Contributions Of Tan Kah Kee To Singapore (1904-1950)

The dissertation mainly analyses Tan Kah Kee’s contribution to Singapore in the aspects of education, society and economy. Tan Kah Kee was an Overseas Chinese leader who demonstrated patriotism towards China while living in Singapore. While contributing greatly to the nation building of China, Tan Kah Kee also contributed to Singapore’s society. Although Tan Kah Kee was forced to come to Singapore in search of better living during 1890 because of the unfavorable political, social and economic conditions back in China, he assimilated into Singapore’s society quickly. Tan Kah Kee’s actions demonstrated that his love of Singapore equaled his love of his homeland China. He even applied for and received his English citizenship while living in Singapore during the colonial days. Having lived in Singapore for nearly 60 years, Tan Kah Kee regarded Singapore as his second home. Although Tan Kah Kee paid much attention to his business career, he did not forget about improving the lives of people in Singapore. Tan Kah Kee was appointed a member of the Chinese Advisory Board by the British Government. This showed the British government’s trust towards Tan Kah Kee and symbolized his power amongst the Overseas Chinese in Singapore. Credit must be given to Tan Kah Kee for the social stability, strong economy and good Chinese education system that Singapore enjoys today. Though Tan Kah Kee has left us for over fifty years, the Tan Kah Kee spirit is still alive in Singapore.