Lim Lean Teng was a millionaire born in 1860 in China. He migrated to Penang, the then Malaya seeking for a better life.
Lim Lean Teng ventured into business in Penang. He turned out successful, and was one of the richest persons in Penang during his life. He had a huge bungalow and a few properties around the island. He is well known for the establishment of Han Chiang School together with the Teochew Association of Penang. In 1919, the Teochew Association tried to established SJK(C) Han Chiang but was in short of funds. Lim Lean Teng stood forward to help them and gave a huge sum of money. The school was established.
In 1950, Mr. Lim Lean Teng also established Han Chiang High School. The schools were set up in Chulia Street, but by the time Han Chiang High School was founded, the school was overcrowding. Lim Lean Teng saw the need for a piece of land in constructing the two schools. He willingly gave up his 33-acre (130,000 m2) land in Jalan Datuk Keramat, George Town for the school's construction purposes. Lim Lean Teng continue to support the two Han Chiang schools.
In 1963, Lim Lean Teng died due to old age. He was 93 at that time. Han Chiang School mourned the loss of their founder. Many people paid their respects to him and known him for being a great philanthropist and for his contribution to the Chinese education in Malaysia.
Lim Lean Teng was recognised for his contributions too. In 1958, a bronze statue of him was setted up in front of Han Chiang High School and was unveiled by the 1st prime minister of the then Federation of Malaya, Tunku Abdul Rahman. Another head statue of him was placed in SJK(C) Han Chiang. After his death, Jalan Lim Lean Teng was dedicated in memory of his works. Currently, the road houses the Han Chiang School.