(From left) Hew, Chang, Keng Kang, Zheng and Ng at the Hai-O golden jubilee dinner celebration in Seri Kembangan, Selangor. — Photos: GLENN GUAN/The Star
A TRADITIONAL medicine healthcare company marked its golden jubilee with a dinner celebrating its legacy, loyal employees and role in strengthening Malaysia–China relations.
The event for Hai-O was hosted by Beshom Holdings Bhd (Beshom), formerly Hai-O Enterprise Bhd, at Wisma Huazong in Seri Kembangan, Selangor.
Beshom managing director Tan Keng Kang paid tribute to the company’s founders, including his late father Tan Kai Hee, who helped establish Hai-O in 1975.
“Despite encountering poor treatment from society and struggling with basic livelihood, the founders had belief and acted on it.
“They raised funds from the Chinese community and built something that lasted.
“Those values – taking from society and giving back – are still in our DNA,” Keng Kang said in his speech at the event.
At the celebration, which featured a spirited lion dance, he thanked the group’s employees for their dedication and contributions over the decades.
He also announced a RM500 bonus for each employee, with an additional RM500 contribution per person from the Chen Kai Xi Foundation.
Also present were Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang, Chinese Embassy Minister Zheng Xuefang and the company leaders, including chairman Ng Chek Yong and group executive director and chief financial officer Hew Von Kin.
The event also recognised staff who had served the company for over 10 years, with special recognition for two employees – Chai Meng Kow and Teo Yew Chau – who have been with the company for 50 years.
A lion dance performance at the anniversary dinner.
“We want every team member to feel seen.
“The sum may not be much, but it’s our way of saying ‘thank you’.
“Hai-O will never forget those who walked this journey with us,” said Keng Kang.
Chang, in his speech, said Hai-O’s story was an example of how local companies could thrive through vision and perseverance.
“Hai-O started as a small medicine hall and today it’s a listed company with a strong brand and diverse businesses,” said Chang.
“It has been shown that local enterprises can be a driving force for national growth.
“What stands out is how Hai-O kept evolving. It remained committed to quality and service while embracing digital transformation.
“It adapted without losing its values,” he said, also commending Hai-O’s role in promoting bilateral ties.
“The company’s leadership didn’t just grow the business, they also helped build people-to-people links between Malaysia and China,” he said.
Zheng said Hai-O was more than a business success story.
“It was founded the year after Malaysia and China established diplomatic relations.
“For five decades, Hai-O has been a participant, a witness and a contributor to our friendship.
“He (Tan Kai Hee) was not only a businessman, but also a leader, a philanthropist and a bridge between communities,” he added.
He also lauded the group’s support for Chinese education and charity over the decades.
