Loke Chow Kit

Loke Chow Kit ( 1862– 28 August 1918) was a Malayan business magnate and philanthropist, who founded the first department store in Kuala Lumpur.

Early life Loke Chow Kit, of Cantonese descent, was born in Penang, son of Loke Kum Choon, and educated at Penang Free School. After completing his education he joined Messrs. Katz Bros, Pinang, a German trading company based in Singapore. Later he moved to another trading company, Messrs. Huttenbach & Co., Penang, and was transferred to their Kuala Lumpur branch as assistant manager when it expanded its operations.

Business career His next position was in the employment of wealthy businessman Loke Yew which began a life-long association. Loke Yew and his partner, Chow Ah Yok, had the benefit of the government lease of the railway lines in Selangor, and Loke Yew appointed him traffic manager, a position which he held for several years until the lease term expired.

Established as a small store in 1892 with six staff, it grew into a large business with over 100 staff with numerous branches throughout the Federated Malay States selling a wide range of goods which included cars and motorcycles. The building has been preserved and is currently occupied by the Industrial Court.

Personal life Loke Chow Kit had four sons and nine daughters from two wives. Several of his children were educated in Scotland. He built and lived in the palatial mansion Loke Hall, and his country house, Desswood, both in Kuala Lumpur, and Mon Sejour situated on Penang Hill. He died on 28 August 1918 and was buried in Mount Erskine Cantonese cemetery in Penang.

Jalan Chow Kit, its surrounding district and monorail station in northern-central Kuala Lumpur, are named after him.