2012_Issue 4 - The Peranakan Association

4
Christmas Our Style
Fair Fowl, Heavenly Herbs, Peranakan Flavours
PRESENTS
from the HEART
What it means to really give
From BUDGET
to BOUNTEOUS
Gifts to suit every purpose
Contents
ISSUE 4 • 2012
Cover: see Dalam Dapor, page 23
Food styling and photography by Anton Kilayko
www.peranakan.org.sg
2
3
6
11
13
23
EDITORIAL
Giving Our All
FEATURES
The Peranakan Art of Giving
Curated for Christmas
From Malacca, with Love
Severing Ties
Giving Women a Strong Foundation
CHAKAP CHAKAP
15 Because Every Little Bit Matters
19 Step by Step
6
DALAM DAPOR
23 Christmas a lá Nyonya
3
11
15
THEATRE
27 Mari Kita Main Wayang
28 Betel Box bistro has come to town!
EVENTS
30 Salute to Dato’ Seri Khoo Keat Siew
A Meeting of Founders
27
19
NOTICEBOARD
31 Peranakan Associations in the Region
32 DIRECTORY
THE PERANAKAN ASSOCIATION SINGAPORE President: Peter Wee • First Vice-President: Alan Koh • Second Vice-President: Bebe Seet • Honorary Secretary: Lim Geok Huay
• Assistant Honorary Secretary: Ee Sin Soo • Honorary Treasurer: Chan Eng Thai • Committee Members: Linda Chee, Angeline Kong, Emeric Lau, Edmond Wong,
Alvin Yapp• For enquiries please contact Lim Geok Huay at 6255 0704
THE PERANAKAN MAGAZINE Editorial Advisers: Lee Kip Lee, Peter Lee • Editor: Linda Chee • Assistant Editor: Emeric Lau • Art Editors: John Lee
• Designer: Michelle Yap • Advertising Manager: Alvin Sng • Administrative Manager: Low Whee Hoon • Circulation Coordinator: Lim Geok Huay • Editorial &
Photography Committee Members: Colin Chee, Ee Sin Soo, Edmond Wong, Jason Ong • Webmaster: Claire Seet • For advertising, please contact Alvin Sng at 9839 8188
The Peranakan is published by The Peranakan Association Singapore, Raffles City PO Box 1640, Singapore 911755, Tel: 6255 0704.
Printer: Lithographic Print House Pte Ltd.
MICA (P) 075/10/2011
ISSUE 4 • 2012 | GIVING OUR ALL
S
ooner than you can say “Ho, ho, ho”,
we’re once again at the end of the year
(and poised to sail into the next)! The
festive season always brings a sense of excitement
– there are the home to decorate, presents to
be wrapped and placed under the tree, and gettogethers with family and friends.
The editorial team thought long and hard on
the theme of giving, and we’re happy to present
an issue with a strong mix of features that we
hope you’ll find useful, heart-warming and
inspiring. We’ve sourced a selection of gift ideas
that reflect Peranakan culture, and are proud
to commend three most deserving nyonyas
– Adelina Ong, Aileen Ong and Caroline Kwan
– for their charitable work amongst the less
fortunate. We hope their stories will inspire you
to join in and give what you can; every little bit
counts!
In need of inspiration to prepare the festive
feast? Dalam Dapor proudly brings you Sylvia
Tan’s Christmas recipes with a Peranakan twist.
Plus, all the latest news and upcoming events
of our ever-growing community. Here’s wishing
all our readers a Wonderful Christmas and a
Happy New Year!
Emeric Lau, Asistant Editor
LETTERS
From Roney Tan, Singapore:
In the article A Palace for the Dead (Issue 2, 2012) the grave shown on page 22 is actually
on the slope of Outram Hill which was once owned by Tan Tock Seng’s (1798-1850) eldest son,
Tan Kim Ching J.P. (1829-1892). The grave is the resting place of Madam Chua Seah Neo and Madam Wuing Neo. Both died
in 1882. Madam Chua was the granddaughter of Melaka Kapitan Chua Su Cheong (17501802) and was married to Tan Kim Ching, one of Singapore’s leading Chinese merchants. Tan
Kim Ching was the first Siamese Consul General in Singapore and had in 1850 succeeded his
father as the Kapitan China of the Straits Chinese community. For his role in settling disputes
within the Singapore Chinese community, the British appointed him as a Justice of the Peace
in 1865 and as an Honourable Magistrate in 1872. He was also a member of the Siamese Royal
Court and had introduced British governess Anna Leonowens to King Mongkut (Rama IV) to
be a tutor for his children, an event which forms the basis of the famous musical, The King and I.
Madam Wuing Neo was the daughter of Wuiny Boon Whatt, who, according to Sir Song
Ong Siang, was Singapore’s first Chinese to practise law in the Straits Settlements. She married
Tan Soon Toh, the second son of Tan Kim Ching. In the Singapore Directory of 1890, Tan
Soon Toh was recorded as the Siamese Vice-Consul in Singapore holding the royal title Khoon
Rasada Borirax.
SENJAKALA
We wish to inform you that the
above theatre production, originally
scheduled for 6-9 December 2012, is
postponed till further notice.
EDITOR’S NOTE:
The Peranakan, Issue 3, 2012, page 23: Chinchalok
The ingredient “400ml or 5tbsp rice wine” should
correctly read as “400ml good quality rice wine, or 5 tbsp
brandy”. We apologise for this error.
Copyright is by the publisher. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any
form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher. The Peranakan
magazine and The Peranakan Association Singapore disclaim all responsibilities in the articles herein, and state that the views expressed in them, if any,
are those of the writers and not theirs. They assume no responsibility for unsolicited materials or articles published herein and state that the writers are
wholly responsible for the veracity and authenticity of their articles.
| ISSUE 4 • 2012
FEATURE
The Peranakan Art of Giving
Baba Peter Lee reflects on practices and the true spirit of giving
F
or as long as I can remember, and even until I was a
university student, our household amah, Yip Ching Sim,
performed a daily ritual that left an indelible impression
on my life. In a sense, it was totally mundane: at the crack of
dawn, long before the first rays of light filtered through the
curtains, she would quietly slip into the bedroom I shared
with my brothers, just for a brief moment, simply to ensure
we were all still properly tucked in, re-arranging our blankets
if we had inadvertently shoved them aside during the night.
Although she barely made a sound when she entered, I would
invariably and almost expectantly wake up at her gentle
appearance, which, like the visitation of an angel, radiated so
much comfort, reassurance and love. There was also the added
comfort in the knowledge that there was still another precious
hour until we had to get out of bed for school, or, over a
decade later, for the army camp.
On the rare occasion she did not
appear, I would feel totally out of sorts for
the entire day. Her absence engendered
my first experience of a sense of loss,
and I clearly recall the heavy feeling
in my heart, the agony and anxiety of
separation, which quickly plunged
into fear and panic when I led myself
to the unbearable question, what if
she were never to make her daybreak
appearances again? In a sense, she
died every time she did not appear,
and I would cry myself back to
sleep. The irony of this is that she
is still alive and well, at the age of
101 years.
This act of kindness was my
daily sustenance, reminding me that
I was loved, and provided me with an
emotional anchor that has sustained me until today. It is
the most precious gift I have ever received. Her actions also
revealed to me the power of the smallest gesture in shaping or
transforming someone else’s life, and also how simple, pure
and transcendent an act of giving can be.
Inheritance
In a material sense, Baba boys always got most of
everything, and many famously lost all of it too. Nyonyas
usually received nothing, or pittances from their own families.
Some lucky ones got dowries, which were usually kept by
their husband’s families, or perhaps a set of jewels. One of
my ancestors, Tan Choon Bock, tied up his estate in a trust,
and in his 1880 will, left lifetime stipends to his wife and male
offspring. Sums of cash were also disbursed, including $1,500,
which must have been a fortune then, for his funeral. In
comparison, he bequeathed $1,000 to his daughter Tan Hong
Tan. If women ever received a large fortune it was from dead
husbands. Wealthy widows there were aplenty, and several
notorious merry widows as well! Cases were often complex,
and from Song Ong Siang’s One Hundred Years’ History of the
Chinese, it is not difficult to guess how much lawyers raked in
from generations of litigious Peranakans.
My paternal grandparents were very fair with all their
children in their bequests, and an unmarried aunt even
received an additional portion of their estates, as they
considered that her brothers and brothers-in-law were able
to earn a living for their own families. Thankfully our clan
remains tightly-knit, even if we, like any other, have had our
fair share of dramas.
Ritual & Tradition
Gifts were, of course, part of the ritual of Peranakan
life. The angpow (紅包) would be the most common form
of making a gift. At Chinese New Year, this was given
to young children and unmarried adults. At
almost fifty I am still a beneficiary of
this tradition, even though as long
ago as 1934, students in Singapore
had already held debates on hot
topics such as ‘Should the system
of giving angpows in the Chinese
New Year be abolished?’ (The
Straits Times, 14 February 1934,
p. 12). The pre-war angpow was a
coin or note wrapped in red paper. For
weddings, cash was inserted in small pink
envelopes. Traditional wedding gifts for
the bride would have comprised jewellery,
usually from the immediate family, and also
batik sarongs, wrapped in staid brown paper
decorated with a small paper square with
scissor-cut designs, stained in auspicious red. Tokens of cash
given in sympathy at funerals are referred to as pek kim (white,
or mourning cash). These days, cash is inserted into white
envelopes, although in the old days, it was just presented
outright to a representative of the family of the deceased.
The loftiest containers for a gift were the dulang tek pai, a
tray for the lapchai (納彩) or presentation of the dowry, and
the bakol siah, the lacquered multi-tiered Hokkien baskets
used to present food and gifts to in-laws, usually some time
during the twelve days of the wedding. Gifts consisted only of
the contents, and the baskets were expected to be returned!
By the 1920s, modern gifts were the norm at weddings.
When Baba banker Seow Poh Leng married Tan Tock Seng
descendant Polly Tan in January 1920, the couple received an
incredible array of gifts. It must have been a slow news day,
as the entire list of gifts was published: hordes of jewels from
parents and grandparent, and an assortment of household
ISSUE 4 • 2012 | Centre: Wedding gifts laid
out in the bridal chamber
in a house in Penang, c.
1920. The Peranakan
Association collection,
National Archives.
Right: Baba philanthropist
extraordinaire, Tan Jiak
Kim (1859-1917). He was
also the first president of
the Straits Chinese British
Association, predecessor
of The Peranakan
Association. Photograph
courtesy of Richard Tan
Tiang Teck.
items and personal ornaments including Chinese fancy
buttons from Dr and Mrs Lim Boon Keng, a Queen Ann
coffee set from financier Lim Peng Siang, a porcelain cake
basket from Tan Cheng Lock, as well as toilet soap, cigarette
cases, perfume, a case of liquor, Indian silk, among others
(Malay Tribune, 20 January 1920, p. 6).
The traditional present for someone’s tua seh jit (大生
日 or grand birthday, usually 60th, 70th or 80th birthday)
comprised a whole leg of pork (usually the front right leg),
two boxes of mee sua (麵線fine wheat noodles), a pair of
chicken eggs, a packet of rock sugar, a pair of red candles
(weighing at least a kati) wrapped in red paper.
In return, guests would receive a pair of large kueh ku
merah (red glutinous rice cakes with mung bean filling).
Gifts would also be exchanged at a baby’s first month
celebration or muah guek (滿月): Guests would typically
present an angpow; in the 1930s gifts of home-made
crocheted smocks or stockings, were also common. The
parents of the baby would reciprocate with a pair of hardboiled eggs stained with edible red colouring, and a pair of
kueh ku merah.
Philanthropy
Peranakans were also the pioneers of another kind of
giving: philanthropy. Baba Tan Tock Seng’s gift which
established a hospital for the poor (1844), Baba Tan Kim
Seng’s gift for the construction of water pipes for the city
(1857), were visionary. Tan Kim Seng and his descendants,
especially Tan Jiak Kim (first president of the Straits Chinese
British Association, SCBA, ancestor of The Peranakan
Association) were also pioneers in local education, setting
up Chinese schools, and also providing a large sum for the
Edward VII Medical School (1905). Then of course there
were Gan Eng Seng, Lee Choon Guan, Song Ong Siang,
and Lim Boon Keng, who were all actively involved in
promoting and funding schools for boys and girls. All these
community leaders were also active committee members of
the SCBA. Another president of the SCBA, Tan Sri Tan
Chin Tuan, established a charitable foundation in 1976,
which has since been supporting a broad spectrum of causes,
including education. In the early 1990s, Nellie Wee, a
daughter of Tun Tan Cheng Lock bequeathed her estate to
a scholarship trust named after her father, managed by the
Institute of Southeast Asian Studies. Peranakans were also
| ISSUE 4 • 2012
donating towards building and renovation works for temples
such as the Thian Hock Keng, many of whose founders were
Baba. Chew Joo Chiat’s daughter Chew Quee Neo donated
the land for the building of a Buddhist temple, the Mangala
Vihara (1960). In the new millennium, this tradition of giving
continues with new initiatives, such as the donation of a sum
of money by Agnes Tan (another daughter of Tun Tan Cheng
Lock) to the National University of Singapore for the purchase
and renovation of a historical house, now known as NUS
Baba House (2008).
True Giving
I sometimes wonder, however, if the most inspiring gifts
can even comprise of nothing more than a wish, or a prayer.
On this subject, I am drawn back to another story concerning
my amah. Some years ago she called me from the Balestier
Road retirement home where she resides, to tell me that she
had suffered a fall. When I rushed to see her, I was expecting
the worst, but was relieved to learn that she was completely
unscathed by the accident. I was greeted instead, by her calm
beatific expression. She had summoned me to let me know
how a friend had saved her. Some months before her fall, she
had been regularly visiting a critically ill friend in the ward of
the home. In her final days, this friend held my amah’s hand
to thank her for her care and concern, and told her that, as
she had no way of repaying her in this life, vowed to protect
and watch over her from the afterlife. Later when my amah
inadvertently stumbled onto the ground, she felt as if someone
softened her fall. She was convinced she had miraculously
escaped injury because her late friend had kept her promise.
But to me an exemplary and ultimate act of giving was
truly made by a saint in a kebaya: Irene Ang Miau Lee, the
Singapore Airlines leading stewardess, who actually survived
SQ006, which crashed on the runway of Taipei airport during
a storm in November 2000, but dashed back into the burning
craft in an attempt to save lives, losing her own in the process.
It is overwhelming and inspiring how an important decision
can come as a split-second, selfless impulse. From the smallest
gesture, to the most visionary gift and to such an ultimate
sacrifice, every human being is blessed with the power,
potential and choice, to make a positive difference to someone
else’s life.
With thanks to Mr G.T Lye for information regarding traditional
Peranakan gifts.
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
ISSUE 4 • 2012 | Curated
for
Christmas
Here’s a Peranakan-themed wish list
of stocking-fillers with something to
suit every taste
Delicate Delights
Rumah Kim Choo
Porcelain tea set
A beauty on any tabletop!
Tray, $78; teapot, $78;
teacups, $23 each.
| ISSUE 4 • 2012
Embroidered handkerchiefs
The embroidered trimmings are inspired by kebaya
biku. $16 each.
Tasteful Tomes
Berkeley Books
The Peranakan Chinese Home
Ronald G. Knapp with photos by A. Chester Ong
The Peranakan Chinese Home describes the range of beautiful
objects which the Peranakan Chinese acquired and enjoyed
in their daily domestic lives. $38 (b/f GST)
Chinese Houses of
South-East Asia
Ronald G. Knapp with photos
by A. Chester Ong
Chinese Houses of
Southeast Asia strives to
be an informative and
authoritative book on
the subject of hybrid
architecture—filled
with stunning colour
photographs and essays on
nearly thirty well-preserved
homes.
$63 (b/f GST)
Available in all major
bookstores in Singapore
Heirloom Sensations
Scrumptious
Delight
R umah Bebe
Luscious homemade pineapple tarts
Packed in jars of 20 or more, these tarts
make a perfect gift for friends and family.
$20 per jar of about 20 pineapple tarts.
Timeless Treasures
Yellow Gold Stud-Earrings
with old mine cut
diamonds $880
Colombian Emerald
8.42cts set in an 18k gold
ring with diamonds
$13,800 (with Nanyang
certificate)
ISSUE 4 • 2012 | Vintage Beauties
The Heritage Shop
Tiffin carriers
$100 - $600 each
Ceramic
wall tiles
$25 - $35 each
Blissfully Blue
Katong Antique House
Blue &
white nyonya
porcelain
spoons (Qing
period)
Approximately
80 to 100 years
old
$80 to $100
Light blue
porcelain
teacups (Qing
period)
$100 to $300
| ISSUE 4 • 2012
Shimmery Visions
Guan Antique
Silver Purse $650 to S$700
Intan Kerosang in Silver $2,500 to $2,800
Ageless Sparklers
Kim Poh Hong Goldsmiths
Round Dangling
Intan Earring
$1,718
One of a Kind
Rumah Bebe
Leaf with Flower
Intan Kerosang
$4,268
Bespoke Antique Manek Potong Shoes and Handbags
A customisation service for shoes and matching
handbag, using only genuine, old manek potong sourced
from a personal bead collection. Every pair is exclusive
in its design and colours, all shoes are hand-embellished
personally by Bebe Seet. Every pair is unique!
Prices start from $2,500
ISSUE 4 • 2012 | From Stage to
Small Screen
Main Wayang
The Sporting
Life
Prosimmon Golf Centre
Malam Newstalgia! Bundle Pack
Enjoy the comedy and entertaining
songs and dances in Main Wayang’s Peranakan
musical DVD ‘Malam Newstalgia!’ Set in the rocking
1960s, the musical revolves around a group of Babas who turn
barren land at Tanjong Rambutan into a lucrative joget party
venue.Bundle pack includes 1 DVD and 1 musical soundtrack CD
Special price of $42 includes local postage delivery.
Email peranakan@mainwayang.com to order
Siapa Baba? Bundle Pack
A multi-media milestone Peranakan
musical revue that goes back to
re-discovering the roots of Baba
culture, reviving dreams and
visions of Baba forefathers, and
the search forward into the future.
Bundle pack includes 1 DVD and
1 musical soundtrack CD.
Special price of $42 includes local postage delivery.
Email peranakan@mainwayang.com to order.
10 | ISSUE 4 • 2012
Golf club - Shaft, Grip
and Head
a) Various shafts to suit different
swing speeds and strengths
b) Various grips for a range of
hand sizes
c) Various heads to suit swing ability
Assembled price varies from $300
to $1,000
From Malacca, With Love
Nyonya Fulvia Wong shows why one of our favourite old towns is also a gift-shopping heaven
D
uring a trek in
Malacca, we
discovered a
selection of Peranakan
presents and gifts just perfect
for the yuletide season…
Thoughtful teatime snacks
We found a quaint little
home-based nyonya cake
shop at 72 Jalan Tengkera Pantai 2. You’ll discover a
colourful assortment of home-made kueh, from the
likes of kueh kochi puteh, lepat kachang, kueh abu sagu,
kueh bengka ubi and many more, all ideal for the office
pantry, and as tokens for business associates and
acquaintances. Not only are they pleasing to the eye,
these delicious delights start from a mere RM50 sen
per piece. Get them by the baskets, we say! There’s also chinchalok, nyonya achar and gula melaka
– perfect for friends who love serving up a good meal.
For friends and family
Traditionally used as sarongs, batik and its motifs
can now be seen on shirts, bags, scarves, sandals and
even bedspreads and curtains. Intricately produced
with wax and dye, batik is truly unique. In any form,
batik is a great present and conversation starter.
Batik retails from RM$28.80 per piece (118cm x
200cm). Find them along Jalan Laksamana, opposite
the Stadhuys (Red House). However make sure they
are real batiks, rather than machine-printed versions.
Left to Right: Homemade kueh for sale;
Kasot manek display at
Jonker Walk; Batik at
Jalan Laksamana.
For someone special
Popular since the 1930s, a pair of kasot manek is a
labour of love. Cut beads are lovingly hand-stitched on
a design template before being set on an opened- or
covered-face step-in. Kasot manek is a perennially stylish
fashion statement. They are usually distinguishable
in quality by the bead size and the refinement of
workmanship.
With a mere handful of shops in this trade, mostly
along Jonker Walk, you might want to prepare for
yuletide early as waiting time is can be almost a year for
customised beaded slippers! Alternatively, you can pick
up a ready-made pair. Be sure you know your special
someone’s feet size! Most ready-made pairs, however,
come in sizes 6 to 8 only. Prices are from RM780
onwards.
Show your love by presenting that someone special
with a pair of kasot manek.
ISSUE 4 • 2012 | 11
12 | ISSUE 4 • 2012
Severing Ties
In the first of a new series by writer Lawyer Burok, we take a tongue-in-cheek look at how
to ensure that your unfilial offspring is properly cut out of the family fortune for good!
T
Kalau lu tak dengar Chek Chek sama Nya Nya
punya cakap, kita tak jin lu anak kita!
hat was the usual retort from parents of a Peranakan family to their son or daughter who married
someone of his or her choosing in defiance of their dictate to marry the person of their choice, or
after falling out with them after a family dispute.
What might follow would be an advertisement in the English language newspapers that may appear
something like the fictitious advertisement below.
The law, however, does not recognise the effect of
such a notice, as a son or a daughter cannot be legally
renounced as the off-spring of the parents. Only if
the parents, after the publication of such a notice,
had made Wills leaving out that son or daughter as
a beneficiary of their respective estates, would the
intended result be achieved.
If no Wills were made by the parents, then that son
or daughter would, on the death of either parent and
based on the Intestate Succession Act, still be entitled
to a share of that deceased parent’s estate.
So, Enche Enche and Bibik Bibik, do make your Wills
to ensure that the filial beneficiary benefits from your
estate. Otherwise, that undeserving one would get the
last laugh! Jangan pantang, in my experience, the one
who makes a Will lagi panjang umor!
A fictitious
newspaper
advertisement.
NOTICE
Mr & Mrs Chan Tiang Hoe hereby make known
and declare to all that as from this 15th day of
October 1935, of the Year of Our Lord, they have
cut-off ALL ties with their son, Robert Chan Peng Hock.
From the date of this Notice published herein,
the said Robert Chan Peng Hock is no longer
deemed or be acknowledged as their son and
shall have no share whatsoever & wheresoever
in the assets of the Chan Tiang Hoe family.
Giving Women a
Strong Foundation
M
s Caroline Kwan from peranakan
jewellery atelier Foundation Jewellery,
strongly believes that “it is more blessed to
give than to receive”. Her passion to help womenin-need has birthed the GEM New Start Centre.
Launched in August 2011, New Start Centre’s
mission is to help girls and women get a new start
in life. The centre provides emotional support
and counselling and works closely with the Prison
Ministry, Halfway House and Crisis Centre.
Caroline’s projects also include the GEM InsideOut Beauty Training Programme to equip and
empower participants in the areas of character
building, values for productive living and work skill
training/development. The ladies are prepared for
gainful employment and gain a new self-confidence.
New Start Centre further plans to bring
Preventive Programmes into Secondary Schools and
girl’s homes.
Caroline Kwan (centre) with two of her young charges at GEM.
ISSUE 4 • 2012 | 13
14 | ISSUE 4 • 2012
CHAKAP CHAKAP
Because Every
Little Bit Matters
Nyonya Adelina Ong’s efforts to introduce the arts into the lives of disadvantaged youths is
nothing to be sneezed at, as Baba Emeric Lau discovers
C
urrently pursuing an MA in Applied Theatre in the Central School of Speech and Drama in
London, Adelina Ong recalls her work with the Little Arts Academy (LAA). She desires to continue
in the same vein after attaining her masters, and is learning about curriculum development and
pedagogy, skills which she aims to bring back so as to develop even better programming.
Tell us about the LAA – how did it all start, and what
types of courses can youth who attend expect?
The LAA was started in 2008 to provide sustained, highquality multi-disciplinary and interdisciplinary training primarily
to low-income students in Dance, Music, Visual Arts and Theatre.
The courses are provided at no cost to the students through The
Business Times Budding Artists Fund (BTBAF) which is also
managed by The Old Parliament House Limited (TOPH).
More info on our vision and mission can be found at http://
www.thelittleartsacademy.com/about/
I was one of a team of three, sent from The Arts House to
start the school and we worked very closely with a core team of
teachers to develop an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary
curriculum which was child-centric at its core and sought to
create opportunities for the students to learn from industry
practitioners. We started off with about 40 students, between the
ages of 7 and 12.
The course available are listed at
http://www.thelittleartsacademy.com/laa-programmes/
We based our curriculum on that of established international
examinations like ABRSM for music, Royal Academy of Dance,
London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts (for Theatre) and
there would always be performance opportunities at the end of
the year so that students would get to showcase what they had
learnt. Those who wanted to sit for the exams would also be able
to do so. BTBAF would pay for the exam fees and items required
like ballet shoes, costumes, music books etc
We now have more 200 children attending courses every
week, most of them coming in on Saturdays.
In March 2011, we decided to look at youth programmes and
created two pilot programmes in dance and theatre to reach out to
young talents between the ages of 13 and 19. The growth shown
by the youths was very encouraging and so we opened up the
programme, held a 24-hour bootcamp in March 2012 and now we
have 65 talented youths in Dance, Visual Arts, Music and Theatre.
The youths are now on a three-year curriculum that not
only teaches them performance and art-making skills, but also
teaches them to manage themselves as an arts group as we give
them workshops on seeking sponsorship, understanding copyright
and contracts, managing their backstage, production design
and marketing. They will be guided to ask, “What is my role as
ISSUE 4 • 2012 | 15
an artist in Singapore’s arts scene today?”; “Why
should what I’m making be considered art?”;
“Why is this message important?” and last but
very importantly, they will be guided by social
entrepreneurs to think of ways in which they
might make their groups sustainable.
Please share what you can about the
work you do at the LAA. How did you get
involved (I understand it is managed by
the Old Parliament House)?
I joined TOPH in 2007 as part of The Arts
House’s Artistic Development team. I was
inspired by the work of BTBAF as Colin Goh
(CEO, TOPH) told me they had brought 10
underprivileged students to Hong Kong to
perform with artists from Singapore and Hong
Kong. I thought that was incredible and I really
wanted to learn how they made this possible.
I had always felt that theatre should be used
to help people in need, simply because it can.
Theatre can give voice to those who are silenced.
It can provoke, create reflection and inspire
change. Beyond the stage, education is still our
best shot of creating better opportunities for the
underprivileged so they can create a better life for
themselves.
Colin spoke to me about a school they were
trying to build. I told him I was very eager to help,
and I would learn as fast as I could even though I
have no background in curriculum development.
I had taught teenage girls at Pertapis through an
AWARE project, and I had led some workshops
through SRT Young Company and Theatreworks,
but I had not written a curriculum before. He
gave me a chance anyway and it was a steep but
immensely rewarding (and humbling) experience.
I listened to the teachers a lot, sought their advice
as industry practitioners who not only taught but
also performed and exhibited regularly.
I got to be on site during the construction
and learnt a lot during the process. The walls
were painted by volunteers from TOPH, schools,
family and friends. There is a rabbit missing one
hand because I am a terrible painter...I won’t tell
you where!
Then we marketed the courses to non-profit
organisations working with children (children’s
homes, family service centres, etc) and schools.
I remember the day before the start of semester
my days only ended around 11pm! There would
be so much to prepare and get ready. But it was all
worth it to see the students happy and enjoying
the classes fully.
What are your proudest achievements
there?
LAA’s talented
young artists.
16 | ISSUE 4 • 2012
Here is a selection of what I would call our
success stories:
i) Three girls referred to us through Care
Community Services Society have grown from no
prior experience in ballet to taking their Grade
5 this year. They have all had distinctions or
high merit for all their exams and have skipped
a couple of grades. Best of all, they are so much
more happy and confident. One girl once drew
a self-portrait that had “stupid” next to her own
head. Now she is confident of her talents and in
2011 she was top of her class
Check out the video about the ballet girls
with emphasis on two young girls who were left
to the care of their grandmother when their
parents divorced, at http://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=bEh81mcGVKA
ii) Faustina was our first theatre student. She
had no opportunity to do theatre at school as they
had closed the drama club. At the end of 2011 her
What are your hopes for the LAA? If you
had one wish for it, what would it be?
mom found a job in a nursing home in Canada
and so she had to relocate, but before she left she
said she would like to start an LAA in Canada
when she grows up as she really benefited from our
lessons and before she left, she scored a distinction
for her LAMDA Acting Entry exams.
Her video for Give2Arts.sg is here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UGb6ngS
haY&context=C4490accAADvjVQa1PpcFOeJHnr
xbsTE3eWmprz1vQRm3o-o6zOWFA%3D
Besides Faustina, there were also two young girls
who were part of the same group who also scored
distinctions in the LAMDA Acting Entry exams
and one of them is now in SOTA year 1 and doing
very well!
iii) Saltare Beats, a youth dance group that was
also part of our pilot programme, won 2nd place
for Mendaki’s Beat the Rhythm dance competition
in June 2012. They have also been selected to
perform for ChildAid 2012 and we are very proud
of all of them. They will be performing in Tokyo’s
ChildAid in Jan 2012.
iv) The Young Actors Anonymous (YAAs), the
youth theatre group that started as part of the
pilot youth programmes, has successfully raised
$30k as a result of their own tireless efforts in
sponsorship seeking. We guided them in writing
the letters, but they did the work, sold the tickets,
sold programme booklets and now they will be
using that money towards a Performance Exchange
with MCC Theater Youth Company in New York
in Dec 2012. They will also be visiting Columbia
University, where they will be hosted by the
voice lecturer there and given a demo on voice
techniques used in Columbia Uni. A friend is also
trying to arrange for the youths to meet the actress
who will be playing Elphaba in Wicked when they
get to NY...so our fingers are crossed!
v) Vishnu, who is part of the Young Actors
Anonymous, was very empowered by his internship
with LAA last year and now feels confident enough
to write, direct and produce his own 2-man play in
Jan 2013. He is currently looking for sponsorship
and a venue whilst studying for his O levels. He
has really struggled against all odds as he lost his
father when he was doing his PSLE and his mom
is coping with womb cancer. He has three sisters
who are all not working, but I am just amazed
by his resilience and how much he tries to make
theatre that aims to create more acceptance of
those who are alienated.
I hope that the youth who have attended our
programmes will be good artists who recognise that
they are capable of producing art that can make a
difference. I hope they never lose courage to fight
for a kinder, more inclusive, more accepting society.
I hope they will challenge the conventions of art
and art-making, and I hope that they will be able
to create a better future for themselves and their
families through the arts
Do you see yourself as Peranakan? What
do you make of the state of the culture?
I do indeed see myself as Peranakan and I am
very proud of it. I wish I had met my maternal
grandmother so I could have learnt more about the
culture from her. She passed away when my mom
was young. But I am very fortunate to be able to
learn more about it through my partner’s mom
who is Peranakan too. I believe the most valuable
thing that both of them embody is that of a strong
woman, who is independent, hardworking and
self-reliant. They are very accepting of diversity and
people with different perspectives and ways of life,
even if this challenges conservative conventions.
And they are very resourceful and inventive
especially in the kitchen!
Given the generosity and rather active
philanthropic practices of many in the
Peranakan community in the past, what
would your message be to present-day
Peranakans?
Below: The
YAAS at Lights
Out Wonderland.
Faustina,
who scored a
distinction for her
LAMDA Acting
Entry exams.
Given that there are so many who are
already philanthropic, all I can say is
please don’t stop giving to the arts and
to the needy in our community. It can
really make a difference to the life of a
child or a youth or a senior. Every little
gift matters, whether it is in cash or in
deed.
Most importantly, let the giving
come from the wish to develop the
beneficiary holistically, not just giving
them the basic needs for day to day
subsistence, but also helping them
grow as people to fulfil their fullest
potential in life. Everyone has a right
to live with dignity.
ISSUE 4 • 2012 | 17
18 | ISSUE 4 • 2012
STEP BY STEP
Amidst the festivities this season, we should all take some time out to reflect on the real
meaning of giving, Baba Colin Chee chats with Nyonya Aileen Ong, chairman of a charity
organisation called STEP
Aileen dedicates her time working to harness expertise in service to the poor who are
struggling to actualize their dreams for a better life. She invites inter-generational
participation and pushes for the continual development of young people as change-makers to
lead regional and global challenges responsibly.
How did you get started in charity work?
What was your motivation?
I
had two life changing experiences. A failed
marriage resulting in four years as a single mother
of three lovely children (Nicholas, Elizabeth and
Christopher), and an almost fatal accident – a golfball, off the tee, smashed into my left cheek. If it had
hit my temple, barely two inches away, I would have
died.
During those very difficult four years, it was like
being in a dark tunnel. The initial fear and din of
self-inquisition quickly gave way to trust and innerpeace. I practised walking and talking with God.
He blessed me with support from family, good
friends and my parish community. He directed me
to my present husband, Albert. We celebrate 19
meaningful years together this month.
What is life about? I asked myself. After my
personal epiphanies, you really want to make your
life count. For six years I dedicated my all, in ways
commonly termed ‘charity work’, raising funds
through music concerts for various charities. But it
felt incomplete. Was this enough to end poverty and
suffering? I realised this only created dependency
among those who really needed help.
What was the alternative then?
I kept searching for a better answer – one that
could transform lives, and eventually found Gawad
Kalinga (GK, which means to ‘give care’), a successful
movement in poverty eradication and community
development in the Philippines.
My prayers were answered in September 2006
when I met Tony Meloto, the visionary founder of
GK. He built the first house and village over ten
years ago for very poor families of Bagong Silang, a
massive slum relocation site, north of Manila.
I expressed to Tony my desire to feed the
malnourished children of GK, and he got really
excited. This paved the way for my first trip to the
Philippines on 2 January 2007. Tony himself showed
me the face of dire poverty. It was a humbling
experience. I felt ashamed to call myself Christian.
In the eyes of a small child, it seemed like my entire
life converged. This was it – here was my answer! On
14 February, in GK-Baseco, by Manila Bay, former
President SR Nathan launched Mission 4 Nutrition.
Personally, it was also the launch of my new journey
and life mission in poverty eradication.
Aileen Ong,
chairman of STEP.
What did you do next?
From 2007 to end 2008, my days were spent
on the ground in the ‘University-of-life’ - feeding
children, educating mothers about good nutrition,
learning and working intensively alongside Tony.
He startled me by predicting I would also become
a champion and fighter for the poor. It seemed
very daunting at the time. I learnt many lessons
from Tony, a fundamental one being that core to
sustainable community transformation is relationshipbuilding and investing in the poor as partners of their
own future. It is not just charity!
I wished I had discovered this in my teens and
ISSUE 4 • 2012 | 19
Conditions of dire proverty in Cambodia
immediately began sharing the value of such
awareness through service-immersion for students.
Overseas Community Involvement Program
(OCIP) trips were organised with top tertiary
institutions in Singapore, offering new ‘cradle-tograve’ opportunities and a holistic and sustainable
approach to address poverty eradication.
The results were amazing and in 2009, I cofounded and headed GK Hope initiative, an
international charity organisation, to share this
approach with the rest of Asia. This, however,
eluded us as everyone wanted to see the original
‘model’. Inevitably, the focus for the next two years
wasn’t Asia but the Philippines. GK eventually
decided to pull out of this globalised effort and
instead refocus its efforts on its home country.
This paved the way for the birth of STEP
(Solutions To End Poverty) in February 2012, of
which I am Chairman.
What is STEP about?
What STEP does is to adapt and develop
solutions in community development, in
collaboration with critical partners in Asia. It will
help fulfill the original intent initiated in 2009 of
sharing the approaches learnt in the Philippines to
transform slum communities in our region.
Our pilot project is a village we are building in
Phnom Penh, Cambodia for over 300 people. On
my first visit to Phnom Penh in June 2011, out
of 10 NGOs we finally chose one: Pour un Sourire
d’Enfant (PSE) meaning ‘For the Smile of a Child’,
as our key partner. PSE was initiated 16 years ago as
a child-care program or Pailotte by French founders
Christian and Marie de Pallieres to feed childscavengers in the garbage dumps. Today it educates
no less than 7,000 students in Phnom Penh, Siam
Reap and Sihanoukville. This has proven to be an
efffective way out of the poverty trap for the slum
and street children and their families.
When I met PSE, I sensed a kindred spirit in
their love of the poor. Our timing was perfect.
It had recently failed in an effort to address the
housing needs of a number of families made
20 | ISSUE 4 • 2012
homeless. PSE saw STEP’s total approach to
community development, modeled after GK’s, as its
sustainable solution to this concern.
PSE took the brave step of buying 2.2 hectares
of land, funded through its French Board, and
prioritised 312 families as clients in our pilot village
project. PSE will be responsible for the ‘hardware’
– construction and infrastructure developments
- while STEP‘s responsibility is as the‘software’
partner. We are developing a network of critical
partnerships. This now includes Habitat for
Humanity (HFH), Cambodia. My hope is that
this ‘SMILE Village’ pilot project can become
a prototype for community development for all
Cambodia.
Already, the project is involving NUS
architectural students under Professor Tan Beng
Kiang to design two key facilities - a Child Care
Centre for potentially 200 young children and a
Community Enterprise Centre to provide men and
women alternative skills and options to scavenging
as a livelihood. The estimated costs are US$50,000
for the former and US$70,000 for the latter.
Besides funding, we are also searching for expertise
to run both centres.
In addition, four final year business students
under the guidance of Professor Albert Teo are
working on a social enterprise development project,
and social science student Yeap Su Fern has taken
on the role of STEP’s Programmes Coordinator
working with PSE. We need dedicated volunteers.
The road-map starts this December with the first
40 houses funded by HFH and hopefully sufficient
funds to start on both the Singaporean targeted
projects by March 2013. PSE still needs funds for
the other 40 homes. They cost USD 6,500 each,
built in 2-3 storey clusters around green courtyards.
STEP also seeks kind contributions for SMILE
village families as capital for start-up businesses and
training in sewing, food-production, recycling and
farming.
In addition, one significant feature of this project
is the involvement of a top US-based not-for-profit
organisation, Leadership Beyond Boundaries,
in providing world-class community leadership
training to those who need it most on the ground.
Who was your inspiration? Did you have a
mentor?
I have to say that my parents have been a major
inspiration. I vividly remember growing up amidst
mummy’s many Family Planning meetings and
visits to the Malacca Baby’s Home - I can almost
recall the fragrance of milk, powder and wet
nappies! My late father was my confidant and
role model. I have always been inspired by his
generosity and care for others in need, particularly
in Education.
Tony Meloto continues to be a good friend and
mentor , one who walks his talk. One unforgettable
thing I remember was, during a crisis in 2008, Tony
gave me a good piece of advice: when your dreams
or vision hit an insurmountable wall, it has become
too small. It is time to build the next dream, a
bigger vision.
I have taken his advice to heart. Today in
Cambodia, STEP’s current vision is playing out.
This is my first priority. My second is invested
in nurturing future generations of Singaporeans
and young people who live here, as active and
responsible global citizens. Both are intertwined,
interdependent.
I have been working almost 24/7 on community
concerns over the last six years. I see no difference
in core human needs – under the skin, we are
all the same. We need to give and receive love,
recognition, respect, to experience abundance and
joy, friendships and recreation, peace and goodwill,
and to pass on the best of these to our children.
I take great pride in my Peranakan heritage.
And, I feel it’s time for a more ‘life-giving and
socially innovative shift’ in this heritage. I hope
that sharing my life with readers of The Peranakan
will cause a good stir. What will make our anak
and chu-chu really proud to belong to such a
rich heritage and community? Can we use our
time, talent and treasures to build a connected,
compassionate and committed community in
Singapore and beyond? I invite you to be a part of
this new vision of the modern-day Peranakan!
Those who are interested to participate in this
fulfilling work may contact Aileen directly at
aileen.ong2011@yahoo.com.sg. Also, check out
http://www.step-asia.org/ .
ISSUE 4 • 2012 | 21
Christmas a
Sambal Kim Chiam parcels
22 | ISSUE 4 • 2012
lá Nyonya
DALAM DAPOR
Nyonya Sylvia Tan
shares why her kitchen
will be thick with Asian
fragrances come yuletide
T
urkey has an unfortunate reputation as being dry,
tasteless and stringy. Few would own up to loving it, yet
it is a bird associated with Christmas - even in tropical
Singapore!
When I was a girl, my father would haul a roast turkey
home from Cold Storage during the season. Now with
my own home, I win over guests by roasting a turkey with
Asian seasonings. One year it was a soya sauce marinade;
another year, a chilli and cumin rub and this year, an Asian
herbed turkey. It makes sense, really. Why buy a potpourri
of imported herbs when we have basil, kaffir lime and laksa
leaves literally growing at our doorstep? They are easily
available and impart well-loved flavours to the bird. Food styling and
I also make rice stuffing to go with the turkey. photography by
I cook the rice in turkey stock and add a dollop of Anton Kilayko
belachan and toss in frozen soya beans and peas at the last
moment. The residual heat warms up the vegetables to just
the right tenderness. To introduce this Asian turkey, I will
make an appetiser of sambal kim chiam, but topped with a
single prawn and laced with coconut cream, wrapped in a
crepe parcel. The combination works better than you think
and besides, an Asian salad parcel introduces the Peranakan
Christmas theme nicely.
Don’t worry about the bird drying out. It is easy to roast a
turkey that is beautifully golden and yet moist. While some
cooks have resorted to brining the bird to obtain moist
flesh, I find that a quick roasting on high heat usually does
the trick. And yes, with lots of that lovely herb oil rubbed
all over it.
Try it this year and perhaps your family will even be
clamouring for turkey at Chinese New Year!
ISSUE 4 • 2012 | 23
Sambal kim chiam
parcels
Serves 8-10
A fresh salad parcel. I update this
traditional recipe by presenting it
wrapped as a parcel with an egg crepe,
usually used for Peking duck, which is
easily available in the supermarkets.
Coconut cream:
1/2 cup coconut milk
1/2 cup water
1 heaped tsp corn flour
A pinch of salt
2 cups dried lily buds
1 tbs sambal belachan (chilli and shrimp
paste)
Pinch of salt, or to taste
1 tsp sugar, or to taste
Juice from 2 limes, or to taste
2 cucumbers
4-5 shallots, peeled and sliced
8-10 medium prawns
2 red chillies, sliced
A packet of frozen egg crepes
Method:
Place coconut milk in a small pot
and heat over a small fire. Add a little
water to corn flour to obtain a paste.
Add the rest of the water to the paste,
stir and add the lot to the coconut
milk, stirring all the time till it thickens.
Add a pinch of salt.
Rinse dried lily buds to rid it of dirt
and dust and soak in warm water till
they soften. Snip off the hard tips of
the stalks. Squeeze dry and leave aside.
Peel cucumbers and remove soft cores.
Cut into four lengthwise and slice on a
slant to get thick long slivers.
Boil prawns in a small pot of water
till they turn just pink. Cool and peel.
Keep stock for another use. Add sambal
belachan, either homemade or bottled,
to softened lily buds and mix. Add
salt, sugar and lime juice to taste. Place
a couple of cucumber slivers on an
egg crepe, top with dressed lily buds.
Garnish with shallots, chilli and boiled
prawn.
Wrap up crepe like a parcel. Place a
dollop of coconut cream on top of each
parcel. Serve at once.
Roast turkey with Asian herbs
(with stock for edamame,
belachan and pea rice)
Serves 8-10
1 turkey (4-5kg). If frozen, allow for
24 | ISSUE 4 • 2012
two to three days defrosting in the
fridge. Place the turkey in a leak proof
plastic bag and tie it up.
1 small bunch each Thai sweet basil,
kaffir lime leaves and laksa leaves
1 tbsp salt
3/4 cup vegetable or olive oil
pepper to taste
1 sprig kaffir lime leaves, to stuff
1 bouquet garni comprising an onion,
carrot and celery stick, cut into short
lengths, for the stock
Method:
Remove the neck and giblets from
the cavity and place in a pot with
water to cover. Add the bouquet
garni. Bring to the boil, and then
simmer for one hour. Strain and leave
aside stock. Use this to cook the rice.
Wash the herbs and use only the
leaves and the tender stems. Pluck
into short lengths. Place in a food
chopper and process with oil and salt
till roughly chopped.
Wash turkey well inside and out
and pat dry with paper towels. Rub
herb oil over the turkey, including
the cavity. If you can, rub some of the
oil under the skin. Leave turkey in
the fridge to marinate covered for a
couple of hours or even overnight.
The next day, heat oven to 200 C.
Place sprig of kaffir lime leaves into
the cavity of the bird and roast on a
pan in the middle of the oven. Cook
for one hour covered with a sheet of
foil, then remove the foil, turn down
heat to 180 C and roast for another
hour till the bird is golden brown
and cooked. Test by poking a fork
into the thickest part of the thigh
and if the juices run clear, it is ready.
Remove the turkey from the pan
peas and toss. Leave to
warm through for 15
minutes in the rice cooker
and turn out on serving
plate. Garnish with Asian
herbs on hand: basil or
kaffir lime leaves, shredded
or else just use chopped
coriander leaves.
Pandan crème
brûlée
(Coconut custard with burnt
sugar topping)
Serves 8 -10
This is a dessert that
marries the rich flavour
of nyonya kaya with the
textural delight of a burnt
sugar topping. It never
fails to get cries of delight
especially when I do the
torching at the table!
15 pandan leaves
half cup of water
5 medium eggs
500 ml coconut milk
2
/3 cup white sugar
Castor sugar for
caramelising
and leave to rest for half an hour.
Pour a cup of water (or white wine)
into the pan. Heat over two burners
on the stove, scraping to dissolve
the burnt bits. Add 1 tbsp corn
flour and stir till sauce is thickened.
Season to taste.
Edamame, belachan
and pea ric e
Serves 8-10
4 cups of white rice, washed and
drained
4 cups of turkey stock (see Roast
Turkey recipe)
1 tsp of salt or to taste
1 tbsp belachan, toasted for 1 minute
covered in the microwave with a
little oil
1 cup frozen peeled edamame beans
1 cup frozen baby peas
Garnish: Fresh basil or kaffir lime
leaves, shredded/fresh coriander
leaves
Method:
Cook rice in turkey stock in
the rice cooker. When done, add
belachan and stir well to combine.
Add frozen edamame beans and
Method:
Process pandan leaves
in chopper with water to
obtain green juice. Leave
aside. Break eggs into a
large mixing bowl, add
sugar and stir, and not beat,
till sugar has melted and
mixture thickens. You do
not want to incorporate too
much air into the custard
mixture for then it will not
turn silky. Add coconut
milk and strain pandan juice into
mixture. Stir again.
Pour custard mixture into eight
to 10 ramekins and steam in a wok
half filled with water over medium
fire for 20 minutes or till set. Cool.
Chill ramekins, covered with cling
film, in the fridge. When ready to
serve, spread 1 tsp sugar over top of
the custard and either grill or use
blow-torch to caramelise the top.
When sugar has melted, swirl ramekin
around to ensure an even spread.
Serve when sugar hardens into a
crisp layer.
ISSUE 4 • 2012 | 25
26 | ISSUE 4 • 2012
THEATRE
Mari Kita Main Wayang
Main Wayang Director Baba Richard Tan takes stock of a most exciting year for the
Main Wayang Co.
S
ekejap sair, sembilan bulan sudah lepas! We are
into the tail end of 2012. How time flies by
with a flurry of events and activities! Main
Wayang’s recent season was all about giving back
to community and charity through what they know
best, in music and drama, song and dance!
Anak Anak Wayang for Singapore Children’s
Society
On 7 September, our Anak Anak Wayang did
their part for charity by presenting a traditional
Peranakan fashion pageant and sang their hearts
out for The Children’s Society’s 60th Anniversary
Awards Night. They were all thrilled and delighted
when informed that the Society’s Chairman, Dr
Carol Balhetchet, had arranged a special phototaking moment with the evening’s Guest-ofHonour, His Excellency, President Tony Tan and
Mrs Mary Tan.
@ The Esplanade!
At the Waterfront Stage of The Esplanade on 10
August, we celebrated National Day to the theme of
‘Harmony’. The Main Wayang Singers entertained
with two sets of 45 minutes filling the open air
performing space with nostalgic local sing-along
tunes and original Peranakan songs. With lyrics
projected on a giant screen, the audience were able
to join in the singing, bringing together an evening
of joyous bonding and merry-making. Many came
to the front of stage to joget and gelek. At the end
of the evening, a mass dance had everyone on their
feet to ‘Celebrate Joget!’ Watch 2 video here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdNotdp0Es&feature=youtu.be
The show was so popular that The Esplanade
immediately invited us back for another special
show. This time, it was for The Esplanade’s 10th
Anniversary Celebrations. Entitled A Vocal
Dedication (at The Concourse on Friday, 12
October at 10.00 pm), it featured selected members
from our Main Wayang Singers, MW Rhapsody
Choir, MW Minstrels and our Anak Wayang Kids,
this is truly a multi-tiered MW family affair!
Many more community concerts and events
are coming up with the festive year end season
just around the corner. The Main Wayang Singers
have been invited by the Persatuan Peranakan
Cina Melaka to entertain delegates at their
upcoming 25th Baba Convention Gala Dinner on
24th November at the Hatten Hotel Ballroom in
Malacca. And on this very same weekend, our Anak
Anak Wayang will be busy teaching visitors to The
Peranakan Museum how to sing and Chakap Baba
patois with their interactive musical presentation.
And before long, we will all be humming and
singing some Christmas carols! Taon 2012, chukop
hebat!
Above: Our Anak
Anak Wayang with
President Tony Tan,
First Lady Mary
Tan and Mr Koh,
Chairman of the
SCS.
Left: Anak-Anak
Wayang in action at
the SCS dinner.
Singapore Writer’s Festival – ‘Baba Malay 101
– Jangan Main Main!’ If you would like to learn to speak Baba Patois
the easy way, join me for my special ‘Baba Malay
101 – Jangan Main Main!’ two-hour workshop, as
I introduce our hybrid language with its colourful
melange of Malay, Hokkien and English, and
explain how it was widely used in our local
community. Discover through dramatic excerpts
and songs how Baba Malay is a truly vibrant and
unique local lingo.
This workshop is recommended for those in their teens and
older. It will be conducted on Tuesday, 6 November, 7.009.00pm as part of The Singapore Writers Festival 2012.
Venue: ilovebooks.com Pavilion, Campus Green, Singapore
Management University
Tickets at $20 are available from SISTIC
http://singaporewritersfestival.com/index.
php?option=com_php&Itemid=69&category=11&id=439
ISSUE 4 • 2012 | 27
BETEL BOX bistro
has
come to town!
Baba Colin Chee checks out a new Peranakan
eatery right in the heart of Joo Chiat
H
elmed by award-winning master Peranakan chef,
Uncle Ben, himself a true blue Baba, Betel Box
Bistro promises to colour Singapore’s increasingly
adventurous and diverse food scene with some of its very
own specialties such as Laksa Goreng, Sambut Ikan and
Nanas Yong Tau Foo. These are just a few of Uncle Ben’s
ingenious spins on traditional Peranakan recipes. His 30
years’ of cooking Peranakan food has seen him prepare
meals for a host of celebrities and dignitaries including the
royal families of Brunei and Kuwait.
Baba Richard Seah, health writer, award winning
photographer and food nut said, “Ben’s dishes are so
different from all the others I have tried; but they are
good, some even very good. I will come again!” Nyonya
Linda Chee enthused, “The nanas yong tau foo gravy is
delightfully ambrosial, with the pineapple giving it a lovely
yet gentle tang. And the veggies are filled with this delicious
homemade paste of meat and prawn. The dish is an easy winner.”
For the launch of Betel Box Bistro, owner Tony Tan
(whose Betel Box Hostel won Singapore Tourism Board’s
2009 Singapore Experience Award and whose award winning
backpackers’ hostel is rated among the best in Asia Pacific
and lauded in Lonely Planet) has a special promotion for The
Peranakan’s readers. Don’t miss out!
Call Victor, Theresa or Tony at 64405540 for reservations. The bistro is open daily
from 8 am to 10pm. Closed on Tuesdays. Betel Box Bistro, 200 Joo Chiat Road.
Parking is available at the Tembeling Road/Joo Chiat Place car park next to the
Chinese temple. Take-outs and delivery are also available.
GO W!LD FOR
CHRISTMAS
T
he team at W!ld Rice are giving all the family a
delicious and fun-filled musical treat with Hansel
& Gretel. This must-see 9th edition of the annual
Christmas pantomime features a star-studded cast including
Sebastian Tan (Broadway Beng), Dwayne Tan (Army Daze),
Denise Tan (Gold 90FM), Siti Khalijah (Boeing Boeing),
Dwayne Lau (Cinderel-Lah!) and Vernetta Lopez (CLASS
95FM). It will also feature 30 young talents from the age of
4-12 as part of W!ld Rice’s First Stage! programme.
Dates: 22 November – 15 December 2012
Venue: Drama Centre Theatre
Tickets from SISTIC
28 | ISSUE 4 • 2012
Peranakan Chinese
Art and Culture
216 x 280mm (160 pages) S$38
135 x 200mm (64 pages) S$5.25
216 x 229mm (144 pages) S$32
152 x 229mm (448 pages) S$32
216 x 279mm (288 pages) S$63
229 x 305mm (288 pages) S$63
229 x 305mm (288 pages) S$75
229 x 305mm (272 pages) S$63
229 x 286mm (176 pages) S$45
127 x 184mm (224 pages) S$23
216 x 279mm (224 pages) S$63
152 x 229mm (448 pages) S$32
229 x 305mm (256 pages) S$85
ISSUE 4 • 2012 | 29
EVENTS
salute to Dato’ Seri Khoo
Keat Siew
On the 25th anniversary of the annual Baba Convention,
The Peranakan honours the Baba who started it all
B
orn in Penang in May 1930, Dato’ Seri Khoo
Keat Siew is a son of the late Khoo Sian Ewe,
one of Penang’s foremost businessmen,
philanthropists and civic leaders. Dato’ Seri is a
Barrister-at-law. He was the President of The State
Chinese (Penang) Association (SCPA) in 1988
when he mooted the idea of having the Peranakan
associations of Singapore, Malacca and Penang
meet annually.
The Baba Convention’s main aim is to foster
close ties among the three Peranakan communities
and promote greater understanding and
appreciation of the Peranakan culture. Today, the
Convention is open to all who have an abiding
interest in the unique culture of the former Straits
Settlement Peranakan communities.
Dato’ Seri Khoo continues to contribute widely
to Penang’s civil and culture societies. He is the
President of Penang’s Cheshire Home, Chairman
of the Board of Trustees of the Khoo Kongsi as
well as its President and is the founder of the
Befrienders of Penang. He also chairs and heads
many Chinese temple committees on Penang
Island even though he is in his 80s.
Dato Seri’ Khoo’s vision of Peranakans coming
together in fellowship has been further borne out via
the Federation of Peranakan Associations (FPA) which
currently comprises the following organisations.
Federation of Peranakan Association
The Peranakan Association Singapore
The Persatuan Peranakan Cina Melaka
The State Chinese (Penang) Association
The Gunong Sayang Association
The Thai Peranakan Association (Phuket)
The Persatuan Baba Nyonya Kuala Lumpur Selangor
The Association of Chetti Melaka(Peranakan Indians) Singapore [CHEMPAKAS]
The Association of Peranakan Tionghoa Indonesia (ASPERTINA)
The Peranakan Association Australia Incorporated, Melbourne
The Peranakan Association Australia Incorporated, Sydney
Thank you for your contributions, Dato’ Seri
Khoo!
A Meeting of Founders
Baba Chan Eng Thai reports on a very busy trip to Malacca
Left to right: Baba Chan
Eng Thai, Dato Seri Khoo
Keat Siew, Patron of the
State Chinese (Penang)
Association, Datin Seri
Daisy Yeow (Dato Khoo’s
wife) Vice President
of the State Chinese
(Penang) Association,
Mr.Victor Goh Liang
Chuan, Cultural Advisor
of the Gunong Sayang
Association and Mr. Peter
Wee, TPAS President.
I
t was a packed trip to Malacca over 28-30
September, as presidents of the three founding
associations of the Baba Nyonya Convention (The
Peranakan Association Singapore, The Persatuan
Peranakan Cina Melaka and The State Chinese
[Penang] Association) met to map out plans for the
Convention’s future. Baba Peter Wee, Baba Alan
Koh and myself attended the meeting which resolved
that all future Baba Nyonya Convention venues
and themes shall be directed by the three founder
associations. While the meeting was in progress,
others in the entourage explored the many antique
30 | ISSUE 4 • 2012
shops of Jonker Street. Kerosang intan, mutiaria and
tali pending perak formery owned by the bibiks of
Malacca were displayed and offered for sale.
The PPCM 112th anniversary dinner on 29
September was graced by Dato’ Seri and Datin Seri
Khoo Keat Siew of Penang, who mooted the idea of
the Baba Convention in 1988.
On 30 September, TPAS entourage was given a
tour of the yet to be opened Straits Chinese Jewellery
Museum at No.108 Heeren Street (now known as
Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock). This museum showcases
the berlian intan of the Peranakans and even has a
room dedicated to the memory of Baba Peter Wee’s
late mother, Mrs. Josephine Tan Pin Neo, containing
her matrimonial bed, dressing table, baju kebaya,
cheongsam and photographs of Baba Peter Wee’s
family. We were the first batch of visitors to this
unique boutique museum owned by Mr. Peter Soon
who also owns the Penang Peranakan Mansion in
Georgetown, Penang. A lunch spread of Nyonya
dishes was served in the main hall of the museum,
and that concluded our short visit to Malacca. It was
certainly not enough.
Hence, the 25th Baba Nyonya Convention
beckons in November!
NOTICEBOARD
PERANAKAN
ASSOCIATIONS
IN THE REGION
SINGAPORE
The Peranakan Association Singapore
(TPAS)
Raffles City PO Box 1640, Singapore
911755
Contact: Mrs Lim Geok Huay, Hon
Secretary
Email: geok@peranakan.org.sg
Tel: 65 6255 0704
Fax: 65 6353 6801
Website: peranakan.org.sg
Gunong Sayang Association (GSA)
50 Lorong 24A, Geylang Road,
Singapore 398574
Contact: Mr Christopher Bek, President
Email: gunongsayang@hotmail.com
Mobile: 65 9647 8456
Fax: 65 6441 1569
Website: gunongsayang.org
Association of Chetti Melaka
(Peranakan Indians) Singapore
5001 Beach Road #08-09
Golden Mile Complex
Singapore 199588
Contact: Mr Pono Kalastree
Office: 6297 1229
Mobile: 9678 1767
MALAYSIA
MALACCA
Persatuan Peranakan Cina Melaka
(PPCM)
149, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock (Heeren
Street), 75200 Melaka
Contact: Ms Chin Siok Hoon, PJK (Hon
Secretary)
Email: admin@ppcm-melaka.org
Website: www.ppcm-melaka.org
Tel: 012 6218 909
Fax: 06 2837 215
To contact the President, Datuk Phua
Jin Hock, please email phuajh@gmail.
com.
PENANG
State Chinese (Penang) Association
/ Persatuan Peranakan Cina Pulau
Pinang
13, Perak Road
President: Datuk Tan Gin Soon
Contact: 0162050517
Email: ginsoon@hotmail.com
KUALA LUMPUR & SELANGOR
Persatuan Peranakan Baba Nyonya
Kuala Lumpur & Selangor (PPBNKLS)
63 Jalan Telawi, Bangsar Baru, 59100,
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Contact: Cedric Tan, Hon Secretary
Email: peranakan_kl@yahoo.com.my
Tel: 03 2287 1613
Fax: 03 2287 3613
WELCOME
A big welcome to our
new members:
1.
2.
3,
4.
5.
Ms Serene Chan
Ms Lim Chooi Lian
Mr Victor Lim
Mdm Nelly Soh
Mr Shauna Lawhorne Goh
Website: peranakan-kl.org
To contact the President,
Dr Lee Su Kim, please email sukim25@
yahoo.com.
KELANTAN
Association of Peranakan Chinese,
Kelantan
Lot 2344 Kampong Wakaf Stan, Kubang
Kerian,
16150 Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia
Contact: Law Awang
Tel: 609-7652261 Mobile: 012-9815688
Email: law_awang@yahoo.com
THAILAND
Thai Peranakan Association
61 Satul Road, Muang District, Phuket
83000, Thailand
Contacts: Dr Kosol Taenguthai at email:
k_tanguthai@hotmail.com; Ajan Pranee
Sakulpipatana at email: Pranee81@yahoo.
com, mobile: +66 81 693 3576; or Piyarat
Kulvanich at email: kpiyarat2000@yahoo.
com or mobile: +66 81 719 0967.
Fax: +66 76 258179
Tel: +66 76 258124
Website: Thaiperanakan.com
OBITUARY
Our deepest sympathies to the families of our
esteemed members who have passed on:
1. Dr Koh Cheng
2. Ms Chan Siak Hong Helena
3. Taye Lang Hiang
We appeal to all members who have not submitted two hard copy
passport photos of themselves to please do so in order for the committee to
produce your membership cards.
All members are to ensure that the Association is kept updated of
all their contact details, including email, mailing address and telephone
numbers. Please contact Mrs Lim Geok Huay at 62550704 or email geok@
peranakan.org.sg.
Peranakan Cooking Class
Date/Time: 15 Dec, 11am – 2pm
Venue: MAYER Showroom, Causeway Point
Cost: Usual $128 per person; TPAS members pay only $96 net per
person (25% discount)
Come experience a Peranakan cooking class cum Christmas Lunch served
tok panjang style. In addition, each participant will receive a goodie bag
worth $60 including Peranakan XO Sauce, cookies, and more!
Menu:
1. Peranakan tapas
2. Peranakan kerabu
3. Peranakan chap chye soup (mild)
4. Ayam ala-Peranakan (roast chicken with buah keluah) served with
veggies and cous-cous
5. Baked tapioca with homemade coconut ice-cream
Seats are limited. Book early to avoid disappointment! Email Philip@rice.
sg to book or enquire.
INDONESIA
Association of Peranakan Tionghoa
Indonesia
Hero Building II Suite 902,
Jl. Jend. Gatot Subroto 177A
Kav. 64 Jakarta 12870, Indonesia
Contact: Chairman Mr Andrew Susanto
Tel +6221 8317751
Fax +6221 8317731
Email: info@aspertina.org
Website: aspertina.org
AUSTRALIA
MELBOURNE
Peranakan Association
Australia Inc
P.O. Box 1278, Hawksburn, Victoria,
Australia 3142
Contacts: Joseph Then, Secretary, at
email j.then@bigpond.com
or Ivy Lee Gek Kim, newsletter editor, at
email gekkiml@yahoo.co.uk.
Website: www.peranakan.org.au.
SYDNEY
Peranakan Association Australia (PAA)
NSW Inc
P O Box 3810, Marsfield,
NSW 2122 Australia
Contact: Evelyn Tan, President
Website: peranakanaustralia.org
Email: evelyn.peranakan@gmail.com
ISSUE 4 • 2012 | 31
DIRECTORY
THE PERANAKAN GUIDE • SINGAPORE
MUSEUMS
Peranakan Museum.
See the world’s first
national Peranakan
Museum with the
most comprehensive
and finest collection
of Peranakan artefacts. The boutique
museum examines the centres of Peranakan
culture in Malacca, Penang and Singapore,
and traces its links to as far as Indonesia,
Myanmar and Thailand.
Peranakan Museum, 39 Armenian Street,
Singapore 179941.
website:www.peranakanmuseum.sg
Email: nhb_pm_vs@nhb.gov.sg
Tel: 6332 7591.
Emily of Emerald Hill:
Singaporean Identity on
Stage. Featuring the iconic
play by Stella Kon, the
exhibition looks at its
milieu and background
in Peranakan culture
and theatre, as well as its
impact on the Singapore
art scene. On display are original
costumes, props and other stage artefacts,
which together aim to present a fresh and
original perspective on Peranakan heritage
and its national influence. From 1 June
2012 to 17 February 2013.
National Museum of Singapore. The
museum’s Singapore History Gallery
pays tribute to the contributions of the
pioneering Peranakans. On view are
some outstanding artefacts, including
the oil portrait of Lim Boon Keng, old
photographs, jewellery and sireh sets, as
well as the magnificent carved wood hearse
of Tan Jiak Kim, which is considered
one of the 11 Treasures of the National
Museum. National Museum of Singapore,
93 Stamford Road, Tel: 63323659, Opening
Hours: 10am to 6pm Daily (Singapore
History Gallery), 10am to 9pm Daily
(Singapore Living Galleries), Admission
$10 (adults), $5 (senior citizens above 60),
$5 (students, Nsmen), Free admission to
the Singapore Living Galleries from 6pm to
9pm. http://nationalmuseum.sg.
Baba House. This heritage
house goes back in time to
1928. Experience what a
grand Peranakan terraced
house would have been like.
Formerly owned by the Wee
family (whose ancestor Wee
Bin was a mid-19th century
shipping magnate) since 1910. 157 Neil
Road, Singapore. Tel: 62275731. Visits are
by guided tours. Please call the house for
details. http://www.nus.edu.sg/museum/
baba/index.html
Capturing the Straits: Painting and Postcard
Views from the 19th and Early 20th
Centuries. The exhibition brings together
32 | ISSUE 4 • 2012
eclectic Peranakan residential architecture,
just off Orchard Road.
the work of Charles Dyce, who lived in
Singapore in the 1840s and made fine
sketches of the island, and postcard views of
Malacca from the early 20th century. From
9 February - 31 October 2012. Please call to
arrange visits.
Asian Civilisations Museum. The first
museum in the region to display a wide
range of artefacts from across Asia, the
ACM not surprisingly has some important
Peranakan treasures. The Mary and
Philbert Chin Gallery has some lavish
examples of gold jewellery, sireh boxes and
other paraphernalia, some encrusted with
diamonds, and fine batik textiles from
the north coast of Java, all made for the
Peranakan market.
1 Empress Place, Singapore 179555,
Tel: 6332 2982, Opening Hours: 9am to
7pm (Tuesdays to Saturdays), 1pm to 7pm
(Mondays), Admission $8 (adults), $4
(senior citizens and students). http://www.
acm.org.sg
Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall
The old Sun Yat Sen Villa reopened in
October 2011 after extensive renovations
with a new name. Fitting tribute is given to
the former owners of the house, especially
Teo Eng Hock, a son of Teo Lee, one of the
pioneer Teochew merchants in Singapore,
together with his nephew Lim Nee Soon,
were among the
loyal supporters of
Sun Yat Sen’s bid to
overthrow the Qing
government. The
exhibition shows how
Singapore, and the Chinese community
here played an important part in this pivotal
moment of world history. Intimate photos
of family life, and of Teo Eng Hock’s nyonya
mother, Mrs Teo Lee née Tan Poh Neo
(granddaughter of the kapitan of Muntok),
add charm and a Peranakan angle to the
experience. 12 Tai Gin Road, Singapore
327874, Tel: 6256 7377, Opening Hours:
10am-5pm daily. Website: wanqingyuan.
org.sg.
LANDMARKS
Blair Plain. A typical Peranakan residential
area around Spottiswoode Park, Blair Road
and Neil Road which is worth a stroll.
Visit Guan Antiques nearby at Kampong
Bahru Road, a treasure trove of Peranakan
heirlooms. http://www.arch.nus.edu.sg/
SOA/design_studio/dds2b/blair/study/
Blair.html.
Emerald Hill Road. Another interesting
residential district showcasing the best of
Katong and Joo Chiat. Once the nerve
centre of Peranakan life in Singapore. In
its heyday it was the site of nearby grand
seaside villas and elaborate Peranakan
terraced houses.
The latter can still
be seen in a walk
along Koon Seng
Road. Also visit
Peranakan shops
such as Katong
Antique House (208 East Coast Road) and
Rumah Bebe (113 East Coast Road) as well
as the great variety of Peranakan restaurants
in the neighbourhood. http://www.
visitsingapore.com/publish/
stbportal/en/home/what_to_see/
suburban_living/katong.html. Also http://
www.myjoochiat.com.
Amoy Street and Telok Ayer Street.
One of the first Peranakan enclaves, now
occupied by restaurants and offices. Many
Peranakans from Malacca moved to this area
as soon as the East India Company began to
lease out land for sale.
Thian Hock Keng. The oldest Hokkien
temple in Singapore was founded in 1821
although the present structure, built without
nails, was completed only in 1841. The
temple is dedicated
to Mazu, the Daoist
goddess of the sea
and protector of all
seamen. Many of the
temple’s patrons were
Peranakan pioneers, such as Tan Tock Seng,
who donated $30,000 for renovations. He
also founded the hospital named after him.
The Hokkien Huay Kuan, a community
organisation for Hokkien people in
Singapore was housed at the temple and
also helmed by Peranakan pioneers. Thian
Hock Keng, 158 Telok Ayer Street, Tel:
6423 4616.
Tan Si Chong Su. Built in 1878, Tan Si
Chong Su is the ancestral temple of the Tan
clan, and was founded by prominent Baba
philanthropists Tan Kim Ching, son of Tan
Tock Seng, and Tan Beng Swee, the son of
Tan Kim Seng. The first president of the
temple, Tan Kim Tian, was a well-known
Baba shipping
tycoon. The temple
consists of shrines
for the ancestral
tablets of Tan
clansmen, as well
as altars to the clan deities. The elaborate
stone and wood carvings as well as the
swooping ceramic roof finials makes this
one of the most elaborate Chinese temples
in Singapore, quaintly located amid the
gleaming towers of the financial district.
Tan Si Chong Su, 15 Magazine Road.