George Ernest Shaw was born on 5 January 1877, and was educated in Dublin where he received his BA in Law.
[1] In 1900, Shaw entered the Malay Civil Service as a cadet, and was posted to Larut as acting assistant Collector of Land Revenue.
[2] From 1901 to 1911, he held various positions in Krian including Inspector of Mines, Collector of Land Revenue, assistant Immigration Agent, and acting assistant District Officer.
[3] In 1923, he was appointed Acting Commissioner, Lands and Mines in Johore before being sent on special duty to Burma.
[3][11] Shaw was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 1919 New Years Honours,[12] and was appointed Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) in the 1931 Birthday Honours.