The statue is seen holding a bottle of Tiger Balm ointment, the renowned remedy for aches and pains produced by the Aw brothers – Aw Boon Haw and younger brother Aw Boon Par. The brothers went on to successfully market the product in Singapore and around the region during the early 20th century. The elder sibling, a prominent businessman and philanthropist, also established Haw Par Villa in 1937. Originally called Tiger Balm Gardens, the gardens were built with the goal of educating the public about Chinese culture in mind.
