Chinese Ancestry Research’s Nathan Co on Hello Singapore: How a Single Photo Can Reveal Family Roots
In a recent live interview on Hello Singapore 狮城有约, Singapore’s prime-time Friday night TV feature on Channel 8, Nathan Co 施日勤, founder of Chinese Ancestry Research (FB group) and advisor to the Genealogy Society Singapore, shared insights on how a single photo can reconnect generations and help individuals rediscover their ancestral roots. As a Chinoy based in Singapore, Nathan discussed the evolving methods Singaporeans are using to trace family histories in the digital age during the segment titled “The Quest for Kin – Can a Single Photo Say More Than a Thousand Words?”.
Rediscovering Roots in a Digital Era
Nathan explained how more Singaporeans, especially young people, are using the internet, online records, and DNA tests to look for relatives they have lost touch with. Sometimes, an old photo — like one of an ancestor’s tombstone — holds key information such as names and places, which can guide people to family members they never met.
He shared a story about helping a woman reconnect with relatives using just two old photos. Small details in pictures can sometimes unlock family stories and bring generations back together.
Youth Participation and Emotional Discoveries
One notable example discussed during the interview was that of Lee Xuan Jìn 李宣進, a young Singaporean who began his root-seeking journey in secondary school. His research eventually led him and his father to participate in a clan-organized trip to Nan’an, China, which is his family’s ancestral hometown.
There, Lee found living relatives, identified his grandfather’s name in the ancestral registry, and even brought home a copy of the zupu (族譜), or family genealogy book. He described the experience of standing on ancestral land as deeply moving.
Challenges in Reconnecting the Past
Nathan also noted that the path isn’t always smooth. Veteran Mediacorp actor Richard Low 刘谦益, also featured in the segment, encountered obstacles during his journey to Nan’an 南安. Despite tracking down a village believed to be his ancestral home, he couldn’t find anyone who recognized names from his lineage.
Nathan emphasized that accurate information is essential, and even one detail like a name or photo can unlock family stories.
Beyond Bloodlines: The Power of Surnames
Nathan explained that surnames themselves can offer clues to heritage and status. For instance, those with the surname Liú 刘 may trace their ancestry to Liú Bāng 刘邦 of the Hàn Dynasty, while Lǐ (Lee) 李 links back to the royal lineage of the Táng Dynasty. Meanwhile, other surnames such as Wū 巫 might have origins in ancient professions, such as shamans, which are predecessors to today’s doctors.
He believes that knowing one’s roots leads to better self-understanding. Whether through photos, documents, or visits to ancestral villages, reconnecting with the past carries deep significance. He said that finding roots is not only about looking back but about feeling a sense of belonging, often sparked by just one photo.