Stamford Raffles 『v.s』 Tan Tock Seng

The National Museum has decided to erect a statue infront of its entrance. They have to choose between Stamford Raffles and Tan Tock Seng.If you were working for the museum,who would you choose and why?

In my opinion, I would choose to erect a statue of Tan Tock Seng. One of the reasons is that people often commemorate Sir Stamford Raffles as the founder of Singapore, and few really noted about our locals whom also contributed greatly to the formation of Singapore today.

Tan Tock Seng was born in Melaka and came to Singapore in 1819, at the age of 21. He was indeed a visionary and an entrepreneur as he soon amassed wealth, but he did not ignore the suffering and plight of his unfortunate fellowmen.

He founded a pauper hospital in Pearl's Hill where the immigrants could seek medical help at little or no cost. Tan Tock Seng was not only one of the richest merchants in Singapore, but also a philanthropist who gave liberally to charity. He was also a leader of the chinese community and was the first Asian to be appointed justice of the Peace.

However, i would not deny that Stamford Raffles indeed played an important part in the Singapore's history. Without him, there might not even be Singapore today. But as for Tan Tock Seng, he is the one who had transformed Singapore into what it is today. Tan Tock Seng contributed greatly to Singapore, with his passion for the sick and the poor, he unindemnified for the benefit of others.