Tan Siak Kew

Tan Siak Kew (31 May 1903 - 5 February 1977) was a Singaporean businessman, a member of the Legislative Assembly of Singapore, the president of the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and a diplomat.

Early life and education Tan was born on 31 May 1903 in the village of Kim Sar, Teo Ann district in Guangdong, China. He came to Singapore in 1910. After arriving, he attended St. Anthony's Boys' School and later Raffles Institution but returned to China before he could graduate to look after his father, whose health had deteriorated. There, he attended a private school.

Career Tan returned to Singapore in 1921 and became a clerk at the Overseas Assurance Corporation. He and two friends set up a produce business, Buan Lee Seng, in 1930s. In 1937, he became a committee member of the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce. Siak Kew Avenue in Sennett Estate was named after him in 1951.

Personal life and death Tan was married and had five sons and three daughters. He died on 5 February 1977.

In 2014, a biography of him written by Fiona Tan, titled Tan Siak Kew: Going Against the Grain, was published.