Lee Hoon Leong (李雲龍)
Overview
Lee Hoon Leong (1871–1942) was a prominent Straits Chinese businessman who rose from purser to managing director of Heap Eng Moh Steamship Co. Ltd., trusted attorney for Indonesian tycoon Oei Tiong Ham, and a generous donor to Raffles College. He is best known as the paternal grandfather of Singapore's founding Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew. This post preserves the most comprehensive collection of lesser-known family details and historical records on him.
Lee Hoon Leong (1871–1942) was a prominent Straits Chinese businessman who rose from purser to managing director of Heap Eng Moh Steamship Co. Ltd., trusted attorney for Indonesian tycoon Oei Tiong Ham, and a generous donor to Raffles College. He is best known as the paternal grandfather of Singapore's founding Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew. This post preserves the most comprehensive collection of lesser-known family details and historical records on him.
Portrait of Lee Hoon Leong (from One Hundred Years' History of the Chinese in Singapore by Song Ong Siang)
Family Portraits
Family portrait with first wife Mark Hup Sin (seated left) and children
Pic source (Chinese Women's Association 100 Fabulous Years)
Pic source (Chinese Women's Association 100 Fabulous Years)
Identification (to be updated):
Left to right (standing): Chia Guat Beng, John Lee Chin Yam, Teo Koon Lim(centre back), Lee Choo Neo, Lin Leong nee Mae Ee Keling
Seated: Mark Hup Sin, Lee Hoon Leong
Left to right (standing): Chia Guat Beng, John Lee Chin Yam, Teo Koon Lim(centre back), Lee Choo Neo, Lin Leong nee Mae Ee Keling
Seated: Mark Hup Sin, Lee Hoon Leong
Family portrait with second wife Ko Liem Nio / Ko Lin Neo and children
Identification (to be updated):
Left to right (standing): Lee Kim Neo, Unknown relative, Lee Siok Neo, Lee Wee Neo
Left to right: Ko Liem Nio (seated), Lee Chin Tong (seated centre), Lee Hoon Leong (seated right),
Left to right (standing): Lee Kim Neo, Unknown relative, Lee Siok Neo, Lee Wee Neo
Left to right: Ko Liem Nio (seated), Lee Chin Tong (seated centre), Lee Hoon Leong (seated right),
Genealogy & Burial Location
Family Details:
First Wife: Mark Hup Sin (d. 1939)
Second Wife: Ko Liem Nio / Ko Lin Neo (d. 1959, born circa 1882)
Sons: Lee Chin Yam (b. 1901, d. 1944; m. Chia Guat Beng), Lee Chin Koon (b. 1903, father of Lee Kuan Yew; m. Chua Jim Neo, 1922), Lee Chin Tong
Daughters: Dr. Lee Choo Neo (b. 1895, m. Teo Koon Lim), Lee Siok Neo, Lee Leng Neo (m. Teo Kim Kheng, 1928), Lee Wee Neo (m. Tan Teng Ban, b. 1909), Lee Kim Neo (m. Chua Keng Hoe)
Genealogical Note:
Born in Singapore to a Peranakan family; educated at Raffles Institution up to standard V. Married Ko Liem Nio in Semarang, Java (1899), with consent from Orphan's Court. Son Lee Chin Koon born in Semarang (1903). Gained confidence of Oei Tiong Ham, managing Singapore affairs and donating $150,000 (1926) from Oei's funds to Raffles College.
Eldest son Lee Chin Yam (John Lee) married Chia Guat Beng (daughter of Chia Biow Chuan and Ong Quee Neo/Ong Yan Quee Neo, daughter of Ong Ewe Hai); they adopted Gracie Lee from Ong Ghee Chiang (son of Ong Tiang Soon). Chia Guat Beng's sister was Chia Guat Goh (wife of Chia Yee Soh). Lee Chin Yam died in Penang (30 July 1944); widow Chia Guat Beng remarried Ong Thye Ghee in 1964 after 50 years of friendship, with Lee Chin Koon attending the wedding.
Born in Singapore to a Peranakan family; educated at Raffles Institution up to standard V. Married Ko Liem Nio in Semarang, Java (1899), with consent from Orphan's Court. Son Lee Chin Koon born in Semarang (1903). Gained confidence of Oei Tiong Ham, managing Singapore affairs and donating $150,000 (1926) from Oei's funds to Raffles College.
Eldest son Lee Chin Yam (John Lee) married Chia Guat Beng (daughter of Chia Biow Chuan and Ong Quee Neo/Ong Yan Quee Neo, daughter of Ong Ewe Hai); they adopted Gracie Lee from Ong Ghee Chiang (son of Ong Tiang Soon). Chia Guat Beng's sister was Chia Guat Goh (wife of Chia Yee Soh). Lee Chin Yam died in Penang (30 July 1944); widow Chia Guat Beng remarried Ong Thye Ghee in 1964 after 50 years of friendship, with Lee Chin Koon attending the wedding.
Burial Location:
Cemetery: Bukit Brown Cemetery
Location: Block 1, Division B, Plot 270 (recorded as 68 years old, Cantonese)
🔍 Related Tombs
- Daughter: Dr. Lee Choo Neo (李珠娘) (Block 1 Division B Plot 446)
- Mark Swee Lam, relative of Mark Hup Sin, likely brother
- Potential links to Chia, Teo, Seow Poh Leng, or Ong family tombs in Bukit Brown.
Tomb Inscriptions & Observations
Transcription:
In loving memory of
Mr Lee Hoon Leong
Aged 71 years
Died on 22.8.02 (11th of 7th Moon)
Sons: Chin Yam, Chin Koon, Chin Tong
Daughters: Choo Neo, Siok Neo, Leng Neo, Wee Neo, Kim Neo
In loving memory of
Mr Lee Hoon Leong
Aged 71 years
Died on 22.8.02 (11th of 7th Moon)
Sons: Chin Yam, Chin Koon, Chin Tong
Daughters: Choo Neo, Siok Neo, Leng Neo, Wee Neo, Kim Neo
Historical Records & Transcripts
Death Announcement (1942)
Syonan Shimbun, 25 August 1942, Page 3
"Domestic Occurrence - Death
LEE HOON LEONG (aged 71 years) passed away peacefully at his residence 74-3, Bras Basah Road, on Saturday, August 22, 2602, at 6.45 pm Tokyo Time, after a short illness. He left behind his wife (Ko Lin Neo), 3 sons, Lee Chin Yam, Lee Chin Koon and Lee Chin Tong, 5 daughters Dr Lee Choo Neo (Mrs Teo Koon Lim), Madam Lee Siok Neo, Mrs Teo Kim Kheng, Mrs Tan Teng Ban, Mrs Chua Keng Hoe and 28 grandchildren to mourn his loss. Funeral took place on Monday 24-8-2602 at 5 pm Tokyo Time at Bukit Brown Cemetery. Regret bereavement announcement could not be inserted earlier. Upcountry papers please copy."
Syonan Shimbun, 25 August 1942, Page 3
"Domestic Occurrence - Death
LEE HOON LEONG (aged 71 years) passed away peacefully at his residence 74-3, Bras Basah Road, on Saturday, August 22, 2602, at 6.45 pm Tokyo Time, after a short illness. He left behind his wife (Ko Lin Neo), 3 sons, Lee Chin Yam, Lee Chin Koon and Lee Chin Tong, 5 daughters Dr Lee Choo Neo (Mrs Teo Koon Lim), Madam Lee Siok Neo, Mrs Teo Kim Kheng, Mrs Tan Teng Ban, Mrs Chua Keng Hoe and 28 grandchildren to mourn his loss. Funeral took place on Monday 24-8-2602 at 5 pm Tokyo Time at Bukit Brown Cemetery. Regret bereavement announcement could not be inserted earlier. Upcountry papers please copy."
Funeral of First Wife Mark Hup Sin (1939)
The Straits Times, 1 May 1939
"The funeral of Mrs Lee Hoon Leong (nee Mark Hup Sin), mother of Dr Lee Choo Neo, Mr Lee Chin Yam and Mrs Teo Kim Kheng, took place at the Bukit Brown Cemetery.
Acknowledgements from: Messrs Mark Choy Sung, Mark Choy Seng and Mark Choy Saing, Miss Mark Mei Yuen, Mr and Mrs Goh Peng Lim, Madame Goh Keow Gek, Messrs Eastern Auto and Co, The staff of Borneo Motors Ltd, Chinese Ladies Association, Aik Ieu Association, Chop Wing San, Sun Kee Flower Shop, Mr and Mrs Seow Poh Leng, Mr and Mrs Y E Tan, Mr and Mrs Chia Yee Soh, Mr and Mrs Tan Teck Yew, Mr and Mrs Tan Tye Keng, Mr and Mrs Chan Swee Hong, Messrs Ang Beng Lay."
The Straits Times, 1 May 1939
"The funeral of Mrs Lee Hoon Leong (nee Mark Hup Sin), mother of Dr Lee Choo Neo, Mr Lee Chin Yam and Mrs Teo Kim Kheng, took place at the Bukit Brown Cemetery.
Acknowledgements from: Messrs Mark Choy Sung, Mark Choy Seng and Mark Choy Saing, Miss Mark Mei Yuen, Mr and Mrs Goh Peng Lim, Madame Goh Keow Gek, Messrs Eastern Auto and Co, The staff of Borneo Motors Ltd, Chinese Ladies Association, Aik Ieu Association, Chop Wing San, Sun Kee Flower Shop, Mr and Mrs Seow Poh Leng, Mr and Mrs Y E Tan, Mr and Mrs Chia Yee Soh, Mr and Mrs Tan Teck Yew, Mr and Mrs Tan Tye Keng, Mr and Mrs Chan Swee Hong, Messrs Ang Beng Lay."
Acknowledgment for Second Wife Ko Lin Neo (1959)
The Straits Times, 9 May 1959, Page 8
"LEE CHIN KOON, Chin Tong and family wish to tender their sincere thanks to all friends, relatives, Buddhist Union etc who sent wreaths, etc and attended the funeral of their late mother. Mrs Lee Hoon Leong, age 78 (born circa 1882)."
The Straits Times, 9 May 1959, Page 8
"LEE CHIN KOON, Chin Tong and family wish to tender their sincere thanks to all friends, relatives, Buddhist Union etc who sent wreaths, etc and attended the funeral of their late mother. Mrs Lee Hoon Leong, age 78 (born circa 1882)."
Death of Eldest Son Lee Chin Yam (1946)
The Straits Times, 31 July 1946, Page 4
"Lee Chin Yam died in Penang on 30th July 1944."
The Straits Times, 31 July 1946, Page 4
"Lee Chin Yam died in Penang on 30th July 1944."
Friends for 50 Years, Now They Get Married – Remarriage of Chia Guat Beng (1964)
The Straits Times, 27 May 1964, Page 1
"FRIENDS FOR 50 YEARS, NOW THEY GET MARRIED
When Ong Thye Ghee (65) married Chia Guat Beng (62), widow of Lee Chin Yam (eldest son of Lee Hoon Leong), Lee Chin Koon attended the wedding."
The Straits Times, 27 May 1964, Page 1
"FRIENDS FOR 50 YEARS, NOW THEY GET MARRIED
When Ong Thye Ghee (65) married Chia Guat Beng (62), widow of Lee Chin Yam (eldest son of Lee Hoon Leong), Lee Chin Koon attended the wedding."
Java Chinese Students Association (1923)
The Straits Times, 27 November 1923, Page 10
"LEE Chin Koon in 1920 was a committee member of the Java Chinese Students’ Association."
The Straits Times, 27 November 1923, Page 10
"LEE Chin Koon in 1920 was a committee member of the Java Chinese Students’ Association."
Engagement of Lee Chin Koon (1920)
The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser, 1 December 1920, Page 6
"Engagement is announced of Mr Lee Chin Koon, son of Mr and Mrs Lee Hoon Leong to Miss Chua Jim Neo, daughter of Mr and Mrs Chua Kim Teng. The marriage will take place on Saturday, May 20, 1922."
The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser, 1 December 1920, Page 6
"Engagement is announced of Mr Lee Chin Koon, son of Mr and Mrs Lee Hoon Leong to Miss Chua Jim Neo, daughter of Mr and Mrs Chua Kim Teng. The marriage will take place on Saturday, May 20, 1922."
Wedding of Lee Leng Neo (1928)
南洋商报, 15 May 1928, Page 3
"Wedding of LEE Leng Neo 李玲娘 to TEO Kim Kheng 張金慶."
南洋商报, 15 May 1928, Page 3
"Wedding of LEE Leng Neo 李玲娘 to TEO Kim Kheng 張金慶."
HEAP ENG MOH STEAMSHIP CO., LTD
Page 11 Advertisements Column 4 (1920)
The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser, 26 April 1920, Page 11
Heap Eng Moh Steamship Co., Ltd
The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser, 26 April 1920, Page 11
Heap Eng Moh Steamship Co., Ltd
Heap Eng Moh Steamship Co. Full Profile (1909)
Twentieth Century Impressions of British Malaya
"The firm trading under this name is one of the oldest and most important of Chinese steamship agencies in the colony. Established more than thirty years ago, it has played an important part in the development of the local coastal trade, and, of late years, in the trade with Java and Chinese ports. The managing partner is Mr. Chew Joon Hiang. The fleet which the company represent consists of the Zweena and Evendale (owned by Mr. Chew Joon Hiang) and the Giang Ann, Giang Seng, Merapi, and Simongan (owned by the Samarang Steamship Navigation Company). These vessels maintain a regular fortnightly service between Singapore and Batavia, Cheribon, and Samarang, and a monthly service between Singapore, Swatow, and Amoy. They have good accommodation for all classes of passengers. The Merapi, which is on the China run, is a very up-to-date boat, and can carry 48 first class, 24 second class, and 1,200 deck passengers.
The principal partner of the Samarang Steamship Navigation Company is Mayor Oei Tiong Ham, a native and resident of Java, and a Dutch subject, who owns several sugar plantations in Java and is one of the best known merchants in the Dutch colony. He has, also, a saw-mill at Kallang Road, Singapore, and other interests in the Straits Settlements. At the Singapore office Mr. Lee Hoon Leong is the right-hand man in the shipping business. He is a native of Singapore and speaks English perfectly, having finished his education at Raffles School."
Twentieth Century Impressions of British Malaya
"The firm trading under this name is one of the oldest and most important of Chinese steamship agencies in the colony. Established more than thirty years ago, it has played an important part in the development of the local coastal trade, and, of late years, in the trade with Java and Chinese ports. The managing partner is Mr. Chew Joon Hiang. The fleet which the company represent consists of the Zweena and Evendale (owned by Mr. Chew Joon Hiang) and the Giang Ann, Giang Seng, Merapi, and Simongan (owned by the Samarang Steamship Navigation Company). These vessels maintain a regular fortnightly service between Singapore and Batavia, Cheribon, and Samarang, and a monthly service between Singapore, Swatow, and Amoy. They have good accommodation for all classes of passengers. The Merapi, which is on the China run, is a very up-to-date boat, and can carry 48 first class, 24 second class, and 1,200 deck passengers.
The principal partner of the Samarang Steamship Navigation Company is Mayor Oei Tiong Ham, a native and resident of Java, and a Dutch subject, who owns several sugar plantations in Java and is one of the best known merchants in the Dutch colony. He has, also, a saw-mill at Kallang Road, Singapore, and other interests in the Straits Settlements. At the Singapore office Mr. Lee Hoon Leong is the right-hand man in the shipping business. He is a native of Singapore and speaks English perfectly, having finished his education at Raffles School."
Pic of Managing Partner Chew Joon Hiang, SS "Merapi" and the office at 22 Telok Ayer Street
(source : Twentieth Century Impressions of British Malaya
(source : Twentieth Century Impressions of British Malaya
Full Biography from Grandson (1998)
The Singapore Story: Memoirs of Lee Kuan Yew
"My grandfather, Lee Hoon Leong - whom I addressed as Kung or "grandfather" in Chinese - was born in Singapore in 1871, and according to my father was educated at Raffles Institution up to standard V, which would be today's lower secondary school. He himself told me he worked as a dispenser (an unqualified pharmacist) when he left school, but after a few years became a purser on board a steamer plying between Singapore and the Dutch East Indies. The ship was part of a fleet belonging to the Heap Eng Moh Shipping Line, which was owned by the Chinese millionaire sugar king of Java, Oei Tiong Ham. In between his travels he married my grandmother, Ko Liem Nio, in Semarang, a city in central Java. There is a document in Dutch, dated 25 March 1899, issued by the Orphan's Court in Semarang, giving consent to Ko Liem Nio, age 16, to marry Lee Hoon Leong, age 26. An endorsement on this document states that the marriage was solemnised on 26 March 1899. My father was born in Semarang in 1903, in the Dutch East Indies. But he was a British subject by descent, because his father - Kung - was from Singapore. Kung brought his wife and baby son back to the island for good soon after the child's birth. His fortunes rose as he gained the confidence of Oei Tiong Ham, who appointed him his attorney to manage his affairs in Singapore. Kung told me how he was so trusted that in 1926, on his own authority, he donated $150,000, then a princely sum, from Oei's funds towards the foundation of Raffles College."
The Singapore Story: Memoirs of Lee Kuan Yew
"My grandfather, Lee Hoon Leong - whom I addressed as Kung or "grandfather" in Chinese - was born in Singapore in 1871, and according to my father was educated at Raffles Institution up to standard V, which would be today's lower secondary school. He himself told me he worked as a dispenser (an unqualified pharmacist) when he left school, but after a few years became a purser on board a steamer plying between Singapore and the Dutch East Indies. The ship was part of a fleet belonging to the Heap Eng Moh Shipping Line, which was owned by the Chinese millionaire sugar king of Java, Oei Tiong Ham. In between his travels he married my grandmother, Ko Liem Nio, in Semarang, a city in central Java. There is a document in Dutch, dated 25 March 1899, issued by the Orphan's Court in Semarang, giving consent to Ko Liem Nio, age 16, to marry Lee Hoon Leong, age 26. An endorsement on this document states that the marriage was solemnised on 26 March 1899. My father was born in Semarang in 1903, in the Dutch East Indies. But he was a British subject by descent, because his father - Kung - was from Singapore. Kung brought his wife and baby son back to the island for good soon after the child's birth. His fortunes rose as he gained the confidence of Oei Tiong Ham, who appointed him his attorney to manage his affairs in Singapore. Kung told me how he was so trusted that in 1926, on his own authority, he donated $150,000, then a princely sum, from Oei's funds towards the foundation of Raffles College."
Tomb of Mrs Lee Hoon Leong nee Mark Hup Sin – listing son Lee Chin Yam and daughters Lee Choo Neo and Lee Leng Neo
Burial Entry Bukit Brown Block 1 B, plot No 270
Date of Death :25 Apr 1939
Age 68 years old
Cantonese
References:
1. Song Ong Siang. (1923). One Hundred Years' History of the Chinese in Singapore.
2. Syonan Shimbun, 25 August 1942, Page 3.
3. The Straits Times (1 May 1939; 9 May 1959; 27 May 1964; 31 July 1946; 27 November 1923).
4. The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser (1 December 1920; 26 April 1920).
5. 南洋商报, 15 May 1928, Page 3.
6. Lee Kuan Yew. (1998). The Singapore Story: Memoirs of Lee Kuan Yew.
7. Twentieth Century Impressions of British Malaya (1909).
8. Burial records: Bukit Brown Cemetery, Block 1 Division B Plot 270.
Index Terms: Lee Hoon Leong, 李雲龍, Heap Eng Moh Steamship Co., Oei Tiong Ham, Grandfather Lee Kuan Yew, Bukit Brown Cemetery, Block 1 Division B Plot 270, Straits Chinese Peranakan, Raffles College Donor, Mark Hup Sin (Mak Hup Sin) Ko Lin Neo, Lee Chin Yam, Chia Guat Beng, Ong Thye Ghee, Lee Chin Koon, Chua Jim Neo, Lee Leng Neo, Teo Kim Kheng.