Cheah Cheang Lim

Cheah Cheang Lim (; 6 December 1875 in Taiping, Perak, Malaysia – 15 November 1948) was a Malaysian businessman and miner. Brought up by his father, Cheah Boon Hean, who was in the trading business. He was introduced to the tin mining industries of the time by his uncle Foo Choo Choon, the 'Tin King', who hired him as his attorney. Later, Cheah Cheang Lim was appointed to manage his affairs. Eventually, he started his own company. He also invested in rubber estates but his main interest remained in the tin business.

Cheah was also known as a social reformer whose concerns were spread across various issues. He was involved in the anti-opium movement and campaigned for Chinese status in the Malay States, including such efforts as debating against the Banishment Enactment to non-Malays born in the States. He furthermore dedicated his life to promoting and improving Malayan education by instituting several scholarship schemes, including the Queen's Scholarships in British Malaya and through donations.

Volunteering in the Malayan Volunteer Infantry was a significant part of his later career, as he led the younger generation in a volunteer programme. He was active in several clubs and societies across Malaysia, but mainly in Perak and Penang, where he resided. He was lastly elected as a Federal Counsellor, as a representative of the Chinese population.

Early life Cheah Cheang Lim was born to a Penang Hokkien family in Taiping and started out as a postal assistant on the Perak frontier. Growing up, he spent his early years in Taiping. His father was Cheah Boon Hean, son of Cheah Teah and a businessman and trader. His mother was Foo Kang Nyong. At that time, British administrative branches occupied the area, together with the Perak Sikhs, the police force. The Residential System was in practice. Later, a great fire destroyed the Cheah house. The family was invited to stay at Dr. Legge's residence until Cheah Boon Hean made new arrangements. In 1900, he became the general manager. He worked under Foo Choo Choon for 14 years, until he decided to start his own mining business. His first mine was at Azar Dungsang.

In 1923, he was appointed a justice of peace for the State of Perak.

In 1927, he was elected as a member of the Federal Council to represent the Chinese community. He served for two terms, from 1927 to 1930 and from 1930 to 1933.

The Anti-Opium Movement Cheah was an active supporter of the anti-opium movement. He was one of the founders of the Perak Anti-Opium Society, which was created in December 1906, and was elected as the treasurer. A similar organization was founded in Penang, presided by Dr.Wu Lien-teh. The first Anti-Opium Conference of the Straits Settlements and Federated Malay States was held in Ipoh in 1907. It attracted around 3,000 people. The second conference was renewed in 1908 with Mr. Foo Choo Choon as the chairman. It was held in Penang, as, at that time, Penang was a significant landmark in the manufacturing and export of opium to Perak and Southern Siam. In 1927, he was exempted from the obligation of attending the monthly meetings, due to his increasing commitment to the Federated Malay States. From 1931 to 1933, after the President, Cheah Choo Yew, died, Cheah Cheang Lim contributed to the renovation of the Cheah Kongsi. In 1934, he resigned his trusteeship, after 17 years of service, from 1917 to 1934.

Volunteering In 1924, Cheah was requested by Colonel Parr to instill the volunteering spirit of the Straits Chinese youth.

Cheah died on 16 November 1948, aged 77, in his home, at Leith Street, Penang. He was buried at Pulau Tikus, Penang. Lorong Cheah Cheang Lim in Ipoh, Perak is named after him.