Lim Cheng Choo

Lim Cheng Choo (; 15 March 1905 – 31 December 1993) was a prominent Bruneian aristocrat, politician, and business leader. He served as a member of the Privy Council and was a key signatory of the 1959 Constitution of Brunei. As the first president of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce (CCC) in 1947, he was instrumental in uniting and advancing the interests of the Chinese business community. A staunch advocate for education, he was the longest-serving board member of Chung Hwa Middle School, Bandar Seri Begawan (CHMS, BSB), dedicating over five decades to its development and spearheading major fundraising initiatives. His contributions extended to fostering cultural harmony and promoting agricultural development, reflecting his broader vision for Brunei's progress.

Early life Lim was born on 15 March 1905 in Xizhai village, Kinmen, in Fujian, Taiwan. He lost his mother to illness when he was just three months old, and his aunt, Madam Ang, took care of him during his early years. His father, Lim Wen Ji, was engaged in the trading business, commuting between Brunei and their hometown. At the age of ten, Lim moved to Brunei to live with his father, where he attended school while also helping out at Ong Boon Pang's shop, Teck Guan Company, for a salary of $3 a month. He officially began working at Ong's shop when he turned sixteen, earning praise for his willingness to learn and strong work ethic. Lim married Ong's eldest daughter, Ong Ming Xuan, when he was 26, in 1932.

In 1915, Lim and his father arrived in Brunei from Kinmen, unsure of their new surroundings. After the loss of Lim's mother during his childhood, they traveled to Muara, where they boarded a small wooden boat to reach Brunei Town. Lim continued his education in China before starting work at Ong Boon Pang's Teck Guan Company at the age of sixteen. Demonstrating impressive commercial acumen at a young age, he was allowed to handle the pawnbroker's firm, showcasing his early promise as a businessman. Lim later became one of the most renowned Chinese leaders in Brunei. In addition to his political roles, Lim served as the Chinese marriage registrar and handled various governmental documents. He also founded the Guang Guan Company, which was run by his eldest son, Lim Ben Li. further illustrating his commitment to the nation’s political landscape.

Personal life Along with his various accomplishments, Lim was an avid photographer who amassed a collection. He had many branded cameras and took pictures throughout the years. His wife, Ong Ming Xuan, died in 1962, leaving Lim and their six daughters and two boys. Even though he was becoming older, Lim stayed committed to his job and insisted on working three to four hours a day till his death in order to serve the Chinese community and his fellow citizens.

Titles, styles and honours

Titles and styles In the context of Brunei's governance, Lim noted that it is customary for the royalty to appoint three Chinese officials. Alongside Hong Kok Tin, who serves as Pehin Bendahara, Lim Teck Hoo holds the title of Kapitan Cina and ranks highest among them as Pehin Datu Temanggong, although it took two requests for him to accept this title. ' 50x50px Order of Seri Paduka Mahkota Brunei First Class (SPMB) – Dato Seri Paduka''