ISSUE 2 ISSUE SPECIAL - The Peranakan Association Singapore
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IS S U E
2 2020
SPECIAL
BR ATION
CELE
ISSUE
IN PERANAKAN
C U L T U R E, T H E
PAIRING OF
JADE AND
GOLD IS
A U S P I C I O U S.
JADE
SYMBOLISES
B E A U T Y,
STRENGTH AND
IS BELIEVED TO
PROTECT THE
W E A R E R. G O L D
I S F L E X I B L E,
ADAPTABLE
AND BRINGS
GOOD
F O R T U N E.
T O G E T H E R, T H E Y
BESTOW AN
ABUNDANCE OF
B L E S S I N G S.
Kerosang
11 Cavenagh Road #01-03/04/05, Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre, Singapore 229616
Opening Hours: Daily 12:30 pm - 8:00 pm except for Saturdays up to 6:00 pm. Closed on Sundays & Public Holidays.
Tel: +65 6732 6141 / 6738 3151 Email: enquire@foundationjewellers.com
120
In this Special
ANNIVERSARY ISSUE
th
Pintu Jagong
Merah
50
HUMOUR
Door Corn Red
Chian Orang Kah
Semayang?
52
DAL AM DAPOR
Having a party or prayers?
58
BOOKS
Our Mamas'
Recipes
4 5 6 59 60 61
NEWS E D I TO R ’ S L E T T E R CHAKAP CHAKAP BOOKS BOOKS BOOKS
Peranakan Theatre To Everything, President's Message Amek Gambar — 90 Years The Bewelled
Doyen Wins There is a Season Taking Pictures: in Lives of the
Heritage Award Peranakans Singapore Peranakans
8 16 & Photography
F E AT U R E S F E AT U R E S
Founding Fathers Coming Clean
A look at the Association's pioneers Read about Peranakan hygiene practices. 63 64 65
MUSEUMS N OT I C E B OA R D F E D E R AT I O N L I S T I N G
20 24 Crafted Heritage
F E AT U R E S F E AT U R E S
The Association
Yok Tua Heroines of
Chinese Medical Prescriptions
Wayang Peranakan 66 68 would like to thank
Jane Goh of RJ PAPER
ON THE COVER Meet theatre's leading ladies. CHAKAP HABIS D I R E C TO RY for generously donating
the paper stock to print
A GLORIOUS WATERCOLOUR
A Widow's The Peranakan Guide this bumper issue of the
28 34 Wrath Singapore
OF A PHOENIX RISING BY
ARTIST GABBY MALPAS,
magazine.
SPECIALLY PAINTED FOR
THIS CELEBRATION ISSUE OF
THE MAGAZINE TO MARK F E AT U R E S F E AT U R E S
THE ASSOCIATION'S 120 TH
ANNIVERSARY.
Serving the Agnes Tan: THE PERANAKAN ASSOCIATION SINGAPORE • President Colin Chee • First Vice-President Genevieve Peggy Jeffs • Second Vice-
GABBY IS REPRESENTED IN
SINGAPORE BY UTTERLY ART Monkey God 101 & Counting President Raymond Wong • Honorary Secretary Philip Yeo • Assistant Honorary Secretary Tony Tan • Honorary Treasurer Ronney Tan Koon Siang
LLP. SEE MORE OF HER WORK
A fascinating tale of the Tai Seng Yah in Tiong Bahru. Philanthropy is in her blood.
• Honorary Assistant Treasurer Elizabeth Ng • Committee Members Gwen Ong, Dawn Marie Lee, Ngiam May Ling, Sylvia Peh, Josephine Tan,
AT GABBYMALPAS.COM Bryan Tan, Christopher Tan, Theresa Tan
THE PERANAKAN MAGAZINE • Editor Dawn Marie Lee • Assistant Editor Emeric Lau • Editorial Adviser Linda Chee • Creative Adviser
38 42 44 John Lee • Designer Joanne Low • Editorial Committee Members Colin Chee, Bryan Tan, Ronney Tan Koon Siang, Natalie Cheah, Joanne Tan
De-Zilva, Billy Tay • Webmaster Noel Ng • Web Adviser Victoria Chanel Lee • For advertising enquiries, please email: advertising@peranakan.org.sg
The Peranakan is published by The Peranakan Association Singapore, Raffles City PO Box 1640, Singapore 911755
F E AT U R E S F E AT U R E S FICTION Email | secretariat@peranakan.org.sg • Printer | Oxford Graphic Printers Pte Ltd MCI (P) 051/11/2020
Chakap Chakap Modernising Jodoh All reasonable efforts have been made to identify and contact copyright holders but in some cases these could not be traced. If you hold or administer rights for materials
Budak Budak the Manek
published here, please contact the publishers. Any errors or omissions will be corrected in subsequent editions. Copyright is by the publisher. All rights reserved. No por-
Destiny tion of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or
otherwise, without prior permission of the publisher. The Peranakan Magazine and The Peranakan Association Singapore disclaim all responsibilities in the articles herein,
and state that the views expressed in them, if any, are those of the writers and not theirs. They assume no responsibility for unsolicited materials or articles published
Meet our Junior Members. Beaded jewellery with Peranakan roots. herein and state that the writers are wholly responsible for the veracity and authenticity of their articles.
The Peranakan magazine house style reflects the Baba Malay spelling found in A Baba Malay Dictionary by Baba William Gwee Thian Hock.
ISSUE 2 • 2020 | 2 ISSUE 2 • 2020 | 3
news editor's letter
Baba GT Lye performing dondang
To Everything,
sayang at the awards ceremony.
Thereis a Season.
PE R A N A K A N DEAR READERS,
THE AT R E D OY EN This is my hardest letter yet because it is my last. time Illustrator, Nyonya Eileen Chan has faithfully
W I NS I joined this magazine as assistant editor in
2016 and wrote my first editor’s letter in 2017.
brought his characters to life in every issue.
Baba Emeric Lau, our Assistant Editor,
In the 5 years I have helmed the magazine, has always been of great help to me, and for
H E R I TAG E AWA RD it has been a great pleasure to meet contributors this I thank him. His knack for coming up with
of diverse backgrounds, all with a common goal catchy headlines and cover lines is truly a gift.
- to document and promote Peranakan culture - Read Emeric’s take of Peranakan hygiene habits in
Baba GT Lye which is the ethos of this magazine. Coming Clean, page 16.
receiving the
award from It has been my privilege and joy to edit their These are tough times for print magazines.
Edwin Tong, articles. Our editorial team and contributors are Even the most respected titles have gone entirely
Minister for all volunteers, myself included, which makes this digital or ceased to exist. So the fact that this
Culture,
Community magazine all the more special. volunteer-run magazine is still in print, and is
and Youth. I read with great fascination, stories about distributed free of charge says something about
cultural practices that have disappeared long the dedicated team behind it.
before I was born, and how some of them are I am so grateful to my mentors, former
B
NYONYA DAWN ABA GT LYE IS A HOUSEHOLD his field, I approached members of the Peranakan community being revived by a younger generation. Editor Baba Peter Lee and Creative Adviser
MARIE LEE NAME in the Peranakan who know him and have worked with him to write letters of It was with deep sadness that I edited Baba John Lee, who have given me invaluable guidance
CONGRATULATES community, with presidents support for his nomination. Tan Kuning’s final article for the magazine (Yok in producing the magazine. Many thanks to
BABA GT LYE ON and celebrities among his fans. On 11 Tua: Chinese Medicinal Prescriptions, page 20). our Designer, Nyonya Joanne Low, whose
HIS WELL-DESERVED December 2020, his dedication to his Baba Kuning, a long-time contributor of The wonderful graphic work brings all the stories and
ACCOLADE
craft was publicly recognised when he The Association is deeply grateful and sincerely thanks the Peranakan magazine, passed away at the age of images together like magic.
Photos courtesy of the
National Heritage Board was honoured by the National Heritage following individuals and our sister associations for their 90 on 11 March 2021. I recall the times that I For me, my role as editor has been all-
Board as a Steward of Singapore’s written support of Baba GT’s nomination: visited him and our long chats. He had a wealth consuming. My family can attest to that. Many
Intangible Cultural Heritage. BABA COLIN CHEE of knowledge about Peranakan cultural practices. long days and sleepless nights; lugging my laptop
The Award, launched in October 2019, aims to recognise for The Peranakan Association Singapore I’m glad that we have documented them through along on family holidays to work on stories for
practitioners of intangible cultural heritage (ICH) who are BABA ALVIN TEO his articles. this magazine...something that I don’t even do for
dedicated to the promotion and transmission of ICH elements, for Gunong Sayang Association I learnt new things about my own culture my professional work as a copywriter. What can I
and have made outstanding contributions in their field. BABA PONNO KALASTREE which I didn’t know about, such as Monkey say? Love is blind.
Baba GT has been a wayang Peranakan practitioner for Peranakan Indian (Chitty Melaka) God worship and the Peranakan roots of a little I have always hoped to leave this magazine
for 36 years since his first foray into theatre in 1984 in Baba Association Singapore temple in Tiong Bahru. (Serving the Monkey God, better and stronger than when I arrived. My goal was
Felix Chia’s Pileh Menantu staged during the Singapore Arts BABA IVAN HENG page 28) As a former Journalist, I’m still thrilled to groom and inspire new writers and nurture in
Cultural Medallion recipient, Founder and
Festival. The play was a landmark event in wayang Peranakan Artistic Director, W!LD RICE by working the ground, meeting and interviewing them a love and appreciation of Peranakan culture.
which sparked a revival of Peranakan theatre. Before that, no people, sharing their stories which have never In this spirit, I leave you with this beautiful
BABA ALVIN TAN
Peranakan play had been staged in Singapore since 1958. Cultural Medallion recipient, Founder and been told. panton composed by Baba GT Lye:
In his next role in 1985, Baba GT played the Peranakan Artistic Director, The Necessary Stage I’ve enjoyed so many moments of laughter Sudah chut mia Gunung Daik,
matriarch for the first time – a role which would shape and BABA ROBERT YEO working on hilarious tales with some young Nampak dari tanah di rantau,
define his career in Peranakan theatre. The strength of his Award-winning poet, playwright and author, writers. Notably, Baba Bryan Tan whose wit and Kalu sudah benair dia baik,
performances stem from his personal experience and careful BBM (Public Service Star) for distinguished wry humour come across in his columns (Pintu Jatoh di laot jadi pulau.
performance in the Arts.
study of the speech and mannerisms of these matriarchs who Jagong Merah, page 50 and A Widow’s Wrath, Mount Daik is extremely famous,
have long since disappeared. BABA PETER LEE page 66). I’ve enjoyed plotting incredulous stories
Independent researcher and scholar of It can be seen from overland regionally,
Over three decades, he has not only starred in 23 wayang Peranakan culture, Honorary Curator, NUS and fabricating fictitious family trees with Bryan for If the origin is good, the result will be good,
Peranakan plays but has also contributed to the art form as a Baba House his long running Chakap Habis column. Our long- If it falls into the sea, it will flourish into an island.
scriptwriter, co-director, dialogue coach and mentor to young NYONYA CYNTHIA LEE
wayang Peranakan actors. His mastery of the Baba Malay wayang Peranakan performer
language is nonpareil. The bulk of his performances were in BABA KELVIN TAN
plays staged by the Gunong Sayang Association. There is no wayang Peranakan performer (Female Impersonator)
other living wayang Peranakan actor who has displayed the BABA CHAN ENG THAI
level of mastery of the art form like Baba GT Lye has. wayang Peranakan performer
Dawn Marie Lee
Baba GT has also brought Peranakan culture abroad BABA RICHARD TAN
on cultural missions to France, China and Korea. I had the Arts practitioner and educator, Artistic SCAN THE QR CODE
Director, GenerAsia TO WATCH NHB’S
honour of preparing and submitting Baba GT’s nomination AWARDS VIDEO OF
NYONYA JOSEPHINE CHIA
to the National Heritage Board on behalf of The Peranakan award-winning author of eight books, Winner,
BABA GT LYE.
Association Singapore. Apart from compiling his extensive Editor
Singapore Literature Prize (Non-fiction) 2014 dawnmarielee@gmail.com
resume and highlighting his mastery of skills and practice in
ISSUE 2 • 2020 | 4 ISSUE 2 • 2020 | 5
chakap chakap
President's Message
Peranakan culture to our children and grandchildren when is a jump of 212 life members during the 19-month period.
their minds and hearts are most receptive and welcoming. Junior membership was introduced in September 2019 and
Dear Babas and Nyonyas, A living culture has to be lived and transmitted to the by the end of the year we had 19 junior members. Presently,
I last shared a roadmap with you in the 2018 Issue 2 of this magazine. next generation to continue. This is what the Association must membership stands at 2,145.
set out to do, together with the community rallying around it,
In the time since, we elected a new General Committee (GC) with a shared passion, and with our like-minded partners. Our Biggest Fixed Expense
in July 2020. And in light of this magazine’s delay, —the Magazine
we would like to simply highlight the roadmap until April 2022. Our Identity, We used to spend $60,000 a year on our magazine The
Vision & Mission Peranakan, which was then a quarterly publication. In 2015,
we pared it down to two issues a year. This halved the cost
In this 2020-2022 term, the GC has adopted the slogan, of publication and also allowed the magazine’s all-volunteer
Keeping the Culture Alive Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism. Ancestral worship
and ritual practices became less important in the home.
“Keeping the Culture Alive”. editorial team to take proper breaks in-between issues.
It will steer our vision to unite and represent the Even so, $30,000 is a large annual fixed overhead.
& Peranakan Identity The national emphasis on English and Mandarin,
as languages to make a living with, eroded the use of,
Peranakan community in Singapore, to be a beacon of Fortunately, this cost has been partly covered by our loyal
The most important challenge facing our Peranakan Peranakan culture, and to celebrate the diversity of our advertisers. We thank them for their steadfastness. Since
and need for, Baba Malay - a lyrical creole of Malay and
community today is keeping our culture alive and unique identity, culture and heritage. 2019 we have also had a generous sponsor for the magazine
Hokkien - as our mother tongue. Baba Malay was bypassed
sustaining it. A critical first step to ensure this is to better It will also drive our mission to enrich the lives to whom we are most grateful.
as a living language, no longer passed down orally by our
define our identity. of members, both Peranakan and non-Peranakan, and Can such largesse be sustained? We cannot ever do
elders. As a result, Peranakans have been shedding their
We can start by asking ourselves whether we are Singapore’s multi-racial community, through diverse away with The Peranakan magazine. If the Association
traditional identity for several decades now.
indeed a distinct community. We ARE Peranakans, right? partnerships and programmes. is to continue its role as the champion, documenter and
At last year’s Bicentennial Istana Open House, when
No, not officially at least. In the Singapore Population our Association was invited to showcase our culture, we historian of our culture and community, this magazine is
our instrument of faith.
Census 2010, under Glossary of Terms and Definitions, we
are buried somewhere under “Chinese” alongside dialect
were asked, ”How does one recognise a Peranakan?”
We do not even know how many of us are left in Highlights of the Virtual This is why we will begin to prepare, during this term, the
infrastructure for a fully digital magazine in the event that we
groups including “Hokkien, Teochew, Cantonese, Hakka,
Hainanese, Hockchia, Foochow, Henghua, Shanghainese,
Singapore, or anywhere else in Southeast Asia. We do not
exist as a statistic. Annual General Meeting have to take this route.
etc.” Are we Chinese then?
Our forefathers’ evolving culture was an amalgam of
Our Own Census in July 2020 Digital Platforms for Timely
practices from their homeland, China, and heavily influenced
by the cultures of the Malay archipelago - Bugis, Batak, Now at the cusp of a seeming decline in our numbers, we Finance — $43,600 Surplus Communications — Quarter Million
Balinese and more - whose women they married or brought should more clearly define our own identity and conduct
a census of our own. Technology will enable this. We will For the full year ending 31 December 2019, TPAS turned in Views Annually
into their households from as far back as the 15th and 16th
centuries. To a lesser extent, there were influences from the embark on this challenge during this term of office. a surplus of $43,600. Membership subscriptions accounted Our Facebook page and website have become our main
Indian, Arab, Portuguese, Dutch and British communities What would be the purpose? To give us at least a for a large portion of this surplus. Squirreling small means of communication with members and friends. Our
with whom they mingled and did business with. tenuous reference to build on and move forward. surpluses from our various activities and prudent spending website, in particular the magazine archives, is already the
Despite these external influences our forefathers saw made up the balance. go-to resource for researchers of Peranakan culture.
Our Culture is Still Alive
themselves as essentially ethnic Chinese. To manage our funds prudently, the new GC will decide The aggregate annual viewership of a quarter-million
But, culturally, they identified themselves as babas (the whether to top up our current fixed deposits to $320,000 is not insignificant. The website attracts a viewership
men) and nyonyas (the women). They even took pains to Fortunately, our deep and unique cultural roots, both from the existing $293,0000. We must always ensure our of 45,000 annually, while our FB page attracts 180,000
set themselves apart from the sinkehs – new migrants from tangible and intangible, are mostly still visible and intact. finances are sound. Our strong cash reserves will allow views annually. Our FB post in August 2020 to pre-order
Southern China who sailed to Southeast Asia looking for Thankfully, it is in many ways still evolving. adequate working capital to support our many activities. a cookbook attracted a reach of 13,000 in three days. Our
work. The babas and nyonyas achieved immense wealth We were given an unexpected lift with the Peranakan President’s Monthly Letter of December 2020 on Peranakan
Identity garnered a record 12,000 views.
and social standing especially in the British colonies. The
1820s through to the 1930s were the golden years of Baba
Museum’s opening in April 2008 as it sparked a revival of
interest in the culture. This blossomed
Events — 34 in 22 Months We are planning to do more with our digital platforms.
Nyonya culture. with the success of a Mandarin In the 22 months we were in office - May 2018 to March 2020 We have started a TPAS YouTube page and encourage you
As their culture reached a crescendo, they sought to TV Channel drama serial, - we organised a total of 34 events. Our choir, The Peranakan to sign on as subscribers. It will be activated soon. We are
preserve their dominance and exclusivity through carefully The Little Nyonya, in Voices, gave nine performances. targeting 1,000 subscribers and are presently at nearly 900.
arranged endogamous marriages. November the same The high points included our inaugural The Baba To reach out to our young, we are actively looking
Not surprisingly, the leading babas of the day formed year. In September Nyonya Literary Festival; The Peranakan Identity Forum: at initiating an Instagram platform run by the young for
the Straits Chinese British Association (SCBA) on 17 August 2019 we crossed a Who Am I?; our Dalam Dapor Workshop with Nyonya the young. Thank you for your continued support dear
1900 in Singapore to present the community as worthy milestone in our Violet Oon; the return of our afternoon tea dances called members and friends. Stay safe. Kamsiah manyak manyak!
subjects of the British Empire. The Peranakan Association history when Joget Siang; our popular topical talks and re-enactments
Singapore (TPAS), traces its origin to the SCBA. the Association of key Peranakan practices like semayang abu; and not
The Great Recession and the Second World War opened its forgetting our special tie-up with W!ld Rice for Emily of
destroyed much of the community’s wealth and influence. doors to our Emerald Hill.
Scores of Peranakan scions also lost their lives during the war. anak babas Blessings,
After the war, Peranakans started marrying outside of their and nyonyas. Membership — 2,101 Members,
network of “approved” families and into other ethnic groups. This Junior Colin Chee
With an increasingly Western education, Perakanan Membership Increase of 212 President
families became more secular and Christianised, cut category was With higher activity levels, membership grew from 1,889 The Peranakan Association Singapore
off from the traditional worship rituals and practices of created to introduce members in May 2018 to 2,101 at end December 2019. This president@peranakan.org.sg
ISSUE 2 • 2020 | 6 ISSUE 2 • 2020 | 7
f
t
feature
HE STRAITS CHINESE Colonel William Farquhar, at the behest and associations to represent the up-
The members of the first
BRITISH ASSOCIATION of Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, founder and-coming Straits Chinese bourgeoisie,
committee of the Straits Chinese (SCBA) was formed in of Singapore, to help kickstart the and to protect the welfare of the largely
British Association, formed on Singapore on 17 August fledgling island-economy of Singapore. uneducated China-born worker classes.
17 August, 1900. Courtesy of
National Archives of Singapore. 1900 to represent the social, With their propensity for business With almost a century of
economic and political and fluency in languages, these early contribution to society, the Straits
Seated left to right: Ho Yiang Moh,
Tchan Chun Fook, Tan Chay Yan, interests of some 800 Straits- pioneering Chinese families steadily Chinese were ready to ask for a louder
Song Ong Siang, Tan Jiak Kim, Seah born Chinese in the Straits increased their fortunes and gained the voice in the social, economic and
Liang Seah, Low Cheang Yee, Wee
Kim Yam. Standing left to right: Settlements, and to pledge allegiance to confidence and respect of the British political spheres of colonial Singapore.
Seah Eng Kiat, Dr Lim Boon Keng, Queen Victoria, matriarch of the British colonial administration. The Straits One thing led to another. On 17
Chia Keng Chin, Tan Boo Liat, Empire. The Melaka branch was formed Settlements started off in 1826 but the August, 1900, the Straits Chinese British
Tan Hap Seng, Wee Theam Tew.
Absent: Seah Peck Seah (Honorary the next month and Penang, 20 years British had earlier flown the Union Jack Association (SCBA) was born with about
Treasurer), Gan Gnoh Bee (Penang), later. In its 120 years of history, SCBA in Penang, Melaka and Singapore in 1786, 800 members. It was an elite body tasked
Chia Cheng Eok (Penang).
has endured the departure of the British 1795 and 1819 respectively. In 1837, some to look after the interests of not just the
colonial masters and two world wars of these Straits Chinese were described wealthy Chinese but also the less well-
to morph into its present form as The in the Free Press as “the principal off China-born workers.
Peranakan Association Singapore. merchants” of the colony. Today's millennials may react
Most of the SCBA founders were incredulously to the once-true British
descended from Melaka Chinese THE C HINE S E C R È M E D E LA C R È M E nationality of their forefathers. In the
merchants who were encouraged by Fast forward to the 1890s, the golden age colonial milieu, the babas were indeed
of the babas. It was when the designation British subjects born in the Straits
“British Chinese” appeared. But the babas Settlements which lasted till 1946. In
were quick to realise that within the 1963, with the merger of Singapore
O UNDING colonial configuration, they would at best
be seated at the furthest table during a
fancy British ball or other social events.
and Malaysia, the SCBA dropped the
“British” to become the Singapore
O R EFATHERS
Chinese Peranakan Association. In
Starting from the mid-1850s, August 1965, Singapore separated from
merchants like Whampoa Hoo Ah Kay, Malaysia to become an independent
Tan Kim Ching and Seah Eu Chin would sovereign state and in February 1966, the
IN THE 120TH YEAR OF represent the Straits Chinese crème de association was renamed The Peranakan
THE FOUNDING OF THE la crème. By the 1890s, Tan Jiak Kim and
PERANAKAN ASSOCIATION
Association Singapore.
Seah Liang Seah had become legislators
SINGAPORE, SIBLINGS
and municipal commissioners. The mood
NYONYA LINDA CHEE AND
BABA RONNEY TAN KOON
within the Chinese upper class was to
SIANG OPEN A WINDOW agitate for more “benefits” in colonial
TO THE FOUNDING OF THE Singapore. While the Straits Chinese
STRAITS CHINESE BRITISH mostly remained loyal to the British
ASSOCIATION crown, there were others who supported
the Ching court in China. From 1877
onwards, some bought fancy titles and
Was this Union Jack-like motif
wore elaborate Manchu costumes. THE
the original brand of the SCBA? The more strait-laced English- TOWCH A N G
Seen here with committee educated Chinese thought they should C O N UN DR UM
member Tchan Chun Fook,
as featured in the book “One
have their own sports or social clubs
Hundred Years of the Chinese The Ching Dynasty from 1644 to 1912
in Singapore” by Song Ong saw the Han Chinese subjugated by
Siang. Public domain. the Manchus, who compelled them
to plait their hair long in a queue,
known as the towchang. Unwittingly,
the conquered mistook the towchang
as iconic of their Chinese identity.
The towchang prevailed until the fall
of the Ching Dynasty, after which the
National Assembly of the Chinese
Republican government decreed that
Chinese all over the world be obliged
to cut off their towchang. • But even
before the Nationalist decree, two
prominent young Straits Chinese – Song
Ong Siang and Lim Boon Keng - had
done away with their queues in 1899
in a dismissal of the derisory “pigtail”.
Lim Boon Keng had condemned the
towchang as “inconvenient and useless”.
This incensed the founding president of
SCBA, Tan Jiak Kim, who opposed the
two young upstarts on this 'hairy' issue.
The visit of TRH the Duke and Duchess of York in 1901
Believing in the towchang, he steadfastly
was commemorated by a specially-built SCBA Pagoda on held on to his prominent coiffure till his
the old gaol site opposite the former St Joseph's Institution. dying day in 1917.
Courtesy of the National Museum of Singapore, National
Heritage Board. Note: The original photograph has been
cropped for this article.
ISSUE 2 • 2020 | 8 ISSUE 2 • 2020 | 9
feature
T H E F I R S T C O M M I T T E E
O F T H E S T R A I T S C H I N E S E B R I T I S H A S S O C I A T I O N
TCHAN CHUN FOOK
He was manager of Whampoa & Co for 40
HO YIANG MOH years before starting his own business. With his
The cashier with the Chartered Bank is engaging personality and sense of humour, he was TAN CHAY YAN
remembered for his sharp eye for detecting popular socially. He was a Justice of the Peace The grandson of Tan Tock Seng, he was born
forged $500 bank notes in 1877. He was active who believed in “the study of the spiritual world”. wealthy and pioneered the commercial planting
in the Straits Chinese Recreation Club and the of rubber. His efforts boosted the economies of
TA N J I A K KIM Celestial Reasoning Association which promoted
the mastery of the English language through
the Straits Settlements especially Singapore and
Melaka. He had earlier been encouraged by Lim
The son of Tan Beng Swee and grandson of Tan Kim Seng, he debating and literary study. Boon Keng to use the free rubber seeds given
was the scion of a distinguished Melaka family who carried out by Henry Ridley, director of the Botanical
Gardens. He worked tirelessly to roll out the
on the family tradition of public service, philanthropy and first rubber sheet in 1904. By 1907, the mass
business. He was an outstanding community leader who production of the Ford Model T vehicle created
answered the call to duty as a legislator and municipal S E A H LI ANG S E AH a huge demand for rubber tyres. In 1916, he
commissioner. Tan Jiak Kim spoke up for the rights of low The second son of tycoon Seah Eu Chin, he made his fortune
died suddenly, leaving a huge fortune to his wife
wage earners as well as the needs of the Chinese community, Chua Wan Neo. She delegated the running
in gambier planting and commercial trading. Seah Liang Seah of the rubber estates to Ronney's and Linda's
be it the Straits-born or the China-born Chinese. He CHIA KENG CHIN
was prominent as a legislator and municipal commissioner. great-grandfather Tan Jin Ann till his retirement
fought for the retention of the Queen's scholarship and set Educated at St Joseph's Institution, he donated generously to A nephew of Chia Ann Siang, he joined Ann Lock in 1934.
up educational scholarships for locals. He and Seah Liang & Co as a merchant after his two uncles passed
many causes including 400 silver taels to a drought relief fund on. He was a founder of the Straits Chinese
Seah raised funds to set up the King Edward VII College of in China and the British war fund. He had three wives and 12 Recreation Club and a municipal commissioner.
Medicine in Singapore. A loyal British subject, he contributed children. His three brothers, including Seah Peck Seah, also He was fortunate to be part of the Singapore
TAN HAP SENG
liberally to the war funds, including $37,000 (about $683,500 distinguished themselves in business and social circles. Four delegation that attended the coronation of King
The eldest grandson of shipping tycoon Tan Kim Edward VII in 1901.
in 2021) for the Prince of Wales Relief Fund and $19,200 to streets in Singapore are named after this famous Teochew family. Tian, he was brought up in the lap of luxury. After
buy a fighter plane for Britain's battle with Germany. taking over the mantle of the family shipping
business from his cousin Tan Beng Wan, Hap
Seng managed one of Singapore's largest shipping
companies. But his inexperience in business and
inability in the Chinese language led to a poorly-
judged deal. Overnight, the company collapsed in
debt. He remained an undischarged bankrupt for
26 years. Once the toast of high society, he died SE AH ENG KIAT
without any fanfare in 1934.
Grandson of Seah Eu Chin. He was a director of
the Singapore United Rubber Plantations Limited
WEE KIM YAM formed in 1916. He loved horse racing.
A son of Wee Ah Hood, he was an opium and
spirit farmer in the 1880s. He was appointed a
Justice of the Peace and was active in public affairs,
serving zealously on the committee of Tan Tock
Seng Hospital.
DR
LI M BO O N K E NG
He won the Queens Scholarship in 1887 to study medicine
at Edinburgh University. There, he was asked to read a
Chinese banner. Ashamed of being unable to read Chinese,
S ON G ONG SIANG he pledged to read and write Chinese and became more WEE THE AM TEW TAN BOO LIAT
The son of Song Hoot Kiam, an early Singapore Chinese Chinese than the Chinese. He even organised Mandarin A high-flying lawyer whose fortunes turned south A nephew of Tan Chay Yan and great grandson
Christian, he agitated for social reforms together with his night classes for whoever wished to learn the language. Dr after he was jailed for misappropriating a client's of Tan Tock Seng, he was the last Straits Chinese
good friend, fellow Queens Scholar Dr Lim Boon Keng. Lim wrote books, practised medicine, became a legislator, funds. He died a broken man in an asylum in 1918. head of the Hokkien Huay Kuan. A man of
His family library provided reading material for the diverse interests, he was well known in racing
They both studied at Raffles Institution and founded the co-founded the Straits Chinese Magazine and was the younger Lim Boon Keng. Theam Tew himself was LOW CHE ANG YEE circles for his cup-winning horse, Vanitas, in
Singapore Chinese Girls' School in 1899 in a building next first Chancellor of Xiamen University. With his extensive fortunate to study law in England with the help His father came from China and built a business 1898. The prize money: 100,000 Straits dollars.
to the present Central Fire Station at Hill Street. Song Ong connections to the colonial masters, the Chinese Republican of Gan Eng Seng's sponsorship. Although he went dealing with gutta percha and other produce. His illustrious grandfather, Tan Kim Ching, was
Siang also edited the huge tome “One Hundred Years of government and the Singapore merchants, the social down the slippery slope, his nieces, the daughters He schooled at Raffles Institution where his anointed with ministerial status by King Mongkut
of his banker brother Wee Thiam Seng, married schoolmate, Lim Thean Geow, was Lim Boon of Thailand. His daughter Polly Tan was the
the Chinese in Singapore” which is still used today as the reformist was very busy connecting many dots and rendered well. One of them married Tan Chin Tuan, long- Keng's father. Like Seah Liang Seah, he was a inspiration behind the play Emily of Emerald Hill.
standard reference text on the history of the Chinese in service in many societies beyond the call of duty. He time chairman of OCBC Bank. Another became prominent Teochew merchant much respected by Tan Boo Liat was a strong supporter of Sun Yat
Singapore up to 1919. remained modest and never took a leadership role. the mother-in-law of Lee Kuan Yew. European merchants. Sen, considered the father of modern China.
ISSUE 2 • 2020 | 10 ISSUE 2 • 2020 | 11
leading the scba — descendents of the four founders share memories of their anscestors
TAN his ancestors. He
felt the portrait
was that reminder
SE A H The Seah family played such
prominent roles in Singapore society
that many streets were named after
who was a consummate diplomat.”
Bilingual in English and Chinese,
he organised many “prominent and
J IA K L I A NG
“looking down on them: Seah Street, Liang Seah Street, well-attended wedding parties” (as he
all of us.” Peck Seah Street and Eu Chin Street, had six sons and six daughters from
“I had never named after their father, Seah Eu Chin. three wives) where bands and wayang
K IM SE A H
met the man. This was a fact that fascinated Shawn Peranakan entertainment were standard
What I know of since he was young. fare. The ostentatious display seemed
him is through “My father, Simon, would never-ending. Seah Liang Seah hosted
A MAN FOR THE PEOPLE my father, Tan KING OF THE STREETS occasionally talk with much passion royalty in his magnificent home called
Eng Chiang, who about the prominent pioneers we were Bendemeer House. It had a huge
was told by my descended from. This inspired me to find ballroom, a four-storey tower and
grandfather, Tan out more about them.” His aunt Florence sweeping grounds. Shawn elaborated:
Soo Bin,” who was also regaled him with stories about “He would have driving competitions,
the only surviving the famous Seah brothers. Shawn was miniature rifle-shooting, and guessing
son of Tan Jiak intrigued by, as he describes, Liang Seah's games with one person whistling a tune
Kim. Richard is “most unusual will” after he passed on with a biscuit in his mouth while his
“extremely proud” in 1925. It stipulated that his estate could hapless teammates would be trying to
of his kong cho. only be distributed 21 years after the figure out what the tune was. He also
“He was a man for the people, serving Tan Jiak Kim with his third wife, Ang Geok Lan, and death of King George V's last surviving sported clock golf, croquet, driving
grandsons Tan Eng Chiang (right) and Tan Eng Wan (left).
in the public domain with absolute faith child. In 1996, 71 years after his death, competitions and even a merry-go-
and conviction to bring betterment to have none of it. He was proud of his Liang Seah's estate with a value of about round once!”
the ordinary man in the street.” It was queue and kept it to his grave.” This fact $13 million was finally distributed. Notwithstanding his vast wealth,
befitting that he became the founding was confirmed in print by Richard's older Shawn's curiosity about his the St Joseph's Institution alumnus was
president of the Straits Chinese British brother, the late Tan Tiang Leong. While forefathers led to a decade of research far from being a feckless degenerate. He
Association (SCBA). Song Ong Siang and Lim Boon Keng in earnest. “I found out most of the was a high-ranking community leader
Tan Jiak Kim cared deeply for the advocated the change to Western suit, Tan significant and comprehensive details on who was well respected by both the
Chinese community. He agitated for Jiak Kim refused to yield and wore the my own.” These uncovered facets of a British and Chinese. He gave generously
the installation of water standpipes for Chinese costume until he died in 1917. lavish, extravagant lifestyle. to charitable causes.
rickshaw pullers to cool themselves after In the era of arranged marriages, Both brothers were Anglophiles Inspired by his forefathers, Shawn
every run. After the Second World War, he dutifully married Ang Geok Hoe and loved parties. Shawn discovered has published three local history books
these rickshaws were phased out by 1947. when he was 19 years old. After she NYONYA LINDA CHEE DISCOVERS Liang Seah to be “a colourful character since 2017. These are titled, Seah Eu
In social reform, Tan Jiak Kim was died at childbirth, he remarried her FROM BABA SHAWN SEAH THE 'CRAZY Chin: His Life and Times; Leader and
strong on abolishing opium and was the sister, Ang Geok Hean. They sailed to RICH BABAS' OF YESTERYEAR. Legislator: Seah Liang Seah; and My
Photographs courtesy of Shawn Seah and the Seah family
only Asian on an all-colonial panel in 1908, England in 1911 to attend King George unless otherwise stated. Father's Kampung: A History of Aukang
when the Anti-Opium Commission was V's coronation, but she died during the and Punggol, published in 2020.
F
formed. Yet he was reluctant to contribute visit. He remarried another sister, Ang The Seahs meet at a Singapore
to education for women. Like Seah Liang Geok Lan, who eventually outlived OUR GENERATIONS AGO, Seah Clan Association, of which he is
BABA RICHARD TAN TIANG TECK Seah, he was very traditional; boys came him. Marrying the sister of the deceased LIFE WAS MUCH DAZZLE an Executive Committee member and
REMEMBERS HIS GREAT GRANDFATHER, AS first. He was constantly at odds with “the spouse was a traditional practice known and spectacle with the Seah also the head of their youth group, or
TOLD TO BABA RONNEY TAN KOON young reformers,” Song Ong Siang and as “tukar tikar”, literally meaning brothers, Liang Seah and qing nian tuan. The Association has an
SIANG. Photographs courtesy of the National Museum of Lim Boon Keng, who were the prime changing the floor mat! Peck Seah. They were, as annual gathering. There is also an active
Singapore, National Heritage Board.
movers for opening up education to girls. “He was a traditional man with researched by descendant Shawn Seah, Facebook group
R
Richard remembers his great- traditional ideas on how a Straits-born “incredibly wealthy business people who online called
ICHARD REMEMBERS grandfather as a devoted family man Chinese baba should conduct himself. lived at Orchard Road and Boat Quay, in Seah Eu Chin
HIS GROWING UP YEARS. imbued with traditional Chinese Exactly as any nyonya mother would beautiful houses surrounded by flowers.” Descendants. “I love
A huge portrait of Tan Jiak values. Yet he was also pro-British and pesan or instruct: senonoh, ada adat (well- Shawn, 34, is the great-great- this online group,
Kim hung prominently in spoke fluent English, Baba Malay and behaved and polite),” remembers Richard. grandnephew of Seah Liang Seah, a co- because I am able
the living room of Panglima Hokkien. On hindsight, Tan Jiak Kim Richard has followed in the family founder and vice-president of the Straits to communicate
Prang (meaning “war admiral”), the huge was caught in the transitory phase of tradition of public service, contributing Chinese British Association (SCBA), and with many people
house that Richard's great-great-great the Straits-born Chinese, in adapting many years of time, effort and money to the great-great-grandson of Seah Peck who are interested
grandfather, Tan Kim Seng, built in the from traditional customs to the modern various charitable projects. His “proudest Seah, the SCBA honorary treasurer. in searching for
1850s. Six generations lived in the house. European-influenced era of the 20th moment” was on being conferred the Upon Liang Seah's death, he their roots.”
The airy 10.5-acre estate had many fruit century. Unlike his cousin Tan Boo Liat Pingat Bakti Masyarakat (PBM) by then- reportedly left behind real estate “I have
trees of rambutans, durians and mango. who supported Sun Yat Sen, Tan Jiak President Wee Kim Wee in 1990. He is consisting of 87 acres of land in gathered digitally
A landmark colonial-styled house along Kim focused his allegiance to Queen presently the Chairman of Pelangi Home. Serangoon Road; 84 acres of rubber along with many
River Valley Road, it was torn down in Victoria and later, King Edward VII and I asked Richard whether he would land at Thomson Road; seven houses in members of
1983 to make way for a condominium, then King George V. pass down to his two grandchildren, North Bridge Road; two houses on North my extended
Yong Ann Park. Richard, 79, is modest Acknowledging his stellar aged five and seven, the stories his Boat Quay; one house in River Valley family. Through
about being the descendant of very contributions to the community, the father told him. “I will, but will tell Road; his sons' properties consisting of these offline and
wealthy forebears. “We still worked for British colonial government awarded much more when they are a bit older,” 230 acres of land off East Coast Road online activities,
a living”, Richard remarks, adding that Tan Jiak Kim the Companion of the Most he smiles warmly. In the evening of his Top: Carte-de-visite of all the way to I am constantly
growing up in the house was “a constant Distinguished Order of St Michael and St life, as he takes walks at the Botanic Seah Liang Seah Courtesy Bedok; and other reminded that I
Gardens, he is comforted by memories of Asian Civilisations lands scattered Top: The Seahs were fabulously wealthy. Shown here is the
reminder of the George (CMG) in 1912. have a family and it helps me remember
Top: Portrait of Tan Jiak Kim Museum. Collection of the entrance to the palatial home of Seah Eng Kwang, son of
with the CMG medal, as huge heritage and “One of the SCBA's reforms in 1900 of the “luxuriant foliage and fresh air of Peranakan Museum. Gift throughout Seah Peck Seah. Bottom: The front gate to the residence of my roots: Where I came from, and who I
painted by Low Kway Soo. contributions” of was to abolish the queue, but he would Panglima Prang.” of Mr and Mrs Lee Kip Lee Singapore. Seah Eng Kwang. am,” says Shawn on a thankful note.
ISSUE 2 • 2020 | 12 ISSUE 2 • 2020 | 13
leading the scba — descendents of the four founders share memories of their anscestors
S ON G director of the now-defunct Asia
Commercial Banking Corporation,
through his high standards of integrity.”
The “prominent bigwig and
successful lawyer” invested in several
properties in Orchard Road. One of
LIM
DR rooms and was one of the last mansion-
sized wood-and-attap houses dating back
to the 1860s. “My most vivid memory is
remembers Kok Lian. “While happily
fueled by the rounds of 'yam seng'
at banquets, grandpa was also prone
ONG BOON
Dr Chew had told Patricia that while them was 400 Orchard Road, a rambling seeing him on his plantation lounge chair to engage in his favorite mode of
some of his peers were corrupt and bungalow on spacious grounds near the with book and cigar at hand.” humour, where he would pun in several
accepted bribes from bank customers Thai Embassy, which has since been sold As he became less agile with age, languages. One of his oft-repeated puns
S IA NG K ENG
to enrich themselves unjustly, he would and redeveloped as Orchard Towers. “it was my job to escort him down the was the Japanese word 'arigato' (thank
not stoop to do the same. Patricia is “It was big enough to accommodate my stairs to make sure he didn't fall down.” you) which he would twist into the
especially proud of her granduncle's grandparents, my mother and her nine Kok Lian would also accompany him in Hokkien 'giah ee giah toh' (carry chair,
OF INTEGRITY AND DUTY legacy of empowering Straits-born other siblings gratis. My grandparents THE SOCIAL REFORMER his humpback 1940s Dodge, driven by carry table). In his darker moods, his
females to be educated by co-founding at that time didn't own any properties a Malay chauffeur, to spend time at the intoxicated rants would run into phrases
the Singapore Chinese Girls' School. Sir and had many mouths to feed.” Beatrice City Club on Cecil Street or the Ee Ho such as 'goa ai si, buay si' (want to die
Song and his wife, Lady Helen Song, often crossed the road from her home to Hean Club at Bukit Pasoh Road. “My but cannot die).” In more cheerful times,
adopted two daughters, Lily Nancy visit her uncle and aunt, and they would job, as grandma insisted, was to place my he said it was strange that the Hokkien
who remained single, and Darling, who give her sweets or fruits. hand over his head as he either entered or word for equines was “horse” but
married but died leaving no issue. “My mother would say that although emerged so that he would not scrape or “tiger” in Hokkien is “hor[se].
he went out dressed like a quintessential bump his somewhat thinly covered pate.” Comparing notes on play rituals
Left: Portrait of Song Englishman or 'the King's Chinese', at In the 1950s, the “old man in a white with his niece, Stella Kon, and the
Ong Siang, knighted in
1936, as painted by Julius suit”, would go for one of his favourite others, Kok Lian recalls “grandpa's
Wentscher. Courtesy of walks aided either by his walking stick usual attempts at friendliness to the very
the National Museum or “wobbling rather dangerously while young was to slip one of his cigar rings
of Singapore, National
Heritage Board. crossing the road” to visit his neighbour, onto the finger of whichever child he
Dr Hu Tsai Kuen, at 2 Paterson Hill. happened to encounter.”
Right: Song Ong Joo, his Dr Lim often stayed the afternoon till When Kok Lian reached adulthood,
wife Lim Hean Neo and
their brood of 10 children dinnertime and the two men “apparently he realised his famous grandpa “was far
lived in a bungalow shared much in common” even though from wealthy”. After leaving Xiamen
owned by his elder
brother, Song Ong Siang,
Dr Hu was nearly 30 years Dr Lim's and bequeathing their beautiful home
at 400 Orchard Road, BABA LIM KOK LIAN* HAS FOND MEMORIES OF junior. “It was also likely that his on Gulang Su to Xiamen University, Dr
where Orchard Towers HIS GRANDFATHER, AS TOLD TO NYONYAS neighbour was more liberal with the beer Lim returned to Singapore financially
now stands. Note the PAT LIN** IN CALIFORNIA AND LINDA CHEE
interesting toys that the
than what grandma permitted at home.” depleted and homeless, impacted by the
IN SINGAPORE Black-and-white photographs by courtesy of Many years later, Dr Hu's family would Depression and World War Two. “The
children played with and
Lim Kok Lian.
the close resemblance of be immortalized in the movie, 'Crazy
D
Song Ong Joo to his brother.
Rich Asians'.
R LIM BOON KENG LED At meals, grandpa “fidgeted
CHILDREN'S BOOK AUTHOR NYONYA A REMARKABLE LIFE frequently with his ill-fitting dentures”,
PATRICIA CHEW SPEAKS WITH NYONYA amidst the turmoil of his which fascinated Kok Lian as “both
LINDA CHEE ON THE PROFOUND INFLUENCE generation. He was also upper and lower sets of teeth would
OF HER ILLUSTRIOUS GRAND UNCLE, BABA bountifully blessed. When be removed and sat alongside him
SONG ONG SIANG he drew his last breath on 1 January, throughout the meals. All meals were
All photographs courtesy of Patricia Chew unless otherwise stated. Left: Song Ong
Siang and his wife,
1957 at the age of 88, he left behind seven also not complete without his favourite
A
Helen, adopted home he would be at ease wearing a children, 30 grandchildren, and numerous side of chili belachan.”
great name is more desirable two daughters, simple sarong and shirt just as any other great- and great-great-grandchildren. The cigar-smoking Baba enjoyed
than great riches, to be named Lily Nancy baba. That completely floored me! I Eleven of his progeny became his shot of Johnny Walker whisky every
esteemed is better than silver and Darling (left).
suppose it destroyed my perceptions of medical doctors. They include Dr Lim Kok night “for medicinal purposes” and
or gold. an old Chinese gentleman perpetually Kian, Kok Lian’s elder brother - both are Dr Lim surrounded by his family in mourning. His widow
would return home “from banquets
— Proverbs 22:1 having tea at home, and dressed to the Grace Yin looks on, at the head of the coffin.
the sons of ace racing car driver Lim Peng guided by an obviously irate grandma,
THIS BIBLE PASSAGE WAS QUOTED nines,” says a bemused Patricia. Han, whose mother was Dr Lim Boon loudly singing, and shakily going somewhat shabby old mansion grandpa
often by Sir Song Ong Siang, as related Patricia's late mother said Sir Song Sir Song died about six months Keng's second wife, Grace Yin Pek Ha. upstairs on none too steady legs,” lived in on Paterson Hill was afforded to
by his niece, Beatrice Song, who brought was a quiet person, and would frequently before the outbreak of Second World Growing up, Kok Lian, 78, was him through an old friendship with the
up her daughter, Patricia Chew, with pore over legal documents, working War in Feb 15, 1942. He was given a gun “very conscious” of his grandfather's Tan Chay Yan family, whom grandpa had
stories of the illustrious Christian lawyer. right into the night. The pace increased salute. “My mother said that his widow fame and accomplishments. “Being his helped in the rubber industry.”
The first Malayan Chinese to be knighted when he edited the seminal tome, 'One Lady Song fainted several times during grandson often placed me in the situation Dr Lim became much of a recluse in
by the British, Sir Song was a brilliant Hundred Years' History of the Chinese in the funeral.” of being in a fish bowl - watched his august years. Towards the end of 1956,
lawyer who started a legal practice with Singapore'. “However, he was just at ease From the wealth of information constantly for any signs of not living up he fell very ill. Cancer was suspected. On
his classmate, James Aitken, calling it going out to parties, where he had a large on him that was fondly shared by her to the standards set by the great man New Year's Day, he passed on.
Aitken & Ong Siang. network of friends. Apparently, both he parents, Patricia was inspired to become who was both a prominent civic leader A huge crowd attended Dr Lim's
“I didn't hear much about his and my grand aunt liked dancing.” a lawyer. “A seed was planted in me and a polymath.” Family and teachers burial in Bidadari Cemetery. Kok Lian says
business acumen, but rather the A Queen's Scholar, Sir Song was from the time I was about 12 years old.” “would frequently admonish me to live in reflection that his grandpa “had lived
integrity in which he conducted himself not proud and did not look down on Sir Song's exemplary life continues to up to some of these abilities whenever across two centuries and by the sheer force
and his very good command of the his siblings. “My granduncle was a impact Patricia even now. It inspired I fell short of expectations”. Kok Lian's of his activism and personality, he had
English language, such that people would generous and dutiful brother to them,” her to write “Tony Tapir and most memorable childhood days were changed the lives of many as well as the
go to him to get their legal documents says Patricia with much admiration. He Friends”, a series of Patricia
spent with his grandparents over course of history in no small ways.”
drafted,” says Patricia, whose supported his unmarried sisters, Song four children's books Chew and her weekends and school holidays in their
grandfather was Sir Song's younger Boey Neo and Song Pean Neo. He also that she authored late mother, two-storey home,
Beatrice Song.
brother, Song Ong Joo. employed Patricia's grandfather to work to emphasise Top: Portrait of Dr Lim set on two acres of Dr Lim Boon Keng and his grandchildren at his estate. *LIM KOK LIAN WAS THE HEAD ADMINISTRATOR OF THE KAISER
“He also impacted me and my late in his law firm, copying out indentures the importance Boon Keng. Courtesy of land at 1, Paterson Lim Kok Lian is the toddler in white overalls, second PERMANENTE MEDICAL CENTER IN RIVERSIDE BEFORE HE RETIRED
IN 2009. **PAT LIN IS PROFESSOR EMERITUS, GENDER, ETHNICITY
the National Museum from left. The other children are, from left, his cousin,
father, Commendatore Dr David Chew, for conveyancing because he had of integrity in of Singapore, National Hill. It had 7,000 Dawn Teh, his brother, Dr Lim Kok Kian, and Dawn's
AND MULTICULTURAL STUDIES AT CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY,
POMONA. BOTH ARE BASED IN CALIFORNIA.
who was previously the managing beautiful writing. leadership. Heritage Board. sq feet of rambling brother, Teh Ee Keng, a Queen's Scholar.
ISSUE 2 • 2020 | 14 ISSUE 2 • 2020 | 15
COMING CLEAN
feature
INSPIRED BY THE
PANDEMONIUM
OF THE COVID-19
PANDEMIC, BABA
EMERIC LAU
EXPLORES THE
HISTORY, HABITS
AND HYSTERIA
OF PERANAKANS'
HYGIENE PRACTICES
T
he typical bibik is fastidious about cleanliness, and my grandmother was Pears' Soap was promoted as
“brightening the dark corners of the NOURISHMENT
no exception. “Cuci berrr-sssih! (Wash thoroughly!)” she would exhort our earth as civilization advances, whilst
helper; “Mesti pakai Brrrassso!” (Must use Brasso!) she exclaimed if she saw amongst the cultured of all nations it
holds the highest place…”
the slightest tarnish on a brass object or bit of chrome hardware. As a result, Many Peranakans, modeling
I associate trilling r's and hissing s's with a frenzied hubbub of scrubbing, polishing themselves as the King's Chinese,
were quick to convert to Christianity.
and washing. How did our fanatical devotion to always shining like freshly minted Their desire to differentiate themselves
coins come about? from the sinkeh or new Chinese
migrants drove them to adopt upper
class European practices, including
CLASS & COLONIALISM maintaining a state of exemplary
Let's turn back the clock to the 17th and 18th cleanliness in both body and home.
centuries when the first Europeans arrived Soaps, detergents, perfumes and other Some common ingredients used in rempah include Top: Mortar and pestle used for pounding the rempah.
candlenut, garlic and chillies. Bottom: A ceramic Tong Luda or spittoon. Collection of
in tropical Southeast Asia. At the time, cleanliness-related sundries were all the Asian Civilisations Museum. Nyonyas used two types
the concept of bathing was rather alien to incorporated into an already syncretic REMPAH of spittoons. The first type, like this piece, was tall with
westerners, and Dutch historian De Haan and holistic Asian culture of general A diet rich in antioxidants and
a flared mouth and foot that resembled the archaic 'gu'-
shaped vases used on altars in China. They were placed on
noted a high degree of “hydrophobia” immunity boosting ingredients can the floor and within the washstands in bridal chambers.
that lasted at least one generation, before help ward off diseases. It was reported The second type was the jar-shaped table spittoons of
the new arrivals took to immersing various sizes, which were more portable and shared
that none of the Indians who were between nyonyas at social gatherings.
themselves in the manner of the locals at evacuated from Wuhan were
the nearest convenient riverside pool. found to have contracted
Describing life in Batavia in the Covid-19. The Indian diet
middle of the 18th century, he writes of curries and spicy foods
that both Dutchmen and the Portuguese may have something to do
detested bathing. They left this to the with robustness - high levels of
ladies, who were of local or mixed turmeric, galangal, garlic, onions
descent. Jean Gelman Taylor also notes and chilis. The same ingredients are
that European men in Batavia “refused found in nyonya rempahs. The humble
to adapt to the Asian custom of frequent tapioca is known to help guard against
bathing”. Instead, the Europeans simply stomach cancer, while ginger helps to
donned clean clothes regularly. ward off “heatiness”, and is easy to
The founder of modern Singapore, include whether cooking chicken, pork
Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, praised or fish dishes. Be careful though,
the Javanese for their cleanliness and as ginger may induce flatulence,
meticulous care of physical hygiene. The causing one to “break wind” as a
Buah Lerak, or soapberry, a natural detergent. Photo by Dawn Marie Lee.
common Javanese who bathed, Raffles result of “beating wind”!
wrote, once a day or once in two or three wellbeing that encompassed one's health
days were “more clean than the Chinese (both corporeal and spiritual), hygiene, SIREH
and even the European”. housekeeping and happiness. The practice of chewing sireh
With advances in science and At this juncture, we should mention (betel leaves and areca nut)
Pears Soap advertisement, 1890. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.
medicine over the 19th and early 20th the buah lerak (soapberry). Its husk was once a ubiquitous habit of
century, washing, especially with contains pure saponin, a gentle soaping the nyonyas. Aside from being a
soap, became regarded by the Western agent. This natural detergent is softer on mild hallucinogenic, betel leaves do
world as a marker of civilisation. When fabrics than synthetic soap, penetrating bring some health benefits. They are
exported to the colonies, using soap cloth softly to tease out dirt, making it believed to reduce the level of sugar
"made natives white" in a metaphorical a favourite of bibiks who use it on their in the blood, thus treating diabetes;
sense. By the same token, the "unwashed delicates and coloured kain. Native to they reduce body fat by increasing
masses" reeked with bodily odours South and East Asia, natural saponin is the metabolic rate; and they
whereas the nobility was portrayed as eco-friendly and totally hypoallergenic, inhibit carcinogens that cause
freshly scented. Missionary Christians meaning it won't irritate sensitive skin. oral cancer by maintaining the
invested their congregations with the In a 21st century reversal, the Western levels of ascorbic acid in saliva.
idea that the cleaner or purer one was, world has cottoned on to the benefits of When applied externally, the
the closer to God, giving rise to the the soapberry, packaging it as an organic leaves help to heal wounds and
phrase “cleanliness is next to godliness”. laundry detergent! provide relief from headaches.
ISSUE 2 • 2020 | 16 ISSUE 2 • 2020 | 17You can also read
