Saturday 1 December 2012

Khoo Siew Jin 邱守仁

Khoo Siew Jin

Khoo Siew Jin was born in 1884 in Penang to Khoo Hun Yeang. He was known as a young-business achiever. Khoo Siew Jin was first received Chinese education in Penang, and when his parents moved to Singapore in 1898 he enrolled to the Anglo Chinese School. After he finished his four-year studies in ACS, he went to Kuching, Sarawak and worked as an assistant in the Opium, Spirit & Gambling Farms, in which his father had the interest. Within two years’ time, he was promoted to General Manager of the Sawarak General Farm, a post in which he held for three years before commenced his own government farm. In partnership with his cousin, Khoo Sian Tan, they founded the Ban Hoe Kongsi in Rhio and Ban Lee Kongsi in Karimon, respectively. Both lads were well-known as strong tenderer for the Johore Opium & Sprit Farms on 3 November 1906. However shortly after that, the $90,000 worth contract was in dispute when they alleged the Johore Government had breached the contract. At a very young age, Khoo Siew Jin had built a considerable wealth, his property were distributed in Penang, Singapore and Sarawak. He was a member in the Sarawak Merchants’ Club, Honorary Secretary of the Penang Chinese Union and many other positions. Khoo Siew Jin married a daughter of Quah Mah Tek of Penang and had one son, Khoo Seng Kay (d. 20 November 1925). Khoo Siew Jin was belonged to an illustrious family, his grandfather Khoo Thean Tek was a well-known figure in the Straits Settlements, however, Khoo Siew Jin and his family remained a very low profile in public affairs.

8 comments:

  1. Hi Eugene, i wonder if KSiewJin's son Khoo Seng Kay did marry n begotten any issue before he died early age in 1925? If so i do wish to connect to any descendants in Spore- i m also a descendant of Khoo Hun Yeang, thks for yr help, robertY

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    1. Hi Robert.
      I don't have any records on Khoo Seng Kay's issuance. But I have the contact of a direct descendant of Khoo Hun Yeang, who is currently in Australia. I will get him keep in touch with you, kindly leave me your email.

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  2. Hello Eugene, i wonder if K Siew Jin's son khoo seng Kay left any issues ad he died young in 1925, i wish to connect to any in sarawak or singapore as i m also a descendant of Khoo Hun Yeang. Thks robertY

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  3. Hi Roberty. You mentioned that you are descendent of Khoo Hun Yeang? May I know which sons of his are you descended from? I am also a descendent of Khoo Hun Yeang from his son, Siew Tee. Siew Tee is my great grandfather.

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  4. Hi Eugene,

    That is a nice photo of Foo Choo Choon. Where does it come from? Will be happy to send you a complimentary copy later.

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    1. Hi Areca,

      May I know which photo of Foo Choo Choon your referring to?

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  5. Hi Eugene,

    The way as I interpret the 2014 新江邱曾氏族谱 (see page 405), the Chinese character for Khoo Siew Jin is given as 邱守仁. The name of his wife is given as 杨成荫. The name of his son is given as 邱生善, born on 1930. 邱生善 married苏秀卿 and gave birth to 邱明福 in 1954 and a daughter 邱玉心. Would my interpretations correct?

    Philip Tan

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    1. Hi Philip. Your interpretation is correct as per the genealogy info.

      Also, thanks for highlighting the mistake in KHOO SIEW JIN Chinese name. The correction was made in KHOO THEAN TEK article but miss out the one here.

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