林文田: 战前新加坡华社领袖 = LAM MUN TIN (LIN WENTIAN) : A CHINESE COMMUNITY LEADER IN SINGAPORE BEFORE THE SECOND WORLD WAR

Abstract

Lam Mun Tin (^3tE3 Lin Wentian, 1873-1943) was a Chinese community leader in Singapore before the Second World War who had contributed significantly to Singapore's progression. However, till date, he has not been studied in-depth by the academia. This paper seeks to illustrate the significance of Lam's leadership in pre-war Singapore by highlighting his contributions, and thus re-examine his position within the Chinese community. The first section is an overview of Lam's life. Lam was born into a peasant's family in Taishan county, Guangdong province in 1873. As times were hard, he left for Singapore at the age of sixteen. At the age of forty, he founded his first pawnshop Tai Sheng Pawnshop (#4.^), and established franchises throughout Malaya. With a strong foundation of wealth, he began his commitment in philanthropic work. Eventually, he became the key personnel in Chinese institutions such as the Pawnbrokers' Association Ning Yeung Wui Kuan t^B^zcUD, Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital ©IIIKm) and Yeung Ching School (# IE ^ $£). His wealth and reputation are two significant factors that led to his advancement as a Chinese community leader. This thesis will then investigate his contributions towards the Chinese community from two perspectives: as the Chairman of the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce (SCCC) and as a Guangdong prominent figure. Being one of the two Cantonese Chairman in the pre-war period, Lam was certainly a peculiar case in the history of SCCC. Compared to his predecessors, he played a more passive role in SCCC where his power can be said to be undermined by the presence of other more influential dialect leaders. His significance as a leader is exhibited by his contributions towards SCCC and the Guangdong community, particularly in the area of Chinese education and the establishment of the Singapore Kwangtung Hui Kuan (iffThough Lam was a less active SCCC leader in comparison to his counterparts, he was more engaged in the affairs of the Guangdong clan. The last section of the thesis seeks to explore Lam's political tendency towards the British colonial government and the Chinese Nationalist government. Among the two, Lam seemed to be more inclined towards China and identified himself strongly as an Overseas Chinese who is obliged to devote himself to his homeland. This can be seen from his continuous support towards China-related affairs and its government. On the other hand, Lam's contact with the colonial government can be reflected by his participation in government agencies such as Chinese Advisory Board and St. John's Island Visiting Committee, as well as his collaborations in their projects and operations. However, Lam's amicable relationship with the government was merely a responsibility as a Chinese community leader. Although Lam seemed to embody a sense of 'localisation', this outlook is only confined to SCCC itself and not in other aspects of his life.Lam Mun Tin (^3tE3 Lin Wentian, 1873-1943) was a Chinese community leader in Singapore before the Second World War who had contributed significantly to Singapore's progression. However, till date, he has not been studied in-depth by the academia. This paper seeks to illustrate the significance of Lam's leadership in pre-war Singapore by highlighting his contributions, and thus re-examine his position within the Chinese community. The first section is an overview of Lam's life. Lam was born into a peasant's family in Taishan county, Guangdong province in 1873. As times were hard, he left for Singapore at the age of sixteen. At the age of forty, he founded his first pawnshop Tai Sheng Pawnshop (#4.^), and established franchises throughout Malaya. With a strong foundation of wealth, he began his commitment in philanthropic work. Eventually, he became the key personnel in Chinese institutions such as the Pawnbrokers' Association Ning Yeung Wui Kuan t^B^zcUD, Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital ©IIIKm) and Yeung Ching School (# IE ^ $£). His wealth and reputation are two significant factors that led to his advancement as a Chinese community leader. This thesis will then investigate his contributions towards the Chinese community from two perspectives: as the Chairman of the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce (SCCC) and as a Guangdong prominent figure. Being one of the two Cantonese Chairman in the pre-war period, Lam was certainly a peculiar case in the history of SCCC. Compared to his predecessors, he played a more passive role in SCCC where his power can be said to be undermined by the presence of other more influential dialect leaders. His significance as a leader is exhibited by his contributions towards SCCC and the Guangdong community, particularly in the area of Chinese education and the establishment of the Singapore Kwangtung Hui Kuan (iffThough Lam was a less active SCCC leader in comparison to his counterparts, he was more engaged in the affairs of the Guangdong clan. The last section of the thesis seeks to explore Lam's political tendency towards the British colonial government and the Chinese Nationalist government. Among the two, Lam seemed to be more inclined towards China and identified himself strongly as an Overseas Chinese who is obliged to devote himself to his homeland. This can be seen from his continuous support towards China-related affairs and its government. On the other hand, Lam's contact with the colonial government can be reflected by his participation in government agencies such as Chinese Advisory Board and St. John's Island Visiting Committee, as well as his collaborations in their projects and operations. However, Lam's amicable relationship with the government was merely a responsibility as a Chinese community leader. Although Lam seemed to embody a sense of 'localisation', this outlook is only confined to SCCC itself and not in other aspects of his life.