This episode tells the colourful story of the Tangs, Orchard Road’s oldest retail family. How did founder CK Tang, the son of a humble preacher, build an empire from his iconic green-tiled store? We reveal the trials and tribulations he and his family faced over 80 years and how hard work and integrity brought the family success, as well as unexpected challenges. Tangs Chairman, Tang Wee Sung shares his triumphs and disappointments, including ...

Rajabali Jumabhoy was forced to survive on his own at a young age, and became a millionaire by 21. He was one of Singapore’s leading traders, and a founding father as an elected Member of Parliament. His son Ameerali would bring the Jumabhoy legacy to greater heights, creating The Ascott, now the largest serviced residence chain in the world. But in the 1990s, the family would make the headlines over a legal tussle. In this episode, they ...

With eleven wives and grand castles, tin mine tycoon Eu Tong Sen lived a life larger than most. His businesses and estates spanned the region, and he was honoured with his own street name. But a void was left upon his death, and his estate was split up among his huge family. One business remained which still carries the family’s name – Eu Yan Sang, a traditional medicine shop. It would take an enterprising grandson to rescue it, staking ...

Syed Omar Aljunied arrived from Yemen at the personal invitation of Sir Stamford Raffles to develop Singapore’s trade. His family name soon became one of the most recognisable in the country, an indication of the Aljunieds’ status as important landowners. Discover what happened to the family as they stayed on in the country and began to create their own sense of belonging. As the family’s wealth evolved over time, their enterprising legacy ...

The Armenian Sarkies brothers were the finest hoteliers in all of Southeast Asia, building the Grand Old Dame, the famed Raffles Hotel, and the E & O hotel in Penang. These iconic buildings still endure today. But not long after their initial success, their fortunes changed drastically, leaving others to keep the name going. We explore the twists and tragedies that befell the family and how they have kept their unusual legacy alive.

Yong Yit Lin fled China to avoid certain death. Arriving in a new land, his honesty and hard work propelled him from a humble carpenter to taking on construction jobs beyond his wildest dreams. He would build Clifford Pier, paving the way for his company Woh Hup to forge other Singapore landmarks. But in the 1950s, an assassination would change everything for the family. His sons had to take an atypical road to make their father’s business ...