Ong Tiang Swee facts for kids

Ong Tiang Swee (born August 3, 1864 – died October 19, 1950) was a very important businessman and helper of the community in Sarawak. People called him the "Grand Old Man" because he was so respected.

He was known as the most successful Chinese community leader in Sarawak. Ong Tiang Swee was the Kapitan China of Sarawak. This meant he was a key leader for the Chinese people. He also led the Chinese Chamber of Commerce. He gave advice to Rajah Charles Brooke on Chinese matters. In 1937, he became the first Chinese person to join the Sarawak Council Negri. He helped Sarawak grow a lot during its early years.

Ong Family History

Ong Tiang Swee was the son of Ong Ewe Hai (1830-1889). His father was also a leading merchant in Sarawak. Ong Ewe Hai was a trusted advisor to Rajah Charles Brooke.

The Ong family played a big role for the Hokkien community in Sarawak for many years. Ong Ewe Hai was a Kapitan China and a successful businessman. Ong Tiang Swee's son, Ong Kwan Hin, also became a Kapitan China. Both Ong Tiang Swee and Ong Kwan Hin were the first two Chinese people to join the Sarawak Council Negri in 1937.

His grandson, Ong Kee Hui, also became a businessman. He later worked in public service. He helped start the Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) in 1959. This was Sarawak's first political party. Ong Kee Hui later became a government minister.

Ong Tiang Swee's son-in-law, Wee Kheng Chiang, started Bian Chang Bank. This bank is now known as CIMB Group. He also helped start the United Chinese Bank. Today, this bank is called the United Overseas Bank (UOB).

Not much is known about Ong Tiang Swee's childhood. Many family records were lost during the Japanese occupation of Sarawak in World War II. His grandfather moved from Fujian Province, China, to Singapore. Then he moved to Kuching. Ong Tiang Swee's father, Ong Ewe Hai, arrived in Sarawak in 1846. This was after the Sultan of Brunei gave Sarawak to James Brooke.

Early Life and Education

Ong Tiang Swee was born in Kuching on August 3, 1864. He went to St Thomas School for his early education. This was one of the few mission schools in Sarawak at that time. He then spent two more years studying in Singapore.

His Career and Public Service

In 1882, Ong Tiang Swee joined his father's company. It was called Ong Ewe Hai & Company. This company became the top trading firm in Kuching. They handled many trade activities. They also processed and exported sago. They used their own factories and ships for this.

Five years later, he became a director of the Sarawak and Singapore Steamship Company. This company was very important for Sarawak's economy. It connected Sarawak to the rest of the world through Singapore. In the same year, he started helping the public. He became a member of the Chamber of Commerce. He always shared his advice and experience with the government.

In 1914, Rajah Sir Charles Johnson Brooke created the Sarawak Farms Syndicate. This was a partnership between the government and Chinese businessmen. It managed important government-controlled businesses. Ong Tiang Swee became the chairman of this group. His son-in-law, Wee, was the manager.

In 1919, he became the Chairman of the steamship company. Ong Tiang Swee also cared a lot about education. He knew that education could help Sarawak grow faster.

Horse racing was a popular activity in Sarawak under the Brooke rulers. Ong Tiang Swee helped start the Sarawak Turf Club in 1924. He became an honorary member. He also served as a judge and committee member from 1908 to 1928. Through horse racing, he helped bring different groups of people in Sarawak together.

Ong Tiang Swee also started the Sarawak Chinese Banking Corporation. This was the first Chinese bank in Sarawak. He started it with Chan. The bank later closed because of the Great Depression.

Rise as Kapitan China

By 1888, Ong Tiang Swee was already a very important person in Sarawak. After his father passed away in 1889, Ong Tiang Swee took over his role. He became the Kapitan China for the Chinese community. His job was to look after the well-being of his community. He also advised the government on Chinese customs and matters.

Ong Tiang Swee was the link between the government and his community. He explained new government policies and laws. The Rajah's government worked with the Chinese people through Ong Tiang Swee. He served as Kapitan China for over 50 years. This was a time before political parties or direct elections existed.

He helped Sarawak develop a lot under the White Rajahs' rule. The Chinese community was growing and helping the country's economy. The Rajah helped with land, money, and building materials.

In February 1912, the Chinese Court was set up. This court gave the Chinese people more say in the country's political matters. It became the most important group in the Chinese community. Ong Tiang Swee was made President of this Court. This showed his top position among the Chinese leaders. When Ong Tiang Swee stepped down in 1920, the Court was closed. Its duties were taken over by the civil courts. Ong Tiang Swee became an adviser there.

As chairman of the Hokkien Association, Ong Tiang Swee gathered support from the Chinese community. Especially from the Hokkien people. He helped set up the Hokkien Free School. This school focused on teaching Chinese, not English.

In 1941, he was made a life member of the Supreme Council. In 1947, the government chose his son, Ong Kwan Hin, to be the next Kapitan Cina for the Hokkien community.

Contributions During War

When World War I began in Europe in 1914, Ong Tiang Swee was asked to join the Food Control Committee. His job was to make sure there was enough food for everyone. Because of his efforts, the Chinese community gave a lot of money to different war charities.

Honours and Recognition

Ong Tiang Swee received the first Order of the Star of Sarawak award. He was made a Companion of the Order on September 26, 1928. He was the first person in Sarawak to get this honour.

On August 16, 1947, he was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE). The first Governor of Sarawak, Sir Charles Arden Clarke, presented him with this award.

In Kuching, there is a road named after him. It is called Jalan Ong Tiang Swee. The Rajah named it to thank him for his contributions.

There are a total of six roads in Kuching, Sarawak named after the Ong family. Most were named by the Rajah to honour their help to the community. These roads include Jalan Ewe Hai, Jalan Ong Kwan Hin, Jalan Ong Kee Hui, Jalan Hui Sing, and Jalan Ong Hup Leong. Jalan Ong Hup Leong is a smaller road off Jalan Ong Tiang Swee.

Personal Life

Ong Tiang Swee married for the first time when he was 21. But his wife passed away two years later. He then married Chan Hua Kheng. He had 7 sons and 3 daughters. One of his sons was Ong Kwan Hin.

He died on October 19, 1950. A state funeral was held for him. Many important British political figures and state leaders attended. Leading businessmen and thousands of people from all walks of life walked in the procession. They wanted to show their respect to him. He was buried at the family burial ground in Batu Kinyang, Sarawak.