Tan Kim Seng Fountain
Connaught Drive, Esplanade Park
Civic District Trail 1, Marker 9

This fountain was created in memorial to Tan Kim Seng, who contributed not only to the Chinese community but also to the rest of the communities present in Singapore. The fountain shows that how the Chinese man contributed to the nation's progress, as it is the heart that matters. Tan Kim Seng was willing to part his fortune in order for Singapore to be a better place to live in. The history of this man educates Singaporeans about being pride and loyalty to the country and being united as one.

This Victorian cast-iron fountain has been part of Singapore's urban landscape since 19 May 1882. It was commissioned by the Municipal Council in honour of Tan Kim Seng (1805-1864).

Tan Kim Seng was born in Malacca. His grandfather migrated to Malacca in the 18th century from Eng Choon district of Fujian Province, China. He was born in Malacca and moved to Singapore to help his father in his trading business. He prospered and became a respected leader of the Chinese Community. He was the second Asian, after Tan Tock Seng, to become a Justice of the Peace in 1850 and his advice on Chinese affairs was frequently sought after by the British. In 1856, he became the first Asian member of the Municipal Commission. A philanthropist, he supported numerous causes, especially education, and was the benefactor of the Chinese Free School (Chui Eng Si E) in Amoy Street. He would send rations of pork and a few cents for each inmate of Tan Tock Seng Hospital annually during Chinese New Year.

During his lifetime, one of the major problems of the town was its inadequate water supply. Tan Kim Seng donated a generous sum of money to support the construction of a system to provide piped water to the town. The ambitious plans were only implemented after his death. Tan Kim Seng died in Malacca in 1864 , aged 59.

In recognition of his farsightedness and community spirit, the Municipal Council dedicated this fountain in his memory some 18 years after his death. Originally locaed in Fullerton Square, it moved to this site in 1925 when the construction of the Fullerton Building commenced.

Tan Kim Seng was a third generation Straits-born Chinese.