LOO Leong Thye
Economic Development of Singapore,
Accession Number 002600
- Oral History Centre
Source
- 20
Total Reels
- Jesley Chua Chee Huan
Interviewer
- 09:44:40
Total Running Time
- English
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 20
Metadata
- 25 Jan 2002
Recording Date
- 00:30:12
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Interviewee grew up in Chin Swee Road area. Living conditions. His views on Singapore's conservation efforts. His childhood. Parent-child relationship during that period. His sister took care of him when young. His impression of Singapore River. His early 'business experience' with karang guni (rag-and-bone man). Saw tombs in Chin Swee area after fire. Why people do not like to live in flat.
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Reel/Disc 2 of 20
Metadata
- 25 Jan 2002
Recording Date
- 00:29:57
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Occupations of residents in Chin Swee area. Recreation venues. His education. He was first in his family to enter English school. Applied for job after completing polytechnic education. Worked as technician in semi-conductor factory for four months. Joined Telecoms as technical officer in 1976. His job responsibilities. His experience with old workers in Telecoms. Joined ITT in 1978.
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Reel/Disc 3 of 20
Metadata
- 25 Jan 2002
Recording Date
- 00:30:45
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Stayed with ITT as engineer for more than three years. Joined factory of GE as QC engineer. Why he quit job and returned to help ex-boss close up business. How he profitted from job. Worked in Singapore Technologies in1982. Why interviewee ended up jobless. Started business with friends; at the same time did part-time courses to upgrade himself.
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Reel/Disc 4 of 20
Metadata
- 1 Feb 2002
Recording Date
- 00:30:48
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Many earlier life experiences helped him in his business. Description of warehouses along Singapore River in 1960s. Tikam stalls at street wayangs. How the game is played. Pens and watches were luxury back then. Father came to Singapore as coolie in early 1930s. Father became "second" tenant subsequently.
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Reel/Disc 5 of 20
Metadata
- 1 Feb 2002
Recording Date
- 00:30:00
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Elaboration on father's occupation. Father came to Singapore at age 17. Manners observed at home when he was young. Had neighbors coming to his house to watch TV. Storytelling in early days. Songs in those days. Discipline at home. Elaboration on house he lived in. His neighborhood. His impression of gangs and drugs in then. Opium dens in Chin Swee Road area.
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Reel/Disc 6 of 20
Metadata
- 1 Feb 2002
Recording Date
- 00:30:53
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Believes in constant upgrading of oneself, not blind paper chase. Felt he is better managing business than selling. Earned $1,200per month when he first started his business. Importance of timing in business. Reasons for switching from telecommunication to computer business. How he started his computer business. Reasons for setting up shop in Sim Lim Tower. Expanded business to Far East Plaza, Lucky Plaza. How and why they moved to Funan Centre. Got foothold in Funan Centre in 1985.
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Reel/Disc 7 of 20
Metadata
- 1 Mar 2002
Recording Date
- 00:30:33
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Interviewee's other businesses. How he was conned by friend into acquiring a failed business. His business venture to sell satay in US. His semi-retail and export business in Indonesia. How he and partners made business decisions. They had good computer business in 1984. Why they moved from Orchard area to Funan Centre. Set up buying office in US. Built up business strength in 1980s. How they had their windfall in 1980s. Venture into Europe.
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Reel/Disc 8 of 20
Metadata
- 1 Mar 2002
Recording Date
- 00:31:25
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Shifted business focus from Asia to Europe. How they penetrated into Yugoslavia. Why they set up computer superstore. How they fill up retail space. Company hit by recession in 1998. They downsized and focused on retail business. Strong competition in Eastern European market. Why they expanded to Thailand in 2000 and Indonesia and Brunei in 2001. Reasons for their failure and eventual closure.
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Reel/Disc 9 of 20
Metadata
- 1 Mar 2002
Recording Date
- 00:29:29
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Elaboration on their business in Eastern Europe. Yugoslavia and USSR used to be their big buyers. Went into China in 1994 but venture failed. Difference between Singapore and China Chinese. Difference between doing business with China in the 1960s and 1990s. About their superstore business in Bangkok. Reasons for their failure. Problems he faced in his Jakarta store.
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Reel/Disc 10 of 20
Metadata
- 15 Mar 2002
Recording Date
- 00:30:07
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Social unrest in Indonesia. Why they ventured into Indonesia despite unrest. Work division between him and partners. Staff recruitment. Employed Malaysians in 1994/1995. About their working attitude. Employees not bonded after being provided with training. His opinion on why so few choose to join service industry. He felt that younger generation is not willing to work hard.
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