Brief Biography on Tan Tock Seng

Tan Tock Seng was born in 1798, Malacca and died on the 24th of February 1850.
He was a renowned philanthropist who often helped the poor, a landowner, and a entrepreneur.

His father is Whay Teck and he had 2 brothers in China. His wife was Lee Seo Neo, who also contributed greatly to the Tan Tock Seng Hospital after his death. Moreover, Tan Tock Seng also had 3 sons, Kim Ching, Swee LIm and Teck Guan. All of them did many charitable acts and helped the poor.

Tan Tock Seng left Malacca and came to Singapore at the age of 21. He first started as a vegetable seller and brought produce from the countryside to sell. He was very hardworking and saved every cent he made, not squandering them away. Finally, in 1827, after much hard work, he saved enough money and managed to open a shop along the riverside at Boat Quay.

Tan Tock Seng was a businessman and owned many house. For instance : He owned a block of shop houses at Ellenborough Building and a 14-acre fruit plantation opposite St Andrew's Mission Hospital.

As said earlier, Tan Tock Seng was a renowned philanthropist amongst the Chinese and generously donated to the poor. His most famous charitable act was when he donated $7000 to build the Chinese Pauper's Hospital which was later named after him -- Tan Tock Seng Hospital.

Tan Tock Seng was the first Asian that was made a Justice of Peace by Governor Butterworth. He had helped many Chinese immigrants settled disputes which earned him the title " Caption of the Chinese "

Unfortunately, Tan Tock Seng became seriously ill and died at the age of 52 in 1850. His sons continued his legacy and also became leaders in the Chinese community.

Tan Tock Seng Hospital is an apt memorial to this great philanthropist who was deeply concerned over the sick and did his best to help them in early Singapore. He is a greatly respected man who have made great contributions to Singapore's society.