Made from a concoction of traditional Chinese herbs, the teas are believed to strengthen one’s immune system, relieve coughs, and act as a natural remedy for flu.
Unbeknownst to many, there is an interesting story behind this brand. And one place to discover its history is the Ho Yan Hor Museum in Ipoh.
Located in a charming blue shophouse, it is at this museum that one can learn the journey of its founder, Ho Kai Cheong.
The journey begins
Ho was born to Chinese migrant parents on July 11, 1910 in Kati, a small mining village in Perak. His father owned a coffee shop selling dim sum.
After studying for two years at Tsung Wah Chinese primary school in Kuala Kangsar, Ho was shipped off to China to further his education. He was only eight years old.
Upon his return, the 14-year-old soon discovered that working in his father’s coffee shop was not his cup of tea. He found employment in a medical hall instead. So adept was he at this new job, that he was able to set up his own Chinese medical shop in Kuala Kangsar just three years later.
In 1934 however, Ho closed the business temporarily after deciding to join the Chinese army in China to fight the Japanese.
While he was serving in Humen, the town came under attack and Ho made his escape to Hong Kong. There, he furthered his studies in Chinese medicine and after graduating, he returned to Malaya in 1941.
Armed with this newfound knowledge, Ho began his career as a Chinese physician, meeting with patients and prescribing remedies for their ailments.
He soon realised that many suffered from colds, running nose, and fever due to body heat. The Chinese immigrants in particular, often fell sick as they worked as coolies in the tin mines, and laboured under the sun and rain.
So, in 1941, he formulated a flu remedy made from a special concoction of Chinese herbs which became known as Ho Yan Hor herbal tea.
The following year, Ho tied the knot with Koo Soon Lian, and he eventually began selling this herbal tea out of their family home in Treacher Street, Ipoh, the site of the present museum.
Growing the business
In the early days, Ho would promote his herbal tea by travelling on bicycle to villages and towns. His wife stayed behind to manage their home business. By 1948, he had saved enough to purchase his first vehicle: a Morris Minor.
The couple was also blessed with a big family – four daughters and two sons.
Very early on, Ho understood the power of marketing to expand his business. Seeing the popularity of Cantonese operas and Hong Kong movies among the Chinese communities in the 1950s and 1960s, he partnered with various Hong Kong opera singers and movie stars to promote his tea.
Another key marketing strategy was inviting famous Hong Kong personalities to the factory he had now built in Jalan Kuala Kangsar, Ipoh.
The personalities included actress Tang Pik Wan, as well as Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB) actor Cheng Gwan-Min, who was known as the “Elvis Presley of the East”.
Ho also set up tea stalls throughout the country and used loudspeakers perched on vans to promote his business far and wide.
A talented calligraphist, he produced his own advertisements to promote the health benefits of the tea. Soon, his business expanded to Hong Kong and the US.
Leaving a legacy
Ever the visionary, Ho began planning for a successor to ensure the longevity of the business.
So, in the 1970s, he sent his eldest son David, to New Zealand to study pharmaceutical science with the sole purpose of taking over the business upon his return to Malaysia.
Having always believed in the importance of education, Ho himself pursued theology in Hong Kong after his retirement at 81 years old. He graduated with a doctorate in divinity in 1997 – at the age of 87.
He was also a philanthropist and supported various local causes, giving back to the community, many of whom were also his loyal customers.
Ho passed away at the ripe old age of 97. At the museum, a signboard states, “nothing has stopped Dr Ho from achieving his dreams and helping others. May this legend inspire you to fulfill your dreams and contribute positively to the community.”
Indeed, this visionary herbalist is a testament that nothing is impossible for those who believe they can make a difference.
Learn more about Ho Yan Hor Museum via its website, Facebook, and Instagram.
Ho Yan Hor Museum
1, Jalan Bijeh Timah
30000 Ipoh
Perak
Admission: Free
Business hours: 10.00am to 4.00pm (Closed on Monday)
Contact: 05-241 2048 / 012-248 4517 (WhatsApp only)