Posted by beetyen chong on August 20, 1998 at 12:37:09:
In Reply to: Re: Chaim from Hainan posted by Hing-Kan Lim on January 17, 1998 at 13:40:45:
: : Hi Mike,
: : : Can you help me, I am trying hard to find the meaning or reference of
: : : the family surname Chaim (this is the English form). This is my
: : : father-in-laws surname and he is Chinese, originally the family came
: : : from the island of Hainan, or so I am told.
: : : Thank-you
: : I don't have experience with this form. Chinese names have been
: : transliterated many different ways. That's why it's important
: : to find out how it was written in Chinese characters.
: : Is he still available? Or other old relatives? Single surname village?
: : There are regional variations. It's a puzzle.
: : ... Ron Young
: : There are a number of Chiams in Singapore and Malaysia. If you want to
: know more of chaims and their roots, I suggest that you write to the
: Hainanese Association (Keng Chew Association) in Singapore and I am sure
: they will be able to give you some informations about your father-in-law's
: roots in Hainan. Sorry, I don't their adress with me. I suggest the you
: the singapore' embassy for the address.
: : Good luck. Lim.
Please note that the Hainanese surname, Chaim, may be spelt as Chiam, Ngiam, etc., depends on the pronunciation by the registration officer for birth certificate in a particular country where one resides. I suggest you write to the Singapore "Chuang and Ngiam Clansmen's Association" at No. 34-A, Seah Street, Singapore 7 for more details.It may have changed address since the 70s, the last time my friend made enquiry at the association. Nevertheless, do give it a try.
Probably very soon you could have the answers to your craving search for your "Chaim" roots! Best wishes. BYChong