The Saw Seng Kew Building at 23 Beach Street is a double-storey office building that was erected in the early 20th century. The facade facing Beach Street comprises five arches rendered in imitation of rustication. On the upper floor are recessed double windows between pairs of pilasters. On the left and right side are balustraded balconies. The cornice projects at the top below the parapet.
The building was taken over by the business interest of Saw Keng Kew, the founder of Southern Bank and the president of MCA Penang in the 1960's. Saw Keng Kew made his fortune in rubber and banking, and was involved in politics. He served as chairman of Kwong Wah Yit Poh, Penang Rubber Trade Association and the United Hokkien Association. It was Saw Keng Kew who championed Penang to be made a modern harbour. He was influential in getting the Federal Government to expand the port facilities of George Town and Butterworth in 1968. Saw Keng Kew also contributed generously to Chung Ling High School and the Penang Chinese Girls' High School, as well as to the Federal School of the Deaf and Blind.
Getting there
Saw Seng Kew Building is located along Beach Street. From the Weld Quay Bus Terminal, take the Rapid Penang Free Shuttle Bus, get down at Bus Station #4 (Imigresen) which is at Beach Street.
Nearby Sights
HSBC Building
Royal Bank of Scotland Building
Standard Chartered Building
India House
Logan's Building
Whiteways Building
Stretching your budget in Penang
If you are a prudent traveller, you can spend less than $20 per day in Penang, including your accommodation! Here's some useful tips for budget travellers to Penang, to help you manage your budget and have a great time.
Penang Tour Guides
If you're on a shoestring budget, you can explore Penang using the travel articles in Penang Travel Tips. You may print them out for your own personal non-commercial use. However, nothing compares to having a professional tour guide to show you around. If you need a tour guide, contact me and I'll arrange one for you, according to your schedule and interest. If I happen to be free, I would gladly show you around too. Just write to me at:
Finding Budget Accommodation in Penang
If you're coming to Penang on a budget, you'd be pleased to know that there's quite a number of places in George Town as well as in Batu Ferringhi that offers good clean accommodation without costing you an arm and a let. If I am allowed to be biased, I would recommend Hotel Mingood, which happens to belong to a friend of mine. If it is occupied, there are plenty of other places that cost less than US$12.00 per night. Here are some suggestions:
Hotel Mingood, from US$10.00
Hutton Lodge, from US$8.25
Baba Guesthouse, from US$7.57
E.T. Budget Guesthouse, from US$6.05
YMCA Penang, from US$6.53
Despite the best intentions to provide you information that is as accurate as possible, do be aware that prices may have changed and exchange rates fluctuated since I wrote this. So please personally and carefully screen through the available accommodation before making your booking, to avoid any disappointments.
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Saw Seng Kew Building (date)
© Timothy Tye using this photo
Saw Seng Kew Building Location Map
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