution, beginning of 19th century, the key word for businessmen was exploitation of people.

Finland however is a bit different. We have a long history of oppression from Sweden and Russia/Soviets, we have fought 3 wars in the past 100 years. During the Swedish and Russian reigns from 13th century to the beginning of 20^th century, our businessmen did not have free hands in doing business. Therefore there were not businessmen who could have contributed so much to the society. Only after our independence in 1917 we were really able to begin building our society. By that time, and especially after the wars, the hot theme in Finland was building a welfare society. This was done by having high taxes and letting the government fund building schools, giving medical services and other social services. Still today we have free education from pre-school to university, social services and free medical services to all. Therefore we do not share a similar history where a few important men could have contributed to our society as in Singapore.

By the time our successful businessmen could have been able to give back to the society as much as the Singaporean businessmen did, they already had paid their high taxes and in our way contributed to building our country. Still, however you look at it, I find it admiring and remarkable that these men in Singapore were unselfishly helping the development of their country.

Chinese-Canadian-Singaporean?

Walking through many historical landscapes of Singapore and immersing myself in the history, culture and different religious groups of this unique island, many questions in regards to my own “Chinese” identity popped up in my head. Born and raised until five years old in the heart and soul of China- Beijing, I’ve always been proud of my Chinese heritage, values, and cultural background. However, currently on exchange, every time I leave Singapore, I am also just as proud to put “Canadian” as my nationality. When I think of home, I think of Toronto. However, my values, heritage, and cultural background are still deeply rooted in China.

Sometimes, I feel that I don’t belong to a specific group. However, I always find happiness in learning that there are many different angels of what it meant to be “Chinese”. I think I am very different than those who have lived in China their whole lives, but are also than an average North American. I have Chinese values of modesty and is a very family-oriented person. However, on the other hand, I love to be in front of a crowd, or work with different people and take risks in both my professional and personal life. I owe a big thanks to my parents for giving me the best of both worlds.

I

I think when I start full-time work, I will notice the skills of my “Chinese-ness” more than ever before. Many Chinese business leaders we have learned in class knew how to leverage this skill during negotiations with local and over-sea consumers. This class has deepened my interest in this area and have taught me that with a globalized world, the ability to work with different cultures is one of the most important human capital distinctions an employee can have.

Aljunied Road

Most prominent early immigrants were mostly Chinese such as Eu Tong Sen and Tan Tock Seng. However, as we looked through the map of Singapore, there are certain Malay road names that caught our attention. One of them was Aljunied Road. Located in the east, Aljunied Road houses the CPA House and housing estates. We decided to find out more about Aljunied.

Who are the Aljunieds?

As it turns out, Aljunied is actually the name of a family which has contributed greatly to the early immigrant society of early Singapore. The patriarch of the Aljunied family was Syed Sharif Omar bin Ali Aljunied. He left Yemen with his uncle, Syed Mohammed bin Harun Aljunied, in 1816 to spread Islam in Asia. Before coming to Singapore, he was a successful trader in Palembang and Sumatra, known for his honesty and because his direct lineage with the Prophet Muhammad. Because of this lineage, he was awarded the title of ‘Pengeran Sherif’ or Prince to the Malays.

His uncle set up a trading business in Singapore about four months after the founding of Singapore in June 1819. The Aljunieds profited from the lucrative trade between Europe and the Far East and from Singapore’s status as a free port then.

What did they do?

Similar to the Chinese entrepreneur, the Aljunieds were also socially responsible businessmen who contributed to society. Syed Omar contributed land to build the Masjid Omar Kampong Melaka for Muslim businessmen in Chinatown. He also supported other religions by donating land for the St. Andrew’s cathedral. Besides helping other religions, Syed Omar also contributed land for Dr. Tan Tock Seng’s Pauper’s Hospital, which later became the Tan Tock Seng Hospital

In following Syed Omar’s footsteps, his son, Syed Abu Bakar, co-founded the Singapore International Chamber of Commerce. He also assisted the development of Singapore’s port as the only non-European member on the Board of Governors of the Singapore Harbour Board, the Port of Singapore Authority then.

This sense of responsibility to the community was also propagated by descendents of the Aljunieds. In 1927, the grandson of Syed Omar, Syed Abdul Rahman Omar Aljunied built the now Madrasah Aljunied Al-Islamiah in Victoria Street. The madrasah, or Islamic school, is still functioning today as one the six madrasahs that offer full-time Islamic and Ministry of Education-prescribed education.

The legacy of the Aljunieds has definitely preceded the lives of the first generations. Their contribution has been felt by many in their time and also now. They shared foresight, which were similar with the Chinese entrepreneur. The Aljunieds, like Tan Kim Seng and Gan Eng Seng, understood the importance of education and built schools. They also contributed to social causes and assisted the Chinese immigrants to make life better for everybody and set the foundation for Singapore’s multi-racial society.

Gan Eng Seng School

Of all the places we hit on this group excursion day, my personal favourite was definitely by the contributions of Gan Eng Seng. First, we parked in front of the school he dreamt of building in 1995 - Gan Eng Seng School. Having little education growing up, he realised education was the crucial factor that contributed to his wealth and prosperity. I admire his vision to build a school for the poor that taught both English and Chinese. Gan Eng Seng believed that people of all economic background should have the opportunity to thrive in a learning environment. What was so unique about the school was the fact that it was the only school in Singapore that was initiated, established and maintained by a local citizen through charitable donations. Other schools at the time were almost all built by missionary or government organisations. It was also interesting to know how his 3 sons became involved and served on the Board of Trustees when he died. The altruistic gene ran in the family.

Gan

Gan Eng Seng was also a big believer in quality and universal healthcare. As a Canadian, this is something that hits home for me, as we are one of the last countries who practice universal healthcare for the entire population. The Thong Chai Medical Institution was another organization that Gan Eng Seng supported financially. Today, it stands proudly as the oldest charitable organization in Singapore. Since 1975, it has been treating the poor of all races and religions and continues to provide free medical consultation and Chinese herbal medicines to all today.

When we arrived at the hospital holding cameras and video recorders, a man asked us if we were media guests from MediaCorp. We laughed and said were SMU students who came to learn more about the hospital. He informed us that on March 21^st, there was a Charity show performed by Jackie Chan and Wakin Chau. Having watched many of Jackie Chan’s movies, I was quite excited about this news. The show is supposed to telecast “live” on air tonight at 7pm on channel 8! Oh, if only I had a TV in the hostel I’m staying at! :o( Sigh*

Lastly, we drove to the Ee Hoe Hean Club, and we quickly parked the car to get some close up photos and recordings. It was located on Bukit Pasoh Rd with many nice cars parked in front. Set up by with many early Chinese community leaders such as Tan Kah Kee and Gan Eng Seng, the club functioned as a place for the rich to come and mingle to exchange ideas. To this day, the club is still up and running and plays an active role in communal services!

Jalan Tan Tock Seng

Tan Tock Seng Hospital galvanized public attention during the SARS epidemic, when many of the hospital's medical staff gave their all to help those who were infected by the dreaded virus - some giving their lives in the process. Their heroic conduct won Tan Tock Seng Hospital the respect and recognition of the nation.

These doctors and nurses were valiant in their efforts to curb the disease that ravaged the lives of ordinary Singaporeans, just as was the founder of this hospital, Mr. Tan Tock Seng.

The hospital is his legacy to Singaporeans from all walks of life, and it is now one of the busiest and technologically advanced medical care facility in Singapore.

Tan Tock Seng – The Businessman

A famous merchant and philanthropist, Tan Tock Seng started out as a small businessman selling fruits, vegetables and fowl. His big break came as a result of his joint-business venture of land speculations with J.H Whitehead of Shaw. Tan Tock Seng soon became a big investor in prime land, an investment strategy that eventually led him from rags to riches.

Apart from his business acumen, he was skilled at settling disputes amongst Chinese. As a result of that, he was the first Asian to be conferred the Justice of Peace, a powerful position recognized by the authorities.

He also contributed to the construction of the Thian Hock Keng Temple, a popular place of worship located at the former Chinatown seafront.

The Captain of The Chinese

Known as the Captain of the Chinese, he was also very adept at interacting with people and making use of his relationship with people around him.

He also sympathized with the poor and the sick, and contributed to cover the medical expenses of the poor. As such, many found themselves in debt of his kindness, and developed a deep sense of gratitude towards Tan Tock Seng.

The Hand To The Sick

"Tan Tock Seng felt sorry for those who were without shelter and clothes, and those who were sick but were unable to afford medical care. So he took it upon himself to find some place that could offer shelter and care to those unfortunate countrymen who were suffering from loathsome diseases and had nowhere to turn to."

~ Stone Inscription at Tan Tock Seng Museum (1845)

His Legacy Today

Today, Tan Tock Seng Hospital serves as a worthy reminder of the man who helped build the nation and provided medical care to the needy at a time when the living conditions were dire.

Kim Seng Road

Driving away from Chinatown, we passed through Upper Cross Street and onto Havelock Road. With Kim Seng Road just around the corner, we stopped by the road side to explore the surroundings and reminiscence one of Singapore’s heroes, Tan Kim Seng (1805-1864).

The picture shows Great World City, which is situated along Kim Seng Promenade.

Our Hero - Tan Kim Seng

For those of you who are not too familiar with this hero, let me tell you a bit about his biography. Born in Malacca, he came to Singapore in 1840. He was a Hokkien Baba who set up a trading firm, Kim Seng and Company along Boat Quay. He was a hardworking businessman and through perseverance, he rose to become a wealthy man. Kim Seng made significant philanthropic contributions to the development of Singapore.

Looking at the numerous roads named after Kim Seng, Kim Seng Road, Kim Seng Promenade and Kim Seng Walk one must surely imagine the amount of fortune amassed by him. To understand how he was able to contribute financially to the thoroughfare, I dug out some information regarding his business legacy. As a Chinese, he relied heavily on forging networks and building relationships with fellow merchants. Relying on 'guan xi' is a typical practice of many Chinese businesses. Tan Kim Seng eventually developed a reputation as a natural leader and was regarded highly amongst the Chinese.

His trading business also flourished as he had foresight to start up along the Singapore River which soon became a hub of commerce and trade in the 1850s.

His contribution legacy to Singapore is even more impressive! Tan Kim Seng is best known for his farsightedness in realising the need for fresh water supply in early Singapore. He donated $13,000 in 1857 towards the development of public waterworks. That's around $300,000 in current dollars!

He was also an avid supporter of public education, building Chong Wen Ge in 1849 – the first education institution set up by the Chinese community in Singapore. He also endowed the Chinese Free School (Chui Eng Institute) in 1854 for boys in the Hokkien community.

Other notable contributions included his support towards Tan Tock Seng Hospital and his active involvement in important societal roles. He was appointed the first Chinese magistrate and made Justice of Peace in 1850. Tan Kim Seng used his position as a Chinese leader to suppress secret society activity and riots.

With such important contributions to Singapore, he surely must have several monuments that can be found in Singapore in recognition of his legacy. Besides having several roads named after him, Tan Kim Seng Fountain, at Esplanade Park was erected in 1882 to recognise his donation towards water development.

Driving further away from Kim Seng Road, we will arrive at Kim Seng Constituency. Situated in Bukit Merah, the Singapore Government founded it in 1972 to further remember his contributions. There is a police post and even a community centre named after him.

Lastly, to recognise his contributions to education, plaques of Chui Eng Institute which closed in 1954 where it was first built remain along Amoy Street. There is also Chong Wen Ge which stands next to Thian Hock Keng Temple in Telok Ayer Street.

Overall I believe that without his foresight in recognising the developmental needs of Singapore, many things such as fresh water would be a distant imagination rather than a reality then. Each time we on the tap, we should think of Tan Kim Seng and thank him for making fresh water a possibility in Singapore!

Eu Tong Sen Street

Eu Tong Sen is one of the busiest streets in Singapore. A platform for locals, tourists and working professionals, it is interesting to visit at any day of the week. A walk down the street leaves an impression. Not surprisingly, it is very Chinese being located in Chinatown. Older generations of Singaporeans are typically seen there. Buildings of the past that have been preserved make this part of Singapore reminiscing of some buildings of Hongkong. This street remains a very important part of Singapore and is especially active during the Chinese Lunar New Year period.

The man - Eu Tong Sen
Eu Tong Sen street is no doubt a road name accredited to the great Eu Tong Sen who was a very influential business figure in the 1890s - 1930s. Eu Tong Sen was a powerful figure dealing in rubber, tin, banking, medicine. Today, what’s left are probably the donations that he made and his only business in medicine – Eu Yang Sang. One of the biggest reasons why this road was named after him was Eu Tong Sen’s large contribution to the rebuilding of the street which was previously called Wayang Street.

The most prominent evidence of his contributions was the The Majestic, area around People’s Park complex along Eu Tong Sen street. Originally called Tien Yien Moi Toi, The Majestic was build for Eu Tong Sen’s wife for the purpose of Cantonese operas. Through the years, it turned into a cinema before becoming into a shopping mall and eventually being put up for sale now. People’s Park Complex also used to be Chinese Opera theatres which Eu Tong Sen acquired and rebuilt. They were formerly known as Heng Seng Peng and Heng Wai Sun. Therefore, as one wanders down the street and sees all these buildings that were acquired and rebuilt by Eu Tong Sen, it is no wonder that his name is left as a legacy along the road.

Strengths of the Tycoon
Obviously Eu Tong Sen’s wealth was the main factor behind his contributions. How did he become rich? He wasn’t exactly born with a silver spoon as his father died and left him a medicine shop called Yan Sang. He expanded his father’s business and left a legacy in the Chinese medicine business in the form of Eu Yan Sang. Eu Tong Sen is someone who sees opportunity and is able to quickly exploit it. Besides that, he was also adaptable to changing conditions and was decisive in expanding or exiting his business.

Another key strength of his is diversity. For example, in the early 1900s, Eu Tong Sen realized there was a need to diversify out of the tin business as it was increasingly coming under government regulation, he transformed the medicine shops that his father left him and expanded the business regionally. Similarly, when the rubber business deteriorated, he shifted his focus to remittance at medicine shops which was an extension of his business at the Yan Sang medicine shops. This remittance business grew so big that it overshadowed the medicine business for some time. An opportunist, being adaptable and ability to diversify were the key traits of Eu Tong Sen. This explained why he was one of the richest tycoons in the region by the age of 30. These traits also typically exemplify Chinese tycoons of that era.

Singapore Road Names

- "Uncle, Kim Seng Road please." -

In our car journeys travelling along the roads of Singapore, we would have wondered,

“Why is this road named as such?”

“Is it a person’s name?”

“Who is this person?”

“What did he do that so a road could be named after him/her?”

In multi-racial Singapore, road names often strike a sense of familiarity. It often seemed like they are named after someone popular, whether this person is a Chinese, Malay, Indian, Eurasian or Caucasian etc.

In the subsequent entries, let’s explore some of Singapore’s busiest roads near the City.