Liew

Liew is a surname of Chinese origin that is especially common among Chinese communities in Southeast Asia, notably Malaysia and Singapore. The spelling Liew is a romanization often associated with speakers of Hokkien or Teochew who pronounce the root surname Liu (刘). In Mandarin, the standard transliteration is Liu. The use of Liew in Southeast Asia reflects historical migrations and the adoption of local spelling conventions by immigrant families and institutions during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Geographic distribution and usage: Today, Liew is most frequently found in Malaysia and Singapore, with smaller communities among the Chinese diaspora in Australia, Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and elsewhere. In census records and public registries, the spelling Liew commonly coexists with other romanizations for Liu, reflecting personal preference, dialect background, and the administrative practices of different countries.

Notable people: Numerous individuals with the surname Liew have contributed to politics, academia, business, sports, and the arts, particularly in Malaysia, Singapore, and the wider region. The name appears across a range of public and professional spheres, illustrating the demographic reach of Chinese diaspora communities in Southeast Asia.

See also: Liu. (Note: This article uses Liew as a Southeast Asian romanization associated with Liu and related dialect pronunciations. Variants and exact origins may vary by family history and regional dialect.)