From Chettiars to Financiers

location
Singapore River, in front of the Asian Civilisations Museum
[Get Directions](http://maps.google.com/maps?q=1.286989,103.851285&z=18)

This sculpture represents the various financial institutions around the Singapore River. Early financial services were usually organised along ethnic lines. For instance, the moneylending services were primarily run by the Chettiers from South India. Their offices usually comprised of a low desk on a woven mat, as depicted in the sculpture. Chinese clerks typically ran the clearing houses and were easily identified by their pig tails. In contrast, the trader in the distinctive jacket symbolises Singapore's economic growth and sophisticated financial services.

**Artist:** Chern Lian Shan**Material:** Bronze**Year:** 2002
From Chettiars to Financiers