The Peranakan Association Singapore (TPAS)

The history of The Peranakan Association Singapore (TPAS) goes back to its origins when it was formed on 17 August 1900 as the Straits Chinese British Association (SCBA), with Mr Tan Jiak Kim as its first president. One of its original objectives was to afford facilities for the discussion of all questions relating to the social and moral welfare of the community. The SCBA attracted the leading lights of Peranakan society. It did not take long before a branch of the SCBA was established in October of the same year in Malacca, the land of the forefathers of the members. Penang followed suit in 1920. On 31 August 1931 the SCBA petitioned the Governor of Singapore, Sir Cecil Clementi, for the appointment of a Chinese member to the Executive Council. Though not immediately acceded to, the request did eventually lead to the appointment of SCBA member Mr Wee Swee Teow to the Executive Council in 1933. The Petition was jointly signed by Sir Lim Han Hoe, Mr Heah Joo Seang and Sir Tun T...