Katong (East)

Katong (East) - Tai Gong Fishing

In the 1940s and 1950s, Katong was home to many rich and influential businessmen and high-level government officials. Its evolution into a high-class resident district started much earlier than Bukit Timah's. This could be that in those days, to own a villa near the sea was living proof of one's wealth and refined taste. But over time, more and more wealthy families preferred the serene atmosphere and cool surroundings of Bukit Timah.

In the past, Katong was just a small seaside fishing village. When the Kallang Airport appeared, its surrounding land was quickly developed. Shenton Way and Chinatown were developed into commercial districts while the area around Fort Canning Hill and the Parliament house become the political seat of Singapore. Beach Road and Bras Basah Road becomes the hub of education and recreation. Katong evolved into a luxurious residential area.

At that time, many of Katong's villas were built by the sea. Today, only a few of these villas are still standing as reminders of their past grandeur, one of ehich is the Bai Hua Oil House at the junction of Mountbatten Road and Haig Road. Due to the scarcity of land in Singapore, major reclamation projects have been undertaken. The white and sandy beaches have given way to modern high-rise condominiums built on reclaimed land.

When Kallang Airport relocated, the once prosperous district began to decline. Although some of the privately owned villas of renowned businessmen like Tan Lye Sark and Tay Ban Guan no longer exist, their contributions towards Singapore's progress will always be remembered in the annals of history.

Why does Katong experience such widely fluctuating fortunes? It is said that the feng shui in this area is of the Tai Gong goes fishing formation, which is similar to that of the Li Bai ploughing the field land. As the legend goes, Jiang Tai Gong learnt marial arts from Yuan Shi Tian Zun. Upon his descent from the mountain, Tai gong was brimming with righteousness and yearned to do something great for his country. But it was not his time and he was unable to fulfil his dreams, so he went to live near a river. Day after day, he sat by the river, fishing with a hook and line that never touched the water. It was not until he was about 80 yeas old that Emperor Zhou Wen recognised his abilities and made him prime minister.

Tai Gong helped Emperor Zhou get rid of the reining Emperor Zhuo and overthrow the Shang Dynasty. Thus began the Zhou Dynasty, which became China's longest ruling dynasty, lasting some 800 years. The legend continued, Tai Gong asked Emperor Zhou pull a carriage for him. The emperor obliged by pulling the carriage 800 steps, and was thus rewarded with the Zhou Dynasty lasting 800 years. If the emperor had known of this mystical connection, he might have pulled the rickshaw another 2, 000 or 3, 000 steps and the Zhou Dynasty might still be here today!

Both legend depict Tai Gong and Li Bai as biding their time and waiting for a golden opportunity. Eventually, these two talented men became historical figures, but unfortunately none of their descendants was as outstanding.

Hence, educating the next generation is a very important duty in Katong. Dunman High School, Chung Cheng High School and Tanjong Katong Girls' School are all located in this district, and for many years these schools have upheld their high standards of educating the younger generation. The Chinese Swimming Club, also located here, has nurtured and produced many outstanding national swimmers. The Singapore National Wushu Federation, which will soon be shifting, has also contributed greatly to Singapore's wushu scene.

Tai Gong goes fishing reflects how the wise spend their time. Tai Gong did not fritter away his precious time, but instead, pondered on how the state could be governed more efficiently and conscientiously accumulated knowledge. Do not mistake him for a bum who happened to do well when opportunity came knocking. Without real effort and talent, he would have been unable to show his mettle when the opportunity arose.