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The Singapore Ship-Chandlers Association
was formed half a century ago by eight
of our forefathers. Uniting in the common goal of safeguarding the
interests of the industry, they founded the association.
Before
the association was set up, everyone in the shipchandler business
go about their business independently doing everything in their own
way, never crossing each other's paths. While there is correspondence
between them, it was never to the extent of uniting in strength.
Most of the businessmen then were operating family businesses handed
down by their older generations. These businesses were usually divided
into two aspects: 50 percent sundry goods and the other 50 percent
hardware supplies for the ships. Some of them later specialised in
the latter, but many failed because of their conservative business
management.
The situation worsened during post-war years when there was a slump
in the economy. Also, because hours in this business are long and
unpredictable, both the employer and employees had to work exceedingly
hard. Rest days were practically out of the question as they have
to work even on Sundays.
At that time, boats plying the Indonesian water formed the bulk of
the clientele for those in the South Bridge area, while those in the
North Bridge area served the needs of the other vessels. Although
they operated in different areas, there was some dialogue between
businesses from both sides. .
Most of the business in the North Bridge area closed on Sundays. In
contrast, those in the South Bridge area worked even on public holidays,
and this brought in quite considerable income.
A major problem facing
shipchandlers then was that of acquiring stocks from the distributors.
This was because distributors of the past monopolised the market and
only supplied to old suppliers, refusing to supply to new ones. Even
when the new suppliers manage to secure a distributor, they have to
pay a higher price. For example, an old supplier may be able to purchase
ropes for fifty cents per gram, but if a new suplier wants the stock,
he would have to pay a higher price. Because of this, there was much
friction between them.
In search of a long-term
solution to overcome these difficulties, nine traders decided to come
together to purchase goods in bulk from India. The Singapore Ship-Chandlers
Association was formed in 1947, and the association was based in the
old Chong Cheng School at No.322 Beach Road. It shifted to the Beach
Road Post Office a year later.
After the establishment of the association, the nine members acquired
their supplies of ropes in bulk from India, in the name of the association.
To raise fund for the new association, they agreed to donate one dollar
to the association fund for every 100 kilos they purchased.
From here, we can see that
our forefathers in the industry already had the wisdom and foresight
to purchase goods in bulk, something that has now become the trend
in the retail industry. They can therefore be labelled as one of the
founders of the bulk purchase system.
The nine pioneers of the association are:
Guan Sin
(Mr Cling Guan Sin)
Chuan Beng Huat
(Mr Ang Beng Kee)
Chee Chee
(Mr How Wan Low)
Chuan Hiap Seng
(Mr Liew Ma Choon)
Swee Huat
(Mr Chok Swee Huat)
Guan Guan
Kim Teck Leong
(Mr Tan Phor Tay)
Ghee Heng
Hiap Hoe
(Mr Goh)
The association's first chairman was Mr. Chng Guan Sin, the second
Mr. Ang Beng Kee, and the third Mr. How Wan Low. In the association’s
early years, the primary mission was to fight for benefits and welfare
for the members.
For example, representing the members in making appeal to the government,
reflecting members' wishes, negotiating with the tax and revenue authorities
when members have problems in their taxes, etc.
Bonding between the members was reinforced through monthly gatherings
and other activities in the association. In no time, membership grew
from nine to more than thirty, becoming one of the most prominent
trade associations in that period.
Below is a meaningful example to illustrate how the association canvass
for benefits for the members:
In 1970, many members were affected by the urbanisation plans the
Singapore government was implementing in the move to build Singapore
into a modern city. As their stores were taken over by the government,
they had to pay out more money to rent the shops to continue businesses.
This added to their operating costs, and many ran into difficulties.
When the association came to know about the problem, they swung into
action.
The association conveyed their problem to the then Minister of Foreign
Affairs and Member of Parliament for Kampong Glam Mr. Rajaretnam,
who then helped many of the association members acquire a discounted
rental rate for shops under the Housing Development Board and the
Jurong Town Corporation.
To the members, these new shops opened up a new avenue for their business.
But to the association, the gain was more than the material gain of
the shops, it was a commendable achievement in a time of great difficulties.
In conclusion, the commitment and sense of mission of our forefathers
and the enthusiatic and positive attitude of our present generation
are the association's primary moving force. With the purchase of the
new premises, together with the participation of members in the younger
generation under guidance and support from the seniors, the association
looks forward to better prospects in the new millenium. |
