My Reflection
Reflection topic2

The national museum has decided to erect a statue in front 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? Stamford Raffles is argued to be the founder of Singapore and Tan Tock Seng is recognized as a philanthropist in Singapore. Both contribute an important development to Singapore. I think that Tan Tock Seng status should erected at the entrance of the National Meseum as no Tan Tock Seng status has been erected. The younger generation may not get to know how he looked like. Unlike Raffles who has already had two statuses erected. We should erect a status of Tan Tock Seng to commemorate his great contribution. Tan Tock Seng started as a vegetable and poultry seller. Through his industry and thrift and acumen, he amassed wealth, but he did not ignore the suffering and plight of his unfortunate fellowmen. In 1844, Tan Tock Seng founded a pauper hospital in Pearl’s Hill where the immigrants could seek medical help at little or no cost. He also contributed $5000 to the construction. He also contributed money to the construction of Taoist Tian Hock Keng Temple at Telok Ayer. As an ardent Taoist he believed that a decent funeral should be conducted for the dead. He took to himself to bury Chinese paupers who died in the streets and verandahs, and between the years 1843 and 1850 supplied 1,032 coffins. He was the first Asian to be made a Justice of the Peace by the Governor. He was skillful at settling feuds among the Chinese. Even though Tan Tock Seng was one of the richest merchant in Singapore, he gave generously to the Charity. From the contributions done by this great man, I feel that there is a need for us to erect a status for Tan Tock Seng.