Coolies, Towkays and the Gig Economy
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Fuk Tai Chi Museum Entrance
- From its origins as a Free Port, follow the trails of Towkays and Coolies along the Quays and Market places of Singapore
- Discover temples hidden in plain sight, visit the house of a Triad boss, touch an original Coolie coin and understand how their daily Gig-economy had similarities and parallels to today's economy
- Explore the huge divides between the Agent recruiters and their indentured "Piglets", as the labourers were sometimes called, the role of Indian money-lenders, subsidised gambling trains, and how the Coolie-coin system effectively removed real cash rewards
- This tour will upend many of your assumptions and show things in a new light
- Explore historic UNESCO Temples which were used as a hang-out by coolies and also to boost love-luck with incense sticks!
- Understand why coolies were sometimes called "Piglets", how they were paid by Gigs and how they could spend it
- Find out about the original subsidised Gambling trains to Malaysia!
- Enjoy a refreshing themed tea inspired drink as you explore the former house of a Triad Boss, and a Coolie-coin themed cookie!
- Receive a Coolie-coin Cookie as a gift, while you explore
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