A classic rags-to-riches example of many successful Chinese immigrants, Wong Ah Fook came to Singapore in 1854 as a carpenter who then established himself in the building business and then branched off into agriculture, revenue farming, gambling, gambling, banking and land development. His hard work and enterprising spirit paid off, making him a successful, influential businessman who developed close links with the Johor sultanate.Wong named his country house near Kampung Java Road “Kah Yum Tong”, which means “Excellent Protected House” in Cantonese. The words were carved on the wooden board seen here.
