Tun Tan Cheng Lock exhibition

In conjunction with Tun Tan Cheng Lock's 135^th birth anniversary, UTAR’s Tun Tan Cheng Lock Centre for Social and Policy Studies (TCLC) organised an exhibition titled “The Other Side of Tun Tan Cheng Lock” to celebrate and commemorate his remarkable life. 

Datin Paduka Tan signing the poster to commemorate the launching of the exhibition 

Held from 23 to 30 April 2018 at the Main Library of Kampar Campus, the one-week exhibition was officially launched on 27 April 2018 by the Chairperson of United Malacca Berhad-cum-the late Tun Tan Cheng Lock’s granddaughter Datin Paduka Tan Siok Choo, accompanied by the Chairperson of TCLC for Social and Policy Studies, Assoc Prof Dr Chin Yee Mun representing UTAR President Ir Prof Academician Dato’ Dr Chuah Hean Teik. 

From left: Dr Chin, Datin Paduka Tan, Bazlin and Ngann 

Also present to witness the launching ceremony were Organising Chairperson of the exhibition Bazlin Darina binti Ahmad Tajudin, Committee Members-cum-Faculty of Arts and Social Science lecturers Dr Tan Huey Pyng, Dr Noor Azmira binti Mohamed, Mok Sew Kuen, Gan Pei Lee, Yvonne Hoh Jgin Jit, Cheryl Chelliah Thiruchelvam, Rafidah binti Abdul Razak, Michelle Wong and Teh Su Yen. The exhibition was also attended by a total of 20 schoolchildren and three teachers, namely Ngann Sook Wei, Ong Chun Hor and Tai Mong Chin from SJK (C) Tun Tan Cheng Lock, Subang Jaya, Selangor.

Aimed to provide students with a fresh perspective of Tun Tan’s personal life through a selection of photos and stories shared by his family, the exhibition was divided into four sections comprising Tun Tan’s background, heritage, friendships and legacy. 

 The organising committee and school teachers with Datin Paduka Tan

A moment with SJK (C) Tun Tan Cheng Lock schoolchildren

Bazlin explained, “We are well aware of Tun Tan's political involvement in Malaysia, however, many are not aware of his personal life, such as his passions and interest. This is the first exhibition to feature Tun Tan's personal life through the sharing from his granddaughter, Datin Paduka Tan. In addition, the exhibition also showcases some of Tun Tan’s personal belongings that have been carefully kept and preserved at the Tan ancestral home in Malacca. The collection of rarely seen personal items was carefully curated by Datin Paduka Tan. Items such as spectacles, table clock, coin purse and clothes are on display for the first time here in Kampar. Apart from that, a small collection of Tun Tan’s books is also featured in the display.” 

 Dr Chin explaining the objectives of the exhibition 

Speaking at the launching ceremony, Dr Chin thanked and acknowledged effort of the organising committee who had worked hard to prepare and ensure success of the event. He enthused, “There is an exemplary person, whose dedication and determination is still very much evident in our present time; that person is Tun Tan Cheng Lock. His determination and passion for the country have contributed to Malaysia, or known as Malaya back then, and obtained independence from the British in 1957. He was also an example of true devotion, to the extent, devoting his life to fight for the rights and social welfare of the Chinese community in the country. Despite advocating for the welfare of the Chinese community, his heart remained undivided, as he also taught us that we should often put aside differences of race and unite as Malaysians.”

Datin Paduka Tan citing the heritage of Tun Tan

Datin Paduka Tan said, “Due to the lack of financial resources to study law at a university, Tun Tan highly valued university education. It is reflected in the fact that he sent his children to the US and UK for their tertiary education. While much has been written about Tun Tan’s involvement in politics, little is known about his entrepreneurial forays, first in rubber planting and later banking.” She added, “My grandfather’s library contained an amazing range of books, from literature including English translations of Chinese literary classics, philosophy, health, history and religion. On occasion, his reading would be purposeful. When my grandmother fell ill, he bought many books that provided details about her illness so that he could question the doctors on the most appropriate treatment for her.”

Dr Chin added, “We hope that this exhibition will inspire our students and educate them about patriotism. As Malaysians, it is not only our civic duty to serve our country, but we should also defend our country and use our talents to contribute what we can to make Malaysia a great country. We also want our students to learn, through outdoor activities, about real-world issues and latest topics, so they not only learn the theory of it in classes, but to be able to make their lessons practical with outdoor activities. Therefore, with this exhibition, I believe students can be nurtured with a consciousness of their role in today’s world and to help them develop a strong sense of social responsibility.”

Organising committee members explaining the content of their exhibition to schoolchildren and visitors

Tun Tan Cheng Lock is recognised as one of the founding fathers along with Tunku Abdul Rahman and Tun V.T. Sambanthan who fought selflessly for the country's independence. His story reflected his tenacity in overcoming challenges despite oppositions and shortcomings. He devoted his life to fight for equality in a multi-ethnic Malaysia.