Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan
As early as 1840, the leaders of the Hokkien community were already using the premise of Thiam Hock Keng Temple (http://www.rgs.edu.sg/events/Chinatown/places/temple.html) at Telok Ayer Street as their meeting place. The temple was often the first place where the new immigrants would give thanks after their journey to the South Seas. It was also here that they would find solace in the company of fellow immigrants. It was therefore not surprising that the Hokkien Huay Kuan was established in 1860 within the grounds of Thiam Hock Keng Temple.
Tan Kim Ching, the eldest son of Tan Tock Seng, was the first leader of the Hokkien Huay Kuan. He stayed in that position for 30 years, noted especially for his establishment of a marriage registry for the Hokkiens.
By 1937, the Hokkien Huay Kuan was registered as a private company, Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan. In 1954 to accommodate the expanded activities of the association, both Lee Kong Chian and Tan Lark Sye contributed $200,000 each to build a permanent home for the Huay Kuan opposite the Thiam Hock Keng Temple.
The Hokkien Huay Kuan is noted for its contribution to education. Under the leadership of Tan Kah Kee, Tan Lark Sye and Lee Kong Chian, the association built primary and secondary schools to educate the children of its clansmen. These schools include Ai Tong Primary, Tao Nan Primary (http://www.heritagehub.com.sg/visit%20sites/national%20treasures/NT-TaoNanSchool/NT-TaoNanSchool-M.htm) and Nan Chiau Girls School. Its contribution to furthering education culminated in the donation of 500 acres of Yunnan Garden to build the Nanyang University (now renamed Nanyang Technological University).
Compiled by Yeo Ai Hoon |