Chung On Siew (; 1851 – 25 December 1907) was a Chinese capitalist, inventor and philanthropist.
He moved to British Malaya and became a pioneer in the tin mining, rubber and property development industries. He is noted for the discovery of the hydraulic mining method on his alluvial hill lands and as a wise investor.Khoo, Eugene, "Overseas Chinese of the British Empire: Chang On Siew." 2010 One of his largest tin mines employed over 400 men. His tin mines were managed by European engineer, A. Hamilton.Nasution-Khoo, Salma and Lubis, Abdul Razzaq, "Kinta Valley: Pioneering Malaysia's Modern Development". Perak Academy, 2005 He has a street named after him in the tin mining town of Ipoh, Perak. He contributed extensively to the development of infrastructure in the town. An ibis Styles hotel was constructed on the street after the demolition of his prewar shophouses in 2013.The Star Publication, "Some Ipoh roads to close for Ang Lee's latest shoot." 23 August 2006
According to Arnold Wright, he was one of the biggest owners with many rubber plantations and tin mines in South East Asia.Wright, Arnold, "Twentieth Century Impressions of British Malaya." London, 1908 Based on the Singapore Straits Times, he acquired many other properties in China and Hong Kong. He retired back to China in 1905 where he died in 1907.The Singapore Straits Times, "Chung On Siew: A Wealthy Miner and Landowner, Death in China." National Library of Singapore, 4 June 1908
References