Gan Heritage Centre Nanyang Chapter

There were many factors that drove the massive migration of Chinese immigrants to Nanyang (Southeast Asia), including natural disasters and man-made calamities. Some of the reasons were related to the aggressive economic invasion from the westerners, who weakened the country’s agricultural foundation and forced many bankrupt self-sustaining farmers to venture out of their homeland.In addition to the push factor of China's deteriorating agricultural situation, there was the pull factor of British colonialism in Asia and the many economic opportunities created by it. The new British settlements needed vast numbers of labourers mostly to develop land, mine for tin, build settlements, pave roads and build harbours. Many Chinese worked in mines, plantations, or became coolies, shopkeepers, apprentices, carpenters or ran small businesses.Emergence Of Clan AssociationsWhen the sea-faring immigrants from South and East China arrived at the new territories in Southeast Asia, they did not receive any assistance or protection from the local authorities or the colonial government. They not only faced a hard life, but they were also unable to seek personal protection. The fellow compatriots relied on one another and were united as one. The importance of blood ties and native descent laid the foundation for clan associations and triggered the formation of these kinship groups.

Leng Kee Road

Leng Kee Road is a recognised location in Singapore. Like many roads in our country that are named after prominent figures, Leng Kee Road was named after a Gan clan pioneer who was a successful businessman.

 

Alexandra Brick Factory and Leng Kee Hill are also familiar names that are associated with the Gan clan. All these roads and places were a part of the life journey of Gan predecessors and are a testament to their invaluable contributions to society.

 

In 1866, Gan Eng Leng assumed the responsibility of organising funeral arrangements for his fellow clansmen. This included the sponsorship of burial plots, construction of roads and erection of tombs. Leng Kee Road was named after the philanthropic merchant.  Gan Eng Leng (Unknown –1907)

A native of Fujian province, Gan Eng Leng founded the Leng Kee Trading Company that was involved in the bird's nest business. He donated 55 acres of land near Alexandra to the Thian Hock Keng Temple as a burial plot for the destitute, out of which 5 acres were allocated for the burial of deceased Gan clansmen. 

1951: The year marked the end of Anglo-Chinese Free School, which was renamed Gan Eng Seng School and officially launched at a two-storey building at Anson Road.

Though the Chinese immigrants were in Nanyang, their homeland was in their hearts and minds. When China was invaded by Japan during World War II, the overseas Chinese embarked on an anti-Japanese movement and raised funds for their compatriots to resist the Japanese. In 1938, the overseas Chinese in Southeast Asia formed the South Seas Relief Fund Union. The local Chinese merchants made great financial contributions to China's war against Japan.In 1941, when the Japanese headed south towards Nanyang, the Malayan region in Southeast Asia emerged from the background as China's fund-raising force to directly confront the Japanese threat. In the dark hours of difficulty, the Chinese merchant force gave full support to the government, encouraged the people and appealed to business leaders to continue their business operations at reduced prices, and helped to maintain order in the community.The political landscape and social structure in Singapore changed in the years after the war. Colonies across the world experienced a sense of awakening. From 1951 – 1957, the merchant associations and Chinese populace rose up against the government to fight for civil rights.

As the colonial government advocated English education, the local Chinese strived to preserve the traditional spirit of learning and preserve their culture. They believed in the importance of Confucian ethics. Many driven Chinese merchants took the bold step to carve a niche in politics, economics and culture, and contributed greatly to society at that time. Various Confucian Chinese merchants such as Tan Kah Kee, Tan Lark Sye and Lee Kong Chian were the best representation of the Confucian merchant. Their extraordinary achievements earned them a place in history. The influence of these prominent figures, particularly Tan Kah Kee, continues to make a big impact on Southeast Asia today. In 1953, merchant Tan Lark Sye built Nanyang University (abbreviated Nantah), his generosity was an inspiration to the Chinese community. The philanthropic contributions of Tan Kah Kee superseded that of the other merchants. Tan Kah Kee's endeavours benefited numerous Chinese schools and organisations.