“The Legacy of Tan Kah Kee and Lee Kong Chian” exhibition was first held at the National Library Singapore from 18 July 2008 to 4 January 2009.  It highlighted the significant contributions of Tan Kah Kee and Lee Kong Chian to Singapore and their roles as entrepreneurs, promoters of education, community leaders and the strong legacy they left behind. 

The exhibition at the National Library attracted a total of 130,187 visitors.  Besides the exhibition, a conference, heritage trials and talks were organized to enhance the visitor experience.  In addition, a mobile version of the exhibition roved to the Woodlands, Jurong and Tampines Regional Libraries between January and April 2009 to extend the exhibition’s reach.

The success of the exhibition at the National Library Singapore inspired a commercial company in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, Tanah Sutera Development Sdn Bhd, to put up a similar exhibition at the Sutera Mall to showcase the vast contributions of Tan Kah Kee and Lee Kong Chian in both Malaysia and Singapore. 

The exhibition’s aim was to show the entrepreneurship and philanthropy of the pioneers so as to enlighten and encourage people to contribute to society.  The Library supported the exhibition by playing an advisory role in content as well as contributing some replicas and props for the exhibition. 

The exhibition at Sutera Mall (20 June – 19 July), also entitled “The Legacy of Tan Kah Kee and Lee Kong Chian”, was prominently located at the central atrium of the mall and attracted about 100,000 visitors.  It was officially launched by Datuk Tan Kok Hong, Deputy Chief of the MCA, together with the advisors for the exhibition – Ms Jane Wee, Ms Wendy Zoulu, Mr Han Tan Juan and Mr Lim Guan Hock.

Below are some pictures taken from the exhibition.

Contributed by Wong Chew Wee, National Library Board.