Jonathan Tan, The Eldest Son Of Raymond Tan, Visits YLCO Museum

The Tan's holding documents that tell about their Chew ancestors. Picture at left of Jonathan, the former homes of the Chew brothers.

Jonathan Tan visited YLCO museum on June 26 2023. He came with his mum Cecelia Liew, his son Tan Chee Ky (Ky is pronounced as Kai) and niece Emily Tan daughter of Julian Tan. 

The Tan's. Mum Cecelia Liew, Jonathan Tan, Tan Chee Ky and Emily Tan 

Jonathan is a Professor of Theology with a personal interest in history and  genealogy especially his family history. Visiting the YLCO museum was the right move with grand uncle Ignatius to guide him through the generations.

For the record Jonathan is the 5^th generation descendant of Chew Boon Seong. At 13 years of age he secured an ASEAN scholarship and left for Singapore to do his secondary studies.

His mum recalled that he was shortlisted after his Std 6 examination. We subsequently applied formally and was required to go to KL to sit for a test. He was selected and departed for Singapore. 

The Tan's. Raymond Tan, Cecelia Liew (in descending order) Jonathan, Justin and Julian

Jonathan explained that since he left for Singapore in early of 1980 he had never been home except for vacations. I did my secondary then junior college A levels. I continued as an undergraduate in law at the NUS after which I practiced law for four years. Then I switched to Theology.

Jonathan is now a Professor of Catholic Studies, Case Western Reserve University, Ohio, USA.

"My full title is Archbishop Paul J Hallinan, Professor of Catholic Studies. I am a lay person and the position is an Endowed chair which is more prestigious than a professorship. I teach religion and do research in that field and have been in this position for 8 years since 2015.

All the while I was interested in theology. However my parents wanted me to have a law degree as a safety net so I did that first. When I was 27 I moved to America and did my Masters and Phd in theology.

I do have a personal interest in history and genealogy. I have this desire to know more of my ancestor’s origin, knowing where different branches of my family - both my father's paternal and maternal side and the same for my mother's side.

Ignatius takes them back in time .....

....the connections through the years ....

..while Jonathan documents the visit ... 

...then a discussion ....

The families have grown in their own ways. From acclaimed Oscar winning actress to Professor of Theology  

Jonathan added that for someone who also does research in migration studies, I am also interested in how migration shaped diasporic Chinese communities in Nanyang / Southeast Asia and also my own family's diasporic origins, how their migration intertwined with the history of English colonialism, and the many legacies they have given to their descendants.

The Tan's enjoying the history of what ....

...what 1 Jalan Lasam has to offer

Visiting Ignatius' YLCO museum has presented Jonathan a glimpse of how their ancestors lived since they first came to Nanyang / South East Asia from China. Ignatius explained how Chew Boon Juan, the first of  four brothers had come over to Malaya, succeeded and sent for another brother to come and assist him until all the four came over, The brothers shared their successes, prospered and grew and extended their families. And they are still growing though each in their own ways. 

JAG