Born in Malacca, Chan Kang Swi was of Tong’an, Fujian ancestry. At the age of 18, he inherited his father’s business and made significant strides in the plantation industry. He later rose to become the wealthiest rubber planter in Malacca. After achieving success in his career, he actively supported various charitable organisations, groups, and schools. Chan also contributed substantially for the purposes of maintaining public safety and security, earning him an Order of the British Empire. 

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In 1913, Chan, along with Tan Chay Yan, Sim Hong Peck and others founded Pay Fong School. Subsequently, Chan and Tan jointly acquired the Malacca Chinese Lawn Tennis Club premises on Heeren Street (now Lot 831, Jalan Kubu), along with five shophouses on Tranquerah Road (now Jalan Tengkera). The duo subsequently donated these properties to the School for the growth of education. Furthermore, Chan collaborated with Ee Kong Guan and others to draft the trust deed for properties under Pay Fong’s ownership, concurrently serving as a trustee. In the decades following the School's establishment, Chan held various organisational positions, including serving as its president, vice president, honorary president, and supervisor. He also held leadership roles in the Hokkien Association, and the Chinese Chamber of Commerce.

Of ancestry originating in Chuan Chiew, Hokkien, Sim Hong Peck arrived in Malacca with his elder brother Sim Hong En. He assisted his brother in managing and developing their plantation business. Within a few years, their business prospered, allowing them to become prominent businessmen in Malacca. 

With ambitious aspirations, Sim became a member of the Tongmenghui established by Sun Yat-sen, which had branches across various locations in Nanyang. He went on to become the leader of the Malacca branch of the organisation. He often provided large sums of financial support for revolutionary activities, i.e. the Wuchang Uprising, and extended hospitality or assistance to members of the organisation from China.

Recognising the importance of a modernised education, Sim, along with Tan Chay Yan, Chan Kang Swi and others, co-founded Pay Fong School in 1913. He also advocated for the establishment of Pay Teck Girls’ School, aiming to provide educational opportunities for girls. Furthermore, he founded the Ping Ming School which catered to the needs of financially disadvantaged children who could not otherwise afford education. Sim served as the vice president, vice chairman, and supervisor of the School’s board of directors for many years. Diligently overseeing the School's growth and related matters, Sim’s contributions to Pay Fong School’s development are immense, earning him the esteemed title, 'Pillar of Pay Fong’.

Tay Seng Quay, who was of Eng Choon, Hokkien ancestry, ventured to Nanyang after receiving two years of education. After a decade of hard work and perseverance, he gradually prospered through the cultivation of rubber and oil palm, becoming a renowned planter in Malacca. He was also a fervent supporter of the Revolution and, alongside Sim Hong Peck and others, actively participated in organising the Tongmenghui in Malacca. Tay contributed substantial amounts, totalling thousands of dollars, to support the military expenses of the Xinhai Revolution.

At the same time, Tay deeply empathised with the hardships of poverty and understood the importance of education. He offered considerable financial support for the founding of schools in both his hometown and Malacca, covering a substantial portion of the expenses. 

Until his passing, Tay held various positions within Pay Fong School's board of directors, including president, vice president, treasurer, and supervisor. For over a decade, he remained devoted to the school's mission and vision. Additionally, he served as the chairman of the Yok Bin School's board of directors and held significant positions in the Eng Choon Association.

Of Lam Ann, Hokkien descent, Khoo Giong Hong arrived in Malacca at the age of 15 in search of a livelihood. At 22 years old, he ventured into entrepreneurship, primarily engaging in the rubber and rice trade. Following that, he cultivated rubber trees on unused lands, reaping substantial profits.

Khoo was a frequent supporter of social welfare activities. In times of disasters in China, he contributed substantial donations to support relief efforts. He was also known to have generously donated funds for the establishment of the Chinese Philomathic Society of Malacca, as well as the Chinese Chamber of Commerce and various other organisations. 

In the early establishment of Pay Fong and Pay Teck Schools, Khoo Giong Hong, who held a prominent position in the Malacca Rice Dealers' Guild, not only leased the Association’s premises for use as classrooms for Pay Fong School but also made substantial donations to both schools. He also held various positions within Pay Fong School’s board of directors, including vice president, speaker, supervisor, president, and treasurer.

Of Tong’an, Fujian descent, Goh Ban Li engaged in trade in Malacca and gained prominence as a notable rice merchant. He was also a significant figure in the Xinhai Revolution. In the absence of a Chinese literary organisation in Malacca for disseminating knowledge, Goh suggested forming the Chinese Philomathic Society of Malacca to individuals with similar interests, such as Sim Hong Peck. He often extended charitable assistance, mediated disputes for others, and commanded high respect from the public.

In 1913, Goh, along with Tan Chay Yan, Chan Kang Swi, Sim Hong Peck and others co-founded Pay Fong School. Actively involved in the School's affairs, he not only donated a substantial amount for its establishment but also tirelessly worked to raise funds, taking on the role of treasurer within its board of directors.

In the same year, he contributed a portion of the commission earned from the sale of a rubber estate to Pay Fong School for the purchase of school premises. With this sum of money, in addition to their individual contributions, Tan Chay Yan and Chan Kang Swi jointly purchased the premises of the Malacca Chinese Lawn Tennis Club located on Heeren Street (now Lot 831, Jalan Kubu) and five shophouses on Tranquerah Road.

Of Qiongshan Hainanese descent, Leong Tow Toon accompanied his father to Malacca at the age of 15, where he attended an English school. Known for his charitable and kind nature, he often assisted fellow townspeople in problem-solving, ultimately leading to his election as the president of the Malacca Keng Chiew Huay Kuan (now Hainan Association). Additionally, he held a leadership position in the Malacca branch of the Kuomintang. In recognition of his talents and abilities, the British Government promoted him to a leadership position within the Hainanese community.

Leong, along with others, played a crucial role in establishing organisations such as the Chinese Philomathic Society of Malacca, and the Keng Shiong Planters Association. He generously donated funds for the construction of Pay Fong, Ping Ming, and Hua Nan Schools. Additionally, he served as the Vice President of the board of directors of Pay Fong School and acted as a trustee. His contributions had a lasting impact on the educational landscape of Malacca.

Ng Soo Guan had an ancestry originating in Teo Yeonh, Kwang Tung. In pursuit of his career, he ventured to Malacca at the age of 19. Known for his generosity and patriotic spirit, Ng, after achieving success in his endeavours, generously donated funds to various charitable organisations, including boys’ and girls’ schools in Malacca. He also played a role in assisting the establishment of Pay Fong School and held positions within its board of directors, including speaker, deputy treasurer, adviser, executive committee member, and supervisor. He also spared no expense in providing financial contributions for relief efforts in China during challenging times.

Chan Kok Pan, who was of Amoy, Hokkien descent, dedicated his life to education and public welfare. Incidentally, he was also the father-in-law of Sim Mow Yu. 

In his youth, Chan travelled to Malacca, where he initially worked as a labourer and engaged in plantation activities. His intelligence, diligence, and effective leadership were important factors that quickly propelled him to the position of supervisor. With some savings, he ventured into investments in the plantation industry and achieved significant success. Later, he co-founded Chee Huat Seng Trading & Co. with Sim Hong Peck and Khoo Giong Hong, and eventually expanded the business to Singapore. During the years of the Xinhai Revolution, he actively supported the cause. After the success of the Revolution, he contributed to the establishment of Pay Fong School, generously donating funds. He also served as the speaker and treasurer within its board of directors.

After achieving success in business in Singapore and Malaya, Chan returned to Amoy and further expanded his investments, and became a director of the Amoy Overseas Chinese Bank. He also founded the Siming Theater and a bus transportation company, constructed roads for the government enhancing connectivity and benefiting society at large.

Of Eng Choon, Hokkien descent, Gan Kee arrived in Malacca at a young age. Initially involved in the bullock cart business, he later engaged in the cultivation of tapioca and rubber in Negeri Sembilan's district of Rembau, achieving prosperous returns.

As one of the leaders in Malacca at that time, Gan held various positions within the board of directors of Pay Fong School, including treasurer, adviser, and supervisor. He was also one of the founders of Yok Bin School, serving as the director-general. Additionally, he held roles in various social organisations, including serving as the treasurer of the Eng Choon Association, chairman and treasurer of the Hokkien Association, and various other positions. Gan made substantial contributions to public welfare and educational endeavours, both in terms of financial support and active involvement.

With ancestry originating in Dabu, Kwang Tung, Law Han Pin went to work in Singapore at the age of 20. Subsequently, he joined his elder brother, Law Yi Peng, in establishing the Wah Kuan Company in Malacca. The company specialised in trading various goods imported from Europe, America, and China, achieving substantial trade volume, and establishing a prominent reputation.

Law showed great concern for the educational development in Malacca. He provided extensive support to various organisations, including the establishment of the Pay Fong School, Pay Teck Girls' School, and Chinese Philomathic Society of Malacca. Before the opening of Pay Fong School, the enrolment office was situated at Law's Wah Kuan Company. He held various positions within Pay Fong School’s board of directors, including roles such as auditor, speaker, vice president, treasurer, president, vice president, general manager, and supervisor.

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Liu Yi Peng

?-1919

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With ancestry originating in Dabu, Kwang Tung, Liu Yi Peng journeyed to Nanyang at the age of 20. Initially settling in Kuala Lumpur, he later relocated to Malacca. Together with his younger brother, Liu Han Ping, they co-founded the Wah Kuan Company, specialising in the sale of various goods imported from Europe, America, and China. The business flourished, but unfortunately, Liu fell ill and passed away at the age of 46.

Throughout his life, he generously contributed to charitable activities in Malacca and played a role in establishing Pay Teck Girls’ School. Before the opening of Pay Fong School, its admissions office was situated in the Wah Kuan Company.

With ancestry originating in Eng Choon, Hokkien, Chew Eng Bee went to work in Singapore in his youth. Following that, he moved to Malacca and engaged in the bullock cart business, while collaborating with friends in the plantation industry. Known for his sense of justice, Chew often helped mediate disputes among his fellow townspeople. Additionally, he was passionate about education, actively contributing to the establishment of Pay Fong and Yok Bin Schools. During the formative years of Pay Fong School, he served as a trustee. He subsequently relocated to Pahang, in the town of Mentakab, where he gained the admiration of the local Chinese community and was honoured as the Kapitan of Mentakab.

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Li Chui Zheng

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Li Chui Zheng served as the vice president of the Malacca Keng Chiew Huay Kuan (now Hainan Association) and was actively involved in theChinese Philomathic Society of Malacca, also holding the position of moderator.

Teo Soon Kiat was of Amoy, Hokkien descent. He arrived in Malacca at the age of 18 and became involved in business with his elder brother. His business ventures included palm oil, rice, and rubber, as well as operating ships between Malacca and Singapore. Influenced by the rousing speeches on the Revolution delivered by Sun Yat-sen's aides, he joined the Tongmenghui and actively supported the organisation financially.

Teo also showed concern for education and culture in Malacca. Alongside Sim Hong Peck and others, he initiated the establishment of Pay Fong School and the Chinese Philomathic Society of Malacca. He also organised relief missions to aid Chinese compatriots in difficult times. He held positions within the School’s board of directors, including roles as director and both treasurer and deputy treasurer.

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Zhang Zhao Han

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Zhang Zhao Han, acting as an external liaison for the Chinese Philomathic Society of Malacca, also held the position of supervisor for the Malacca branch of the Kuomintang. Engaging in philanthropy, he actively participated in various educational and fundraising activities. Furthermore, as a member of the Malacca Hainanese Chamber of Commerce, he served as the secretary for the Keng Shiong Planters Association.

Of Chuan Chiew, Hokkien descent, Tay Keng Teow left his hometown at the age of 20, seeking a livelihood in places such as Sarawak, Muar, Malacca, and Singapore. In 1914, he made an application to the Johor Government to cultivate the land in the Southern end of Johor Bahru, at Gelang Patah, thus developing the local plantation industry. At the same time, he was responsible for establishing schools, constructed roads, and building ports in the area, gaining recognition as the ‘Pioneer of Chin Lim Sua/Chin Lim Hill (aka Gelang Patah)’.

Responding to Sun Yat-sen's recruitment of support for the Revolution, Tay actively participated in the work of the Tongmenghui, establishing branch offices in various locations. During his time in Malacca, Tay invited individuals like Sim Hong Peck and Lee Guat Tee for the setting up of the Tongmenghui, and the Chinese Philomathic Society of Malacca, serving as the party affairs department director of the Malacca Tongmenghui. It is believed that during this period, he also participated in the preparatory work for the establishment of Pay Fong School.

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Cheong Boon Sian

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A benevolent individual in Malacca, passionate about educational and charitable activities.