Thian Hock Keng Temple postcard

In the 1830s, Tan Tock Seng displaced Si Hoo Keh as the leader of the Hokkien community in Singapore. In 1839, Tan led the establishment of the Thian Hock Keng (Temple of Heavenly Blessings), which became the focal point of the Hokkien community. Tan’s name tops the list of donors inscribed on a stone stele at the temple entrance, although he reportedly said that he did not believe in the temple’s goddess.