The forgotten heritage at our own backyard

May 13, 2013 Comments Heritage Most Read
On Jun 19, 2012, the Government of Singapore officially deposited with the Director-General of UNESCO its instrument of ratification, becoming the 190th State Party to accept the Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage.
 
On 19 Sep 2012, Singapore becomes 190th State Party to the World Heritage Convention.
 
On 7 Dec 2012, Singapore National Commission for UNESCO submits its Botanic Gardens on the Tentative List, which Singapore consider to be cultural and/or natural heritage of outstanding universal value and therefore suitable for inscription on the World Heritage List.
 
But yet, do you know we can have another cultural and natural heritage of outstanding universal value, one that is still yet unappreciated by the public at large, and that the government
is planning to drive a highway through it to alleviate traffic congestion?
 
If we are to check the tripadvisor website, we would be surprised at the excellent reviews of the place there.
 
 
Why is this so?  Is it not merely a cemetery of tombstones and bones?   The government has cleared many cemeteries in the past.  What makes this cemetery so special?
 
Week after week,  more and more people from all walks of life, tourists, students, children and housewives are coming to Bukit Brown and beginning to realize the significance historical and cultural importance of this place.
 
For those who have been there and walk the grounds,  each and everyone is touched and awed by the sights and sounds they can see and feel at Bukit Brown, a hidden historic gem that awaits discovery.

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History and Heritage
 
For the cosmopolitan Singaporeans, it still come to them as a surprise that the Bukit Brown area is the largest Chinese cemetery complex in the world, with more than 200,000 tombs
(The greater Bukit Brown is estimated to be about 233 hectares in size and encompasses the municipal Bukit Brown Cemetery and 3 other adjacent cemeteries)
It is also the mother of all cemeteries in Singapore, whereby graves from previous cemeteries were re-interred in Bukit Brown.
 
As recently as a few months ago,  the tombs of the first batch of  pioneers who came during the time of Sir Stamford Raffles, dating all the way back to the 1820s was
discovered in the greater Bukit Brown area. In fact, many of the history and heritage of this place is just coming into light within these 2 years.
 
Recently the government has started to promote Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall (Wan Qing Yuan)  a heritage institution under the National Heritage Board, which traces Dr. Sun’s revolutionary activities in the Southeast Asian region and highlights the impact of the 1911 Chinese Revolution on Singapore as well as Singapore’s contributions to the Revolution.
 
And yet, few would know that the only place worthy to be a Revolutionary Mausoleum, whereby 20 members of the Tong Meng Hui (Chinese Revolutionary Alliance) members who supported Dr Sun and 15 members of the early Chinese Republic Party formed at that time is actually at Bukit Brown.
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Inscription : A Revolutionary alliance pioneer and overseas Chinese representative with foresight
 
More than a century of transition of power and change in China can be reflected in the tombstones of Bukit Brown, from the Qing dynasties of Daoguang, Xianfeng, Tongzhi, Guangxu, Xuantong,
period where great changes take place like the Taiping rebellion, the remnants of the Qing dynasty after the Republic is formed, the Republican Year, Mingguo,
followed by the Japanese conquest of Koki years, Syonan years. Also included is the two thousand year old Confucius calendar
These combined calendar system are unique in the world.
 
Singapore, being the crossroad of the east and centre of Nanyang, we can see the shared history between its neighboring countries, like Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia being reflected in the tombstones
of Bukit Brown. There is also a very rich material unique culture of the Peranakan reflected in the tombs of Bukit Brown.
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Also found are more than 30 pairs of stone Sikh guards, most of them unique, and believed to be modeled after real Sikh guards/photos

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The whole cemetery is also a showcase of Chinese mythology and cultural beliefs in the sculptures

For the municipal cemetery of 100,000 tombs, each and every tomb is recorded with name, address, age and other details, Together with the tombstone inscriptions,
each tomb can tell a diasporic journey from a village in China to Singapore.   There are also clusters of tombs that denigrate families, friends, societies, religious and business relationships
All these are buried irregardless of religious and dialect groups.
 
Different religious and cultural beliefs and different Chinese dialect groups, Hokkiens, Teochews, Cantonese, Hakka, Hainanese
reflecting the Chinese diaspora from southern China into Nanyang.
 
Few would also know that Bukit Brown is also a war cemetery. Thousands of unidentified bodies were buried in communal trenches which so far lay undiscovered. 
WW2 battles were also fought on the hills of Bukit Brown
 
More than 30 pioneers buried there have streets in Singapore named after them. Also buried are founders of schools, banks, clan associations.
 
Nature:
 
As highlighted by Nature Society of Singapore, Bukit Brown is a Natural Air-conditioner, contribute to carbon sequestration, act as rainfall sponge, and has 25% of the total bird species recorded in Singapore (91 out of 364 species). Of these, 13 bird species found in Bukit Brown are nationally threatened.
 
There has also been recent sighting of large flying fox thought to be extinct in the main island. Other fauna include butterflies, snakes, monkeys, pangolins etc
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It is currently in active use for horse riding, cycling, hiking and other recreation activities.
 
In conclusion, it is a living museum like no other and what we are searching for, our shared identity, our roots, our heritage, a cultural gem that future generations can benefit, that is uniquely Singaporean can just be found in our own backyard.
 
For those who has come to Bukit Brown and experience it for themselves,  it is a live on-site museum, touch stones of living memories, the physical and emotional anchors for the future generations of Singapore that can root them and make them feel connected.
 
As the conclusion for the video “Finding Bukit Brown” produced by a group of final-year students at the Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information aptly put it :

”It is this collective memory that differentiate a home from a hotel. For Singaporeans who want something to hold on to, there is no need to look any further than one’s own backyard”.
 
Raymond Goh

(Source: bukitbrown.org)

The Queen of Bukit Brown

January 16, 2013 Comments History Tan Kheam Hock Pioneer Most Read

I have found the triple tomb of Tan Kheam Hock, his wife and his eldest daughter a few years ago,  but unable to contact with the descendants.

Then on Oct 27, 2011  I received a facebook message from one Ms Vicky, who asked me if I know where Tan Kheam Hock is buried in BB.  He was her great grandfather.

 I informed her that he was buried in Blk 3 and that we have put up trail marker for the location.  Then on Oct 29,  I and Victor was at Bukit Brown Heritage Park when we came across a lady looking for Tan Kheam Hock and voila, it was Vicky herself, and so we brought her to see her great grandfather grave for the first time.   

 She had been informed previously that Tan Kheam Hock was not buried in Bukit Brown He was actually buried in Alexandra Road Cemetery but has been re-interned in Bukit Brown in 1965 together with his wife and eldest daughter.

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Picture taken by Vicky of Victor and me standing at the side of the triple tomb of Tan Kheam Hock, his wife Foo Peang Neo and his eldest daughter Tan Keow Gnoh.

Tan Keow Gnoh who was married to Lim Mah Seang, died in 1917, at the age of 32 years.

Foo Peang Neo (daughter of Foo Tye Sin, of Tye Sin Street fame, of Penang) passed away on May 4, 1913 at the age of 48.  She was the mother of Tan Chong Khee, Chong Lay, Chong Chew, Chong Teck, Chong Gark and Chong Teat.

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Tan Kheam Hock and his family (picture published in the book 20th century impression of British Malaya in 1907.


 He was reported to have 6 sons and 4 daughters at that time. In this picture would be his wife Peang Neo, his sons, daughters and some grandchildren.  We later found out that other than Kheam Hock, Peang Neo,  at least 4 sons, 1 daughter and perhaps some children seen here are buried in Bukit Brown.

More surprises awaited our Vicky.  Behind the triple tomb was actually the tomb of Lim Mah Seang and Tan Keow Nee

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Lim Mah Seang and his wife behind the triple tomb of Tan Kheam Hock

Lim Mah Seang first wife was Tan Keow Gnoh (Kheam Hock eldest daughter) who died in 1917. He later married again, this time the daughter of Tan Kheam Keat (Kheam Hock’s brother), Tan Keow Nee.

Lim Mah Seang, was the second son of Lim Kek Chuan, co-founder and first President of the Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce.  (Kek Chuan road in Penang is named after him). He passed away in 1930 at the age of 48 while his wife Keow Nee passed away in 1956.

After this find of 5 of her relatives, Vicky “friended” me on 1 Nov and started to explore Bukit Brown with us, the Brownies.

In more than 1 year of her exploration of Bukit Brown,  she will uncover more and more relatives of her buried in Bukit Brown…….

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Tan Kheam Hock has helped one friend of his,  Chan Kim Boon, from Penang, who was a famous translator of Chinese classic texts into Baba Malaya.

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Portrait of Chan Kim Boon

Chan Kim Boon has 2 sons Chan Yen Soon and Chan Yen Pai.

Chan Yen Soon was buried with his wife Mdm Kaw Kim Kee just behind Lim Mah Seang and his wife !

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Vicky, taking note of 2 more relatives found – Chan Yen Soon and his wife just behind Lim Mah Seang and behind Tan Kheam Hock

Tomb of Chan Yen Soon

Chan Yen Pai was buried with his 2 wives in another hill. His 2 wives were Lim Chuan Keat and Lim Hai Tong

On Dec 19, 2011, I took Vicky to visit Chan Yen Pai.  Vicky offered prayers for him,  for Chan Yen Pai was her great grandfather.  Yen Pai’s daughter inscribed on the tomb was Chan Gaik Thay, who was married to Tan Chong Gark (Kheam Hock’s son) , Vicky paternal grandfather. 

Chan Gaik Thay, the granddaughter of Chan Kim Boon, who married Tan Chong Gark, son of Tan Kheam Hock.

Soon,  we discovered Tan Kheam Keat, her great granduncle buried with his wife in Bukit Brown.  That day in Feb 12, 2012, Vicky woke up early in the morning and came to Bukit Brown at 7 am in the morning to look for his grave together with me.

Vicky wrote : The moon at sunrise in Bukit Brown Heritage Park. 7am, Feb 12, 2012

Excitedly we noted the Latin phrase Requiescat in Pace on the Tomb of Tan Kheam Keat, who passed away on the 22nd day of June Anno Domini 1925, at the age of 54 years.

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Next we uncovered her granduncles one by one in Bukit Brown Heritage Park,  many of whom were prominent businessman during their time:

Tan Chong Khee

Tan Chong Lay

Tan Chong Chew

Tan Chong Teck

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Vicky was actually the first to identify the tomb of Tan Huck Wan, her uncle, buried next to his father Tan Chong Chew when none of us bothered to decipher his name at that time.

Just a few years before his death in 1944 as a volunteer during WW2, Huck Wan has married the daughter of Lim Mah Seang in what was most probably the wedding of the century, with the bride wearing $100,000 worth of jewellery at that time.

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The tragic story of the death of Huck Wan and his 6 month old baby Ruby can be found here

http://mymindisrojak.blogspot.sg/2012/01/tan-huck-wan-bukit-brown.html

Vicky was sad when the two tombs of her uncle Huck Wan and cousin Ruby were exhumed in late 2012.

During her one year search for her roots in Bukit Brown, Vicky would uncovered more of her uncles and aunts buried in Bukit Brown -
Uncles Huck Khong, Huck Heang, and aunts Poey Choo, Poey Joo.
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With Uncle Huck Khong, son of Tan Chong Lay

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Huck Heang, and aunts Daisy Tan and Poey Joo

In particular, her eldest aunt, Poey Choo, her father eldest sister was found by her ownself.  On 5 Nov 2011, she wrote:

”It was miraculous that I even found her. As you can see there were no markings as her headstone is worn and weathered with time.

The half slab of marble was actually lying face down in the mud and as i turned it over, my grandparents’ name jumped out at me.”

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Vicky at the tomb of her 8 year old Tua Gor
She would pay her respects to her eldest aunt Poey Choo, which she affectionately called Tua Gor, during Tua Gor first Qing Ming in 2012.
She even bought her a pair of clothes

As for her maternal side, Vicky did not forget to search for them also by combing through the archives published online by the National Archives of Singapore.



Vicky at the tomb of uncle Gan Khek Keng

One of her uncles Gan Khek Keng (maternal side) has married the eldest daughter of Municipal Commissioner See Teong Wah, Mary See Chye Geok.  See Teong Wah together with Tan Kheam Hock, were the 2 Municipal Commissioners in charge of Bukit Brown Cemetery at that time.  Sadly Mary died shortly after giving birth to her only son at the young age of 20 on 5 Jan 1924.

She also managed to ferret out many other entries that may be related to her, and we are still in the process of identifying the exact relationship for her.

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On Oct 2012,  Vicky together with the Brownies found the 2nd wife of Tan Kheam Hock. 

That would be her last outing with us, for she fell sick not so long after.

Vicky passed away on 9 Jan 2013, of her sudden illness at the age of 50.  During her last moments, her thoughts were still of Bukit Brown and of her 8 year old Tua Gor buried there. 

On her dying bed, she has tasked a tombkeeper to to pay respects to her Tua Gor on her behalf  every Qing Ming and also buy 1 pair of clothes, clear the vegetation,
and decorate some plants on Tua Gor’s tomb

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We have nicknamed Vicky whose real name was Victoria Tan Lian Sim as the Queen of Bukit Brown.

It was apt,  for that 1 year she was with us exploring Bukit Brown, we have uncovered not less than 40 of her relatives buried in Bukit Brown.

It was her passion and interest to search for her roots in Bukit Brown that give us Brownies a sense of mission,  to help her to look for more tombs related to her, and to research more into the history of these pioneering families, many of whom she has some links to.

For us, the loss of Brownie Vicky was not only the loss of the most connected person in Bukit Brown,  but the loss of a true friend whom we have just found this past year, when the Brownies were united in one purpose, trying to research more and preserve this cemetery park.

During the past year and the past month whereby some Brownies walked with her and her family on the last leg of her short journey in life, we have learnt so much of life and death.   We may have lost our Queen of Bukit Brown,  but we  have also encountered Angels along the way  that help and motivate us on our sojourn in life and our mission for Bukit Brown.

Dear Vicky, we are missing you already…

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Written and compiled by Raymond Goh

Photos courtesy of Vicky and Brownies

Further reference:

http://mymindisrojak.blogspot.sg/2012/07/tan-kheam-hock-bukit-brown.html  

  

  

  

A Chinese opium syndicate boss and the strange “photocopy” case

October 28, 2012 Comments History Pioneer
A Chinese opium syndicate boss and the strange “photocopy” case

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One of the most outstanding incidents of the year 1872 occured on
the 15 Apr when Cheang Hong Lim, Wee Bock Seng, Low Thuan Locke
and Tan Beng Chie were arraigned before the Chief Justice, Sir
Thomas Sidgreaves, on an indictment of forgery of the will of
Cheang Sam Teo, the father of Cheang Hong Lim and Cheang Hong Guan.
 
Cheangcase
Cheang Sam Teo’s tombstone with 4 sons Hong Lim, Hong Guan, Hong Choon,
Hong Li and daughter Ngoh Neo
The charge was made by Cheang Hong Guan, who appeared as Queen’s
evidence.  The forgery was alleged by the prosecutor to have been
effected by inking over an old signature of the testator with
Chinese ink, taking a negative from it on a piece of paper, and after
putting fresh ink on the negative, making an impression from it on
the will.

The only evidence led as to the alleged forgery was the statement
of Hong Guan and the signature on the will and a power of attorney
executed by the late Cheang Sam Teo, the latter said to be the document
from which the impression had been taken.
The trial lasted for 5 days, but the reluctant manner in which all
the other Crown witnesses gave their evidence in cross-examination,
the important discrepancies between their evidence in Court and that given to
the Police Magistrate, and the palpable absurdity of the entire
story persuaded the jury to stop the case in the midst of the speech
of the counsel for the defence.

In addressing the prisoners, the Chief Justice said: “you Cheang Hong Lim,
you Low thuan Lock, you wee Bock Seng, you tan Beng Chie, the jury
have found not guilty of the crime wherewith you are charged.
A banquet was given on the 21 May to Mr Cheang Hong Lim by the
Chinese community in honour of his acquittal.  The feast was a
generous one and was well attended, while there were Chinese
theatrical performances, etc, at Pasir Panjang to celebrate the happy
ending of a sordid affair.

Cheang Hong Lim, who was born in Singapore, was the eldest of 4 sons of Cheang
Sam teo, who had migrated from China and started in business in partnership with
Tay Han Long (father of Tay Ho Swee) under the chop Teang Wat at Telok Ayer street, and for some time held the monpoly of the Opium and sirih (betel vine) farms.
After Cheang Sam teo’s death, (the firm was known as Cheang Hong Lim & Co, chop Teang Wat Wan Kee, which in later years became chop Wan Seng.
 
Extracted from One Hundred Years history of the Chinese in Singapore
 
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In Singapore, the revenue-farming syndicate was reorganised under the
leadership of the Hokkien Tau keh (boss) Cheang Sam teo and his partner
Lau joon Teck, another Ghee Hin leader.

The duo had taken over the opium and spirit
farms from Kiong Kong tuan and Tay Han Long. Cheang Sam Teo, although he was a Hokien,
and had also been a partner of Tay Hang Long, seems to have been part of a different
Hokkien faction.
(Extracted from Singapore: Wealth, Power, and the Culture of Control by Carl A trocki)

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Remarks:

From the tomb inscription,  Cheang Sam Teo died in 1862.   This tomb together with Sam Teo’s wife was relocated from its original burial place to Bukit Brown cemetery.
 
There seem to be a scholastic title  (进士 Jin Shi) associated with Cheang Sam Teo in the tomb inscription.  This scholaristic title is a very highly regarded title, and is not known if it can be brought, as what Cheang Hong Lim did for him and his sons.
 
Even Khoo Seok Wan, the scholar poet, was not able to pass and obtain this highest ranking title.
He obtained the title 舉人 (Ju Ren) in 1894, which qualify him to sit for  title of  Jin Shi, but which he failed in 1895 and return to Singapore in 1896.

Not much is known about Cheang Hong Guan, no tomb has been found yet, so it is believed he is not buried in the Cheang family burial ground in Havelock Road/Alexandra Road.
Many of the Cheang family tombs have been relocated to Bukit Brown cemetery, and scattered at various locations throughout Bukit Brown cemetery.
Before the court case in 1872, Hong Guan contributed together with Hong Lim some land for the rebuilding of the Tua Pek Kong temple in Telok Ayer Street.

The last known records of him was in 1895, where he proposed to rebuilit two shop houses at Upper Hokkien Street. At that time Cheang Hong Lim was already dead for 2 years.
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Hoswee
Tay Ho Swee’s grave (son of Tay Han Long - one of the early opium syndicate leader.
Bukit Ho Swee is named after Tay Ho Swee.
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Raymond

May the Eternal Light Shine upon you - A look at Early Chinese Christian graves

October 22, 2012 Comments History
Here is a brief look at early Chinese Christian graves at the various cemeteries
A)  Fort Canning Cemetery

About 1/3 of the 600 burials that took place at Fort Canning Cemetery are Chinese Christians.
According to H A Stallwood, the Old cemetery on Fort Canning singapore,

he made the following notes:

1)  my clerk and interpreter Mr Yung Sz Meng copied the insriptions in Chinese.  In cases in which the grave does not give the birthplace or place of origin of the deceased, it has been assumed that he was a Teochew.

2) The gravestones as it is customary with the Chinese, often mention the names of those who erected the stone: it has thus been possible to give the info  as to the relatives of the deceased.

3)  No Engish Chinese calendar is available for the years before 1834, and the Chinese year is often not given by the year of the Emperor’s reign, but merely the characters of the 60 years cycle.. In a few cases, the graves give dates according to the Western calendars.

4)  Most of the graves in Section B, two of the graves in Section D, and one grave in Section C had at the top four Chinese characters meaning, “May Eternal Light shine on him (or her) with a cross or a cross in a circle in the middle of the inscriptions. in Chinese 永光照之

B) Bidadari Chrisian Cemetery

Contain both Protestant and Roman Catholic sections

Tomb1

Tomb reading :  Joseph Tan, From Guangdong Province, died in 1916

Cross with Christian name

Tomb2a

Ong Ah Swee, Hokkien Tong’an

St Joseph Church Cemetery

(Reference: Harfield, Alan. Early Cemeteries in Singapore.London: British Association for Cemeteries in South Asia,)

St Joseph’s Church was a Roman Catholic chapel built at Bukit Timah for the Chinese congregation, and was named St Joseph at the request of the Reverend John M Beurel.  The Reverend Anatoloe Manduit was the priest and lived permanently among the Chinese when the building was completed at the end of the year. 

The Free Press of 23 Apr 1846 published the following report, “…. The Rev Gentlemen of the Catholic Mission, to whose care we are indebted for the conversion of so many Chinese, are trying to raise beyond Bukit Timah a small chapel, …

It was opened on Sunday, 6 June 1846, and the first burial at the cemetery is recorded as being on 7 November 1846.

Following that, over 400 burials are recoded to have taken place in that cemetery. However, in May 1984, it was recorded that the cemetery was badly overgrown with weeds and vegetation, and that a majority of the tablets were already broken.The church cemetery was reported by The Straits Times of 1 May 1984 to be closed, after existing at Chestnut Drive for more than a century.

Churchcemetery

1846 St Joseph Church cemetery

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Many Chinese Christian tombs buried here

Mariatan

Maria Tan - May the Eternal Light Shine Upon Her  永光照之

Tomb3qing

A Qing Dynasty Grave in St Joseph Church Cemetery 永光照之

Oldesttomba

one of the oldest Chinese Christian grave Peter Goh An Er - mentioned 1849 in Western Calendar 永光照之

Tomb4paulandregina

Another Qing Grave, Paul and Regina 永光照之

Anothermaria

Maria 1831 — 1874 (Chinese reign years were given)
All the children were with Christian names on the graves

Paulgoh

Paul Goh, with Chinese poem and  永光照之

D) Unnamed Christian cemetery in a wooded forest in Jurong
You can see several variations from the other 3 Christian cemeteries mentioned above

Peter1
Christian 基督徒 Peter Lim and Madam Tan Ching Lye 1929

Paul1

Paul from Pu Yi Guangdong - 耶穌信徒 Jesus Follower
Maria1
Maria Goh from Guangdong


Christian1
Christian 基督徒 (name blocked)
天運甲申 (1884 or 1944?) - Here no reign year is used, instead the alternative Tian Yun (following the Heavenly Order) is used
and the words 真光照之 May the True Light shine upon you

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Remarks:

Obviously there are many things that we can learn and study about the Early Chinese Christian graves during the Colonial Period.


The fact that 1/3 of those buried in Fort Canning, the numerous St Joseph Church Chinese Christian tombs and the unnamed Christian cemetery merits a deeper analysis.

Who were the first converts? Since the north and western areas are gambier plantation in the past, perhaps many of these earlier Chinese Christian would be Teochews and gambier plantation workers?

There might also be variation between Chinese Catholic and other denomination graves.


Compared to the few decorative Chinese tombs in St Joseph Church, the other graves in unknown Christian cemetery are much more simpler, and their hidden and hitherto unknown location may have other reasons (for eg conflict with their other relatives and friends’ religion etc) and also why they are not buried at Bidadari Cemetery instead (perhaps of poverty?). The latest Christian tomb there was 1957.

And lastly, I will conclude my short article with the 4 words commonly seen in the unknown cemetery:

__,_._,___
真光照之 May the True Light shine upon us

Raymond

Chong Wen Ge - Worshipping the Language of the Letters

August 27, 2012 Comments Heritage History
It is said that the Dao (Way) arises from Heaven, manifest itself in the Ancient Sages, and propagates itself by the written word.
Only when there is the written word would there be the Dao, and from hence the Ancient Sages and the Heaven.
But the existence of the Ancient Sages are of rare occurrence and basically of a short life span duration, and few are the fortunate who can be by their side to hear their teaching,
hence the only way is by the written word of language , hence the words is the essence of the Heavens.

And now during this period,  we hold in esteem the Confucian and the Dao classics, we learn the ancient classics, so that each and every one in the universe will carry on the
manners and teachings as taught by the Ancient Sages.
We in Singapore are mostly now born and breed here, and we need to spread the Sages teaching here also.
Tan Kim Seng with popular support,  hence decided to build in 1849 , and completed in 1852, a pavilion of which the upper deck shall be used to worship Zi Tong Di Jun *,
the lower deck will be used for the teacher to teach the students.
Beside it, there will be a small pavilion for use in ritual burning of paper of words.

During the 2nd lunar month of the new year, all the multitude of learners will be dressed appropriately to worship Zi Tong Di Dun, and after the ritualistic burning of the paper of words, shall send
the ashes of the written word to the river,  hence the name Chong Wen Ge – Chong (Worship) Wen  (Language)  Pavilion.
Chongwengesign1
Chong Wen Ge – Pavillion for the worship of the written word
Although we are in a foreign land, away from our mother culture land, but it is said that much will also depend on the talent of the people and the landscape itself
This pavilion has a good geomancy position,  facing the bay inlet and behind a little hill, left connecting  a phoenix temple and right a dragon door.  Since the landscape is already good, so too will be the literary and studies for those who worship there. 

Henceforth, the young and the adult, shall study the Confucian and Mencius classics,  and research the mysteries of the land. 
They will thus be able to learn to cultivate and refine their character, from the crude to the refined  and change their behavior, from the rough, to a gentleman.
Dragondoor1
Dragon door
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Phoenix wall panel

The donors: 
Chief DirectorTan Kim Seng : $880
4 Deputy Directors
Ang Choon Seng : $440
Ong Chong San $440
Koh Si Mian $220
Chan Chee Choon $300
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Cheang Sam Teo $300 (Cheang Hong Lim Father)
Seah Eu Chin $200
Tay Ho Swee $120
Tan Kim Ching $100
Seah Boon Tiong $100
etc etc
Extracted from Plaque inscription dated 1867
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Zi Tong Di Jun * – God of Culture and Literature,  also known as Wen Chang Di Jun

His birthday falls on the 3rd day of the 2nd lunar month.  In the past in China, scholars and students would go to the temple on this day to honour this deity
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In 1880,  there was an extensive renovation to Chong Wen Ge Pavillion.  Of the 4090 dollars collected, 1/4  went to support the nearby Chui Eng Free School, built in 1854, main sponsor Tan Kim Seng.
 
Chuiengfreeschool
Pic source:  a2o.com.sg
The plaque displayed at Chi Eng Free School which closed down in 1954 : Someday when many are educated, and everyone knows the Way of Confucius, so transform this barren land into a place of the learned
 
In earlier days,  Chong We Ge would refer to that octagonal 3 storey pavillion type building.  However, In 1913, Hokkien Huay Huan build another building to the right of Chong Wen Ge,  and both belong to the same address 168 Telok Ayer Street.
168telokayer1
168 Telok Ayer Street.  The 1913 building would house Chong Hock Girls School

In 1915, Hokkien Huay Kuan set up its first girl school Chong Hock Girls School at that time and housed it in Chong Wen Ge which included the new extension building.  At that time there was only 30 plus female students, and the medium of instruction was Hokkien.
Chongwenschool1
Chong Hock Girls’ School
Its first principal was Mdm Lin Su Qi.  Another girl school established slightly earlier was Chung Hwa Girl School in 1911.
Chong Hock Girl School would undergo many expansions, but Chong Wen Ge remain in use until the 1970s.

Those girls that studied in Chong Wen Ge would remember in awe the mysterious octagonal building, which they called “Ba Gua Lou”.   As its next door was Thian Hock  Keng, the girls would sometimes go to pray at the temple, and hope for good results for their examinations. 
Chongwenge1
“Bagua Lou” – The Octagonal Chong Wen Ge
(pic from a2o.com.sg)
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APPENDIX – A NIGHT of SOUTHERN SOUNDS NANYIN at CHONG WEN GE (PAVILLION FOR THE WORSHIP OF THE LANGUAGE
Sometimes, Chong Wen Ge comes to life such as this Nanyin night at Chong Wen Ge organized by Siong Leng Musical Association last year.

Pavillion11

Scene from the nanguan opera Chen San Wu Niang

Pavillion21
Nanyin has been inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009
4 of the donors of Chong Wen Ge were buried in Bukit Brown :

Ang Choon Seng
Cheang Sam Teo
Tay Ho Swee
Tan Kim Ching
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References:
Singapore Chinese Epigraph Collections, published by Chinese University of Hongkong
Ou Ru Bai – Bai Ren Shu Ren [It takes ten years to nurture a tree, but a hundred years to train a man (idiom)]

Keng Teck Whay - Celebrating the Virtues of the Sages

August 27, 2012 Comments History Heritage Ang Choon Seng
It has been said that, though a solemn oath is made in a day, it lasts through a thousand years, even at the streams and the banyan tree.
The Ancients regarded an oath as a thing that is binding by its sincerity and its righteousness, and usually considered that “plighted words once uttered make the heavens tremble and the earth shake.”

Therefore in the midst of tribulation and of wealth and prosperity, their purpose remains unchanged. For this reason, succeeding generations earnestly desire to imitate them… Under the present dynasty, our people have for more than 200 years enjoyed prosperity.  It is therefore that we, who live in this part of the world, should according to custom respect age and revere the teachings of the Sages…
We 36 persons who are followers of the Sages, one and all now undertake to form this Association.  We invoke for this movement the blessing of the God Sam Kwan Thai The*, in whose presence we take this oath to become brothers (Hianh Tee), though we have different clan names.

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An altar in front of Keng Teck Whay worshipping :
The Three Pure Ones,  The Jade Emperor and The Three Officials of Heaven, Earth and Water*
(extracted from Emporium in Imperio: Nanyang Networks and the Straits Chinese in Singapore, 1819 - 1914, pg 42 - 43)

Kengteckwhaybuilding1
Zaobao news on the restoration of the 170 year old Keng Teck Building
Building1
Keng Teck Building Pagoda

It was the year 1831, 12 years after Raffles landed.   The new city was expanding rapidly,  and attracted many people from Malacca.
A group of 36 young Hokkien Chinese baba traders, in their early 20 and 30s, from middle to upper income families most in Malacca, too came to seek their fortune in this new city.

Although they came from well to do families,  business at that time was still considered risky.  They have alliances with the Europeans, and can take goods on credit with them, but depending on
the business situation, they will have to pay the Europeans with equivalent goods or cash in a few months.  Sometimes if the goods cannot be sold within this period, they would have to “lelong” the goods, resulting in financial problems for them hence the need to form such a mutual aid association for these businessman and their families.
Each of the 36 member would have to contribute 100 big dollars to the Association fund, which will be used as seed money for the businessman’s families.

The Association chief has the greatest responsibilities, and all meetings must be chaired by him and all matters notified to him.
Since this Association main purpose is for financial support to the families,  the most important committee of this Association is of course the Treasury Committee, of which there are 6 members:
3 assistant treasurers, and 3 treasury staff : one manager, one supervisor, and one inspector.

For the 3 assistant treasurers, one is in charge of the fund, one is in charge of the key to the money chest, and one is in charge of checking the accounts.  
To prevent misuse of the Association’s funds,  all the 3 assistant Treasurers should be witness to any monetary transactions.  As for the 3 treasury staff, they assist the chief and co-ordinate with all the members.

The 3 staff were also in charge of informing all the members regarding the 3 main worshipping dates : the 15th day of the 1st, 7th and the 10th man when the 3 officials of the Heaven, Earth and Water comes down to the mortal world for inspection.
There is another post which is the Incense chief, which have to be chosen yearly and the succession taken under the presence of the San Guan Da Di, which is the 3 officials.

Other rules and regulations of the Association, based on the teachings of the Sages..
Rule No 12:

When a member or his father passes away, and their families fell into financial difficulties, he should inform the association chief.  The chief will then convene a meeting to decide how to help the family financially.
Rule No 13:

When a member passes away, and his family fall into financial difficulties, and his children are unable to be self sufficient due to young age, this association shall financially support the family till the son is sixteen years old, or the daughter get married off.
Rule No 14:

When a member passes away, and his widow has financial difficulties, this association shall  withdraw from the fund every month to assist her, until she remarries, or until her son can be self sufficient
Rule No 25:

Every member must treat other members’ wives and children with respect.  If any member should be accused of mis-behavior towards them, a disciplinary meeting will be held.  If the claims were verified, his membership will be revoked. This rule shall also applies to members’ sisters as well.
Rule No 26:

If any member does not listen to his parents’ instructions and teachings, and his parents complained to the association, then a meeting will be convened and a warning will be issued to the member.  If the member still faults again, and his parents complained again,  then the member shall be given 20 strokes of the whip.  If he faults a third time, he shall be given 100 strokes of the whip.
If he still faults again after this whipping, then he will be expelled from the association, and he and his descendants shall be denounced as the most worthless people in this world. His contribution of 100 big dollars will also be confiscated and his son shall not be able to succeed him as member.

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Many of the 36 members did well in later life and have successful business.  Some of them were managers of the neighbouring Thian Hock Keng.  They constructed their HQ just next to Thian Hock Keng.
Together with Chong Wen Ge,  the Keng Teck Building and Chong Wen Ge formed the left and right pavillion of Thian Hock Keng.

Some of the notable members:

Yeo Kim Swee – originally from Penang. Came to Singapore in 1829, donated to Heng San Teng $100 in 1830, and donated to Thian Hock Keng $350. He also owned a land title deed in Malacca St and businesses at Collyer Quay. Seah Eu Chin  worked as a clerk for him before.
Chee Kim Guan -  from Malacca, was one of the 2 Chinese out of 11 committee members in the 1st Chamber of Commerce Committee in 1837.  His son Yam Chuan also became the head of  Hokkien Huay Kuan in Malacca and also in the directorate of Cheng Hoon Teng temple in Malacca

Tan You Long (1797 – 1867)  – brother of Tan Tock Seng, business partner of Kiong Kong Tuan, who was directorate of Thian Hock Keng.  Ever borrowed a loan from Thian Hock Keng before, as a signboard mentioned the temple collected his interest of $40.  Donated to Thian Hock Keng, Heng San Teng etc
Chua Yan Ling – Grandfather is Chua Su Cheong and father is Chua Chong Long.   Yen Ling donated to Thian Hock Keng $55  and Heng San Teng $120

There used to be a hill called Chong Long Hill and Chong Long Road in the past. 
Chia Poh Eng – father of Chia Ann Siang
Seet Boon Tiong (1807 – 1888), born of humble origin, came to Singapore in 1825, in 1831 partnership with Si Ho Keh to set up Boon Tiong Company.
In 1860s, was a directorate of Malacca Cheng Hoon Teng temple

Tan Koh Teou : GM of Malacca Qing Hua Temple in the 1840s, partner of Tan Kim Seng company from 1850 – 1851
Neo Chan Guan – was a contractor for Chong Wen Ge and also supplies to Thian Hock Keng during its construction. Was a General Manager of Thian Hock Keng in the 1840s

Ang Choon Seng (1805 – 1852) – born in Malacca.  Set up Chop Chin Seng in Philip St. Has 2 sailing ships Patah Salam and Kong-Kek, travelling between Saigon and Bangkok.  Has also nutmeg plantations
in Moulmein Road.
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Ang Choon Seng’s grave in Bukit Brown cemetery.  His grave was originally at the junction of Moulmein Road/Thomson Road, and moved to Bukit Brown on 28 March 1932.

Chee Tiong Why – set up Chop Ghee Ho in Market St. One of the petitioners to the Governor Butterworth in 1850
So Guan Chuan – GM of Thian Hock Keng in 1840s, one of the 2 Chinese committee member of the first Chamber of Commerce in 1837. Guan Chuan street in Tiong Bahru is named after him.

Tan Koon Swee – although he was one of the 36 founders, his name did not appear in the ancestral plaque found in the Association ancestral hall of which there are only 35 inscribed names of the 36 founders. According to National Archives oral history, one member was expelled from the Association. He was a GM of Thian Hock Keng, and a good friend of J R Logan. His children was involved in a famous case whereby one of his grandsons pawned away some land to a money lender who then auction off the land.
Full list of the 36 founders of Keng Teck Whay
薛文仲 - Seet Boon Tiong
洪俊成 - Ang Choon Seng
翁如水 - Ang Jee Swee
徐长怀 - Chee Tiong Why
徐钦元 - Chee Kim Guan
苏源泉 - Soh Guan Chuan
谢宝荣 - Chia Poh Eng
陈国朝 - Tan Koh Teou
陈坤水 - Tan Koon Swee
蔡延龄 - Chua Yan Leng
陈有郎 - Tan You Long
陈合意 - Tan Hap Hee
陈天全 - Tan Tiang Chuan
陈应策 - Tan Eng Chek
陈武略 - Tan Boo Liap
陈明宗 - Tan Beng Chong
陈明荐 - Tan Beng Choon
何栋梁 - Ho Tiong Liang
李珍元 - Lee Tin Guan
李建安 - Lee Kian Ann
梁瓒元 - Neo Chan Guan
梁添益 - Neo Thiam Eak
邱青山- Khoo Cheng San
王彩凤 - Ong Chai Hong
许贵郎 - Koh Kwee Long
许广生 - Koh Kong Seng
徐钦三 - Chee Kim Sam
薛荣山 - Seet Eng San
颜元珍 - Gan Guan Tin
杨金水 - Yeo Kim Swee
杨青山 - Yeo Cheng San
叶永和 - Yap Eng Ho
曾梅生 - Chan Buay Seng
曾明珍 - Chan Beng Tin
郑荣华 - Tay Eng Wah
钟贤元 - Cheong Yan Guan

Ancestraltablet3
Altar whereby the 36 founders of Keng Teck Whay was honoured in Keng Teck Whay (pic courtesy of Taoist Mission)
Other members of Keng Teck Whay buried in Bukit Brown

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His son Ang Kim Tee was the chief of Keng Teck Whay from 1890 – 1892.  3 of his daughters were married to Tan Jiak Kim
Angkimcheak1
Another son of Ang Choon Seng – Ang Kim Cheak (1827 – 1870) who also was one time chief of Keng Teck Whay

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Ang Kim Cheak son Ang Teow Guan, whose wife was Tan Yean Neo, at one time she was the land owner of Bukit Pasoh
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See Tiang Kiat (grandson of See Boon Tiong - Boon Tiong Road named after him)
pic courtesy of Walter Lim

Main reference:
1) Song Ong Siang : One Hundred Years’ History of the Chinese in Singapore
2) A research on Singapore Kheng Teck Whay – David K Y Chng, Lim How Seng, Asia Culture 5, Apr 1985, 58 – 65
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Appendix 1
Zaobao.com 2 Apr 2010 by Xie Yan Yan

The heritage national monument “Keng Teck Building” which is desperately in need of
restoration and repair works, yesterday have a change of owner.

Keng Teck Whay, which was established in 1831, has transferred the ownership rights of Keng Teck building to
the Singapore Taoist Mission.
Taoist Mission will in turn need to raise $3.5 million of funds from the public, in order to start

work on this heritage building.
The Preservation of Monuments Board expressed their agreement to the transfer of ownership, and
will help the new owner utilize existing financing schemes available, such as the National Monument
Fund and Donation Tax Exemption scheme etc, in order to help the restoration work.

Keng Teck Building is like Thian Hock Keng a gazetted monument, although it was gazetted as early as 1977 as a
National Monument, but the lack of funds hamper its restoration work. The last few years, the old pagoda is being supported by wooden planks and
iron frames, and the building is looking more and more in danger of collapsing as the time goes by.
Taoist Mission President Master Lee Ziwang and three management committe members of Keng
Teck Whay together with two trustees, yesterday signed the transfer deeds at the lawyer’s office.

At the closing ceremony of Taoism Day Festival last night, Master Lee made this announcement to the
500 plus audience.
As the new owner, Taoist Mission immediate task is to source the $3.5 million funds for the restoration
works. Actually Master Lee informed Zaobao that they have started the funding campaign much

earlier, but so far has collected less than $500,000

For the transfer of the ownership, Taoist Mission will give a token compensation to Keng Teck Whay,
which Master Lee did not disclose the actual amount. Master Lee hope to start work half a year
later, and finish the restoration work in 2 years’ time.

Keng Teck Whay was established 12 years after Sir Stamford Raffles founded Singapore, and is the
oldest Chinese merchant mutual aid association. This low key and secret organization was first
established by 36 Malaccan Chinese businessman and in the early begnning only allowed entry to
male descendents of the founding members.
Keng Teck Whay has stood next to Thian Hock Keng for nearly 170 years, and is Keng Teck Whay ancestral hall
Keng Teck Whay Chairman Chua Sian Kay revealed that besides Taoist Mission, both Singapore
Hokkien Association and developer Teo Xiao Tong and his group of friends were also interested to take
over Keng Teck Building, but at an AGM, a majority of members decided to let Taoist Mission to take over.
Chua said that as they have lack of funds for the restoration work to this National Monument which has
danger of collapsing if no restoration work is done soon, they have started to find a new owner 2 years ago.

Although Keng Teck Whay has close association with Thian Hock Keng and Chong Wen Gu, but the
reason revealed by Chua that Hokkien Association is not the take over party is that both parties did not agree on the token transfer fee.
Chua said that actually they first ask Hokkien Association, but they were not interested in the
beginning, and only latter did they changed their minds and submit a detailed proposal, which
unfortunately was rejected by Keng Teck Whay members.
As for not accepting Developer Teo proposal, it was because the developer wanted to change the usage
of the building and convert it into an art and healthy living centre, and not a place for deity and ancestral
worship, which goes contrary to Keng Teck Whay mission.

According to the understanding by this newspapers, Tan Clan Association was also
interested to the take over, but they will too late to contact with Keng Teck Whay, whose AGM in
March has sealed the decision.
Taoistmisson1
Taoist Mission has taken over Keng Teck Building and now sourcing for funds for the restoration work
Pic courtesy of Victor Yue

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Has this broken the No Lady Allowed Upstairs Taboo?

The usually closed Keng Teck Building will now be opened to the public and worshippers once Taoist
Mission take over.
Keng Teck Whay has always forbid women to go up to the 2nd storey to worship the Jade Emperor, but will the Taoist Mission allow women to
worship and visit the shrine upstaris?

Master Lee Ziwang said that he need to discuss with his management about this matter and also
consult the deity before making a decision. As for any change of name to Keng Teck Building, he said
that he has not made any decision, but even if there is a change, at least the ‘Keng Teck” name will be preserved.
As Keng Teck building has limited land space, not even a toilet, Master Lee hope to get a lease from
URA to rent the back of Keng Teck Building, and develop a Tao Theology and Cultural Centre there.

Keng Teck Whay Chua informed the press that for the next 5 years  after Taoist Mission take over, they will still let Keng Teck Whay
members come on 5 occasions for worship activities (Shang Yuan, Zhong Yuan, Xia Yuan, Qing Ming and Dong Zhi)
Currently the ground floor of Keng Teck Building house the San Guan Da Di, the 2nd storey the Jade
Emperor, while the 3rd storey did not house any deity.

Taoist Mission is considering whether to house any new deity on the 3rd storey.
Master Lee said that they will start restoration works along with the sourcing of funds, especially
since some parts are in danger of collapsing.

For those who want to contribute to the restoration fund, please contact Taoist Mission at 62956112
Preservation of Monument Board told the press that they did not object to Taoist Mission taking
over Keng Teck Building as the mission and objective of Taoist Mission is clear, and they want
to restore this monument.

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Keng Teck Whay, Thian Hock Keng and Chong Wen Ge

Keng Teck Whay has an earlier history than Thian Hock Keng, but from historical background, all
three of them can be said to belong to one another. Some founders of Keng Teck Whay were important
members of Thian Hock Keng and Chong Wen Ge, and Keng Teck members like Tan Oo Long is Tian Hock
Keng Board Member Tan Tock Seng brother, Liang Zhan Yuan was the General Manager of Thian Hock
Keng and also architectural contractor of Chong Wen Ge. and Hong Jun Cheng was the assitant
manager of Chong Wen Ge etc
According to Lin Xiao Sheng article : Keng Teck Whay, Chinese Business Mutual Aid Co-operation and Operations, many founders of Keng Teck Whay were from Malacca. These businessman came during the early pioneering days to invest and trade.

As those were uncertain times, so they decided to set up a mutual aid association to take care of each other families and welfare in case of business failures or other mishaps.
There were 20 surnames among the 36 founding members , but all of them were from the Fujian Zhangzhou Qianzhou Region. Like the 3 sworn brothers in the 3 kingdoms period, they also swore in front of the San Quan Da Di as sworn brothers.

That should any of their sworn brothers’ families were to land themselves into difficulties later on, this Keng Teck Whay will come to the rescue and contribute to the livelihood of the affected family.
Keng Teck Building should be built not long after Thian Hock Keng was built. Keng Teck Building and Chong Wen Ge are like the East and West Pagodas of Thian Hock Keng.
Thian Hock Keng and Chong Wen Ge are currently the properties of Hokkien Assoication whereas Keng Teck Building belong to Keng Teck Whay

Translated by Raymond Goh

Reference : Xie Yan Yan, “Taoist Mission to take over Keng Teck Building,” Lian Hup Zao Bao, 2 Apr 2010