THE LEGACY HUNTERS - THE SINGAPORE SHOPHOUSE PODCAST

Shophouse.Club 1 Keong Saik Road ( Former 124 Neil Road)

• Simon Monteiro

Share episode

Message us for an Introduction or Coffee Session

Unlock the secrets of Singapore's vibrant past and promising future in our latest episode. Have you ever wondered how a quaint biscuit factory at 124 Neal Road could tell tales of a city's transformation? We promise you'll be captivated as we unravel the architectural genius of JB Westerhout and the intriguing stories of the factory's prominent owners, including the illustrious Lee family. Their narratives intertwine with Singapore's economic boom and cultural evolution, reaching a dramatic climax with the unsolved mystery of Lee Ji Chong's murder in 1960. This building isn't just bricks and mortar; it's a testament to resilience, blending European and local styles in a way that reflects an era of significant change.

Transitioning from past to future, we explore the cutting-edge world of sustainable architecture in Singapore. Witness how modern design is reshaping our environment, aligning beauty with functionality and environmental stewardship. Our conversation sheds light on how architecture can be a catalyst for a sustainable future, encouraging you to see beyond the façade and appreciate the hidden stories within our urban landscapes. Let this episode inspire a newfound curiosity for the dynamic realm of architecture and its profound influence on our everyday lives. Join us, as we celebrate the remarkable journey from classic to contemporary, and beyond.

This Podcast is all about Legacy and Heritage Real Estate

It is also a platform for us to share what we read, heard and researched.

It also tells about Singapore Architecture Heritage and the Legacy behind the People & Places from the 15th Century right to current .

We focus on The Straits Settlement Era in COLONIAL SINGAPORE

We will have guest speakers and presenters on Legacy & Topics related to Family Offices, Private Banking & Legacy Planning .

www.shophouse.com.sg www.shophouse.club

We can be contacted at simon.monteiro@listsir.sg

Simon MONTEIRO Real Estate Associate in Singapore South Region - Sotheby's International Realty

Our One Sop Consultancy - Straits Shophouse Pte Ltd with Dr Julian Davison & Our Architectural Consultant Alvan Ng - An Architect turned Realtor.

Speaker 1:

Welcome back everybody. Today we're going to Singapore.

Speaker 2:

Okay.

Speaker 1:

But not to the usual spots.

Speaker 2:

Right.

Speaker 1:

This deep dive is going to explore the story of a former biscuit factory.

Speaker 2:

Oh.

Speaker 1:

At 124 Neal Road. Interesting, more intriguing than you might expect.

Speaker 2:

I bet.

Speaker 1:

We're using excerpts from Legacy of the Working Capital. Ah Some architectural insights for sure, a little true crime, oh wow, and some pretty influential people in Singapore's history.

Speaker 2:

Sounds fascinating.

Speaker 1:

So 124 Neal Road.

Speaker 2:

Okay.

Speaker 1:

Built in 1920.

Speaker 2:

Yeah.

Speaker 1:

Specifically as a biscuit factory. Wow, this was right. After World War I, hmm, a time of global change, you know.

Speaker 2:

Yeah.

Speaker 1:

It was building a factory like a sign of the times for Singapore.

Speaker 2:

Absolutely. It reflects the economic boom Singapore was going through to invest in a factory just for biscuits. Yeah, it shows how optimistic people were, especially after the war.

Speaker 1:

What about the owner? Who? The original owner? Thao Ke-sung Tong Chin.

Speaker 2:

Unfortunately, not a lot is known about him, but the fact he could even commission a building like this shows he's doing pretty well.

Speaker 1:

Makes sense.

Speaker 2:

And had some standing in the community.

Speaker 1:

Okay, let's talk about the architect.

Speaker 2:

Okay.

Speaker 1:

JB Westerhout. Yeah, quite a name, right, he was prominent. Yeah, okay, the Eurasian.

Speaker 2:

Known for mixing European design with local influences. Cool this building. Actually, it's his early work. Ah More classically influenced.

Speaker 1:

Interesting.

Speaker 2:

Later he got into Art Deco, but 124 Neal Road is more his foundational style.

Speaker 1:

It's like seeing the roots of the genius. Right, yeah, so cool.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, he was a master draftsman too. Wow, trained under some of the best.

Speaker 1:

So he had a good foundation yeah which let him experiment make sense, blend styles yeah, and make something uniquely singaporean okay, so the building was built in 1920 right, but in 1930 things changed yeah 1930. The biscuit king enters the scene. Right lee chun sang buys the factory.

Speaker 2:

He wasn't just any biscuit maker no, he was a prominent figure, really banker, property developer, wow, philanthropist, even chairman of the overseas chinese banking corporation.

Speaker 1:

Interesting, his story really is woven with singapore's rise like a mover and shaker yeah, very much so so how did all of those different ventures right banking property, all of that?

Speaker 2:

Yeah, they reflect the opportunities at the time.

Speaker 1:

Okay.

Speaker 2:

Singapore was growing so fast.

Speaker 1:

Yeah.

Speaker 2:

It's like his success mirrors Singapore's trajectory.

Speaker 1:

And then his son Right, lee Gi Chong.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, that's who became the biscuit king.

Speaker 1:

At 19,. He takes over.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, imagine that.

Speaker 1:

And he makes 20 tons of biscuits. Every month, every month, yeah.

Speaker 2:

Wow, with a single brick oven.

Speaker 1:

It's incredible, right, yeah, wow, with a single brick oven.

Speaker 2:

It's incredible right.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, he was good at this, clearly. So this success leads to a new factory.

Speaker 2:

Right In Tiambaru in 1935.

Speaker 1:

I see City art From brick oven to state of the art.

Speaker 2:

A real shift.

Speaker 1:

Yeah.

Speaker 2:

Leaky Chong was at the forefront of food manufacturing.

Speaker 1:

Right, but this story takes a turn. It does Tell me about Lee Ji-chon's tragedy.

Speaker 2:

In 1960, he was kidnapped, oh gosh and murdered, oh wow, shocking for Singapore, yeah, and the case is still unsolved.

Speaker 1:

Really.

Speaker 2:

Ransom note multiple wives fighting over his estate.

Speaker 1:

It's like a dark side to this story.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, a real mystery, it makes you think it does. So yeah, a real mystery, it makes you think it does.

Speaker 1:

So we've got the backstory Right, but let's talk about the building itself.

Speaker 2:

Yeah.

Speaker 1:

What are some of the standout features?

Speaker 2:

The way Westerhout blended styles Okay, not just European and Asia. Right, look at those Wedgwood style plaster reliefs.

Speaker 1:

Yeah.

Speaker 2:

Classic Westerhout right. Interesting European craftsmanship Okay, but with local aesthetics.

Speaker 1:

So is that the Chinese Baroque style?

Speaker 2:

Yes, popular in the early 20th century.

Speaker 1:

Okay.

Speaker 2:

It reflects Singapore's mix of cultures.

Speaker 1:

Right.

Speaker 2:

East meets West.

Speaker 1:

Yeah.

Speaker 2:

And 124 Neal Road shows how skillful they were back then.

Speaker 1:

Really pushing boundaries?

Speaker 2:

They were.

Speaker 1:

We talked about Westerhout and Art Deco.

Speaker 2:

Yeah.

Speaker 1:

Did that show up in the factory at all? It did about.

Speaker 2:

Westerhout and Art Deco Did that show up in the factory at all. It did Really. Yeah, there's an extension from 1927. Ah Designed by Westerhout's partner, actually Interesting William Campbell Omen. Okay, and that's where you see the shift toward Art Deco.

Speaker 1:

It's like two styles side by side. Was that intentional? Maybe To show how design was changing? It's possible. It's a visual timeline.

Speaker 2:

Exactly.

Speaker 1:

Crazy to think all this started with biscuits.

Speaker 2:

It is right, so fascinating. It really is more than biscuits, though. Right, it's the people, the architecture, okay, and how it all fits into history.

Speaker 1:

We've just scratched the surface.

Speaker 2:

We have.

Speaker 1:

What else can we learn about Singapore from this building?

Speaker 2:

Well, we talked about the people and the architecture yeah but what about how it reflects singapore's own cultural journey? That's interesting we'll dive into that next. So imagine you're walking down neil road, okay, and you see this building yeah it's like a storybook, with each detail whispering a chapter so how do we start reading this building? Well, the location itself is a clue okay bukit paso, where the factory is.

Speaker 1:

Right.

Speaker 2:

It wasn't always a bustling area.

Speaker 1:

Oh really.

Speaker 2:

Before World War I it was pretty rural.

Speaker 1:

Wow, so it changed a lot.

Speaker 2:

It did.

Speaker 1:

So the factory in 1920. Yeah, was it like a catalyst for that change?

Speaker 2:

It's possible, the timing is right. Ok, singapore's economy was growing, yeah, and this factory, a sign of progress.

Speaker 1:

Makes sense.

Speaker 2:

It would have attracted others.

Speaker 1:

So the factory was like a statement Absolutely, and the street names around it.

Speaker 2:

Yeah.

Speaker 1:

They tell a story too right.

Speaker 2:

They do Like Keong Sik Road.

Speaker 1:

Okay.

Speaker 2:

Named after Tan Keong Sik, big businessman.

Speaker 1:

I see.

Speaker 2:

Key player in Singapore's development.

Speaker 1:

That's like a who's who of influential people.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, very much so so the whole area Right it was full of ambition.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, they saw the potential, like Li Chun Seng.

Speaker 2:

Exactly they wanted to be part of something bigger. You mentioned Li Chun Seng.

Speaker 1:

And the overseas Chinese banking corporation Right. What does that tell us about Singapore?

Speaker 2:

Well, the Chinese community was gaining financial power. Remember, this was a time of changing power dynamics and he succeeded in a field dominated by colonial institutions. It shows a shift in influence.

Speaker 1:

He was breaking barriers. He was so his achievements, they weren't just his own.

Speaker 2:

No, they reflected the aspirations of a new generation that's powerful. They wanted to shape their own destiny.

Speaker 1:

they reflected the aspirations of a new generation. Hmm, that's powerful.

Speaker 2:

They wanted to shape their own destiny.

Speaker 1:

We've talked about economics.

Speaker 2:

Yeah.

Speaker 1:

But the Chinese Baroque style.

Speaker 2:

Right.

Speaker 1:

Does that tell us about Singapore's cultural identity?

Speaker 2:

It does, because architecture is a reflection of culture.

Speaker 1:

Good.

Speaker 2:

Blending East and West.

Speaker 1:

Yeah.

Speaker 2:

It wasn't just design, it was a statement.

Speaker 1:

About their multicultural nature. Exactly so they weren't just copying Europe, they were making something new.

Speaker 2:

Right. A blend of influences 1 and 24 Neal Road shows that perfectly.

Speaker 1:

It makes you think about how architecture can express belonging. So we've got this biscuit factory. Yeah, it's not just about biscuits.

Speaker 2:

No.

Speaker 1:

It's about progress, culture and architecture, but why should we care about a building from the 1920s?

Speaker 2:

Because it's a thread in the tapestry of history. Ok, it shows us the lives of those who came before us.

Speaker 1:

It's like a window to the past.

Speaker 2:

It is and it connects us to the people who built this city.

Speaker 1:

It humanizes history, right city. It humanizes history right.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, it reminds us that the past isn't just dates and facts.

Speaker 1:

Right. It's a story made by individuals, with their own dreams Exactly, and we can see their stories in the buildings.

Speaker 2:

So we're learning about ourselves too. Absolutely, we're connecting to our roots.

Speaker 1:

It brings us back to 124 Neal Road.

Speaker 2:

Yeah.

Speaker 1:

It shows that history isn't just in museums.

Speaker 2:

Right, it's alive in the buildings around us.

Speaker 1:

You said, the street names have history too.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, like Neal Road itself, Right Named after a British Brigadier General, james Neal.

Speaker 1:

Interesting.

Speaker 2:

He fought in the Indian mutiny.

Speaker 1:

So a street named after a colonial figure.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, but it houses a building about local entrepreneurs.

Speaker 1:

And a uniquely Singaporean style.

Speaker 2:

It's a lot of history in one place this area is fascinating it is. It's like a miniature singapore, with its colonial past, its economic drive right and its evolving culture we've got the biscuit king.

Speaker 1:

We do architecture, true crime and history. What more could?

Speaker 2:

you want.

Speaker 1:

What else does this building tell us about Singapore?

Speaker 2:

Let's go back to the extension.

Speaker 1:

The one by Oman.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, that Art Deco style Right. It's another shift in Singapore's architecture.

Speaker 1:

Things were changing fast.

Speaker 2:

They were, and Oman's background is interesting.

Speaker 1:

Okay.

Speaker 2:

He trained in Europe but worked in Singapore's colonial government, designing buildings like the Central Fire Station.

Speaker 1:

So he knew both European and local styles.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, which is why the extension is so unique.

Speaker 1:

He was bridging two worlds. He was, and this shows a bigger trend.

Speaker 2:

Right.

Speaker 1:

Moving away from purely European design.

Speaker 2:

Singapore was creating a hybrid approach.

Speaker 1:

Using local materials.

Speaker 2:

And sensibilities.

Speaker 1:

They were creating their own architectural language.

Speaker 2:

Exactly.

Speaker 1:

And 124 Neal Road shows that transition.

Speaker 2:

With its original building and the Art Deco extension.

Speaker 1:

It's like Singapore finding its own voice.

Speaker 2:

It is architectural independence.

Speaker 1:

I wonder how this influenced later buildings.

Speaker 2:

That's a great question.

Speaker 1:

What came?

Speaker 2:

next. Well, we could look at other buildings from that time.

Speaker 1:

There's so much more to uncover there is. This is just the beginning.

Speaker 2:

That's the fun of these deep dives. Yeah, they make us curious, right, and we learn new things.

Speaker 1:

I want to keep exploring.

Speaker 2:

Me too.

Speaker 1:

What other buildings from this time tell us about Singapore?

Speaker 2:

Oh, there are plenty. Like what Well, there's the Cathay Building.

Speaker 1:

I know that one.

Speaker 2:

It's iconic, right.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, beautiful Art Deco.

Speaker 2:

It was designed by the same architect who did the Capitol Theater. Wow, those sleek lines, those geometric patterns. Yeah, it's Hollywood glamour coming to Singapore. It's so cool. It shows the rise of modern entertainment.

Speaker 1:

Each building tells a story. It does. About how life was changing.

Speaker 2:

And how people experienced the world.

Speaker 1:

Then there's the Supreme Court.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, neoclassical architecture at its finest Right. It embodies justice and order.

Speaker 1:

It's like architecture can communicate ideas.

Speaker 2:

It can.

Speaker 1:

Wow, so much thought goes into these buildings.

Speaker 2:

There does.

Speaker 1:

They're not just buildings, they're expressions of a time.

Speaker 2:

Exactly.

Speaker 1:

And the dreams of the people who built them.

Speaker 2:

That's what makes exploring Singapore's architecture so rewarding.

Speaker 1:

It's like a journey.

Speaker 2:

It is.

Speaker 1:

Through time and cultures.

Speaker 2:

Celebrating creativity.

Speaker 1:

I'm inspired to look closer at buildings now.

Speaker 2:

You should.

Speaker 1:

Maybe I'll find a hidden biscuit factory.

Speaker 2:

You never know.

Speaker 1:

So, as we wrap up a 124 Neal Road Right, what's the main takeaway?

Speaker 2:

Buildings are more than just bricks and mortar. What's?

Speaker 1:

the main takeaway.

Speaker 2:

Buildings are more than just bricks and mortar. Okay, they're full of history, culture and dreams, Right, and by understanding them we can appreciate the past, present and future.

Speaker 1:

I love that. So next time we eat a biscuit we'll remember the biscuit king.

Speaker 2:

And his legacy.

Speaker 1:

The building is a testament to Singapore's past.

Speaker 2:

It is.

Speaker 1:

Thanks for joining us.

Speaker 2:

Of course.

Speaker 1:

And remember the buildings around you might surprise you.

Speaker 2:

They really might.

Speaker 1:

So it's not just grand buildings.

Speaker 2:

No.

Speaker 1:

It's the everyday ones too.

Speaker 2:

Sometimes the most interesting stories are hidden right there.

Speaker 1:

How do we start seeing those stories?

Speaker 2:

Be curious. Okay, next time you're out, look up.

Speaker 1:

Okay.

Speaker 2:

Look down, notice the details.

Speaker 1:

Right.

Speaker 2:

Don't just walk by.

Speaker 1:

Okay, pause, buzzer. Okay, okay, look down, notice the details right, don't just walk by. Okay, pause, okay, what should we look for?

Speaker 2:

what catches your eye okay the shape, the materials, any decoration, each thing has a story so slow down and really see yeah okay, then what? Then ask questions okay, like what why was this building built? Who designed it? Okay. What was it used for?

Speaker 1:

Right.

Speaker 2:

You can find answers online, yeah, in books, or even ask older people.

Speaker 1:

I see they might remember it's like being a detective.

Speaker 2:

It is.

Speaker 1:

Piecing together clues.

Speaker 2:

As you learn more, make connections.

Speaker 1:

Okay.

Speaker 2:

How does this building fit with others around it? How does it reflect the time it was built? Like urban?

Speaker 1:

archaeology, yeah, uncovering layers of history you mentioned 124.

Speaker 2:

Neal Road.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, and Singapore's cultural identity.

Speaker 2:

Right.

Speaker 1:

What about the future of architecture there? That's a good question. Singapore is changing all the time.

Speaker 2:

It is a global city Right and its architecture will reflect that.

Speaker 1:

But how do you stay global?

Speaker 2:

Right.

Speaker 1:

And keep what makes Singapore special.

Speaker 2:

It's a balancing act.

Speaker 1:

Yeah.

Speaker 2:

You have to be mindful.

Speaker 1:

Okay.

Speaker 2:

Make choices that honor the past but look to the future.

Speaker 1:

Architects there.

Speaker 2:

Yeah.

Speaker 1:

Do you think they feel that responsibility?

Speaker 2:

I think they do. Okay, they're drawing inspiration from older buildings.

Speaker 1:

Right.

Speaker 2:

Bringing traditional elements into new design.

Speaker 1:

So not just copying old buildings.

Speaker 2:

No, it's about reinterpreting, giving them new life.

Speaker 1:

It's a conversation with the past, yeah, acknowledging the influences and then making something new. It sounds purposeful. It is Exciting to see.

Speaker 2:

The future of architecture in Singapore is bright.

Speaker 1:

You really think so?

Speaker 2:

Yeah. There's a focus on sustainability now Okay, buildings that are beautiful.

Speaker 1:

Right.

Speaker 2:

And good for the environment.

Speaker 1:

So it's not just looks.

Speaker 2:

No, it's how it works, right, how it fits in.

Speaker 1:

And helps the future.

Speaker 2:

Architecture is always changing.

Speaker 1:

It's pretty cool.

Speaker 2:

It is Always evolving.

Speaker 1:

I'll never look at a biscuit the same way again.

Speaker 2:

Or a building. This deep dive has been amazing.

Speaker 1:

I'm glad Makes you want to explore more building this deep dive has been amazing. I'm glad Makes you want to explore more.

Speaker 2:

Exactly, so go out there.

Speaker 1:

Yeah.

Speaker 2:

Uncover those hidden stories.

Speaker 1:

Who knows what you'll find?

Speaker 2:

It's a mystery.

Speaker 1:

Thanks for joining us.

Speaker 2:

It was my pleasure.

Speaker 1:

Remember to appreciate the buildings around you.

Speaker 2:

They just might surprise you.

Speaker 1:

Thanks for listening everyone.