Lim Hua Chiam

Lim Hua Chiam, was a co-founder of the Penang Chinese Town Hall in 1881 and of the Criterion Press in 1883.

He settled in Penang in 1850 and by thrift and hard work. Ten years later, he began trading with Acheh as a 'junk-trader'.

According to Dato Lim Bian Yam, he can still remembere his grandfather Lim Seng Hooi telling him tales about the old house at Arratoon Road which has been demolished years ago.

Whenever Sin Kheks arrived from China, he would allowed them to stay until they found jobs. Everyone was entitled to 5 cents a day. Additionally, a towel and a bar of soap was given to all.

Datuk Lim recalled how 5 cents was defined in those days and it was considered "goh lui tua koay gu chea lian" - (5 cents as big as a bullock cart wheel)

His accomplishments in his time

• Committee member of the Kian Teik Society in the mid 19th-century
• Founding members of its affiliates, the Cheng Ho Seah and Tong Kheng Seah.
• Held prominent positions in the Hokkien Cemeteries and many Fukien temples.
• Head man of Seh Lim Kongsi (1878-1912)
• President of the Lin Shih Tun peng T'ang chi Mien shu Tang (1878-1912)
• The undisputed leader of the Fukien Chinese in Penang till his death (1895- 1912)
• One of the first members of the Chinese Advisory Board in 1890

Articles taken from Historical Personalities of Penang, narrated by Datuk Lim Bian Yam

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