Stories from Deli

The visitor to the Far East is often surprised to find that the most modern constructions, such as magnificent banking establishments and Government offices, are, in many cases, the work of Chinese contractors. Mr. Khoo Cheng Tek (or Khoe Tjin Tek) is not only a contractor and timber merchant, but combines with that business the profession of an architect. He has been responsible for many fine blocks of premises, and carries on a large business. He is also the managing director of the Chunghwa Shangyeh Maatschappij, (Chinese Trading Company, Limited), which does every description of banking business, and further operates as importers and exporters and insurance brokers.

Mr. Khoe Tjing Tek, who is the recognised leader of the Hokian Chinese in Deli and proprietor of the flourishing firm of ironmongers and timber merchants, also carrying on business as architect and contractor, under the style Khoe Tjin Tek brand “Kang Chan.” The head quarters of the firm are in Mr. Khoe Tjing Tek’s Premises in Medan-Deli.

Mr. Khoo Cheng Tek was born in 1874, and is the son of the late Khoo Teng Ko, Chinese Lieutenant at Laboean Deli. He is recognized as the leader of the Chinese community in Deli, and is president of the Mandarin School. Mr. Khoo Cheng Tek has been farmer of the salt farm, or monopoly, of Bengkalis and dependencies, east coast of Sumatra, from 1913. He is also a principal partner in the firm of Ban Saing Tek & Co., Market Street, Singapore. He is possessed of considerable landed property, and his residence is on an excellent site on the Medan Esplanade.

His wife, Lim Paik Yen, gave him three children: Khoe Khoon Eow, Khoe Say Tuan and Khoe Khoen Hay. In 1933, he was appointed officer of the order of Oranje-Nassau.