This was a receipt issued by Eu Yan Sang, the renowned Chinese medical hall founded by Eu Kong, whose son Eu Tong Sen was a prominent businessman, philanthropist and community leader in Singapore and Malaysia. The younger Eu was born in Penang but educated in China and took over his father’s business at the age of 21. He quickly built up a large fortune based on a variety of businesses that included tin, real estate, pharmaceutical products and banking; his business interests could be found in the Straits Settlements, Federated Malay States, Hong Kong and Canton. Known for his philanthropic efforts, Eu contributed generously to education, most notably to Raffles College and the University of Hong Kong. Eu was also active on both the political and community fronts, representing the Chinese on the Federal Council during the early 20th century, as well as taking on the role of Vice-President on the Anti-Opium Society.
