Menu
Mr. Tan Kah Kee, a well-known philanthropist and an outstanding Overseas Chinese leader in Southeast Asia, passed away in Beijing on 12 Aug 1961. The Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan, together with 50 other Chinese associations, urged the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry to hold a memorial service for Mr. Tan, in view of his invaluable contributions to the promotion of entrepreneurship, social reforms, cultural and educational developments as well as political and charitable movements in our society.
During the memorial service held on 10 September 1961, more than 5,000 representatives from over 280 clan associations and other groups came to pay their respects. During the event, the Tan Kah Kee Scholarship Fund was established from donations totalling S$100,000 contributed by his supporters with the aim of keeping the Tan Kah Kee spirit and legacy alive.
In April 1968, the Tan Kah Kee Scholarship Fund officially became known as the Tan Kah Kee Scholarship Trust Fund, offering scholarships for the four higher learning institutions then. However, the relatively small capital of the Fund limited the amount of contributions the Trustees could support.
In February 1982, the Tan Kah Kee Foundation was established with the granting of an IPC (Institution of Public Character) status by the government and subsequently raised an endowment fund of S$8 million. The mission of the Foundation is to carry on with charity work and to foster the Tan Kah Kee spirit in entrepreneurship and dedication to education.
Tan Kah Kee Foundation signed an agreement with the Ee Hoe Hean Club, committing to pay the club S$1 million for the use of the entire ground floor of the re-constructed Ee Hoe Hean building for 50 years.
Subsequently the Foundation proceeded to establish the Pioneers’ Memorial Hall at the premises.
Through the years since, the Foundation has actively engaged in the promotion of education and culture. Its major programmes include:
Today, its influence has extended beyond the local communities in Singapore and has reached out to the region.
Copyright © 2024 Tan Kah Kee Foundation. All Rights Reserved.