This was an invoice issued by Sun Nam Electric Contractors for a job done most likely for the Eu household. A prominent businessman, philanthropist and community leader in Singapore and Malaysia, Eu Tong Sen was the family’s famous son, who was born in Penang but educated in China. At the age of 21, he took over his father’s business and quickly built up a large fortune based on a variety of businesses, which included the renowned Chinese medical hall, Eu Yan Sang, as well as tin, real estate, pharmaceutical products and banking. Known for his philanthropic efforts, Eu contributed generously to education, most notably to Raffles College and the University of Hong Kong. Eu was also active on both the political and community fronts, representing the Chinese on the Federal Council during the early 20th century, as well as taking on the role of Vice-President on the Anti-Opium Society.
