Tan Yeok Nee was a wealthy Teochew businessman who had investments in pepper and opium farms in Singapore and Johore. He was born in Teochew Prefecture China and arrived in Singapore at an early age. He often represented the Chinese business community at official colonial functions as he was held in high regard by colonial bureaucrats. His residence, House of Tan Yeok Nee which was built in 1885 still stands at the junction of Clemenceau Avenue and Penang Road.
