Goh Hood Kiat (former Bidadari Cemetery)

Goh Hood Kiat studied in Anglo-Chinese School before becoming a teacher there.  He went on to be a proprietor of G.H. Kiat Ltd, a well known bookseller business in Change Alley and High Street. Goh Hood Kiat was also a director in the Singapore Chinese Girls School and President of the Chinese Association, Booksellers and Newsagents Association, hon. secretary of Clerical Union, Vice President of the Chinese Swimming Club. 

He successfully contested the first Municipal Elections in 1949 and secured the largest number of votes and served for 3 years. In 1955 he was awarded the Order of the British Empire (O.B.E) by The Governor of Singapore, Sir John Nicoll.   

Goh Hood Kiat 

In a very high profile case, Goh Hood Kiat was charged with attempted murder by shooting a young Straits born Chinese, Mr Wong Yong Soo in the back with a pistol revolver at the Chinese Swimming Club on 26 June 1925. Goh Hood Kiat was sentenced to 9 months rigorous imprisonment on 30 July 1925 for causing hurt. In January 1926, the local chinese community petition to the Governor for a remission of the sentence. The case was so high profile that a book titled, "Trial of Goh Hood Kiat" was published after the trial. 

Goh Hood Kiat passed away on December 20, 1963 at the age of 71. He was buried in Bidadari. After Bidadari cemetery made way for future housing, his headstone was re-interned in Bidadari Memorial Park. 

Father: Goh Kim Swee

Goh Kim Swee passed away at his residence at the age of 76 in Serangoon Road (near Serangoon English School) on March 1921. He is survived by his son's, Goh Hood Kee, Goh Hood Keng, Goh Hood Seng, Goh Hood Kiat. He is buried in Bidadari. He was connected with Robinson and Co for over 50 years and retired with pension in 1918. Prior to his death, he converted to Christianity. 

Location of tomb 

Goh Hood Kiat memorial headstone can be found in the Bidadari Memorial Park.

Goh Hood Kiat memorial stone at Bidadari Memorial Park