• The name “Ann Siang Hill” originated from the land’s early owner, Chia Ann Siang.
• A Hokkien born in Melaka, Chia Ann Siang came to Singapore to make a living as a businessman. He later bought land in the Ann Siang Hill area, on which he developed dozens of houses.
• In the early 19th century, before Chia’s arrival, the land was owned by Charles Scott, and was mainly used to grow nutmeg and cloves. As a result, the hill was known as Scott’s Hill. The land was then sold to John Gemmill, a well-known auctioneer, and came to be known as Gemmill’s Hill. After more changes of hands, the land was eventually bought by Chia.
• In the early days, the foot of Ann Siang Hill was a Chinese burial ground known as “青山亭”, which was exhumed in the early 20th century. ƒThe architecture of the houses in the Ann Siang Hill area is quintessentially Singaporean, combining Chinese and Western elements and reflecting the integration of diverse cultures and ethnic characteristics.

With the completion of Telok Ayer Green beside Thian Hock Keng Temple, the Singapore Tourism Board will be redeveloping two other parks starting next year, at Kreta Ayer Road and Ann Siang Hill. (Shin Min Daily News, 22/6/2002)