Sam Sui natives began arriving in Singapore to build new lives as early as the start of the 19th century. In 1941, a Sam Sui man named Liang Ya De was among seven Cantonese martyrs who died defending burial rights at Luk Ye Pavilion against rival groups.
Nobody can say for certain when Sam Sui Wui Kun was founded. Elders recall an early gathering spot known as "Yi Jiang Villa" on Pagoda Street, later moved to Upper Chin Chew Street and renamed Sam Sui Wui Kun. Cemetery records from 1885 to 1893 led elders to settle on 1886 as the founding year.
In 1904, General Manager Ho Sum Tin pushed for the association to own its own premises. A nine-member committee led the fundraising, and a year later Sam Sui Wui Kun purchased a three-storey building at 35 Hai San Street for over $8,000, a considerable sum at the time.
Development of Events
Our Story 沿革史略
1927
Told to renew the Hai San Street land lease by 1939 at market price, Sam Sui Wui Kun faced steep renovation and renewal costs just as the economic downturn made fundraising difficult.
1929
Sam Sui Primary School was set up to educate members' children. It closed in 1960 when falling enrolment made it impossible to run a full six-year programme.
1937
Mr Wong Sai Toh, elected General Manager, revised the constitution and renamed the post of General Manager to President.
1938
Mr Yew Gao was elected President and saw the lease renewal through to completion, serving for years until his retirement after the war and Singapore's liberation.
1951
A charitable welfare section was set up for members, registering independently in 1961 under mutual aid regulations. It dissolved in 1989 as membership declined, its funds shared among participants by years of membership.
1954
Under new government regulations for society registration, Sam Sui Wui Kun re-registered and amended its constitution to establish a board of supervisory committee, with the auditor elected directly by the AGM.
1961
Guests from the local clan community and Sam Sui associations across Malaysia joined the 75th founding anniversary celebrations.
1965
The Sam Sui Wui Kun Lion Dance Band was formed to give young members a meaningful cultural outlet, with Mr Hoo Kwai Sum serving as director and volunteer coach.
1967
The Lion Dance Troupe was officially commissioned, and the association's 81st anniversary featured a North-South Lion Martial Arts Conference at the National Theatre, attended by Singapore's first president and raising $20,000 for the Cancer Society.
1970
Told to surrender the Hai San Street building under urban redevelopment plans, the association raised funds and purchased a new site at 10/12 Geylang Lorong 22, building a four-storey premises for over $300,000.
1978
Sam Sui Wui Kun began its annual year-end lunch and red packet gifting for members aged 70 and above, and started marking festivals throughout the year with member gatherings.
1979
Singapore's Minister for National Development officiated the opening of the new building at 10/12 Geylang Lorong 22, marked with a commemorative magazine.
1980
The management committee's term of office was extended from one year to two.
1986
Sam Sui Wui Kun marked its 100th anniversary with a banquet of a hundred tables, the largest gathering in the association's history, and a commemorative magazine.
2007
The constitution was revised: the supervisory committee became the management committee, the minimum entry age rose from 60 to 65, and dissolution proceeds were directed to approved charitable causes.
2013
The entry age was raised to 75 with the introduction of life membership, and the President and Treasurer were limited to two consecutive terms.
2019
The age limit on life membership was removed, committee terms moved to three years, and the President became eligible to serve up to three terms.
2023
To build a foundation for future generations, the 115th Management Committee sold the Geylang Lorong 22 building and completed the purchase of a new six-storey premises nearby, both transactions closing within the same week of March.
Did You Know
Fun Facts About the Sam Sui Wui Kun
The Vanda Samsui orchid hybrid was selected by Sam Sui Wui Kun during its 139th anniversary celebration, honouring the strength and endurance of the Samsui women with a flower that carries their name worldwide.