Teochew v Teochew: From 'twin brothers' to combatants in court

Singapore's two oldest Teochew associations - Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan and Ngee Ann Kongsi - locked in battle over building's redevelopment. The Sunday Times take a look at what is fueling the divide.

The Teochew Building in Tank Road, which the Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan and Ngee Ann Kongsi have occupied together for 55 years. In December, the Kongsi served an originating summons for the Huay Kuan to vacate the building in the River Valley area so
The Teochew Building in Tank Road, which the Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan and Ngee Ann Kongsi have occupied together for 55 years. ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG
Honorary Secretary for Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan Woo Chee Chay, President Chua Kee Teang, Lifetime Honorary President and Advisor George Quek, Vice-president Chan Kian Kuan, Director Toh Lim Mok, and Honorary President Chan Kok Hua, pictured during a press conference on Feb 24, 2019. ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG
Yuen Sin
Political Correspondent
Updated
Published
March 10, 2019 at 5:00 AM
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In 2012, a rather unusual advertisement appeared in The Straits Times and Lianhe Zaobao.

Paid for by an anonymous member of the local Teochew community, it reproduced an open letter penned in 1965 by its leader, Mr Yeo Chan Boon.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Sunday Times on March 10, 2019, with the headline Teochew v Teochew: From 'twin brothers' to combatants in court. Subscribe

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