Qing Ming 2025 - Revisiting Chew Geok Leong

Chew Geok Leong’s tomb in Bukit Brown stands out for its painted and imposing Sikh guards. A former Qing official who fled China, Chew Geok Leong settled in Singapore and opened a Chinese medical practice and shop. He planned his “live” tomb meticulously, commissioning it from China. The vibrant Sikh guards, ranked as 'Naik,' represent “Home Guard” and “City Guard.”  The tomb celebrates Chew Geok Leong's legacy and i was told that his ties to a total of 6 generations of Chinese physicians (the last one being his son, Chew Siew Hai).

It's very heartening to witness descendants of Chew Geok Leong paying respects to him. They (especially Cecilia Chong and her uncle James Chew) have been supporters of the Bukit Brown cause for many years and i am very fortunate to be able to bump into Cecilia as she went about paying respects to her ancestors. There were such beautiful and well selected offerings for Mr. Chew Geok Leong, her daughter, Madam Chew Chwee Eng and son-in-law, Mr. Chong Wee Ling. Another heartening thing to see is the younger generation coming forward to pay respects as well and i know this beautiful tomb with the only painted guards in Bukit Brown will continue to be so for a long time to come !

Getting ready to burn the offerings for Mr. Chew Geok Leong and his daughter, Madam Chew Chwee Eng and son-in-law, Mr. Chong Wee Ling.

Beautifully decorated "treasure bags" and clothing for Madam Chew Chwee Eng and son-in-law, Mr. Chong Wee Ling

Burning of Offerings 

Qing Ming 2025 for Mr. Chew Geok Leong