FONG Siew Kee 冯兆棋
Economic Development of Singapore,
Accession Number 002270
- Oral History Centre
Source
- 9
Total Reels
- Jesley Chua Chee Huan
Interviewer
- 04:32:52
Total Running Time
- Mandarin
Language
Copyright Notice
All rights to the recordings and transcripts on this website, including the rights to copy, publish, broadcast and perform, are reserved. Written permission is required for any use. If you have any queries, please contact nas@nlb.gov.sg
Reel/Disc 1 of 9
Metadata
- 10 Mar 2000
Recording Date
- 00:29:53
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Family background. Sibling's educational background. Why great-grandfather came to Singapore. Family background in China. Grandfather came to Singapore around early 1900s. Great- grandfather and grandfather started off as mat peddlers. Set up first shop in Smith Street. Also sell medicated oil in the shop. Working hours of great-grandfather and grandfather. Brothels in Chinatown. Why they sell their mats in red light district.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
Reel/Disc 2 of 9
Metadata
- 10 Mar 2000
Recording Date
- 00:30:15
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Mat prices during great-grandfather's time. Their mats could last for more than 20 years. Mat supply. Changes in mat size. Informant's family returned to China when Japanese invaded Singapore. Sources of their medicated oil supply. Why great-grandfather sold medicated oil. Types of medicated oil sold. Supply of bottles for their oil.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
Reel/Disc 3 of 9
Metadata
- 17 Mar 2000
Recording Date
- 00:30:13
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Ordered bottles from manufacturers in 1956. Used re-cycled bottles in the past. How they bottle medicated oil. Bulk of their medicated oil sales went to tourists from cruise vessels in 50s/60s. In 70s/80s, local sales constituted half of their business. Main clients are HongKongers. Reasons for lack of interest in medicated oil business. Father took over business in his 30s. Shop was managed by employees during Japanese Occupation.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
Reel/Disc 4 of 9
Metadata
- 17 Mar 2000
Recording Date
- 00:30:25
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Interviewee's attitudes towards his old employee. Shop resumed business during Japanese Occupation. Family's reactions towards employees who left to set up rival business. Peak business period. How business was affected by the popularity of air-conditioners in 90s. Mat design. Mat price. Why informant took over family business. Why shop later moved from Mosque Street to Sago Street.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
Reel/Disc 5 of 9
Metadata
- 17 Mar 2000
Recording Date
- 00:30:01
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Types of medicated oil sold. Price and size of his medicated oil. Importance of honesty in business. Why they find it difficult to have big clients. How he divide his work with his brother. Living conditions in Smith Street. Relationship amongst those living under the same roof. Types of shops in Smith Street. How Pagoda Street got its name. Another name for Pagoda Street. There used to be lots of tailor shops along that street.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
Reel/Disc 6 of 9
Metadata
- 17 Mar 2000
Recording Date
- 00:30:44
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Prices of tailored suits. Sago Lane used to have lots of street hawkers. Types of food sold. Stalls were patronized by construction workers and Malaysians in the 70s/80s. Lively streets in Chinatown in the past. 'Breaking the hell' ceremony. Death houses. How the dead were placed in the death houses. Sam Sui women were mainly found in Sago Lane.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
Reel/Disc 7 of 9
Metadata
- 17 Mar 2000
Recording Date
- 00:30:33
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
How snakes for consumption were kept. Where hawkers selling exotic food were found. Their business hours. Description of prostitution dens in Keong Siak Street. Higher class prostitutes were found in Katong. Story-tellers were found at the present Kreta Ayer Theatre site. Why informant did not venture there. How People's Park and Chinatown Point were like formerly. Why people love to visit Chinatown during Chinese New Year.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
Reel/Disc 8 of 9
Metadata
- 30 Mar 2000
Recording Date
- 00:31:18
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Relationship amongst people living in Chinatown. Sago Street is prone to floods. Why informant felt the need to preserve buildings and business in Chinatown. Elaboration on types of medicated oil informant sold. Interviewee created and added medicated cream to his products. Photo studio and clinic in Smith Street. Arabs owned a number of shop houses in Mosque Street.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
Reel/Disc 9 of 9
Metadata
- 30 Mar 2000
Recording Date
- 00:29:30
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Racial riots. Interviewee used to enjoy listening to Rediffusion. Types of programs he enjoyed. Used to watch wedding bands performing in the restaurant opposite his house. Temple Street used to have tinsmiths and clog maker. Why he only wore clogs at home.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
