Wonderful things can be achieved when there is teamwork and collaboration. The third generation successor of Hooi Kee Bean Curd Factory established in Bentong for over 60 years, Mr Kan Kok Leong and his wife Pon Yin Lai are living proof for this idiom. Mr Kan Kok Leong inherited the family business from his father Mr Kan Man Kum (transliteration), whereas the signboard Hooi Kee was initially derived from the name of the founder, Mr Kan Man Kum’s father, Mr Kan Hooi.
As an age-old business in Bentong, to date Hooi Kee still manufacture tofu the same way their ancestors did, producing both firm tofu and silken tofu fresh daily, using stream water from the mountains in cooling down the tofu, preserving the freshness and aroma. Starting from 4A.M. each day, the husband and wife make preparations to set up a stall at the wet market as well as deliver goods to restaurateurs who placed orders. Mrs Pon Yin Lai rides an ancient trishaw used by three generations to carry the tofu, while Mr Kan Kok Leong rides a motorcycle following close behind, with one leg placed on a corner of the trishaw to help his wife move forward, another leg maintaining the balance of his own motorcycle. The couple set up and pack up the stall together, the wife operating the stall, and the husband makes deliveries to clients.
Daily production is limited due to being a family-run small scale bean curd factory, production quantity is only increased on weekends, tailored according to orders placed. Their stall at the wet market sold out quickly, purchases should be made as early as possible, and it is best to pre-order one day in advance via phone call.
Text: Daniel Lim & Pua Hui Wen
有你 UNI Production
Producer : Mok Yii Chek
Coordinator : Daniel Lim
Cinematographer : Amelia Lim / Evon Pang
Video Editor : Amelia Lim
Music : Diving Bell from Felt Music
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