Who is the owner of the now defunt Alkaff Mansion?

Question

Who is the owner of the now defunt Alkaff Mansion?

Answer 1

Syed Omar bin Ali Aljunied who was an Arab pioneer was one of the most respected local merchants with extensive business; he had amassed a large fortune and his nephew Syed Mohamed bin Haroon Aljunied had a large mansion in High Street.

Syed Omar owned a large burial ground at Jalan Kubor off Victoria Street and also built a Mosque in Bencoolen Street; his son built the Omar Mosque at Kampong Malacca, near Havelock Road. Syed Allied bin Mohamed Aljunied donated the rental of some his property towards the funds of Tan Tock Seng Hospital. The Aljunieds also dug wells behind Fort Canning. Selegie Road and elsewhere; these were large wells with granite sides and supplied water to the early residents of Singapore.

Syed Alwi Road off Serangoon Road is named after Syed Allie and Aljunied and Upper Aljunied Roads are named after this wealthy Arab family.

The Alkaff Mansion and Arab institution in Singapore are permanent reminders to Singaporeans of the affluence, the business acumen and contribution of the early Arab families toward the development and prosperity of Singapore. Their descendants are continuing their contribution to our Republic. pp