My Chinese Cultural Shop Owner Jeffrey Eng From Eng Tiang Huat

What to Expect

Speak with Jeffrey Eng, the third-generation owner of Eng Tiang Huat. The traditional shophouse is home to a wide, colourful variety of instruments and artefacts, such that the business defies easy categorisation. Growing up in and around the shop, Jeffery has been a witness to the changing nature of our rites and rituals. Hear about the elaborately decorated hearses that were central to the big celebration of funerals, and see the traditional funeral attire consisting of “7 sets 11 layers”.

About Wind Beneath My Wings

Death is an inevitable part of life – we are unable to prevent it, but we can choose how we want to face it. Beyond the rites and rituals that take place at the moment of death, there are a number of organisations, professionals, and groups who dedicate themselves to helping people face this important milestone in their life. Many of these stories are usually said to be taboo or pantang, but we hope participants recognise the importance of their work and the value in having a conversation not just about death, but about the practices surrounding end-of-life. We hope that through these programmes, participants will develop a deeper understanding of this phase of life for themselves and for those close to them. We hope to provide opportunities for participants to engage site hosts in candid and heartfelt conversation.

About the Organisation

Founded in the 1930s, Eng Tiang Huat, is a cultural shop specialising in items and artefacts associated with Chinese culture. From musical instruments to opera costumes and tapestries, the shop houses and trades in a wide variety of goods and services. Jeffery, the third generation owner, takes an active hand in not only curating these items but also restoring and repairing them.

About the Host

Jeffrey Eng took over ownership of Eng Tiang Huat from his father in 1994. He continues the work started by his grandfather in preserving a wide range of Chinese artefacts and novelties - anything from musical instruments to embroidered clothes. Over the years through his work and interacting with customers, he has become a formidable source of cultural knowledge that he is ever graciously willing to share with others.

Who should come?

• Everyone is welcome to participate!
• Participants below 13 should be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
  

Programme Details

• Approximate Duration: 1.5 hours (Please arrive 15 minutes before the tour for registration)
• Language: English
• Meeting Point: Meet at the Entrance of Eng Tiang Huat, 10 Lor 24A Geylang, Singapore 398534

• Ending Point: The event will start and end at the same point.

• The events will proceed rain or shine.

What to bring?

• Participants are encouraged to dress comfortably and wear covered shoes.
  
• Participants should bring along an umbrella and a bottle of water.

• Please ensure that you bring along any personal Medic*tion. Asthmatic individuals are reminded to bring their inhaler.

Other important information

• Parking is available on street in the vicinity.
• The venue is not wheelchair friendly.
• Photography is allowed during the event.

Disclaimer

• All ticket sales are final. There will be no refund if you wish to cancel your tickets.
• Each ticket admits only one participant.
• By agreeing to participate in the tour, every participant will be responsible for any injury, loss of damage due to careIessness of other actions on his/her part or that of children under his/her charge.
• Participants must abide by the house rules set out by the host. Facilitators will brief participants at the start of the programme.
• Videos and photographs may also be taken during the event. By registering for this event, you give My Community full rights to use the photos for marketing and publicity.

For updates:

• Follow us at @mycommunitysg on Instagram and @myqueenstown on Facebook.
• Visit mycommunity.org.sg to learn about our initiatives.
• Visit mycommunityfestival.sg for all our latest updates.

Host or Publisher My Community Festival