Portrait of prominent businessman Wong Ah Fook

Title
Portrait of prominent businessman Wong Ah Fook
Year/Period
c. 1900
Region
Singapore
Dimension
Object size: 96 x 86 cm,
Object size: H59 x W44 (Image only)
Accession No.
1992-00829
Credit Line
Gift of the Trustees of Wong Ah Fook's Estate

A classic rags-to-riches example of many successful Chinese immigrants, Wong Ah Fook came to Singapore in 1854 as a carpenter. He established himself in the building business and then branched off into agriculture, revenue farming, gambling, gambling, banking and land development. His hard work and enterprising spirit paid off, making him a successful, influential businessman who developed close links with the Johor sultanate.