The Story of Singapore: The Hand of God
Rev Tay Piak Kheng 9 August 2026
Singapore’s success story was the result of the hard work of a group of forefathers who built a just society, guided by the conscience that the Creator God had placed in the hearts of men.
At the end of the 19th century, this first wave of Chinese immigrants sailed far from China to Singapore. Among them were businessmen, teachers and workers with little education. Some laboured at the pier as coolies or Samsui women, while others set out to sea to fish or worked as rickshaw pullers. Many left their families in Tangshan and worked hard to earn a living, scrimping and saving to send their hard-earned money back to China. This formed a resilient workforce that provided early Singapore with a means of survival – a harbour for entrepot trade.
God had mercy on them and placed charity in the hearts of some wealthy businessmen. These businessmen built the Thong Chai Medical Institution, the Singapore Chung Hwa Medical Institution, and others to provide free medical treatment to their poor kinsmen. This brought comfort and hope to many during the tough days.
God also blessed them with many offspring; families with more than ten children were common. Selfless love led them to take on 2 to 3 jobs so their children might have a new shirt each year, some meat on festive days, and, more importantly, the opportunity to learn to read and write. They knew that education was the foundation of a strong home and, therefore, of a strong nation.
God answered their heart’s desires, and excellent educational institutions such as Chinese High School and Nanyang Girls’ High School were established. When the first overseas Chinese university – Nanyang University – came into being, the Chinese migrant community celebrated in tears, for it was founded with funds raised through the united efforts of the wealthy class and the labouring masses. Bursaries were awarded to ensure that even the poor had an opportunity for higher education!
The next generation also inherited a rich Chinese cultural heritage, as our forefathers held on to Chinese traditions despite impoverishment. These included paying respects to ancestors during Qing Ming, wrapping dumplings during the Duan Wu Festival, enjoying fellowship under the moonlight during the Mid-Autumn Festival, and having a Chinese New Year reunion dinner.
What is more amazing was that God raised a group of greatly talented political leaders, such as Mr Lee Kuan Yew, Dr Goh Keng Swee, and Mr Rajaratnam, and gave them a vision to build an incorruptible and efficient government. At the same time, He also raised a pool of greatly gifted servants to expand His Kingdom in Singapore. In 1935, God sent evangelist Reverend John Sung to Singapore, and as a result, many youths were revived and dedicated their lives to building up churches for Christ. Among them were the founding members of the Bible Presbyterian Church in Singapore – Reverend Timothy Tow and Reverend Quek Kiok Chiang. Thank God His mighty hand has prospered both the economy and the Kingdom’s business in Singapore. The Singapore Story is the manifestation of our Creator’s will to mankind:
“And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)
O Christians! The Lord requires us to uphold His word faithfully where we are. Let us take over the baton and continue steering Singapore on the righteous path, so that this land may be filled with people of God and divine blessing may continue to shower upon Singapore!
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