Foo Tye Sin Mansion Explained

Foo Tye Sin Mansion
Address:1 Light Street, George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Location Town:George Town
Location Country:Malaysia
Coordinates:5.4197°N 100.3421°W
Completion Date:1875
Owner:Hong Leong Bank
Floor Area:20594square feet[1]
Current Tenants:Hong Leong Bank

The Foo Tye Sin Mansion is a mansion in George Town within the Malaysian state of Penang. Built in 1875, the building is situated at Light Street within the city's Central Business District. It was originally the residence of Chinese tycoon Foo Tye Sin. In 1986, the building was acquired by MUI Group, and it currently serves as a branch of Hong Leong Bank.

History

By the late 19th century, Light Street served as the administrative centre of Penang and was characterised by its distinct European influence. The Foo Tye Sin Mansion, completed in 1875, was one of the first non-European mansions built along the street.[2] [3]

The residence was erected for Foo Tye Sin, a local Chinese tycoon who contributed as a community leader during the official inquiry into the 1867 Penang riots. In recognition of his service, British administrators named a street after him.

The building was acquired by MUI Group in 1986 and subsequently became a branch of MUI Bank. In 1994, ownership was transferred to Hong Leong Bank following its acquisition of MUI Bank. A budget of RM2 million was allocated for the restoration of the building, which was completed by 2010.[4] Further renovations took place between 2022 and 2024, during which the building's façade was painted light blue.[5]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Annual report 2005 . . 147 . National University of Singapore.
  2. Book: Hockton, Keith . Penang: An Inside Guide to Its Historic Homes, Buildings, Monuments and Parks. . . 2012 . 978-967-415-303-8.
  3. Book: Khoo, Su Nin . Streets of George Town, Penang . Areca Books . 2007 . 978-983-9886-00-9 . registration.
  4. News: 1 Nov 2010 . Colonial mansion restored . 3 Nov 2024 . The Star.
  5. Web site: Oct 2024 . Hong Leong Bank Light Street: A Branch That Redefines the Banking Experience . 3 Nov 2024 . Penang Monthly . en.