With effect from 31 Jan 2007, Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP) Library has been renamed Lien Ying Chow Library.  A Gallery was also set up in honour of Dr Lien Ying Chow, one of NP’s founding fathers.

Dr Lien played a pivotal role in the establishment of Ngee Ann College, the predecessor of Ngee Ann Polytechnic, in its early days. 

Dr Lien was a successful entrepreneur, banker, hotelier, property magnate and philanthropist. The naming of the Library after Lien Ying Chow and setting up of the Lien Ying Chow Gallery is intended to achieve two objectives. Firstly, it is to keep Dr Lien’s vision and memory alive and allow NP students to remember NP’s rich history and heritage. Secondly, through the Lien Ying Chow Gallery, our students will be inspired by Dr Lien’s many sterling achievements. They will be able to learn from his legendary business acumen and emulate his many admirable qualities such as perseverance, tenacity, philanthropy and humility. 
 
Taking pride of place in the 67 sq m Gallery are story panels highlighting Dr Lien’s rags-to-riches story, his legendary business acumen, services to the country, commitment to education and passion for community service, his sterling achievements such as the awards that he had won, as well as tributes from his friends, business associates and family.

In addition, students can also browse a collection of some 150 books and multimedia titles on successful Asian entrepreneurs, pioneers of Singapore, philanthropy and the Chinese diaspora. 

All these are aimed at inspiring our students to emulate his admirable qualities such as perseverance, tenacity, philanthropy and humility, fire their spirit of entrepreneurship, and inspire them to achieve their own greatness and give back to society.

Contributed by Chris Ng Kok Lian, Reference Librarian, NP Library