Cheah Cheang Lim

Cheah Cheang Lim (Chinese: 謝昌林; pinyin: Xiè Chānglín; 6 December 1875 – 15 November 1948) was born in Taiping, Perak, Malaysia. Brought up by his father, Cheah Boon Hean, who was in the trading business, he grew up to become a businessman and miner. He was introduced to the tin mining industries of the time by his cousin Foo Choo Choon, the 'Tin King', who hired him as his attorney. Later, Cheah Cheang Lim was appointed to manage his affairs. Eventually, he started his own company. He also invested in rubber estates but his main interest remained in the tin business.

Cheah Cheang Lim was also known as a social reformer whose concerns were spread across various issues. He was involved in the anti-opium movement and campaigned for Chinese status in the Malay States, including such efforts as debating against the Banishment Enactment to non-Malays born in the States. He furthermore dedicated his life to promoting and improving Malayan education by instituting several scholarship schemes, including the Queen's Scholarships in British Malaya and through donations.

Volunteering in the Malayan Volunteer Infantry was a significant part of his later career, as he led the younger generation in a volunteer programme. He was active in several clubs and societies across Malaysia, but mainly in Perak and Penang, where he resided. He was lastly elected as a Federal Counsellor, as a representative of the Chinese population.

Cheah Cheang Lim spent his early years in Taiping. His father was Cheah Boon Hean, son of Cheah Teah and a businessman and trader. His mother was Foo Kang Nyong. At that time, British administrative branches occupied the area, together with the Perak Sikhs, the police force. The Residential System was in practice. Later, a great fire destroyed the Cheah house. The family was invited to stay at Dr. Legge's residence until Cheah Boon Hean made new arrangements.

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