Teo Chin Huat in 1927, with humble beginnings of necessities trade supplies in a local provision shop along Rochor Road, Singapore. Teo, a Chinese immigrant from Nan An, Fu Jian followed south sea to Malaya, also known as Nan Yang at a tender age of 16. He did not succumb to fate, instead, he started extremely hard as a butcher in the day and rickshaw puller at night. Subsequently employed as a st
orekeeper followed by an accountant before successfully launching THC, a small provision shop. Although business originated in a small scale, THC’s effective business management was recognized by local merchants. Gradually, THC grew extensively in the local market and secured important business contractual connections in Malaya. Teo vertically integrated his business portfolio by establishing Wan Tong Soap factory in Yio Chu Kang. The soap factory manufactured 2 major soap brands by the name of ‘Fan’ and ‘Gunner’, which were highly sort after by consumers in Malaya, N.E.I, Sarawak and Hong Kong. In 1929, Australia’s home brand condensed milk ‘Lifeguard’ had the intention to pe*****te the Malaya market. McDermott, the liaison officer appointed Mr. Teo’s THC as their sole distributor in Singapore and Malaya. THC’s strategies to pe*****te the local market, were proven with pride as ‘Lifeguard’ made its way to the top condensed milk brands in the condensed milk market. In 1942, Mr Teo’s shop house was destroyed during Japanese Occupation and like many he lost the
soap factory’s ownership to the Japanese. During the depressing times, despite the fact that himself, with his immediate family may be executed, hide Mr McDermott’s and his Mrs in his plantation avenue’s attic. This definitely strengthened the already robust bond, trust and business relationship with ‘Lifeguard’ where a full acquisition of ‘Lifeguard’ brand was arranged for Mr Teo in the later years. Shortly after the Japanese surrendered and ended the war, there was a lack of necessities and resources in the country/region. Mr Teo observed that commodities were highly demanded for yet the resources available were unable to meet those demands. Whilst the rest of the country was slowly recovering from the hangover residual by the war, Mr. Teo rapidly reorganized THC and its available resources. THC imported coffee and canned food from Europe, America, South Africa, Brazil and Australia to supply to the post-war residents in the country. In 1950, Teck Huat & Co was incorporated as Teck Huat and Company Pte Ltd. The act of incorporation won countless respect for Mr Teo and his company flourished under the newly boosted reputation. During these years, brands such as ‘Lifeguard’, ‘Flying Horse’, ‘Princess’ and ‘Moonlight’ were incubated. These brands evoked nostalgic memories of the history and held sentimental values in majority households of the older generations in the 90s. Since Incorporation, Teck Huat stood sturdy against political unrest, racial disharmony and many rioting activities in the initial independence days of Singapore, SARs and Major Epidemics. It managed to tide over countless obstacles mainly because of it’s beliefs and passion in providing “premium yet valuable” products for it’s customers. With addition of portfolios and investments, THC stands firm in the industry. Today, Teck Huat & Co is managed by the third generation of the Teo Family who will continue to build the brand’s legacy of perseverance and providing good customer services to maintain our history of a reputable and well-established business. As a brand trusted and respected for generations, Teck Huat & Co will continue to convalesce and revolutionize to better meet the needs of our fellow customers.
2016 Teck Huat & Co. Pte Ltd is a Singapore-based marketing firm dealing with FMCGs of brand heritage since the 1950s. We envision to provide only the best quality products for our loyal customers. We have been a companion of household brands and will continue to build on our ever-strong customer relationships.
