Skip to main content

Rojak Librarian

The Rojak Librarian is a blog that covers a range of topics related to Singapore's history, culture, and heritage. I wrote many articles on Bukit Brown, exploring the cemetery's past and present, the lives of the early pioneers buried there and the social and cultural significance of the site. I also cover about nature and birdwatching.

Search This Blog

Home
Bukit Brown
Bidadari Christian Cemetery
Rojak Librarian+
Sitemap

Posts

Madam Lim Kin Neo (Bukit Brown)

October 18, 2025

Block 3 Div C marble

+

Get link
Facebook
X
Pinterest
Email
Other Apps

Lim Kang Swee - Hokkien Syonanto (Bukit Brown)

October 18, 2025

Block 3 Div C Japanese Koki Calender

+

Get link
Facebook
X
Pinterest
Email
Other Apps

Wee Teck Bock (Bukit Brown)

October 15, 2025

+

Get link
Facebook
X
Pinterest
Email
Other Apps

Mrs. Cheang Keng Lam nee Ching Guat Loon (Bukit Brown)

October 15, 2025

+

Get link
Facebook
X
Pinterest
Email
Other Apps

Bukit Brown Wayfinder 2 - Our continued efforts to Save Bukit Brown

October 13, 2025

Get link
Facebook
X
Pinterest
Email
Other Apps

Kee Keng Pye (Kopi Sua)

October 11, 2025

+

Get link
Facebook
X
Pinterest
Email
Other Apps

Tan Hoo Chwee - founder of Kian Seng Huat (Kopi Sua)

October 04, 2025

kheam hock road village kopi sua Reconnecting tomb mason Youtube Shorts

+

Get link
Facebook
X
Pinterest
Email
Other Apps

Miracles do happen - restoration of the tomb of Mrs. Koh Cheng Kiat nee Madam Lim Keok Neo (2025)

October 04, 2025

Block 4 Div C Reconnecting Youtube Shorts

+

Get link
Facebook
X
Pinterest
Email
Other Apps

Tan Teck Yam (Kopi Sua)

September 22, 2025

accident kopi sua Plus Codes

+

Get link
Facebook
X
Pinterest
Email
Other Apps

Tay Cheng Yam (Kopi Sua)

September 22, 2025

kopi sua malay words

+

Get link
Facebook
X
Pinterest
Email
Other Apps

Haji Ambo Sooloh Police Shield

September 21, 2025

Get link
Facebook
X
Pinterest
Email
Other Apps

Mr. and Mrs. Tan Cheng Boo (Bukit Brown)

September 18, 2025

Block 3 Div A Bukit Brown Hill 3

+

Get link
Facebook
X
Pinterest
Email
Other Apps

Edward Chia Peng Siong (Choa Chu Kang Columbarium)

September 17, 2025

Choa Chu Kang Columbarium

+

Get link
Facebook
X
Pinterest
Email
Other Apps

Dr. Hubert James Lawson (Choa Chu Kang Columbarium)

September 14, 2025

Choa Chu Kang Columbarium war

+

Get link
Facebook
X
Pinterest
Email
Other Apps

Labels

Bukit Brown951
Hill 3344
Hill 1192
Hill 4172
Died Young164
decorative tiles153
Block 3 Div D138
Block 4 Div A120
Block 3 Div B100
Hill 2100

Show more Show less

Rojak Librarian (Peter Pak): Advocate for Conservation of Bukit Brown Cemetery. Heritage and Nature Enthusiast.

Total Pageviews

Subscribe to Youtube Channel

Subscribe to Instagram

Resource Guide on Bukit Brown

History from the Hills (2013)

Newspaper mentions (2014)

Newspaper mentions (2017)

Tuesday Report (2018) 星期二特写 | 行脚。发现第4集：武吉布朗之旅

Newspaper mentions(2022)

Grave Matters-The Greater Bukit Brown(2023)

Newspaper mentions(2024)

Newspaper mentions(2024)

The Stories Behind: Birdwatcher turned grave hunter reunites families with forgotten tombs of their ancestors(2022)

Rojak Librarian+ (other Rojak matters)

Archive

2025 175

2024 188
- December 18
- November 12
- October 26
- September 32
- August 21
- July 7
- June 11
- May 15
- April 14
- March 16
- February 7
- January 9
2023 168
- December 10
- November 7
- October 12
- September 20
- August 10
- July 9
- June 31
- May 18
- April 5
- March 12
- February 12
- January 22
2022 237
- December 11
- November 15
- October 20
- September 6
- August 15
- July 15
- June 12
- May 6
- April 17
- March 37
- February 54
- January 29
2021 326
- December 19
- November 47
- October 36
- September 24
- August 27
- July 31
- June 25
- May 20
- April 17
- March 28
- February 26
- January 26
2020 113
- December 13
- November 21
- October 13
- September 11
- August 8
- July 7
- June 6
- May 8
- April 6
- March 6
- February 6
- January 8
2019 52
- December 1
- October 2
- September 5
- August 4
- July 8
- June 7
- May 4
- April 4
- March 6
- February 4
- January 7
2018 53
- December 2
- November 4
- October 4
- September 5
- August 9
- July 9
- June 3
- April 2
- March 5
- February 5
- January 5
2017 52
- December 1
- November 1
- October 1
- September 2
- August 4
- July 7
- June 8
- May 3
- April 8
- March 6
- February 4
- January 7
2016 52
- December 4
- August 2
- July 8
- June 3
- May 8
- April 11
- March 10
- February 5
- January 1
2015 43
- December 4
- November 5
- October 3
- July 1
- June 5
- May 1
- April 6
- March 6
- February 6
- January 6
2014 92
- December 6
- November 5
- October 7
- September 5
- August 5
- July 11
- June 8
- May 10
- April 8
- March 8
- February 9
- January 10
2013 99
- December 8
- November 9
- October 9
- September 4
- August 4
- July 10
- June 8
- May 8
- April 9
- March 10
- February 10
- January 10
2012 78
- December 7
- November 6
- October 10
- September 5
- August 2
- July 5
- June 4
- May 8
- April 7
- March 9
- February 8
- January 7
2011 44
- December 7
- November 8
- October 2
- September 1
- July 2
- June 5
- May 6
- April 6
- March 3
- February 1
- January 3
2010 29
- December 4
- November 4
- October 8
- September 8
- August 3
- April 2
2008 2
- February 1
- January 1
2007 10
- November 1
- August 4
- June 4
- April 1
2006 11
- November 1
- August 1
- June 3
- March 1
- February 3
- January 2
2005 45
- November 3
- October 3
- May 1
- April 13
- March 25
2004 6
- September 3
- August 3

Show more Show less

Support My Efforts

Popular Post

Tan Swee Hoe and family (Batu Pahat)

Sometime back in August 2012, i wrote an article about Tan Swee Hoe who is buried in Bukit Brown . Tan Swee Hoe came to Singapore as a young boy and worked his way up, eventually becoming one of founders of Ho Hong Bank, and later a director of Overseas Chinese Banking Corporation (OCBC) after it merged with it. He was also for two terms, the president of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Batu Pahat, shareholder of Ho Aik Steamships. Tan Swee Hoe was a member of the Council of State, Johore and received a title S.M.J (Setia Mahkota Johore) from the government of Johore in 1929 for his contributions. He owned several property in Singapore and Batu Pahat. Tan Swee Hoe In January 2014, i was fortunate to make a trip with like minded friends to Batu Pahat to visit one of the properties he owned as well as a temple he contributed too and finally the grave of his son. Tan Swee Hoe's mansion First on my wishlist was Tan Swee Hoe's mansion on 160 Jalan Kluang, Batu Paha...

Ong Sam Leong (Bukit Brown)

Ong Sam Leong (王三龙) (1857 -1918) was the owner of Sam Leong and Company that provided and supplied manpower (indentured labourers) for the mining of phosphate to Christmas Island and large business in timber, oil, rubber estates, rubber treating and rubber estates supplies, owner of substantial land and properties and head of the firm Ong Sam Leong Co. carrying on business in South Canal Road and North Bridge Road. He even owned a brick works in Batam known as the Batam Brick Works . Among the Chinese community he was influential as well, being once the head of the Ban Chye Hoe Club. Even up to 1967, a Straits Time article dated March 27, 1967 mentions that Ong Sam Leong's wealth existed with a government announcement of urban renewal in Rochor area in which Sam Leong's estate was affected. I wonder if any of his estate and wealth still exist today among his grand or great grand children? Ong Sam Leong passed away at on 7 February 1918 in his residence at Bukit Rose, located...

Wee Teck Bock (Bukit Brown)

Wee Teck Bock passed away at the age of 58 on 16 February 1934. Listed on his tomb is the name of 1 daughter; Wee Poh Neo. Based on the information of his name, his daughter name (Wee Poh Neo) and the province he is from (平和), i making a guess connection to Madam Lim Siak Neo who i suspect is the mother of Wee Teck Bock. Wee Teck Bock Possible connections (see the names i highlighted in bold ) Mother: Madam Lim Siak Neo Madam Lim Siak Neo husband was Wee Kay Pin and when he passed away likely in 1881, she remarried Sng Kan. We can match her husband's tomb, Mr. Sng Kan Ngah in Hill 3 Section B, plot 641 . Madam Lim Siak Neo passed away at the age of 75 on 8th January 1932 at her residence No 44 Hindoo Road. She is survived by 4 sons; Wee Teck Swee, Wee Teck Bock, Wee Teck Leong, Sng Teck Hoe, 4 daughters-in-law, 5 daughters, 5 son-in-laws; Teh Ewe Lan (of Amoy, China), Ee Kee Seng, Chee Swee Kiat, Tan Joo Kian and Tan Soon Leong, 46 grandch...

Dr. Lee Choo Neo (Bukit Brown)

Dr. Lee Choo Neo (1895-1947) is the daughter of Lee Hoon Leong . (Lee Hoon Leong is Mr Lee Kuan Yew's grandfather). Born in 1895, Dr. Lee Choo Neo received her education in Singapore Chinese Girls' School and later, 3 years in Raffles Girls School. Lee Choo Neo was the first Straits Settlement woman to obtain the Senior Cambridge Certificate in 1911. She excelled in school and was also active in organising plays in aid of the Chinese Red Cross Society First Female Chinese Doctor and a Progressive Woman She joined the King Edward VII Medical School despite criticism and discouragement from outside her family circle and in 1919 became the first Chinese woman to graduate in Medicine and was appointed Lady Assistant Surgeon at the General Hospital. She was a progressive woman and was one of the founders of the Chinese Ladies Association of Malaya, promoting physical and social education of Chinese woman including...

An Ode to Bukit Brown 2013

I spent the last day of 2013 in Bukit Brown to take pictures of the changes that are taking place and say my personal final farewell to some of my favorite pioneers buried there. Kheam Hock Road Lorong Halwa into Bukit Brown The Bukit Brown gates The Roundabout paved ( http://mymindisrojak.blogspot.sg/2012/03/bukit-brown-roundabout-in-past.html ) All of the affected tombs in Seh Ong Hill, Hill 1, Hill 5 have been blocked and barricaded by the time i have reached Bukit Brown.The workers have started work on Hill 2 and it was there, where i headed for today. One of my first stops is peg number 1876, the tomb of Madam Yap Woo (Mrs Peck Chin Kiat) who has a pair of Sikh Guards. This are the only unique pair affected by the highway. The hoarding covering the road 1876 - Madam Yap Woo Madam Yap Woo Hill 2 was in the past also known as See Tiong Wah Hill. Mr. See Tiong Wah was one of the S...

Bukit Brown Wayfinder 2 - Our continued efforts to Save Bukit Brown

How time just flew by when the first Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Wayfinder was first launched in November 2017 . Guided walks to Bukit Brown that gain traction over the years to raise awareness required lots of time and manpower but having a Wayfinder was an option for visitors to experience Bukit Brown on their own. This idea was not actually new. Back in 2011 , the Goh Brothers (Raymond and Charles Goh) , started a simplified DIY Trail Guide that actually got me hooked and fascinated with the rich heritage of Bukit Brown. Being outdoors, the first generation of installed panels faced the elements daily and many were weathered eventually. Some tombs also were hard to maintain as the flora and fauna in Bukit Brown are often as we say "on steroids" - so some tombs began to get overgrown as well. As a community of "loose" volunteers coming from diverse backgrounds, we came together yet again for Bukit Brown Wayfinder 2 (BB Wayfinder 2) , with Catherine Lim, Bianca Polak and ...

Kopi Sua Cemetery left untouched for now

For a number of years i was concerned that with the Mount Pleasant MRT station and Toa Payoh extension plans already announced, this would eventually translate to Kopi Sua Cemetery / Whitley Road Hokkien Cemetery and its surrounding jungles being claimed for this extension and housing. With today's announcement, it seems that this plans have being put on hold for now. The announcement published on the 23 November 2021 titled " New HDB estate with 5,000 flats to be built in Mount Pleasant at Old Police Academy site " gave insight that - "an environmental impact study (EIS) was conducted in January 2019 for the area and its wider surroundings, looking at biodiversity and water quality among others. After the EIS, HDB engaged nature groups to refine plans to minimise potential impacts to the environment. In particular, the proposed road network for future residents was adjusted so the surrounding greenery in Bukit Brown and graves at the adjacent Kopi Sua Cemetery wou...

Teo Soon Kim (pioneer female lawyer)

Teo Soon Kim (1904-1978) was a pioneer female lawyer, becoming the first Singapore woman to be admitted to the bar of the Straits Settlements in 1929 and the first woman barrister in Hong Kong. She studied in London and was the second Malayan Chinese woman to qualify as a barrister in England. Her female contemporary during the same period was Miss Lim Beng Hong ( Mrs B. H. Oon ) of Penang, who won the honors as the first Chinese Malayan woman admitted to the English bar and the first woman qualified to practice law in Malaya in 1927. After her came Miss Lucy See (daughter of See Tiong Wah ) and Miss Teo Soon Kim, both from Singapore and finally Miss Lim Beng Teik (younger sister of Miss Lim Beng Hong). Miss Teo Soon Kim went to England in 1926 and for 3 years she studied and was mentored by Dr H. H Bellot, Secretary of the International Law Association and Grotius Society and finally called to the Bar in the Inner Temple. She even found time to travel to America and China. ...

Bukit Brown Exhibition : Documenting New Horizons of Knowledge

I had the honor of being invited to witness the launch of the Bukit Brown : Documenting New Horizons of Knowledge, an exhibition by ISEAS ( Institute of South East Asian Studies ) and Nanyang Technological University. The exhibition was graced by Minister of State (MOS ) National Development, Desmond Lee and a tour of all the panels and artefact's by ISEAS Senior Fellow and Head of the Bukit Brown Documentation Team, Dr Hui-Yew Foong. The exhibition currently on display from July 19 to October 10, 2014 in National Library, Level 9 provides a rare glimpse into the documentation process, the artifacts found, the tomb architecture and materials used, the pioneers buried there and finally the believes and rituals that are associated with Bukit Brown. Alongside the exhibition are displays of high tech rendition of the graves using mapping technology and finally a huge and very detailed aerial photo of Bukit Brown taken in 1948 by the British Royal Air Force. Dr Hui-Yew Fong gi...

Chew Bah Kah and family (Bukit Brown)

Chew Bah Kah studied in St Joseph Institution and worked as a clerk before going into his own business as a haulage contractor. In a tender accepted by the Municipal Commission, the tender was awarded to Chew Bah Kah to supply fine sand from Sungei Ringget (Sungai Rengit, Johor) at $2.15 per cubic yard. Chew Bah Kah From the son of R.B. Lewis, i found out that Chew Bah Kah also managed Poh Lye & Co. General Contractors at 158 Mackenzie Road. Chew Bah Kah provided contract work for Hume Pipe among others and he has 18 lorries operating for his company. I found out from Col Lewis (the son of Mr. R.B. Lewis) that his father went to Singapore in 1926 to set up a factory to make Hume Pipes. R.B. Lewis later went on to become the Director-General of the Australian Commonwealth Dept of Works. A letter from Mr Chew Bah Kah to Mr. R. B. Lewis dated 14.01.1940 (photo courtesy of Col Lewis) A good Samaritan In 1950, Chew Bah Kah entered the little hut of elderly Mrs ...

Rojak Librarian +

Heritage in S'pore and M'sia

All things Bukit Brown
Singapore Tombstones Epigraphic Materials 新加坡墓碑铭集录
Bukit Brown Cemetery
Bukit Brown Trails
Burial Registrar
Bukit Brown Documentation of Graves
Singapore Heritage Society
Clarity Compass
Bukit Brown Tomb
Historic Chinese Architecture in Singapore
Good morning yesterday
Oceanskies
Remember Singapore
Yesterday.sg
Bits & Pieces
Overseas Chinese in the British Empire

Nature Groups in S'pore and M'sia

Bird Ecology Study Group(Singapore)
Nature Society Singapore
Malaysian Nature Society
Singapore Environment Council
S'pore Bird Group
S'pore Butterfly Interest Group
Wild Singapore
Raffles Museum of Bio-Diversity's Habitatnews-
Nature Photographic Society (Singapore)
Oriental Bird Club
Butterfly Circle Checklist

Nature in S'pore and M'sia

Focus Ubin
National Parks(Singapore)
Mangrove Flora and fauna of Sg Buloh
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve-Wildlife Singapore
Online guide to Chek Jawa, Ubin

Bird Database & Resources

Singapore Birds
Singapore Birds Project
Birding in Malaysia
Oriental Bird Images
Xeno Canto
Birder Resource

Daily Moon Phase

Powered by Blogger

2005-2025, All Rights Reserved, Rojak Librarian