Aw Boon Haw
Aw Boon-Haw | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1882 Rangoon, British Burma |
| Died | 1954 |
| Occupation(s) | Businessman, philanthropist |
| Known for | Creator of Tiger Balm, founder of newspapers Sin Chew Jit Poh, Sin Pin Jit Poh, Sing Tao Daily, founder of Chung Khiaw Bank |
Aw Boon-Haw (; 1882–1954), OBE, was a distinguished Chinese businessman and philanthropist, widely recognized as the creator of Tiger Balm. He was the son of the Hakka herbalist Aw Chu-Kin, whose family originated from Yongding County in Fujian, China.
Career
Aw was born in Rangoon, Burma, during the period of British colonial administration. He refined his family's herbal remedy and rebranded it as "Tiger Balm" in 1918 to increase its commercial attractiveness. By that time, the Aw family had become one of the wealthiest households in Rangoon. Tiger Balm gained significant popularity within Burma and was subsequently exported to markets including China, Japan, and other parts of Southeast Asia. In 1926, facing difficulties with the British colonial authorities, Aw moved to British Malaya where he, alongside his brother, expanded their enterprise throughout Southeast Asia. They adopted novel marketing techniques such as using cartoon characters to promote Tiger Balm at public events. Their principal manufacturing site, Eng Aun Tong, was established in Singapore during the 1920s at 89 Neil Road.
In addition to his business ventures, Aw launched several influential newspapers including Sin Chew Jit Poh, Sin Pin Jit Poh, and Sing Tao Daily. During the Second World War, he relocated to Hong Kong to oversee operations while his brother stayed in Singapore until shutting down their factory and returning to Rangoon. After the war concluded, Aw returned to Singapore to restore and grow the family business. He also founded Chung Khiaw Bank and once possessed ownership of Pulau Serangoon (currently known as Coney Island) in Singapore.
Death
Aw passed away in 1954 at age 72 due to a heart attack following major surgery in Honolulu while traveling from Boston to Hong Kong. He is most notably remembered for establishing the Haw Par Villas across various locations in Asia, with key sites located in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Fujian province in China.
Legacy
In 1932, Aw and his brother Aw Boon Par established St. John Hospital on Cheung Chau island. As of 2023, this original facility continues to serve as a historic landmark providing medical services to approximately 12,000 residents on the island. Management of the family enterprises was carried on by his sons following his death.
Personal life
Aw adopted a daughter named Sally Aw, who became a prominent business figure and former politician. Born in Rangoon to Aw Boon Haw and his fourth wife Aw Seng (胡星), Sally has operated businesses in both Hong Kong and Singapore and founded Aw Boon Haw Pte Ltd to perpetuate her father's commercial legacy. Aw Seng died on 10 April 2012 in Vancouver at the age of 100.