Tan Kim Tian

Tan Kim Tian (1832 — 1882) was the co-founder of the Tan Kim Tian and Son Steamship Company and the first president of the Tan Si Chong Su, a Chinese temple in Singapore.

Early life and education Tan was born in Malacca in 1832. He travelled to Singapore in 1847.

Career Tan became an employee of Paterson Simons Merchants shortly after arriving in Singapore. Merchant William Paterson, who was a partner of the firm, arranged for him to attend English school, allowing him to become fluent in English. He later became a shopkeeper in the firm's Produce Department. He also owned the Kim Tian's Pier on Havelock Road along the Singapore River. They adopted Tan Beng Wan, and several children after adopting him. He lived in the Botan House, which he built, on Neil Road.

Tan died in 1882.