HO Seng Choon 何成春
Economic Development of Singapore,
Accession Number 001519
- Oral History Centre
Source
- 8
Total Reels
- Tan Beng Luan
Interviewer
- 03:58:53
Total Running Time
- Mandarin
Language
Copyright Notice
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Reel/Disc 1 of 8
Metadata
- 28 Jun 1994
Recording Date
- 00:30:29
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Personal history. Came to Singapore at age 1; Father came in 1931 / 1932 . Paid one cent for carrying four baskets (each weighing 100 jin) of coal. Subsequently father opened shop at 72, Duxton Road. Schools he attended. Jobs held during Japanese Occupation. Learned skills at jiuba hang (commission house agency). Worked on board ship. Brother forced him into marriage, helped run father's store. Explored other businesses. Went to Japan. Met Taiwanese dealing in fodder and poultry medicines, introduced business opportunity to him. Visited Takawa Pharmaceutical, manufacturing animal feed and feed supplements. Three-day visit to Tokyo Agriculture University ignited interest in agriculture.
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Reel/Disc 2 of 8
Metadata
- 28 Jun 1994
Recording Date
- 00:30:47
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Background information to setting up Lian He shipping firm, then Lian Wah Hang at 23 Boat Quay , 1955. Why he and partner moved to 109-110 Market Street. Took part in trade exposition; secured sole agent rights in 1956. How foundation for Lian Wah Hang (farms and hatcheries) was laid. Elaborated on two-month visit to Japan; why he chose Japan. Main business of Lian Wah Hang. Why he started Farming Monthly (publication on agriculture). Why business was affected in 1970s. Why he started farm at Changi 4th milestone in 1956. Bought farm in Choa Chu Kang, 1961.
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Reel/Disc 3 of 8
Metadata
- 28 Jun 1994
Recording Date
- 00:30:56
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Felt need for breakthrough in poultry farming. Introduced mechanised poultry breeding. Different breed of chickens. Invited chicken farmers to his model farm. Brisk sales of his equipment. Japanese manufacturers could not meet demand, taught friend to manufacture it locally. Felt that Lian Wah Hang blazed trail in poultry farming in Singapore and Malaysia. Importance of grandparent stock. Felt that Primary Production Department should conduct research on breeding. Experimented with rearing goats, 1970s. Why he stopped. Why and how he established Lian Wah Experimental Farm, 1961. Core business activities in 1960s. Reared ducks and pigeons in late 1960s; reared pigeons,1972.
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Reel/Disc 4 of 8
Metadata
- 1 Jul 1994
Recording Date
- 00:31:01
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
In 1975 , business venture failed in Surabaya. In 1987, reared partridges. Why it was unprofitable. What he thought would generate revenue. Development of poultry farming from 1950/1960s. Imported chicks and farming equipment ,1955-1959. Chicken farming industry began to take shape. Veterinary Division (of Primary Production Department)'s role in poultry farming in 1960s. Circumstances to forming Singapore Livestock Farmers Association and Singapore Stockfeed Manufacturers Association. Meetings with Minister of National Development or Primary Production Department to help poultry farmers. Pig farming in Punggol , 1970s. Why number of chicken farms declined from 1000 (in 1960s) to seven (in 1980s).
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Reel/Disc 5 of 8
Metadata
- 1 Jul 1994
Recording Date
- 00:30:44
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
How local chicken farmers were affected by neighbouring countries' eggs tax (three cents per egg) since 1965. Eggs exported to Malaysia Sabah, Sarawak and Hong Kong. Why chicken farms in Singapore could only supply 50% of local consumption; rest from other countries. Problems faced by chicken farmers in erection of poultry farms. Why poultry farmers were in dilemma. His views on Primary Production Department 's role to promote agriculture; on future of poultry farming and government's role in promoting agriculture. His experience in keeping quails for its meat and eggs. Nutritional information about quails. How 'Eggs Consumption Week' was mooted.
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Reel/Disc 6 of 8
Metadata
- 1 Jul 1994
Recording Date
- 00:30:48
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
When egg-price dropped to 0.065 cents in 1965, farmers asked him for help. Lim Chou Hou and Lee Choon Huat ( Singapore Livestock Farmers Association) and Chen Qingchuan and interviewee (Singapore Stockfeed Manufacturers Association) met Cheng Tong Fatt and Minister for National Development. Described activities organised to promote eggs during 'Eggs Consumption Week' at Happy World Stadium. Encouraged char kway teow hawkers to use chicken instead of duck eggs. Aided by Primary Production Department, he and Huang Hanting organised Agricultural Show at Old Kallang Airport. Attracted 250,000 people during five-day exhibition. Wish for activity centre for senior citizens / retirees in Choa Chu Kang.
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