SJK (C) Foon Yew 1 was originated from the Foon Yew School. The Foon Yew School was established on 15-1-1913 and was formally officiated on 18-5-1913. In 1913, Foon Yew School was founded by *Mr Zheng Ya Ji , *Mr Huang Xi Chu, *Mr Chen Yin Xiang and *Mr Lok Yu Sheng.

        At that time, *Mr Chen Xi Nian's house which was situated at Jalan Trus, Johor Bahru became the school's foundation. On January 1918, the school was moved to a banglo house at 77, Jalan Trus . When Malaysia was occupied by the Japanese, Foon Yew School was temporary closed for several years. The school was later reopened when then Japanese surrendered. The total number of students was 400 at that time.