Life & Key Contributions in Singapore:Mr Gan Eng Seng

Alan Primary 4Beacon Primary School

Mr Gan – Who is he?

Gan Eng Seng  (1844—1899) was one of the early Chinese pioneers of Singapore known for his generosity to many charitable causes during the era of the British Straits Settlements of Malaya and Singapore.

More about life – before and after marriage

Life

Life - Overview

Birth 1844 (Melaka, Malaya)

Death 9 September 1899 (aged 55) Amoy Street, Singapore

Occupation Chief Comprador, Chinese pioneer, philanthropist

Before Marriage

Gan was of Hokkien Chinese descent, born and educated in Melaka

Eldest son of five in his family. Had an elementary school education in which he learnt to read

and write in simple English and keep accounts. Taken to Singapore – 16 years old Father died when he was 16 years old. After father’s death - was involved in the nutmeg business on a

very small scale. Taken on as an apprentice by Messrs. Guthrie and Company. Gan was diligent and capable, and his ability won him the

recognition and keen interest of Thomas Scott, one of the partners in the company.

Gan was promoted to the post of Assistant Storekeeper and then Chief Storekeeper of the company.

1874, he became the company's Chief Compradore, a position which he held for the next 25 years.

After Marriage

Gan married his first wife, Koh Chwee Neo, at the age of eighteen

1859 adopted his first son, Gan Tiang Tock

He had in total five wives, seven sons and two daughters.

Onnly two of his children were born by his wives; his other children were mostly adopted

Next Page – His immediate family members

Family Members

Wives

Kho Chwee Neo

Kho Eng Geok

Choo Ah Teng

Lim Neo Chick

Teo Bok Neo

Children

Sons

Gan Tian Tock (Was adopted)

Gan Tian Teck (Was adopted)

Gan Tian Leong (Was adopted)

Gan Tian Khay (Was adopted)

Gan Tian Poh (Was adopted)

Gan Tian Choon (Was

adopted)

Gan Tian Khwee (Born to Kho Eng

Geok)

Daughters

Gan Chin Neo (Born to Choo

Ah Teng)

Gan Ee Neo (Was Adopted)

Brother Gan Eng Chye

Sisters

Gan Gin Neo

Gan Guat Neo

Gan Guan Neo

Things he contributed to Singapore that made him an important figure in Singapore history

Key Contributions To Singapore

Gan Eng Seng School Cause:

Had little education, he realised its value as he prospered and became wealthy. Had a dream to build a school for the poor which taught both English and Chinese

Information about the School: In 1885, built the Anglo-Chinese Free School for boys in some shophouses in Telok Ayer Street.  In 1923, it was renamed to Gan Eng Seng School (GESS) in his honour.

Specalities:

The only one initiated, established and maintained by a local citizen with a gift of freehold property, buildings and adequate funds until his demise. Most other schools of the time were established by missionary or communal organisations.

Continuation: In later generations, some of Gan Eng Seng's descendants choose to return to serve the

school: Three sons of the founder, Gan Tiang Kwee, Gan Tiang Choon and Gan Tiang Tok, were

on the Board of Trustees. Gan Hock Chye, grandson of Gan Eng Seng was a pupil at the school and later return to

serve as the Master of Gan House and Committee Member of the GESS Old Students' Association in the 1950s.[

Gan Kee Soon, one of the great grandsons of Gan Eng Seng was a Math teacher in GESS at its Anson Road site from 1960 to 1969 teaching Pre-U classes.

Current Location: In 2002, it is located at 1 Henderson Road after it has moved eight times during its 122-

year history; the most ever known in Singapore schools due to expansion needs.

Donations

Thong Chai Medical Institution The Thong Chai Medical Institution was another major charity

which Gan strongly backed and financed. It began treating the poor of all races and religions in a rented shophouse at 31 Upper Pickering Street. In 1975, it was relocated to 50 Chin Swee Road and till today, the institution continues to provide free medical consultation and herbal medicines to all.

Tan Tock Seng Hospital The annual report of Tan Tock Seng Hospital for 1892, made

mentioned of the generous gift by Gan of a freehold property at Rochor to the hospital.

Ee Hoe Hean Club In 1895, he was one of the co-founders of the Ee Hoe Hean Club,

a social-cum-business club where like-minded Chinese businessmen could mingle and exchange ideas. It was originally located on Duxton Hill but moved to Bukit Pasoh Road in 1925. The club plays an active role in community services and charity work to this day.

Additional facts about him

Addiitional Facts

Death

On 9 September 1899, Gan Eng Seng died at the age of 55 in his house at No. 87 Amoy Street. His total assets were worth an estimated S$550,000.

 He was buried at Leng Kee Sua somewhere on the hill. Due to redevelopment of the area, his body was disinterred and reburied in a family grave at Bukit Brown Cemetery.

Sources for Images and Text http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:87_A

moy_Street.jpg http://

www.gess.edu.sg/gess/main/images/ganengseng.gif

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