This book is a fascinating fabric of family histories of different ethnicities that have been intricately woven because these peoples from various parts of Asia and beyond chose Singapore as their new home many decades ago. Each with its own unique culture and practices, these families with their grit and courage separately yet together truly made Singapore one people, one nation, one home.
It is a book that aims to encourage the continuation of the fascinating stories in each family. Therefore they are yet unfinished stories and it is hoped that the new generations will continue the tales.
Did you know…
The Arabs, in particular the ‘Alawi family, have designated genealogists for each generation and they have created family trees that are like works of art.
The Bugis have been perceived as fierce warriors who have an affinity with the sea. Indeed, according to Sarafian, they fiercely guard their practices of filial piety and compassion, adhering to codes of behaviour that have become constant reminders at the dinner table.
The Chettiars were pioneer financiers, a timely help in Singapore at a time when budding entrepreneurs did not have access to loans from the big European banks, according to the late Subbiah Lakshmanan.
A humble Sei Yap family from Guangdong Province in China – the Fong family –still holds intact its detailed family genealogical records that date back to the Tang Dynasty.
Initiated by two brothers, Ean Teck and EanKiam, of the Tan family, giving – to nationalist and social causes, education and the arts – is a tradition that has endured over more than a century.
The Ng family of Pengzhou City are proud keepers of their genealogy book that contains 15 moral values that every member of the family observes till today.
Besides being a very successful businessman and renowned philanthropist supporting arts and education, Yeo Khee Lim’s collection of painting and calligraphy is the largest and most comprehensive one in Singapore.
Tan Kah Kee’s son, grandson and other descendants have steadfastly followed in his footsteps to give back to society and continue his tradition of thrift.
One of the “Death Railway” survivors of World War II who served in the jungles of Kanchanaburi, Thailand, was a member of the Eber family in Singapore.
Tan Siang Long left his home in the Fujian Province at the age of 16 during the reign of Qian Long in the 18th Century to seek his fortune. Setting up home in Malacca, his family has grown to seven generations today.
For Soundaran Pandian, researching his heritage and leaving a legacy of family history for his children and grandchildren is a labour of love that spanned space and time.
The brothers who founded Tong Eng Brothers after World War II eventually created a real estate empire that has stretched across the globe. It all started with tin cans and bottle caps.
