Biography

Mr. Whampoa Hoo Ah Kay was one of Singapore's founding fathers. Till today, he is held in high regard by Singaporeans young and old alike for his contributions to early Singapore.

Early Life:
Whampoa Hoo Ah Kay was born in Huangpo, Canton (Guangdong) in 1816. He arrived in Singapore in 1830, at the young age of just 15 years old, eager to help his father manage his provision shop which was located at the junction of Bonham Street and Boat Quay, supplying beef, bread and vegetables mainly to the fishermen and traders who docked their boats and junks there. With his fluency in the English Language, Whampoa soon became an asset to his father's shop and helped to faciliate transactions with the Europeans and British.

Career:
Soon after, his father passed on and Whampoa inherited the business, carrying on the trade. His shop, Whampoa & Co, provisions to the British navy. He was extremely successful in his business and hence expanded it. He owned a bakery in Havelock Road and a warehouse, Whampoa ice house in Clarke Quay. His business in ice proved unsuccessful as the demand for ice in Singapore was too low. However, his venture in baking lasted much longer and was more profitable.

Family:
Whampoa had 3 sons; Hoo Ah Yip, Hoo Keng Choong and Hoo Keng Tuck. The eldest, Hoo Ah Yip studies overseas and managed Whampoa & Co. for short time before he died. Hoo Keng Choong, his second son, died young too while his youngest son, Hoo Keng Tuck finally took over the family business.