The ‘Two Centuries of Chinese Heritage Project’ at UWA takes a biographical approach by weaving snippets from historical sources to uncover stories about Chinese people who came to Western Australia. In addition to a publicly accessible research portal and a recently launched podcast series, the project will also involve an exhibition, events and a book.
This series of articles profiles many surprising stories being discovered and recorded as part of this history project. This month we examine: A distinguished Chinese community leader
by Yu Tao
Peter Tom Yingman, born in China in 1878, was a distinguished leader whose life embodied cultural refinement, visionary leadership, and unwavering dedication to the Chinese community in Western Australia.
After arriving in Perth in 1898, he quickly became a successful merchant. By 1906, he had become a partner in Ah Kwong & Co., well-regarded merchants and importers that employed several Chinese. He was also a partner in one of the earliest Chinese cafés in Perth, the Shanghai Café. However, his influence reached far beyond commerce, leaving an indelible mark on the social, political and cultural fabric of the community he so passionately served.
As a trustee of the Chung Wah Association at its incorporation in 1910, Yingman was instrumental in establishing the organisation as a cornerstone of support for Chinese Western Australians. His leadership reached its zenith in 1924 when he served as president, guiding the Association through significant social challenges for the Chinese community. With his vision and unwavering dedication, Yingman solidified the Association’s role as a safeguard of Chinese heritage and a pillar of strength and unity within the community.
Yingman’s influence also extended into the political realm. As president of the Perth branch of the Chinese Nationalist Party (Kuomintang, KMT), he dedicated himself to uniting and empowering the Chinese diaspora. His efforts earned national recognition in 1927 when he represented Perth at the second national convention of the Australasian KMT in Sydney. Through his work, Yingman fostered a sense of solidarity among Chinese Australians and actively supported the broader political movement advocating modernisation and reform in China.
Education was at the heart of Yingman’s enduring legacy. Recognising the challenges Chinese children faced in navigating life in a new country, he founded the Perth Chinese Night School, where he taught for many years. As principal, he devoted himself to nurturing the next generation, ensuring they stayed connected to their cultural roots while building successful lives in their new homeland.
Yingman also served for 25 years as treasurer of the Wesley Chinese Mission School, a role that reflected both his strong Christian faith and his commitment to fostering understanding between Chinese and Australian communities. Today, a commemorative plaque at Wesley Church on William Street honours his decades of service.
Yingman was a man of intellectual depth and artistic talent. He was widely admired for his extensive knowledge of Chinese literature and his ability to eloquently quote the classics. He also wrote and directed several English-language plays performed to acclaim in Perth and the Eastern States. Among these, The Return of the Prodigal Son stood out for its creative brilliance and universal themes, resonating with audiences of diverse backgrounds. These achievements demonstrated his passion for cross-cultural dialogue and his ability to use art as a bridge between communities.
Peter Tom Yingman passed away in October 1930 at the age of 53 after a brief illness. His funeral, attended by Chinese and Australian friends, was a powerful reflection of the respect and affection he had inspired throughout his life. Buried at Karrakatta cemetery, Yingman is remembered as a leader who united communities, championed education and justice and enriched the cultural life of Western Australia.
Interested readers are encouraged to explore the UWA research database and other aspects of the project at: www.chinesewa.net/.
As research material is being added constantly, the project team would love to hear from anyone with information about early Chinese migrants.
