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Seh Tek Tong Cheah Kongsi

Penang's First Chinese Community

In the 18th and 19th centuries, the Cheah clansmen from Fujian, China came to Penang one after another to establish the Chinese clan shrine, Seh Tek Tong Cheah Kongsi. Cheah Kongsi is responsible for all things related to the production and livelihood of the local Cheah clan and is dedicated to their ancestor, Xie Aun.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, when China was in turmoil, many clans in Fujian crossed the sea to seek a new way out, including the Cheah clan from Fujian.

In the early 19th century, the Cheah clansmen who came to Penang, Malaysia founded the Chinese clan group, Cheah Kongsi 世德堂谢公司, which is said to be The Earliest Chinese Society in Penang. In 1858 several Cheah clansmen led the construction of an ancestral hall to provide a place for the clan to worship their ancestors.

This Two-story Shrine is located in the old part of Georgetown, Penang, and is one of the most famous Chinese shrines in the area. The Seh Tek Tong Hall, as the core of the whole clan shrine, is in the middle of the second floor, which is dedicated to the ancestor of the Cheah family, Xie Aun.

After the completion of Seh Tek Tong, it is responsible for Handling Cheah Clan Affairs, which is closely related to their production and life. After work, people also come to Seh Tek Tong for Recreational Activities.

There is also a collection of Used Instruments and a Baba Nyonya display that gives visitors a close look at the life of Penang’s Chinese and their descendants.