Soo Beng Dispensary

Soo Beng Dispensary (6 June 2011)


Soo Beng Dispensary at 104 Jalan Dr Lim Chwee Leong, is a heritage building at the junction of Carnarvon Street and Jalan Dr Lim Chwee Leong. It was built in the Art Deco style of the 1920's and finished in Shanghai plaster. The dispensary belonged to Dr Lim Chwee Leong (1891-1957), a famous medical practitioner and paediatrician, and one of the earliest Chinese to study Western medicine.

Dr Lim Chwee Leong was a brilliant student who studied medicine at the King Edward VII College in 1909. He was a top student and was awarded the Lim Boon Keng Medal when he graduated in 1913. For a short period of time, he worked as Assistant Surgeon for the Government District Hospital before starting up his own practice in 1914. The dispensary he opened was named after Soo Beng, his native village in Fujian province in southern China. It was here that Dr Lim Chwee Leong set up the People's Clinic dispensing free medicine to the poor, greatly endearing himself to the locals.

Soo Beng Dispensary (1 September 2008)


In addition to being a medical practitioner, Dr Lim Chwee Leong was active in pushing forward the education of his fellowmen. He was the President of the Hu Yew Seah (1915-18), the Straits Chinese British Association (1939) and the Chinese Recreation Club. He was also made a trustee of the Penang Chinese Town Hall shortly before his death in 1957. Among his sons are the late Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu, former chief minister of Penang, Lim Chong Soo, a pharmacist, Lim Chong Beng, an accountant, and Lim Chong Keat, an architect.

Prangin Road was renamed Jalan Dr Lim Chwee Leong in his honor.

Getting there

The Soo Beng Dispensary can be reached by taking the Rapid Penang Bus 10, 301, 302, 307, 401 and U502, disembarking at Lebuh Carnavon. Check the Rapid Penang Bus Routes for details. Walk along Lebuh Carnavon to the junction with Jalan Dr Lim Chwee Leong. The Soo Beng Dispensary is at the left corner of the junction.

Nearby Sights

Location of Soo Beng Dispensary

List of Historic Buildings in Penang and Historic Buildings in Malaysia