History
The Corner Club Penang
A New Chapter in History
Established over 80 years ago during the British colonial era, The Corner Club Penang (originally 怡然亭) was founded by a group of wealthy Chinese businessmen from the upper class. Despite facing the challenges of a changing society and even the impact of World War II, the club remained resilient thanks to the steadfast leadership of its committees throughout the decades. Now, with the completion of a new, luxurious clubhouse, the club enters a new milestone in continuing to serve its members and the community.
The name “怡然亭” embodies elegance and serenity. “怡然” suggests tranquillity and contentment, which reflects the original intention behind the club: to enjoy a refined lifestyle of leisure and enjoyment after achieving success in business. At the same time, the founders did not forget to give back to society through charitable activities and support for vulnerable groups.
In its early days, the club attracted influential figures across various industries. Notable founding members include industrialist Choong Lye Hing, banker Dato Saw Choo Theng, businessman Tan Sri Saw Seng Kew, medical professional Dr Lee Tiang Keng, and entrepreneur Ng Sui Cam. In later years, other distinguished individuals joined, such as the late business magnate Tan Sri Loh Boon Siew; former president of Huazong and Penang Chinese Town Hall Tan Sri Lim Gait Tong; former Penang state councillor Dato Dr. Loh Hock Hun; former chairman of Penang Chinese Town Hall Dato Lam Wu Chong; and current Penang Chinese Town Hall chairman Tan Sri Tan Khoon Hai. Others include past Huazong Youth President Dato Teh Eng Hin; education advocate Dato Koh Pen Ting; businessman Chan Siew Teong; Tan Sri Dato Seri H’ng Bok San; Tan Sri Dato Seri Khoo Kay Por; Tan Sri Dato Lau Kim Khoon; and Tan Sri Tong Yoke Kim.
These elite members would gather to exchange the latest social and business news, enjoy fine tea and food at the club restaurant, drink and celebrate together, or casually gamble in the entertainment rooms. Their close camaraderie made the club feel like a large family. The community affectionately dubbed the club the “Millionaire’s Club”, signifying its elite social standing.
Despite its long-standing presence and significant legacy in Penang society, the club lacked a formal written history. With the completion of the new clubhouse, the current leadership—led by President Tan Sri Lim Gait Tong, Deputy President Dato Dr. Loh Hock Hun, and General Secretary Dato Teh Eng Hin—commissioned this historical account to formally document the club’s founding, evolution, and future outlook.
Founding the Club
Challenging Colonial Segregation
Before the club’s establishment, Penang society was under British colonial rule, with fragile legal systems and social complexity contributing to insecurity. In response, the Chinese community began forming associations based on kinship, dialect, and profession to protect their members’ welfare. Among these were leisure clubs that became popular networking spaces for wealthy Chinese and political elites.
At the time, colonial leisure clubs were dominated by Europeans and barred Chinese individuals, often under blatantly racist signage such as “No Chinese and Dogs Allowed”. In defiance, Chinese entrepreneurs established their own clubs to reclaim dignity and social space. Notable examples include the Penang Chinese Recreation Club and the Penang Chinese Swimming Club, and eventually, The Corner Club Penang (怡然亭).
The club was founded in 1938 by well-known Chinese businessmen and formally registered on May 6, 1950. Its mission included promoting social interaction among members, offering a venue for recreation and relaxation, and managing real estate assets with member approval. Membership was exclusive, with categories such as permanent, regular, family, and sponsoring members. Entry requirements were stringent, and the number of members was strictly limited—making club membership a symbol of upper-class status.
First President: Choong Lye Hin
According to meeting records, Chong Lye Hin and Dato Saw Choo Theng were the initiators of the club’s formation. Choong Lye Hin, the second son of Choong Cheng Kean, came from a family that owned vast land holdings and controlled rice mills, oil mills, and an ice factory. They also operated the Cathay and Zhongshan Cinemas and held rights to manage the Eastern & Oriental (E&O) Hotel.
Choong Lye Hin became the club’s first president in 1938, while Dato Saw Choo Theng served as his deputy. The clubhouse was located in the prime area of Gurney Drive. The first annual general meeting was held on June 17, 1938. After the Japanese surrender in WWII, Chong stepped down in 1947 after nine years, and Dr Lee Tiang Keng succeeded him.
For his public service, the Penang government named a road after Choong Lye Hin. Several other members have also been honoured with street names, such as Loh Boon Siew Road and Chan Siew Teong Road.
Dato Saw Choo Theng, a financial magnate and Chairman of United Bank Ltd., played a core role in the club for nearly 50 years. Serving as president for 15 of those years, he helped lay a strong foundation and lasting image for the club.
The club attracted leaders from various sectors: finance, motor vehicle agencies, manufacturing, rubber, food processing, hospitality, electronics, construction materials, medicine, politics, accounting, law, and media. The blend of business, culture, and governance created a rich social tapestry, reinforcing the club’s elite standing.
Despite its prestige, the club faced hardships, especially during the Japanese invasion in WWII. Post-war economic depression brought financial strain. Fortunately, several active members helped cover expenses, allowing the club to persist until a major reform in 1965 revitalised its operations.
Choong Lye Hin
Dr. Lee Tiang Keng
Ng Sui Cam
Dato Saw Choo Theng
Tan Sri Loh Boon Siew
Tan Sri Loh Boon Siew's Leadership
Business leader Tan Sri Loh Boon Siew joined the club’s board and energised the club by bringing in his associates. On October 15, 1965, he proposed rebuilding the outdated clubhouse. The board agreed, and a private company called Corner Club Limited was formed with a capital of RM1 million to execute the project.
The new clubhouse was completed in 1969 with full facilities—restaurant, rental rooms, massage rooms, bar lounge, entertainment room, and meeting room—serving both leisure and income generation. It also offered privacy for business meetings and entertaining guests, including foreign partners. Loh Boon Siew often hosted Japanese business partners at the club.
He served as president in 1987 and handed over to Tan Sri Lim Gait Tong in 1988. Each of the past presidents served with a forward-looking mindset, strengthening the club’s legacy:
怡然亭俱乐部位于 55, Persiaran Gurney, 10250 Penang.
Tan Sri Lim Gait Tong
The Longest-Serving President
Tan Sri Lim Gait Tong took over in 1988 and is the longest-serving president to date, having led the club for over 37 years. During financial shortfalls, he personally paid staff salaries and bonuses. He systematised club management and focused on income generation, with support from Dato Dr. Loh Hock Hun, Dato Teh Eng Hin, and Dato Leong Woay Hong.
In 2004, under Secretary Wong Huai Seng’s administration, the club applied for slot machine licences. They appointed CORNER LEISURE SDN BHD as the licensed operator, complying with regulations and paying taxes, which helped sustain the club financially.
In 1995, after Tan Sri Loh Boon Siew passed away, the landlord of the Gurney Drive clubhouse raised rent from RM1,000 to RM45,000. The board, led by Tan Sri Lim and Dato Dr Loh, took legal action and negotiated a solution. On June 16, 2014, the court ruled that the landlord must build a new 40,000 sq ft clubhouse with a 32-lot parking facility at 32, Jalan Kelawai, and transfer ownership to the club.
临时会所办公位于 No. 235, Jalan Loh Boon Siew, Penang.
Corner Leisure 位于 6895, Jalan Bunga Raya Merah2, Raja Uda Industrial Estate, 12300 Butterworth, Penang.
New clubhouse completed
A New Era
While waiting for the new site, the club temporarily relocated to 235, Jalan Loh Boon Siew. Construction of the new clubhouse began in June 2017 and cost RM12 million (RM11 million for construction and RM1 million for interior and furniture). Completed in March 2020, the state-of-the-art clubhouse now includes:
- 20 luxury suites (4-star standard)
- Reception hall, karaoke rooms, fitness centre steam room
- Business conference facilities, game room, VIP area
- Full dining service for both Western and Chinese cuisine
With 112 current members, the club embarks on a new chapter of independent growth. Beyond member services, the club continues contributing to society through donations to educational and charitable causes, including disaster relief for the 2004 tsunami and funding for schools like SMJK Phor Tay.
The Corner Club Penang stands as a proud symbol of leadership, resilience, and contribution—embodying the spirit of giving back to society and nurturing future generations.
