Colourful KL pioneer

LOKE Chow Kit was a distinguished Chinese settler and self-made Penang- born millionaire who made it good during the early days when Kuala Lumpur was flourishing in the 1890s. He was fondly remembered for his easy-going and liberal nature.

Loke Chow Kit was born in 1864, in Penang, to a poor family. His father was Loke Kun Choon, who migrated to Penang from Shun-te district in Guongdong province, China. He had a brother, Chow Thye. Loke was educated at Penang Free School.

He began his career with Kratz Brothers, in Penang, and then joined Messrs Huttenbach and Company, who transferred him to Kuala Lumpur. He was promoted to assistant manager when the firm expanded. He then left the company and became general manager of the …