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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.

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Mrs. Chia Toon Whatt nee Madam Giam Chye Neo (Bukit Brown)

September 20, 2026

block 2 Division H Fig Tree marble

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Chew Ann Jian and Madam Lim Siang Neo (Bukit Brown)

September 20, 2026

block 2 Division H decorative tiles

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Neo Lian Eng (Bukit Brown)

September 20, 2026

block 2 Division H decorative tiles Fig Tree

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Chi Chik alias Tan Hood Neo (Bukit Brown)

September 20, 2026

block 2 Division H Died Young Youtube Shorts

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Unique Ceramic Floor Tile

September 15, 2026

Block 3 Div A Bukit Brown floor tiles Youtube Shorts

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Tay Tye Yang and Madam Tan Beng Neo (Bukit Brown)

September 14, 2026

Block 3 Div C Youtube Shorts

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Madam Theng Seng Njong (Bukit Brown)

September 14, 2026

Block 3 Div C marble Youtube Shorts

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Tay Wee Soon (Bukit Brown)

September 13, 2026

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Mrs. Lee Lye Seng nee Madam Tay Kim Hong (Bukit Brown)

September 13, 2026

Block 3 Div C Hill 3 Youtube Shorts

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Mrs. Loh Boon Peng nee Madam Swe Kiong Lee (Bukit Brown)

September 13, 2026

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Khoo Kee Leng and Madam Lim Swee Buay (Bukit Brown)

September 13, 2026

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Tan Teck Swee (Bukit Brown)

September 13, 2026

Block 3 Div C marble

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Madam Low Tuan Neo (Bukit Brown)

September 08, 2026

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Khoo Soo Hong (Bukit Brown)

September 06, 2026

Banking Block 3 Div C

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Labels

Bukit Brown888
Hill 3328
Died Young197
Hill 1183
decorative tiles180
Block 3 Div D152
Hill 4152
Block 4 Div A142
Block 3 Div C127
Block 4 Div C107

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

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

Newspaper mentions(2025)

Newspaper mentions(2024)

Newspaper mentions(2024)

Grave Matters-The Greater Bukit Brown(2023)

Newspaper mentions(2022)

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

Newspaper mentions (2017)

History from the Hills (2013)

Newspaper mentions (2014)

Resource Guide on Bukit Brown

Rojak Librarian+ (other Rojak matters)

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Popular Post

Tan Huck Wan (Bukit Brown)

This is a sad and tragic story that was shared to me about Mr. Tan Huck Wan via the Bukit Brown facebook and inspired me to write further. Mr. Tan Huck Wan (1916-1944) is the the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Tan Chong Chew and grandson of Mr Tan Kheam Hock . Mr Tan Chong Chew is the main labour contractor for the Singapore Harbour Board. Tan Huck Wan studied in Anglo Chinese School and was gifted in sports. He played cricket, hockey and football for the SCRC and YMCA during 1935-1941. Tan Huck Wan and Madam Lim Chin Choo $100,000 worth of Jewels Mr. Tan Huck Wan married Miss Lim Chin Choo (third daughter of Mrs. Lim Mah Seang from Penang) in 17 Sept 1939 in a very traditional but grand affair. During the wedding procession, they were escorted by police guards as the bride was wearing $100,000 worth of jewelry with the bridal clothing specially imported from Penang. The band of the 2nd Battalion, Loyal Regiment accompanied the procession and a ronggeng party capped the cele...

Mrs. Swee Lee Tiong nee Koh Guey Keow (Bukit Brown)

The moss gathered tomb and broken marble name plate of Mrs. Swee Lee Tiong reveals stories of heroism during the Japanese occupation. If this got you interested already, please read on. Mrs. Swee Lee Tiong nee Koh Guey Keow passed away at the age of 60 on 14 September 1933. Listed on her tomb are the names of her children; Sons: Swee Lye Teck, Swee Lye Whatt, Swee Bee Ay, Swee Lye Quee and Swee Ah Lye Daughters: Swee Lye Huey, Swee Lye Hong Grandsons: Swee Cheng Hoe, Swee Hock Siew Mrs. Swee Lee Tiong nee Koh Guey Keow Descendants of Mrs. Swee Lee Tiong nee Koh Guey Keow Two Heroes die in poverty post-war Brothers, Swee Lye Huat and Swee Lye Quee (of 213 Albert Street, Singapore) helped smuggled food and money to the civilian internees during the Japanese occupation. People used to bring food or money for the internees and there would be people to pass it on those in the detention camps via the lorry drivers. It was a dangerous cat and mouse game which eventually led to Swee Lye Huat a...

Yeo Bian Chuan (Bukit Brown)

Yeo Bian Chuan was born in Rhio (Riau island of Indonesia which was under Netherlands East Indies control). He came at a very young age to Singapore and was educated in Singapore. He was a produce broker and the senior partner of Messrs. Yeo Bian Chuan and Co, 22-A Change Alley. After residing in the Straits Settlement for the past 52 years, he was naturalised as a British subject in 1921. Yeo Bian Chuan (source: NewspaperSG) Singapore Mutiny On 15 February 1915, Indian soldiers of the 5th Madras Light Infantry (Indian Army or sepoys) revolted, killing more than 40 British officers, residents and locals. The mutiny came to be known as the "Singapore Mutiny". An estimated 800 mutineers were involved, killing more than 40 British officers, residents and locals. It started with a dangerous cocktail of propaganda, poor leadership and misinformation from various parties (including a German prisoner) leading to this mutiny. It was finally quelled with assistance of Br...

Unique Ceramic Floor Tile

I discovered this unique ceramic floor tile or also known as encaustic cement floor tile while helping to upright a severely damaged tomb. The headstone was all in chinese and with Raymond Goh help, he help identify that it is possibly the tomb of Mr. Lim Thow Koon who passed away at the age of 59 and was buried in Bukit Brown on 7 July 1930. The location of the tomb is Block 3 Section A, plot 295. At the moment, i have very little information about the person buried there. Etched on this encaustic cement floor tile is the characters CA but also importantly, it has chinese characters too ! The ones i encountered previously were characters such as KSH and TCT , This is one the rare ones i seen so far with chinese characters. Such tiles form an important part of the material culture of Singapore, as such floor tiles can been found not only in Bukit Brown cemetery but also in heritage buildings around Singapore. However, we do not often know who were the actual makers of this ...

Chi Chik alias Tan Hood Neo (Bukit Brown)

The marble headstone with lead etching was broken from the top right down to bottom in 2 parts. Fortunately we are still able to see who is buried there after some clean-up. In Loving Remembrance of Chi Chik alias Tan Hood Neo Age 5 Years Eldest Daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Tan Teng Leong On Sunday the 29 April 1928 (10 Day of the 3rd Chinese Moon) Chi Cik alias Miss Tan Hood Neo was only 5 years old when she passed away. In the burial entry her age was listed as only 3 years old. Chi Chik alias Tan Hood Neo It is interesting to note that the time it took to built the tomb was slightly more than a month as the below headstone clearly stated it was erected on 10 June 1928. This gives a good indication of possibly of how it needs to construct a tomb after one pass away. Family Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Tan Teng Leong The engagement was announced on 7 March 1922 of Mr. Tan Teng Leong (eldest son of the late Mr. Tan Chin Seng and Clerk of The Asiatic Petroleum Co, (SS) Ltd...

Khoo Soo Hong (Bukit Brown)

Khoo Soo Hong passed away at the age of 38 on 22 February 1944. On the burial registrar his dialect was listed as Hokkien. Khoo Soo Hong Possible Connection A possible link is when i look at the ceramic photo of Khoo Soo Hong (1944) from his tomb and comparing it with a famous group photo that list Khoo Soo Hong back in 1932. The below group photograph was taken in 1932 during the founding of Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation (OCBC), which merger's three banks - Chinese Commercial Bank Limited (1912), Ho Hong Bank Limited (1917) and Oversea-Chinese Bank Limited (1919). Standing in the front row are: Mr. Tan Chin Tuan (fourth from left), General Manager Ong Piah Teng (fifth from right), Tan Ean Kiam (sixth from right) and Assistant Manager Khoo Soo Hong (second from left). Back Row: Yap Peng Gek (left), Kwa Siew Tee (third from left), Chew Hock Leong (sixth from left) and a Mr. Teo (right). Group photo taken in 1932 during the founding of OCBC If the theory was correct, the pho...

Tay Tye Yang and Madam Tan Beng Neo (Bukit Brown)

Tay Tye Yang passed away at the age of 66 on 7 May 1934. Madam Tan Beng Neo passed away at the age of 80 on 2 March 1953. The name of their children; Sons: Tay Swee Watt, Tay Kim Eng, Tay Kim Puay, Tay Kim Tee, Tay Tock Seng Daughter: Tay Hong Neo Grandsons: Tay Cheng Wee, Tay Cheng Teow, Tay Cheng Siang, Tay Cheng Bock Granddaughters: Tay Tin Neo, Tay Ann Neo, Tay Soon Neo, Tay Gee Neo From the death notice, i found other details; Mr. Tay Tye Yang passed away at No. 115 Everitt Road at 12:35 pm on Monday, 7 May 1934 at the age of 69. He leaves behind his wife, 5 sons (Tay Swee Watt, Tay Kim Eng, Tay Kim Puay, Tay Kim Tee, Tay Tock Seng), 1 son-in-law and one daughter (Mr. and Mrs. Tan Geok Lin), 3 daughters-in-law and 9 grandchildren. Mrs. Tan Tye Yang nee Madam Tan Beng Neo passed away at the age of 80 on 2 March 1953. She leaves behind 4 sons ( Tay Swee Watt, Tay Kim Puay, Tay Kim Tee, Tay Bah Seng), 1 daughter (Tay Hong Neo), 5 daughters-in-law, several grandchildr...

Tay Wee Soon (Bukit Brown)

Mr. Tay Wee Soon (born 2 April 1904 - died 11 April 1946) of Messrs. Alkfff & Co., (only son of Mr. and Mrs. Tay Pan Peng) passed away after a short illness at his residence, No. 8 Saint Thomas Walk, Singapore at 11:35 am on 11 April 1946 leaving behind his beloved parents, wife and 4 children. Widow: Chia Gay Neo Sons: Tay Bin Thong, Tay Bin Bok Daughters; Tay Chye Im, Tay Chye Keong Damaged Ceramic Photo of Tay Wee Soon Based on the engagement notice, Mr. Tay Wee Soon (only son of Mr. and Mrs. Tay Pan Peng) was engaged to be married to Miss Chia Gay Lian Neo (eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Chia Keng Chin). From what i can see, Madam Chia Gay Neo is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Chia Hood Theam . Family Parents: Tay Pan Peng Mrs. Wee Choo Kian (nee Tay Yiap Suat alias Bee Bee) beloved mother of the late Mr. Wee Guan Choon passed away at the age of 75 at No. 175 Keng Lee Road on 26 March 1934. She leaves behind 1 brother, Tay Pan Peng, 2 sons (Wee Leng C...

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...

Mrs. Lee Lye Seng nee Madam Tay Kim Hong (Bukit Brown)

Madam Tay Kim Hong, wife of the late Mr. Lee Lye Seng passed away at the age of 73 on 16 July 1934. Listed on her tomb is the name of her son: Lee Yong Hiang. Mrs. Lee Lye Seng Madam Tay Kim Hong Location of tomb Block 3 Section C, plot 73 20220612 Mrs. Lee Lye Seng Madam Tay Kim Hong (photo taken in 2022) Mrs. Lee Lye Seng Madam Tay Kim Hong (photo taken on 13 Sept 2026)

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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
Bukit Brown Tomb
Historic Chinese Architecture in Singapore
Our Bedok Kampong House
Good morning yesterday
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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)
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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

Daily Moon Phase

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