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Singapore's original Crazy Rich Asian
New book on merchant who hosted Siam royalty, held rifle-shooting matches, and once shot a 2.5m crocodile
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Melody Zaccheus
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Few can boast of hosting royalty in their own homes, but one of Singapore's first Crazy Rich Asians did just that.
In 1896, the King and Queen of Siam were treated to a lunch spread by merchant Seah Liang Seah, then 46, in his Bendemeer mansion. The Teochew tycoon was known for the lavish parties at his home, which had a ballroom, a four-storey tower and sweeping grounds.
