This photograph shows Mdm Gwee Lay Keng’s paternal grandparents Wei Xian Yong (魏献永) and his wife. They are the parents of Mr Gwee Bock Huat, Mr Gwee Choon Gui and their youngest brother. This photo was probably taken in Malaysia. Mdm Gwee Lay Keng’s 魏丽卿father is Mr Gwee Choon Gui (standing on the right). The photo thus traces the lineage of the Gwee’s family. Mr Gwee Bock Huat and Mr Gwee Choon Gui were the co-owners of Sin Sai Hong Opera Troupe （新赛凤剧团） who took over the business from their father Wei Xian Yong, a second generation owner of the troupe. Mdm Gwee Lay Keng is one of the key actresses in the troupe. Sin Sai Hong was first established in 1910 using another name and was performing gaojiaxi （高甲戏） back then. The troupe changed its name to “Sin Sai Hong” in 1936 and changed to performing gezaixi （歌仔戏） which was gaining popularity in the 1930s. It is the oldest Hokkien Opera Troupe in Singapore. The Sin Sai Hong collection donated to the National Museum also consists of old photographs, certificates and costumes.
