Known to be the protector of seafarers, the Heavenly Queen was popularly worshipped by Chinese immigrants seeking a safe passage across the South China Sea to Southeast Asia during the 19th century, including Singapore. The statue of the Heavenly Queen is one of several others in Haw Par Villa, which was constructed based on the themes of Chinese folklore and legend. Originally called Tiger Balm Gardens, the theme park was built in 1937 by Aw Boon Haw, a prominent businessman and philanthropist who was also synonymous with Tiger Balm, the renowned ointment that was successfully marketed in Singapore and around the region.
