Loke Yew Street was named after the 19th century Kuala Lumpur tycoon who also owned quite a number of properties in Singapore. Arriving penniless in Singapore at the age of 11, he made his fortune in Larut, but settled down in Kuala Lumpur. An ardent philantropist in 19th century Malaya, Loke Yew even donated S$50,000 towards the Tan Tock Seng Hospital1. Loke Yew Street was named in his honor on 30 January, 1904.
In Kuala Lumpur, Loke Yew was similarly generous, donating large sums to the Victoria Institution. Loke Yew Road in Kuala Lumpur, now known as Jalan Loke Yew, was also named in his honor.