Syed Omar bin Ali Aljunied. Why should we commerate him.

Syed Omar bin Ali Aljunied. Not many of us know him, but most of us has heard of this place-Aljunied. It is a bustling place with many HDB flats, schools, parks etc. Have you ever wondered why is this place named after a man who live almost one and a half century ago, why is he so important?
Syed Omar bin Ali Aljunied was born in Hadramaut, Yemen on 1792. He is a well knowned spice trader and businessman, philanthropist and a important leader of the early Arab community. Sayid Omar was a descendant of the Prophet Muhammed, the foounder of Islam. He was one of the first Arabs traders to come to Singapore one of his main purpose to come here is to spread the Muslim faith.
Syed Omar's uncle, Syed Mohammed setup a business in Singapore just for months after Raffles founded Singapore. Sayid Omar came to Singapore not long later and was personally welcomed by Raffles himself, who was eager to court the wealth of the Arab traders established a lucrative trade between the Far East and the known world. The Arabs in turn were attrated to Singapore as it was a free port while the Dutch ports had haevy duties charges.
When Syed Omar's uncle passed away in 1824, the business was passed to Syed Omar. He carried on the business under Syed Ali bin Mohammed Aljunied's name who was only 9 years old then.
Syed Omar was one of the first religious leaders who was a charitable contributer to charitable causes. He donated land to build religious building such as St Andrew's Cathedral and the Masjid Kampong Melaka. He also contributed land to build the Pauper's hospital which would later become Tan Tock Seng hospital.
Syed Omar died in 1852 and is buried with his uncle Syed Mohammed at the Syed Omar Cemetery.
This trader and business man has contributed so much to build religious places for the people of Singapore. His is considered as one of the fore fathers of Singapore. He is greatly rewarded by the people by having a place named after him. But the least that we can do know is to commemorate this an upright and honourable man.