Tock Seng Tan
Tan Tock Seng was a Malacca-born merchant and philanthropist who started out as a humble vegetable seller and later became one of Singapore's most eminent philanthropists and a leader of Tan Tock Seng Hospital.
Philanthropist
1798
February 24, 1850
52
From Humble Beginnings to Philanthropy: Tan Tock Seng, a Malacca-born merchant from Singapore, began his journey as a simple vegetable seller. Through hard work and determination, he eventually became one of Singapore’s most prominent philanthropists and a leader within the Chinese community. His most notable act of philanthropy was a generous donation of $5,000 towards the construction of the Chinese Pauper Hospital in 1844, which was later renamed Tan Tock Seng Hospital and located at Pearl’s Hill. In addition to this, Tan Tock Seng served as a Justice of the Peace, founded the Thong Chai Medical Institution and Chui Eng Free School, and made numerous contributions to charitable causes.