Peranakan Museum: 50 Remarkable Lives

In accordance with SG50, The Peranakan Museum’s latest exhibit explores the pioneering spirit of 50 remarkable individuals, paying tribute to their contributions for a better Singapore

Kwa Geok Chew’s barrister wig will be reunited with her husband’s when the exhibit at The Peranakan Museum opens – Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s wig was previously on display at The National Museum’s “In Memoriam” exhibit Photo: Courtesy of National Museum of Singapore, National Heritage Board — Kwa Geok Chew’s barrister wig will be reunited with her husband’s when the exhibit at The Peranakan Museum opens – Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s wig was previously on display at The National Museum’s “In Memoriam” exhibit
Photo: Courtesy of National Museum of Singapore, National Heritage Board

Singapore’s Golden Jubilee is a time of celebration, but also a time to remember and be grateful for individuals who have contributed to the progress of our society. The Peranakan Museum’s “50 Remarkable Lives” exhibit is almost like a walk through Singapore’s time line.

The Peranakans are a community of ethnic Chinese people whose culture and language are predominantly Malay-influenced. Many of the figures mentioned in the exhibit are related and intertwined with one another.

Due to a lack of photographic records, this painting is the only pictorial record of Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s swearing in as Singapore’s first Prime Minister. Photo: Courtesy of the National Museum of Singapore, National Heritage Board, painted by Lai Kui Fung — Due to a lack of photographic records, this painting is the only pictorial record of Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s swearing in as Singapore’s first Prime Minister.
Photo: Courtesy of the National Museum of Singapore, National Heritage Board, painted by Lai Kui Fung

The Tan Tock Seng dedication stele records how the hospital began and Tan Tock Seng’s motivation for founding it Photo: Collection of Tan Tock Seng Hospital — The Tan Tock Seng dedication stele records how the hospital began and Tan Tock Seng’s motivation for founding it
Photo: Collection of Tan Tock Seng Hospital

Catalysts for Social Progress

One of the great Peranakans featured is Tan Tock Seng, most famous for founding Singapore’s first hospital for the Chinese poor. Initially named the Chinese Pauper’s Hospital, it was eponymously renamed after his death.

On the hospital’s dedication stele, it records how the hospital began and Tan Tock Seng’s motivations for founding it. Lamenting about the prevalent cases of “skin ulcers and leprosy”, Tan wrote about the importance of community spirit, and a “long-cherished wish” to do something for the “abandoned and suffering”.

Peranakans in Politics

It’s also interesting to note that the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew had previously rejected being called Peranakan in a parliamentary exchange with Singapore’s first female opposition politician, who is also featured, Mrs Seow Peck Leng.

The reason was reportedly Lee’s concern for a collective unity in Singapore, which prevailed strongly over his heritage.

His wife, Kwa Geok Chew, also had Peranakan roots. Her barrister wig, with its stand and box, is on display in the exhibit.

By Samantha Phey

Great Peranakans: 50 Remarkable Lives will run until Apr 3, 2016. Entry is free for all Singaporean citizens and PRs.