陈延谦与新加坡华人社会 = TAN EAN KIAM AND THE CHINESE COMMUNITY IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

Tan Ean Kiam (1881-1943) was a Chinese community leader in Singapore in the early 20th century. Being a successful business magnate and a wise banker, he initiated the amalgamation of the Overseas Chinese Bank, the Ho Hong Bank and the Chinese Commercial Bank to form the present Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation (OCBC) in 1932. He then served as OCBC's managing director until his death in 1943. He contributed significantly to the Chinese community in Singapore and China, in which after his death, he left a bequest which eventually led to the establishment of the Tan Ean Kiam foundation in 1956. Despite making significant contributions to the Chinese community in Singapore in many aspects, Tan Ean Kiam has not been widely discussed in many papers. Hence, this thesis aims to discuss in detail his contributions to the Chinese community in Singapore. Tan Ean Kiam's main influence was demonstrated in the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCCI) and the Singapore Goh Loo Club, where he was an active member from 1919 to 1943 and 1929 to 1942 respectively. Elected into the board of directors in 1919, Tan Ean Kiam participated actively in the directors' meetings. His capability in the chamber is evident as he was elected to represent the chamber in regional meetings, as well as in sub committees. His role included looking into various issues, such as the difficulties encountered in the rubber industry. He was also the director of Singapore Goh Loo Club, which, under his leadership, progressed to become one of the most prominent clubs in Pre-war Singapore. In 1924, he promoted the formation of the Tong An Clan Association in Singapore and was elected the association's first chairman. During his lifetime, Tan Ean Kiam was actively involved in many community activities. He made many donations, especially towards the Chinese schools in Singapore. He was chairman of the board of directors in many Chinese schools, most notably the Chinese High School. He also funded the construction of the Aoxi Primary School in China. As a British subject, Tan Ean Kiam maintained a close relationship with the British colonial government. He was appointed as a committee member in both Po Leung Kuk and the Chinese Advisory Board. On the other hand, he also contributed significantly to China in aiding relief efforts during tumultuous time. Being a British subject but also a Chinese, Tan Ean Kiam pledged his allegiance to the Nanjing Government. This could be seen in his involvement in several nationalist movements. Nonetheless, despite his identification with the Chinese government, he recognized Singapore as his hometown. This is especially intriguing as this mentality is uncommon to Chinese of that time. Besides being an outstanding merchant, Tan Ean Kiam was a poet as well, leaving a compilation of his poems, entitled Chi Yuan Chi to the world.Tan Ean Kiam (1881-1943) was a Chinese community leader in Singapore in the early 20th century. Being a successful business magnate and a wise banker, he initiated the amalgamation of the Overseas Chinese Bank, the Ho Hong Bank and the Chinese Commercial Bank to form the present Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation (OCBC) in 1932. He then served as OCBC's managing director until his death in 1943. He contributed significantly to the Chinese community in Singapore and China, in which after his death, he left a bequest which eventually led to the establishment of the Tan Ean Kiam foundation in 1956. Despite making significant contributions to the Chinese community in Singapore in many aspects, Tan Ean Kiam has not been widely discussed in many papers. Hence, this thesis aims to discuss in detail his contributions to the Chinese community in Singapore. Tan Ean Kiam's main influence was demonstrated in the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCCI) and the Singapore Goh Loo Club, where he was an active member from 1919 to 1943 and 1929 to 1942 respectively. Elected into the board of directors in 1919, Tan Ean Kiam participated actively in the directors' meetings. His capability in the chamber is evident as he was elected to represent the chamber in regional meetings, as well as in sub committees. His role included looking into various issues, such as the difficulties encountered in the rubber industry. He was also the director of Singapore Goh Loo Club, which, under his leadership, progressed to become one of the most prominent clubs in Pre-war Singapore. In 1924, he promoted the formation of the Tong An Clan Association in Singapore and was elected the association's first chairman. During his lifetime, Tan Ean Kiam was actively involved in many community activities. He made many donations, especially towards the Chinese schools in Singapore. He was chairman of the board of directors in many Chinese schools, most notably the Chinese High School. He also funded the construction of the Aoxi Primary School in China. As a British subject, Tan Ean Kiam maintained a close relationship with the British colonial government. He was appointed as a committee member in both Po Leung Kuk and the Chinese Advisory Board. On the other hand, he also contributed significantly to China in aiding relief efforts during tumultuous time. Being a British subject but also a Chinese, Tan Ean Kiam pledged his allegiance to the Nanjing Government. This could be seen in his involvement in several nationalist movements. Nonetheless, despite his identification with the Chinese government, he recognized Singapore as his hometown. This is especially intriguing as this mentality is uncommon to Chinese of that time. Besides being an outstanding merchant, Tan Ean Kiam was a poet as well, leaving a compilation of his poems, entitled Chi Yuan Chi to the world.