Many only became aware of him when reading the leading Chinese Newspaper Lianhe Zaobao on Saturday, May 2, 2009.
It published a full article how the Lianshang's organisational operations witnessed the cooperation and experiences of the Hainanese coffee shop business during and after the war. It is the important record in the history of the Singapore Chinese business.
He was born in a family in Hainan Province Wenchang Town, Tianshing Guan Tian Cun, China. He migrated and landed in Singapore for the first time when he was about 18 years old. Like other businessmen of his time, he took an active part in the business affairs of the Hainanese community in Singapore.
He was also involved promoting the wellbeing and interests of people belonging to the clan associations of Hainan dialect.
He was a self-taught economist and an entrepreneur. He initiated and gathered support as a community leader -during the Japanese occupation of World War 2- to form cooperative to combat inflation and the high prices of essential commodities of sugar and milk.
He continued to serve the community as member of the Citizens' Consultative Committees until his retirement in 1980 and for which he was commended by Singapore founding father, then Prime Minister, Mr. Lee Kuan Yew in a certificate presented to him.
Never went to any business school. A self taught economist. He set up the Co-operative to address their common needs during the war that provides services and/or products to its members, far before NTUC.
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