Names such as Tan Tock Seng are well known in Singapura’s history. He was a philanthropist and best known for founding the Tan Tock Seng Hospital.
But Tan was not the only person involved in setting up TTSH.
Syed Omar Aljunied was another major contributor in establishing TTSH.
Due to funding problems from the 1820s onwards, the British colonialists were unable to properly fund a hospital.
They sought support from the rich in Singapura to help out.
Apart from Tan Tock Seng…
Syed Omar Aljunied also donated some land to build the hospital.
The Hospital was initially named Chinese Pauper’s Hospital. It was subsequently changed to Tan Tock Seng Hospital.
A few years later, Syed Omar’s nephew, Syed Ali Aljunied contributed a further $1,000 to help the hospital function and another plot of land for the hospital.
Syed Omar Aljunied also contributed land for other causes.
Apart from the hospital and Masjid Omar Kampung Melaka,
St Andrews Cathedral (opposite City Hall MRT) was also build on land he donated.
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Source: Almakhazin SG
