The Chinese who migrated to SE Asia created clan associations & these supportive social groups formed the core of Chinese life in their new homelands.

The Khoo clan, who immigrated from Hokkien province in China, grew to become the most powerful Chinese clan in Penang by the end of the 19th century. So, in 1851 they acquired the land where the Kongsi now stands and set to work building row houses, administrative buildings, and a clan temple (Kongsi) in the middle of a large square.

Using master craftsmen & materials from ... (more)