Tan Sian Cheng (Greater Bukit Brown)

Tan Sian Cheng was a Director in the Chinese Commercial Bank (1912), President of the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce (1917) and Chairman of Po Chiak Keng (1926).  Tan Siang Cheng was also a member of the Chinese Advisory Board (1912), Po Leung Kuk (1914), Member of the Reformatory Board of Visitors (1918). For his contribution and services to the colonial government, he was awarded the Certificate of Honor in 1927. 

The Governor, Sir Shenton Thomas nominated Mr. Tan Ean Kiam to be a member of the Po Leung Kuk Committee, Singapore in place of Mr. Tan Sian Cheng, deceased. (reported in the papers on 30 October 1937). From that article, we know that Mr. Tan Sian Cheng passed away sometime between January - October 1937. With insights from Raymond's blog post, i now know a couple of things - Tan Sian Cheng passed away in August 1937. The second and most interesting was the tomb was commissioned in 1927 and built before his death.

Tomb of Tan Sian Cheng 

Chinese Commercial Bank 

However it was a due to difficult circumstances later in his live, we get more insight about Tan Sian Cheng  - via the newspapers article of the Bankruptcy Courts.

Once Rich Man Now Penniless

Tan Sian Cheng was 71 when he was brought to courts. He stated in court that he was a member of the Chinese Advisory Board and the Po Leung Kok. Born in Amoy, China, he came to Singapore 55 years ago. He was a rice and rubber merchant, holding a share in the business of Chop Hup Leong with the capital being 4162,00 and his share, $30,000. The company has since wound up. He also had a share in Chop Chin Thye of Telok Ayer Street. That shop went under in 1930. His total liabilities were over $200,000 and he estimated that at least $175,000 of it was secured. (In another article, the figures are different where it claimed its liabilities were $100,000. 

Tan Sian Cheng, a partner of the well-know firm, Hup Leong / Chop Hup Leong (Teluk Ayer Street)  appeared for public examination in a bankruptcy case in March 1934. He attributed his financial troubles to standing surety for friends. Other liabilities include housing or property speculation where he loss between $7,000 -$8,000 on this houses and the cost of legal charges. 6 houses in Bukit Timah Road were built about 2 or 3 years ago and mortgage to Chew Kim for $20,000 and later to Government for $20,100.

His debts were between $14,000 to $15,000 which Tan Sian Cheng ascribed to standing surety for others. He had no income and now dependent on his sons and relatives. Without any assets he was unable to pay his creditors. 

Spent $500 a month on opium 

The case also reveals that Tan Sian Cheng spent on average $500 a month to maintain his opium addiction. 

Despite this set back, Tan Sian Cheng remained a committee member of the Chinese Advisory Board till his death in 1937. 

Location of tomb 

Its on the part of an area colloquially known as "Gelong Pah 黎弄吧 - fringe of Hokkien Huay Kuan Cemetery and Toa Payoh Cemetery. 

Tomb is near 8RMH+VC9 Singapore

(access is faster from the tombkeeper hut - swing right)

References 

Tan Sian Cheng. (website).Singapore Tombstones Epigraphic Materials 新加坡墓碑铭集录

Malaya's Certificates of Honor. (1927, June 8). The Singapore Free Press

Advertisement. (1927, December 1). Malaya Tribune, page 7

Liabilities of $200,000. (1934, March 10). The Singapore Press, page 6

Sleeping Partner. (1934, March 24). Malaya Tribune, page 11

No offer - once rich man now penniless. (1934, March 29). The Straits Budget. page 11

S.S. Apointments. (1934, October 30). The Straits Times, page 10