廖正兴 : 新加坡华商领袖研究(1906-1931) = LEOW CHYE HENG(LIAO ZHENGXING): A STUDY OF A SINGAPORE CHINESE BUSINESS LEADER(1906-1931)

Abstract

Mr Leow Chye Heng (Liao Zhengxing, 1874-1931) was a well-known businessman and Chinese community leader in the early 20th century. After becoming a successful entrepreneur, he actively participated in various communities activities through the established of welfare organisations to protect the interests of the Chinese immigrants. Although Leow Chye Heng had contributed significantly to the development of the Chinese society in Singapore, he is still not research extensively by many academic researchers. Therefore, this thesis aims to analyse the image and characteristics of Leow Chye Heng as a Chinese community leader from 1905 to 1931 and further highlights his influence in the Singapore's Chinese society through his contributions. The first part of this thesis will be an introduction of Leow Chye Heng's life and his role in the Singapore Chinese society. He was born into a humble family at Chao An district Guangdong province. He was required to support his family at an early age as his father passed away when he was young. In order to earn a living, Leow decided to came over to Singapore to seek help from his relative. The hard work and effort Leow had dedicated throughout his early years in Singapore had provided him the financial ability to establish Sze Hai Tong Banking and Insurance Co Ltd with his other Teochew business partners. Other than that, he also founded various social organisations, namely the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce (SCCC), the Straits Organisations, Tuan Meng School and Teochew Po Ip Huay Kuan. Therefore, this implies that Leow was not merely a businessman who was only concerned about profits; he was also an inspirational Chinese community leader who always dedicates his best to protect the rights and welfare of the Chinese immigrants. The thesis will also analyze Leow's relationship with the Chinese and British government. Leow was expected to maintain close ties with the two governments as their actions often have direct impact towards the Singapore's Chinese society. It was because other than having a large population of Chinese immigrants working in Singapore, the country also belongs to the British colonial during the early 20th century. Hence, it is essential for Leow to develop a harmonious relationship with the Chinese and British government in order to boost the economic and social development of the Singapore. In conclusion, the founding of several Chinese welfare organisations by Leow and his other Chinese partners shows that he was a responsible community leader who always does his utmost to protect the rights of the Chinese immigrants and also to improve their living standard. The establishment of Sze Hai Tong Banking also plays an essential role in encouraging more Chinese businessmen to invest in the banking industry during the early 20th century. Hence, this thesis intent to discuss the image of Leow and further highlight his contributions and influences in the Chinese society. Mr Leow Chye Heng (Liao Zhengxing, 1874-1931) was a well-known businessman and Chinese community leader in the early 20th century. After becoming a successful entrepreneur, he actively participated in various communities activities through the established of welfare organisations to protect the interests of the Chinese immigrants. Although Leow Chye Heng had contributed significantly to the development of the Chinese society in Singapore, he is still not research extensively by many academic researchers. Therefore, this thesis aims to analyse the image and characteristics of Leow Chye Heng as a Chinese community leader from 1905 to 1931 and further highlights his influence in the Singapore's Chinese society through his contributions. The first part of this thesis will be an introduction of Leow Chye Heng's life and his role in the Singapore Chinese society. He was born into a humble family at Chao An district Guangdong province. He was required to support his family at an early age as his father passed away when he was young. In order to earn a living, Leow decided to came over to Singapore to seek help from his relative. The hard work and effort Leow had dedicated throughout his early years in Singapore had provided him the financial ability to establish Sze Hai Tong Banking and Insurance Co Ltd with his other Teochew business partners. Other than that, he also founded various social organisations, namely the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce (SCCC), the Straits Organisations, Tuan Meng School and Teochew Po Ip Huay Kuan. Therefore, this implies that Leow was not merely a businessman who was only concerned about profits; he was also an inspirational Chinese community leader who always dedicates his best to protect the rights and welfare of the Chinese immigrants. The thesis will also analyze Leow's relationship with the Chinese and British government. Leow was expected to maintain close ties with the two governments as their actions often have direct impact towards the Singapore's Chinese society. It was because other than having a large population of Chinese immigrants working in Singapore, the country also belongs to the British colonial during the early 20th century. Hence, it is essential for Leow to develop a harmonious relationship with the Chinese and British government in order to boost the economic and social development of the Singapore. In conclusion, the founding of several Chinese welfare organisations by Leow and his other Chinese partners shows that he was a responsible community leader who always does his utmost to protect the rights of the Chinese immigrants and also to improve their living standard. The establishment of Sze Hai Tong Banking also plays an essential role in encouraging more Chinese businessmen to invest in the banking industry during the early 20th century. Hence, this thesis intent to discuss the image of Leow and further highlight his contributions and influences in the Chinese society.