SG50
50 Years of Singapore Pride
BRANDS
41-50
MR BEAN
Mr Bean was founded in 1995 by Kang Puay Seng and Loh Jwee Poh. Its first stall was located at People's Park Hawker Centre. While visiting an exhibition in the city, the founders discovered a machine that could make soya milk quickly and efficiently. Deeming this as a great business opportunity, they established small kiosks at shopping malls, hospitals, schools and MRT stations.
TONG GARDEN
In 1963, Tong Garden was concieved by Mr Ong Tong Guan. In 1984, Tong Garden is one of the first companies to sell packed pistachios. It was also a sponsor of the 1993 SEA Games.
MARSHALL CAVENDISH
Norman Marshall and Patrick Cavendish established Marshall Cavendish in 1968. They have since expanded to many countries in Asia. They have also bought over large companies like MPH. Marshall Cavendish is one of the biggest book publishers in Singapore.
SAKAE SUSHI
Sakae Sushi was opened in Raffles Place in September 1997, and is currently the largest kaiten-zushi Japanese restaurant chain in Singapore. It also has at least 15 outlets overseas. Sakae Sushi's founder, Douglas Foo, has said that he would one day like to expand operations into North Korea.
POLAR
Founded in 1926, the first Polar Café opened its doors at 51 High Street. In 1986, Polar Café moved to its new premises at Raffles Place. In 1998, due to the increased demand, the production facility was moved to a larger site in Woodlands. The company has since been remaned Polar Puffs and Cakes and expanded islandwide.
SOO KEE JEWELLERY
Soo Kee Jewellery opened its first shop at Bedok Central in 1991, mainly selling gold accessories. It decided to sell white gold and diamond jewellery in 1996. Since then, they have participated in many jewellery festivals such as the Singapore Jewel Fest and have even made a diamond Christmas tree.
OLD CHANG KEE
In 1956, Old Chang Kee was a roadside stall outside the Rex Cinema. In 1986, Mr Han Keen Juan bought over Old Chang Kee, expanding the business to make it more accesible to Singapore. It now mass-produces its curry puffs and other products.
BENGAWAN SOLO
Bengawan Solo was founded in 1979 by Tjendri Anastasia, who emigrated from Indonesia. She had initially started the business in their HDB apartment, before the Singapore Ministry of Environment caught up with her, compelling her her to register her business in 1979. The first shop was opened at Marine Terrace the same year.
PHOON HUAT
Phoon Huat was opened in 1947 by Mr Wonf Tai Fung as a small shop along Middle Road. Mr Wong used to personally make deliveries on his bicycles. Phoon Huat's current headquarters are situated in the Pandan area.
CHEE SENG
Chee Seng Oil Factory Pte Ltd was established 1943, when Mr Lim Tai Tin began producing edible coconut oil as edible oil was scarce during the Japanese Occupation. In 1956, he switched from coconut oil to sesame oil production and the rest, as they say, was history. Chee Seng was the first manufacturer to produce sesame oil from machines in Singapore.