ONE of Penang's oldest social recreational private clubs - Corner Club was relaunched yesterday by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow at its new premises along Kelawei Road here.
For decades, the club was located along the panoramic Gurney Drive, but the board decided to relocate it after the scenic beachfront was further reclaimed with the new stretch renamed as the Gurney Bay public recreational park.
Chow paid tribute to the club's trustees and board members due to the grand opening of its new clubhouse - a modern facility designed to enhance members’ social and recreational experiences.
The club is also endearing to the public, who yearn for Hong Kong - styled dim sum breakfast and brunches.
The club was first established in 1938 by one of the state's many tycoons - the late Tan Sri Loh Boon Siew, the man who brought in Honda motorcycles and automobiles together with his fellow Fujian peer entrepreneurs.
“The new clubhouse represents not only an upgrade in facilities but also the club’s commitment to evolving with the times. With state-of-the-art amenities, including high-end business, dining, entertainment and fitness facilities, this venue will further promote a vibrant social culture among its members,” Chow said.
He noted that Penang’s economic growth relies on collective efforts from various sectors, and organisations like The Corner Club Penang serve as platforms for encouraging such collaborations.
“As a globalised city, Penang continues to attract investors in high-tech, manufacturing, tourism and healthcare industries. This is built on a strong industrial foundation, particularly in the semiconductor sector, which remains a major draw for foreign investment,” Chow said.
The club's president Tan Sri Lim Gait Tong, a prominent developer at Farlim, expressed his gratitude to the state leadership and club members for their continuous support, emphasising that the new clubhouse is a symbol of progress and unity.
His deputy is the long serving former chief minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, who was also present at the occasion.
Now retired, Koh remains as the board of governors' chairman of Wawasan Open University, a private institution of higher learning which cater to the working adults.
Lim said that since its founding, the Corner club has witnessed Penang’s transformation from the colonial era territory to nationhood and now as a thriving economic hub.
"Our club has always been at the forefront, contributing to both the business community and social welfare,” he said, adding that beyond offering a premier space for leisure and networking, it also remains committed to its long-standing tradition of philanthropy, including contributions to education and charity initiatives.
Former state executive councillor Datuk Dr Loh Hock Hun is also a member of the board. - March 1, 2025.
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