Archive for April 18th, 2008
Page 23
Tan Tock Seng (1798-1850)
Tan Tock Seng came to Singapore in 1819 (the same year Raffles founded Singapore) and ran a business selling fruits, vegetables and chicken. His business thrived and he became very rich. His concern for the poor made him an influential leader among the growing Chinese community.
1n 1844, Tan Tock Seng donated $5,000 (a very large amount of money in those days) to help build a hospital for the poor. The original hospital was located at Pearl’s Hill in Chinatown. The present hospital is located in Jalan Tan Tock Seng near Novena MRT Station.
Tan Tock Seng also donated generously to build the famous Thian Hock Keng Temple in Telok Ayer Road.
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Stamps: Left 1978 Aug Right 2001 Feb
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