About Us

History & Heritage

The Indian Association of Penang (IAP) was established in 1923 by Mr. P.K. Nambiar, an advocate and solicitor. He was the first president of Indian Association Penang. The association was formed under the ‘Companies Ordinance 1923’ as a Non-Profitable Association Limited by Guarantee. The association aimed to uplift the morale and image of Indians in Malaya at the time of its formation. The constitution of the association allowed for a wide scope of activities in various fields such as business, education, culture, sports, games, religion, drama, dance, music, and entertainment.

IAP has been instrumental in the formation of other associations throughout Malaya, including the Penang Indian Chamber of Commerce in 1934 and various Indian Associations in other states. IAP can also be said to have laid the foundation for Tamil Education in Malaysia. The association started free Tamil classes in the 1930s, which later grew to be a government-aided Tamil school called the Azad Tamil School, which was housed in IAP grounds for the last 70 years.

IAP has had many honorable visits and has also proudly hosted talks and lectures by prominent figures such as Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, his daughter, Mrs. Indira Gandhi, also the Prime Minister of India, Nobel Laureate for Literature, Dr. Rabindranath Tagore and Mr. U Ba Lwin on a Rotary Goodwill Mission from Rangoon.

The present property of approximately 4.5 acres was bought by IAP in 1938. The idea was to put up a temporary clubhouse at one corner of the plot and collect funds to build a first-class structure of a Multi-purpose Hall in the middle of the ground. The clubhouse still stands on the original location with some renovations along the way.

IAP has been maintained well by various office bearers and the association also observed Mahatma Gandhi’s Death Mourning in 1948.

Patron of Indian Association Penang

Tan Sri Dato’ Dr. K.R. Somasundram

We are honored to have Tan Sri Dato’ Dr. K.R. Somasundram as the esteemed patron of the Indian Association Penang (IAP). His dedication and unwavering support have significantly contributed to the growth and success of our organization. Tan Sri Dato’ Dr. K.R. Somasundram is a visionary leader and a highly respected figure in the business community.

Tan Sri Dato’ Dr. K.R. Somasundram is a prominent Malaysian-Indian figure known for leading the National Land Finance Co-operative Society (NLFCS) for decades, transforming it into a major cooperative, and for his extensive business acumen, community service, and political involvement, including serving as a Senator for Kedah, and receiving honors like the Pravasi Bharatiya Award for his contributions to society and the Tamil language

He became the chairman of NLFCS, expanding its reach and benefits for members, providing land ownership and financial aid, and overseeing vast plantations. With over 55 years in business, he developed NLFCS into a multimillion-dollar entity and held chairman roles in other companies. He served as a Senator for Kedah, representing Malaysia at the UN General Assembly in 1968, and was active in the Malaysian Indian Congress. He received the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman from India in 2007, was honored as a “Lifetime Achiever,” and holds titles like Tan Sri and Dato’.

He established the Tan Sri Soma Book Award to promote Tamil literature and supported the Sree Rama Temple, a significant Hindu temple in Malaysia. Remembered for visionary leadership, dedication to community upliftment, and fostering positive change, he influenced many careers, including those in medicine and public service.

Recognition

International and Professional Awards

Pravasi Bharatiya Samman (2007): Awarded by the President of India for his contribution to the overseas Indian community.
Malaysian Business Awards (MBA) Lifetime Achievement Award: Conferred by the Kuala Lumpur Malay Chamber of Commerce (KLMCC).
Honorary Citizenship of India:

Academic and Other Recognition

Honorary Doctorate: Conferred by the University of Newcastle, Australia.
Tan Sri Soma Book Award: Instituted by Somasundram himself to recognize global Tamil literature.

IAPG Management Committee 2024/26

Milestone of Indian Association Penang

YEARS

1923

This was the year when the late Mr. P.K. Nambyar gave effect to his desire and the desire of the Indian Community in Penang to establish an INDIAN ASSOCIATION.

23rd April 1924

Consent was given to register the Association under the Companies Ordinance, and after the usual formalities, the Association was registered The ASSOCIATION was from its inception housed at 423, Dato Keramat Road, the present premises of the Chinese Convent School. Soon it came to be regarded as one of the foremost INDIAN ASSOCIATIONS in Malaya.

20th April 1928

The demise of the founder, MR. P.K. NAMBYAR. This is regarded as a great lost to the association

1928~1930

Mr.N.K.Menon, son of the late Mr. P.K.Nambyar took over as the 2nd President

1930~1933

Mr.N.Raghavan tok over as the 3rd President. This is the time when the Free Tamail school was started under the management of Mr. V.G.Pragasam and continued by Mr.V.M.Krishnaswamy

1933~1935

Mr.H.G.Sarwar took over as the 4th President

1935~1937

Mr. N. Raghavan, who was also the 3rd President took over again as the 5th President

1937

Mr.K.S.Pillai took over as the 6th President.

1938

Mr. N.Raghavan tool over for the third time as the 7th President
February 1937- The premises occupied by the Association was sold to the Chinese Convent School. The Association had to shift.

8th July 1937

The present property of 5 acres at No.The present property of 5 acres at No.11, Jalan Bagan Jermal was purchased.11, Jalan Bagan Jermal was purchased.

13rd January 1940

A small clubhouse was built at a corner of this prime land

1940~2009

The Indian Assocation has been maintained well by various office bearears and the clubhouse still stands on the original location with some renovations along the way.