Teo Chye Yong (張才勇)
Overview
Teo Chye Yong (d. 1926) was a prominent figure in the Singapore Chinese community and the patriarch of the family that included Teo Koon Lim, Teo Koon Jin, and the pioneering Dr. Lee Choo Neo. His ancestral roots are traced to Chaozhou (潮州). His legacy continued through his sons' diverse professional interests and their significant contributions to Singapore's early civic and commercial landscape.
Teo Chye Yong (d. 1926) was a prominent figure in the Singapore Chinese community and the patriarch of the family that included Teo Koon Lim, Teo Koon Jin, and the pioneering Dr. Lee Choo Neo. His ancestral roots are traced to Chaozhou (潮州). His legacy continued through his sons' diverse professional interests and their significant contributions to Singapore's early civic and commercial landscape.
Biography & Genealogy
Family Details:
Sons:
1. Teo Koon Lim (張郡林) - Partner in Orient Motor Co., President of Singapore Cashiers' Union, proprietor of the Bedok Restaurant, and Chairman of Tanah Merah Kechil CCC. Husband of Dr. Lee Choo Neo.
2. Teo Koon Jin (張郡仁) - Brother of Koon Lim; family connection confirmed via funeral proceedings for Lee Hoon Leong.
Ancestral Home: Chaozhou (潮州)
Genealogical Note:
Teo Chye Yong passed away in 1926. His son, Teo Koon Lim, remained a central figure in Singapore's social and civic fabric until his passing (c. 1966). His role as a grassroots leader in the Tanah Merah Kechil area highlights the family's transition from colonial-era business pioneers to active participants in Singapore's nation-building years.
Teo Chye Yong passed away in 1926. His son, Teo Koon Lim, remained a central figure in Singapore's social and civic fabric until his passing (c. 1966). His role as a grassroots leader in the Tanah Merah Kechil area highlights the family's transition from colonial-era business pioneers to active participants in Singapore's nation-building years.
Professional & Civic Records (Teo Koon Lim)
Hospitality & The Bedok Restaurant (1950s):
In the 1950s, Teo Koon Lim was the proprietor of the Bedok Restaurant at 521C Upper East Coast Road. This seaside venue was a popular social spot and notably served as a filming location for the Malay film Korban Fitnah, starring P. Ramlee.
In the 1950s, Teo Koon Lim was the proprietor of the Bedok Restaurant at 521C Upper East Coast Road. This seaside venue was a popular social spot and notably served as a filming location for the Malay film Korban Fitnah, starring P. Ramlee.
Civic Leadership & Passing (c. 1966):
Teo Koon Lim served as the **Chairman of the Tanah Merah Kechil Citizen's Consultative Committee (CCC)**. His dedication to the residents of the area was noted in a 1966 article titled "Praise for Tanah Merah Kechil's residents," which referenced him as the late chairman. He passed away before 1967, following a life of significant service to both trade unions and grassroots organizations.
Teo Koon Lim served as the **Chairman of the Tanah Merah Kechil Citizen's Consultative Committee (CCC)**. His dedication to the residents of the area was noted in a 1966 article titled "Praise for Tanah Merah Kechil's residents," which referenced him as the late chairman. He passed away before 1967, following a life of significant service to both trade unions and grassroots organizations.
Tomb Epigraphy
In memory of Teo Chye Yong
Beloved father of
TEO Koon Lim 張郡林
TEO Koon Jin 張郡仁
Died 27th April 1926
Beloved father of
TEO Koon Lim 張郡林
TEO Koon Jin 張郡仁
Died 27th April 1926
References:
1. Burial records from Bukit Brown Cemetery, Block 3, Section C, Plot 859.
2. The Straits Times (1927, 1936, 1947, 1952, 1954, 1955, 1957, 1963).
3. "Praise for Tanah Merah Kechil's residents," The Straits Times, 22 August 1966.
4. Malaya Tribune (1936, 1948); Morning Tribune (1936).
5. Family details and funeral proceedings for Lee Hoon Leong (Syonan Shimbun, 1942).
Index Terms: Teo Chye Yong, 張才勇, Teo Koon Lim, 張郡林, Teo Koon Jin, 張郡仁, Dr. Lee Choo Neo, Bukit Brown Plot 859, Tanah Merah Kechil CCC, Bedok Restaurant, Singapore Cashiers' Union, Chaozhou.