Owing to poor circumstances, he had an elementary school education in which he learnt to read and write in simple English and keep accounts.

He was diligent and capable, and his ability won him the recognition and keen interest of Thomas Scott, one of the partners in the company.

Before it became a government school in 1938, it had on its board of trustees fellow Chinese pioneers such as Tan Keong Saik, Ho Yang Peng, Wee Theam Tew, Lee Cheng Yan, S.J.

In 1975, it was relocated to 50 Chin Swee Road and till today, the institution continues to provide free medical consultation and herbal medicines to all.

[1] The hospital is still serving the public and came into the international spotlight when it was designated as the sole treatment centre for the SARS epidemic which struck Singapore in 2003.

Due to redevelopment of the area, his body was disinterred and reburied in a family grave at Bukit Brown Cemetery.

After the death of his father, Gan Tiang Tok continued the family business for three years, though by the turn of century it was no longer so lucrative.

[7] In April 2008, Gan's life and generosity to many charitable causes are currently being showcased in a permanent gallery of the Peranakan Museum (former Tao Nan School building) at Armenian Street.

The gallery titled Public Life: Making a difference (Level 3) honours Peranakans (Straits Chinese), who were prominent public figures and philanthropists such as Gan, Singapore pioneer Tan Kim Seng and former Cabinet Minister Lim Kim San.

The ACM staff consulted academics and collaborated with members of the Peranakan community to bring the museum to life.