‘I want to be happy like my father’: Son keen to help dad run Stone Ice, hopes to take over one day

Tan Wee Ming at the fruit rojak station at Stone Ice in Wisma Saberkas, Kuching.

By Wilfred Pilo

KUCHING, Dec 16: Since he was a teenager, Tan Wee Ming has always lent a helping hand to his father, 59-year-old Tan Gin Guan, who is the proprietor of Stone Ice, a popular eatery at Wisma Saberkas that has been operating in the last 24 years.

The younger Tan, now 24 years old, said his decision to join the venture four years ago was to expand the family business with more savoury foods, dishes, and drinks.

“I want to be happy like my father. He worked hard, and I want to make money in this business. I dread the idea of a ‘9-to-5 job’,” he shared with DayakDaily.

Tan further elaborated that working with his father would strengthen his relationship with him and their family.

“I feel he has provided enough for my family, so now it’s my turn to venture into the business and hopefully take over from him,” he said.

Tan said Stone Ice is known for its speciality of fruit rojak, beverages, and iced desserts. He also revealed the cafe’s new menu—savoury nasi lemak.

Stone Ice’s last addition to their menu—nasi lemak kari ayam.

“I thank my crew and family who came up with the new recipe. I am confident the dishes suit the local palette and will sell well,” he said.

Tan believed after the pandemic, business communities should be optimistic and continue learning the trade, saying he has another outlet at Emart Batu Kawah.

Stone Ice is on the fifth floor of Wisma Saberkas and operates daily from 10.30am to 7pm. They also provide delivery services.

For inquiries, call 014-681 8331. — DayakDaily