Tye Kee Yoon Road

Jalan Tye Kee Yoon

Tye Kee Yoon Road, or Jalan Tye Kee Yoon, is named after an imminent personality in Penang in the 19th century. Tye Kee Yoon (1849-1919) had arrived in Penang penniless, and had to work as a coolie. However, through sheer determination, he became one of the largest property owners in 19th century George Town. His businesses also included opium, spirits, pawn shops and medicine shops. As with many Chinese who made it big, he contributed generously to Penang society, including giving large sums for the setting up of the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, the Penang Adventist Hospital, Kek Lok Si Temple, the Penang Free School and Chung Hwa Confucious School.

Tye Kee Yoon bought up Goh Chan Lau, the mansion built by Cheah Tek Soon from Cheah's son-in-law Goh Say Eng, when the latter needed to raise funds for Dr Sun Yat Sen's revolutionary movement. Together with another early 20th century Chinese tycoon, Leong Fee, Tye Kee Yoon founded the Shih Chung School, which was located within Goh Chan Lau.

Tye Kee Yoon became the Fourth Chinese Vice-Consul of Penang in 1907-12 and Acting Consul-General of Singapore in 1911-12.

Getting there

From the Komtar Bus Terminal, walk along Lebuh Tek Soon until the junction of Penang Road. Turn left, walk along Penang Road until the five-pointed junction (originally six-pointed) with Jalan Gurdwara. Walk along Jalan Gurdwara, and you will arrive at Jalan Tye Kee Yoon on your right.