A legacy built on hard work, dedication and tradition

FOR more than 58 years, Yeo Hong Chuang Trading has stood as a cherished handicraft shop along the iconic Main Bazaar in Kuching.

Established on March 8, 1968, by the late Yeo Hong Chuang, the shop has been a family business passed down through three generations, now operated by his grandson, Ju, with the assistance of his 95-year-old grandmother, Madam Yeo.

The store is known for its handicrafts and food products, and one particularly prestigious moment in its history was when the late Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah, former King of Malaysia and Sultan of Kedah, visited the shop in 2009 during the opening of the new Sarawak State Legislative Assembly building.

Madam Yeo, with great humility, recalled how the King made a memorable purchase of rattan mats, sitting in her shop like an ordinary customer.

Today, the legacy of this humble family business continues, preserving both tradition and quality through the generations.

Madam Yeo, Ju’s grandmother, holding a photo frame showing the former King of Malaysia, the late Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah, former King of Malaysia and Sultan of Kedah, visited the shop in 2009 during the opening of the new Sarawak State Legislative Assembly building.

Various handicrafts and rattan mats can be found at the shop.

The writer (left) had the chance to visit and met with Madam Yeo during an unexpected trip while in Kuching recently.

Could you share the story behind the establishment of this shop more than 58 years ago?

The shop was started by my grandfather, Yeo Hong Chuang, on March 8, 1968. He was passionate about handicrafts and saw a demand for traditional Sarawakian products. With a small investment, he set up a stall in the Main Bazaar area, which was, and still is, a popular spot for both locals and tourists. Over time, the business grew, as people began to appreciate the craftsmanship and cultural significance of the items we sold.

What was Sarawak like during the early days when your grandfather first opened the shop?

During the early days, Sarawak was very different from what it is today. It was just after the formation of Malaysia, and the economy was still developing. Many people relied on traditional handicrafts as part of their daily lives, and tourism was starting to pick up. The Main Bazaar was a bustling hub of trade, with many small, family-run businesses like ours. The sense of community was strong, and people supported each other in every way possible.

How did your grandfather manage to grow the business during those years before Sarawak became part of Malaysia?

Before Sarawak officially became part of Malaysia in 1963, my grandfather relied on local knowledge and connections to grow the business. He had a strong relationship with craftsmen in the local villages, sourcing unique products that attracted both locals and foreigners. Word of mouth was key in those days — there was no internet or big advertising. It was through sheer determination, hard work, and maintaining a high quality of products that he was able to build a steady customer base.

What kind of handicrafts were originally sold in the shop, and how has the product range evolved over the years?

Originally, the shop mainly sold grocery items, and then we shifted to selling traditional items like bamboo and rattan products — things like mats, baskets, and woven bags that were used in everyday life. Over the years, the product range has expanded to include more modern and diverse items, such as wood carvings, textiles, and handmade jewelry. We’ve also started selling food products that reflect Sarawak’s rich cultural heritage. The evolution has been gradual but has always remained true to our roots in traditional craftsmanship.

Do you remember any significant challenges the shop faced in its early days, and how did your family overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges was the economy. In the early days, Sarawak was still a developing state, and people didn’t have a lot of disposable income. My grandfather often faced financial difficulties, but he never compromised on the quality of his products. There were times when he would trade goods instead of selling them for cash. It was difficult, but his resilience and the support of the local community helped him through.

Could you tell us more about the King of Malaysia’s visit to your shop in 2009? How did your family react to such a prestigious moment?

It was truly an unexpected honour. None of us had any idea that the King of Malaysia would walk into our humble shop that day. Madam Yeo was there, and she didn’t recognise him at first. He sat down casually and looked around like any other customer. It wasn’t until he made a purchase and his entourage started leaving that we realised who he was. The King bought several rattan mats, and it was a moment we’ll never forget. My family was both shocked and deeply proud.

What did Madam Yeo recall most vividly about the King’s visit that day?

Madam Yeo remembered how ordinary and humble he seemed. The King sat there quietly, without any grand gestures, and bought the mats like any regular customer. Madam Yeo  was most surprised when she realised that he was the King of Malaysia! For me, the most vivid memory is how down-to-earth he was, despite his royal status.

How has the legacy of the shop been maintained through three generations of family ownership?

The legacy has been maintained by sticking to the values my grandfather instilled — hard work, dedication, and respect for tradition. Each generation has added its own touch to the business, but we’ve never lost sight of what makes this shop special. We still source many of our products from local craftsmen, just as my grandfather did, and we’ve maintained the same level of personal attention to our customers. It’s about preserving what’s important while also adapting to changing times.

What values or traditions from your grandfather’s time are still practiced today in running the shop?

The values of quality, craftsmanship, and customer care are still central to how we run the shop. My grandfather always emphasised the importance of treating customers like family, and we continue that today. We also maintain the tradition of working closely with local artisans, ensuring that each product we sell has a connection to Sarawak’s cultural heritage.

As the third-generation owner, what are your future plans for the shop? Do you plan to innovate or expand while maintaining its heritage?

We definitely want to preserve the heritage of the shop, but we also understand the need to innovate. We’re looking at expanding our online presence to reach a wider audience, especially with the growing interest in handmade and sustainable products. At the same time, we plan to maintain the personal, hands-on approach that has been a part of the shop since my grandfather’s time. Innovation will come in how we reach customers, but the heart of the business will always stay the same.

A moment of history was captured. The photo of the late King’s surprise visit to Yeo Hong Chuan in Kuching years ago. The photo had sparked the writer’s curiosity.