Gan Eng Seng was a Chinese pioneer in Singapore who made many charitable contributions. He established the Anglo-Chinese Free School in 1885, now known as Gan Eng Seng School, to provide education to poor children in both English and Chinese. He also donated generously to organizations like Thong Chai Medical Institution, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, and the Ee Hoe Hean Club. Gan Eng Seng realized the importance of education despite having little schooling himself, and worked hard to become a successful businessman before passing away in 1899 at age 55, leaving an estate worth approximately $550,000.