A TRIBUTE TO AGNES TAN - A MAGNANIMOUS CENTENARIAN
Agnes Tan Kim Lwi, the youngest daughter and the last surviving child of Tun Dato’ Sir Tan Cheng Lock, passed away peacefully this morning, September 4th, 2021. We accept the news of her passing with sadness but full of gratitude for the wisdom and blessing of an extraordinary life.
In 2004 she generously donated S$1.5 million funds to purchase two townhouse units at 54-56 Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock in Melaka, Malaysia. The Tun Tan Cheng Lock Centre for Asian Architectural and Urban Heritage is set up for cultural heritage conservation studies. In 2005 she followed with another gift of S$4 million to acquire a house in Neil Road Singapore, which was named Baba House, to preserve and promote cosmopolitan architecture and culture in Singapore and the region. Both centres have become unique and very valuable educational resources of the university. Various programs (education, capacity building, research, seminars, community engagements, public education, etc.) have been organized in both facilities.
In 2010 she gave another endowment fund for The Tun Tan Cheng Lock Scholarship In Architecture to support research in the area of urban and architectural heritage in Southeast Asia, to increase awareness of the history of Melaka and to contribute to the community of Melaka in particular and Southeast Asia in general. The scholarship is given to undergraduate or graduate students in architecture or related study programs in Southeast Asia or East Asia accredited architectural schools. So far, 11 students have received the scholarship: Kenneth Wong Chi Kan (Hong Kong, 2010), Richard Lee Xin Li (Singaporean, 2011), Mohammad Hafiz Mohammad Amirrol (Malaysian, 2011), Hafizur Rahaman (Bangladeshi, 2012), Oh Shu Yi Lisa, Ong Sen Chun Eugene, Quek See Yee, Goh Jiali, and Lim Louis (Singaporeans, 2014), Shawn Teo Eng Kiong (Singaporean, 2015), and Ng Keng Khoon (Malaysian, 2016).
Agnes Tan’s magnanimity and dedication to education for all, especially the younger generation, have generated significant impacts. Her legacy and support will continue to grow talents, nurture learning culture, and preserve our heritage. May she rests in peace and eternal happiness.
With gratitude and respect,
Johannes Widodo
Director of the Tun Tan Cheng Lock Centre for Asian Architectural and Urban Heritage in Melaka
Director of the Graduate Programs in Architectural Conservation
Department of Architecture, National University of Singapore