CK Tang

Tang Choon Keng (Chinese: 董俊竞; pinyin: Dǒng Jùnjìng; 12 September 1901 – 3 September 2000) was a Singaporean entrepreneur, who founded Tangs department store in Singapore. He was popularly known as CK Tang. Tang has been credited for leading the way for the retail market in Singapore and establishing Orchard Road as a premier retail district in Singapore.

A Teochew, Tang was born at the turn of the 20th century in Shantou, China to a Presbyterian pastor. He emigrated to the British colony of Singapore in 1923.

In Singapore, Tang began as a door-to-door salesman peddling hand-made Swatow lace, embroidery and linen products. With a hired rickshaw, Tang carried his goods in a pair of tin trunks which remained in his possession as a reminder of his humble beginnings. Tang later became known as the "Tin Trunk Man" and the "Curio King" for his rags to riches legacy.

In 1932, Tang was able to embark on a larger venture, having accumulated sufficient funds through hard work. He established a department store in 1932 with an initial capital of S$3,000. Tang set up his first shop on the first floor of a building on River Valley Road, selling craft products from China.

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