RELAX
Here Come
The Hokkiens!
One of the largest clans in Singapore consisting of numerous
surnames such as Tan and Ong, the Hokkien clan were strong
traders who flourished in Southeast Asia and who were responsible
for making Singapore into what it is today. We trace the footsteps of
the first few Hokkien people from China to Singapore.
1405 – 1433:
The first Hokkiens to migrate
southwards were members of
Admiral Zheng He’s fleet in his
historic seven grand voyages
across the Western Ocean. In
most of his voyages, Zheng He
departed from Changle, a county
within the eastern Fujian province.
To build his ships and navigate
the waters, Zheng He travelled
around the coastal countries in
Fujian province and recruited
Hokkien interpreters, navigators
and helmsmen. Hence, many
experienced seamen were part
of the Admiral’s crew. To ensure
that his journey was well-stocked,
Zheng He set up a midway supply
station and stockade in Malacca to
store goods and food, which were
manned by some of his Hokkien
seamen. These Hokkien people
eventually settled in Malacca.
1600s:
The Dutch colonial government in
Malacca appoints Chinese kapitans
(appointed representative) to take
charge of Chinese affairs. All
Chinese kapitans were Hokkiens
and they dealt directly with the
administration with regard to all
matters pertaining to the Chinese.
SINGAPORE
1819 – 1828:
The more enterprising Hokkiens started moving
southwards towards Singapore, which at that time had become
a thriving entrepôt after the efforts of Raffles to turn the island into an
important trade link between China and Europe. Although the first few Chinese
to migrate to Singapore were the Cantonese and Hakka handicraft artisans,
the Hokkien clan soon became a powerhouse in the Singapore Chinese society
due to their trading background and policies that tended
to favour traders.
26
Family & Life • Mar 2014