Datuk Koh Pen Ting (1911 -2000) was born in Xiang An, Xiamen, Fujian Province. In 1924, he arrived in Singapore with a relative to work as an apprentice. In 1937, he went to Penang and started a rubber export business with others. Seven years later, he founded the Sin Tong Teck Co.,Limited and later the United Malaya Construction Co., Limited.

Apart from developing his business, he was actively involved in social work and activities as leader of Chinese business organisations, such as President of Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of Penang Chinese Assembly Hall, Chairman of Penang Lam Wah Ee Hospital, President of Malaysia Rubber Association, state assemblyman. He was the second ACCCIM President in a row who was from Penang.

During his tenure, he led efforts and negotiations with the authorities over objections by the Chinese business community against the implementation of the Industrial Coordinate Act. As a result, many restrictions imposed by the Act were relaxed. In 1975, the ACCCIM founded its periodical, The Economic Quarterly, which published a total of issues until December 1983.