A prominent businessman, philanthropist and community leader, Eu Tong Sen was the son of a leading Chinese miner in Perak, who was also the founder of the well-known traditional Chinese medicine chain, Eu Yan Sang. 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, with business interests 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.
