Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi
Established in 1835, Khoo Kongsi is one of the oldest clan houses in George Town, alongside the Cheah, Yeoh, Lim and Tan kongsi(s). These are also known as the Five Big Clans. Kongsis have significantly shaped the sociopolitical, economic, and cultural fabric of Penang’s early history and primarily functioned to unite and provide welfare and protection to the new arrivals from mainland China, the sinkeh.
Khoo Kongsi was originally a British-owned bungalow and was later converted into a clan house fully funded by the Khoo Clan. It still serves as a central place for gatherings, ancestral workshops, and weddings within the Khoo community.
On the steps of Khoo Kongsi, you’ll notice two statues of the Sikh guards - a nod to the nature of employment of the Sikh community. At the foyer of the main building, visitors and community members can trace the Khoo lineage spanning over 650 years. This, along with the elaborate architecture and rich heritage, provides insights into the contributions of the Hokkien community to the development of Penang.
