Penang family business earns national title as oldest brand in the trade
GHEE Hiang has been recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records as the “Oldest Chinese Traditional Biscuit Brand”, marking another milestone for the Penang company as it celebrated its 170th anniversary.
Founded in 1856, Ghee Hiang has preserved traditional recipes and artisanal craftsmanship while evolving with changing market trends.
From its humble beginnings as a small pastry shop, the brand has grown into one of Penang’s most recognisable names.
Ghee Hiang executive director Datuk Chng Huck Theng reflected on his 25-year journey with the company which began when his grandfather asked him to help manage the business for two weeks while the latter attended a wedding in Australia.
“Those two weeks turned into an unforgettable and exciting journey that has lasted more than a quarter of a century,” he said during the company’s anniversary dinner in Penang.
Among the initiatives introduced were the Ghee Hiang Legendary Babies branding, a boutique shop on Macalister Road and new products such as chocolate biscuits as well as tau sar pneah kurma for Hari Raya.
He said the company had also collaborated with Universiti Sains Malaysia, Universiti Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong Baptist University to study the health benefits of sesame oil.
The company also renovated its shops in Beach Street and Macalister Road, expanded its properties in Green Lane and established a high-tech sesame oil factory in Simpang Empat on the mainland.
“All that hard work brings us here tonight, celebrating 170 incredible years,” he said.
Huck Theng said the Chng and Ooi families had jointly owned Ghee Hiang since 1926 and had remained united through various challenges, including shareholder disputes that once threatened the company’s future.
“Tonight, we are not just celebrating a business.
“We are celebrating 100 years of friendship between the Chng and Ooi families,” he said at the celebration attended by about 500 guests.
A symbolic cake-cutting ceremony was held, featuring 170 pieces of tau sar pneah.
Long-service awards were also presented to employees, including the longest serving staff member Ang Bee Kim, 76, who has served the company for 54 years.
Huck Theng thanked customers, employees and business partners for their continued support.
“We will always maintain the highest standards for our pneah biscuits and sesame oil,” he said.
Huck Theng also shared a personal ambition for the future.
“When the day comes for me to retire, I want to direct a Ghee Hiang drama series.
“That is when I will share the full, cinematic story of our 170-year journey,” he said.
Originating in Fujian, China, Ghee Hiang later established its presence in Penang and became part of the state’s heritage.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said Ghee Hiang’s 170-year journey demonstrated how heritage businesses could remain relevant by balancing tradition with innovation.
Chow described Ghee Hiang as an integral part of Penang’s identity.
“For many Penangites, Ghee Hiang is a familiar part of life. We grew up with its sesame oil in our kitchens, its pastries on our dining tables and its products as gifts carried by family and friends travelling home.”
Chow said Ghee Hiang’s contribution had been recognised beyond the business community, including being featured in the book, Heritage Brands of Penang.
Also present were Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Lim Hui Ying, Penang executive councillor Goh Choon Aik, Ghee Hiang executive director Ooi Sian Tat, former Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak, Thai Consul-General in Penang Psusist Wongsurawat, Universiti Sains Malaysia vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Seri Dr Abdul Rahman Mohamed, Penang Chinese Town Hall chairman Tan Sri Dr Tan Khoon Hai, Persatuan Melayu Pulau Pinang president Tan Sri Mohd Yussof Latiff and his wife Puan Sri Suziwati Baidawi.
