In his book Landscapes Lost: Appreciating Hong Kong’s Heritage Cultural Landscapes, conservationist Ken Nicolson writes that Aw Boon Haw was concerned that ethnic Chinese residents of Singapore and Hong Kong — both British colonies — were losing touch with their cultural identity. Thus, part of his vision for Tiger Balm Garden was to promote Buddhist, Taoist and Confucian morality.
All the photos of the Tiger Balm Garden attributed to me were taken by my father, John Dewson, during the time he was stationed with 28 Squadron at RAF Kai Tak, from 1957-1959.