Kwangtung Association

History

The Kwangtung Association (also known as the Kwantung hui-kuan and Guangdong Association) was founded in 1887 by Chung Keng Quee and some of his associates. The association was formed to safeguard the interests and well-being of its members, immigrants from the Guangdong (i.e. Kwangtung/ Canton) province in China who were either fleeing the Taiping Rebellion in China, or who were looking to make a fortune for themselves in the rich tin mines of Larut. The Association’s building was constructed in the same year and served as headquarters for the association.

Chung Keng Quee was the leader of the Hai San Secret Society at the time of the Larut Wars, and the subsequent intervention of the British which led to the signing of the Treaty of Pangkor on 20 January 1874. He was granted the title “Kapitan Cina” by the British alongside his “rival” from the Ghee Hin, Chin Ah Yam. Kapitan Cheng Keng Quee later played a huge role in the development and administration of Taiping in the days ensuing the Treaty of Pangkor.

The Kwangtung Association hall is stop number 9 on the Taiping Heritage Trail.