To iron and flatten the family’s collection of sarongs and other batik textiles, they used the sarong press. The large flat surface of the press made it ideal to prevent creasing of the textiles.Tan Kheam Hock was a prominent Peranakan Chinese from Penang who made his wealth in finance and banking. In Singapore, he was a Municipal Councillor, Justice of Peace, member of the Chinese Advisory Panel, the Straits Chinese British Association and Chairman of the Eastern United Assurance Cooperation. Most importantly, in his time as Municipal Councillor, he conceptualised the setting aside of Bukit Brown as a public cemetery for all Chinese irrespective of dialect together with See Tiong Wah and other Hokkien community leaders.
