Our Forefathers
Throughout its long history, numerous forefathers have contributed to Hwa Chong Institution's development. They range from members of the Chinese community in Singapore who initiated the founding of the school in 1919, to school leaders that steered the school through various trials and tribulations.
Mr Tan Kah Kee
School Founder
Mr Tan Kah Kee was a Chinese businessman who emigrated to Singapore at the age of sixteen. He had a highly successful career in rubber production, nicknamed the "King of Rubber" at one point, and was a prominent leader of the Singapore Chinese community in the early 20th century.
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Mr Tan believed in the value of education, and in the 1910s first proposed the idea of a Chinese-medium high school in Singapore. He tirelessly lobbied fellow businessmen to raise funds, and thanks to his efforts, The Chinese High School was founded on 21 March 1919, with Mr Tan as the first Chairman of the Board of Directors. Mr Tan played an instrumental role in funding several other educational institutions in Singapore cementing his status as a significant figure in education.
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Today, a statue of Mr Tan Kah Kee stands before the Clock Tower building in his memory. The statue was dedicated on the school's 80th Founders' Day in 1999, in the presence of then-President Mr Ong Teng Cheong.
Dr Lee Kong Chian
School Founder
Dr Lee Kong Chian was the son-in-law of Mr Tan Kah Kee, and in the early 20th century, he became a prominent businessman in Singapore himself. He served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of The Chinese High School from 1934 to 1957. In that capacity, he led the school through the tumultuous periods of the student demonstrations of the 1950s, helping to mediate the tensions between students and the government.
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Dr Lee also financially supported a large number of other schools in Singapore. He also played an important role in the development of the National Library Board, making many donations over the years. As such, the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library, as well as many other locations in Singapore, is named in his honour.
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Today, a statue of Dr Lee stands at the Kong Chian Administration Centre. A bust of Dr Lee, dedicated in 1984 on the 65th anniversary of the school's founding, sits in the High School Kong Chian Library. The Kuo Chuan Centennial Art Gallery is named after Mr Lee Kuo Chuan, Dr Lee's father, who Dr Lee cited as a major influence on his life.
Mr Lim Nee Soon
School Founder
Mr Lim Nee Soon was a Singaporean businessman. Having started out as as a planter and merchant, he subsequently ran his own pineapple and rubber business, and achieved great success. He also played a significant role in Singaporean society, and engaged in philanthropy throughout his life.
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In 1919, Mr Lim co-founded The Chinese High School with Mr Tan Kah Kee. They both shared the vision of a Chinese-medium high school to be established in Singapore. For a period when Mr Tan travelled to China for business, Mr Lim served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the school.
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The Yishun area is named after Mr Lim. Today, a statue stands to the side of the Clock Tower, honouring Mr Lim for his contributions to Hwa Chong and to Singapore society as a whole.
Mr Tan Keong Choon
Founder of HCJC
Mr Tan Keong Choon was another prominent businessman in Singapore, active in the second half of the 20th century. He was best known for having been Chairman of the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCCI) from 1951 to 1997, actively supporting local businesses.
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Mr Tan was Chairman of the Board of Directors of Hwa Chong from 1971 to 1996. In this capacity, he helped secure funding for the development and eventual founding of the then-Hwa Chong Junior College in 1974. He also played an important role when the then-Chinese High School joined the Special Assistance Plan (SAP) in 1979. These events paved the way for Hwa Chong Institution's further development into the 21st century.
