Liang Qingjing
Leong Heng Keng was a Singaporean industrialist of Guangdong origin, with ancestral roots in Lunjiao, Shunde, Guangdong. He was the eldest son of Leong Yoon Chee, founder of Leung Kai Fook Medical Company. He served as Chairman of Leung Kai Fook Medical Co. (Pte.) Ltd. and Leong Yoon Chee & Sons Enterprise Co., Ltd., and Vice Chairman of Guangzhou Hua Qiao Building Enterprises Ltd.
Family Background
His ancestral village was Yang'e in Lunjiao, Shunde, Guangdong. His father, Leong Yoon Chee, was born in 1897 and migrated to Singapore from Guangzhou with his wife in 1922 to become manager of the Yu Tai Cheong silk store. In 1927, he established his own silk business, Sun Kai Fook, which soon shifted to pharmaceutical trade and founded Leung Kai Fook Medical Company, initially distributing German-manufactured medicines. Later, he acquired the formula for Axe Brand Universal Oil from German doctor Dr. Schmeidler and launched the signature product line.
Leong Heng Keng was the third-born son among seven brothers, with his two older brothers dying in infancy. He thus became the eldest surviving son.
Biography
Early Education
He attended Yang Zheng School for primary education. When the Japanese occupied Singapore in February 1942, his school was shut down, and he continued his studies at home under tutor Mr. Pan Jie Fu. He also studied calligraphy under masters Tam Hang Fu and To Hang Heung, becoming highly skilled. After Japan’s surrender in 1945, he enrolled in The Chinese High School, graduating in 1950.
Family Life
While in high school, he met Loh Tai Yah, two years his junior, from a prominent family with ancestral roots in Heshan, Guangdong. They fell in love and married in 1952, having four children: two sons (Shan Yuen, Shan Kuan) and two daughters (Kit Ying, Bik Ying).
Career
After high school, he gave up plans to study abroad and began working with his father in the family business. In the following years, he traveled across Southeast Asia, learning business acumen from his father and laying the foundation for future market expansion.
In 1966, Leong Yoon Chee co-founded the *Shin Min Daily News* with wuxia novelist Louis Cha (Jin Yong), serving as its finance director. The newspaper became one of the most influential Chinese dailies in Singapore.
In September 1971, following his father's death, Leong Heng Keng took over management of both *Shin Min Daily News* and Leung Kai Fook Medical. To expand sales, he marketed Axe Brand Universal Oil to Muslim pilgrims en route to Mecca, highlighting its benefits during the physically demanding journey. His efforts earned the product a positive reputation among Muslim communities, eventually leading to exports to the Middle East and Africa.
Facing rising production costs in 1970s Singapore, he established new factories in Jakarta, Indonesia, and Johor Bahru, Malaysia, adopting automated machinery to reduce labor costs.
As China opened up in the 1980s, Leong visited the country with his son Shan Kuan in 1984 to develop business ties. In 1991, the company invested over US$60 million to build the Hua Xia Hotel in Guangzhou in partnership with Guangdong CTS. In 1996, they set up a factory in Lunjiao, Shunde. His son later founded Guangdong Leong Yoon Chee Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. to manage the wholesale and production of Axe Brand Universal Oil, medicated oils, and related products in China.
Public Service
Leong Heng Keng was deeply committed to public service and actively participated in over 40 community organizations. He served as a board member of Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital, Vice President of the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Vice Chairman of the Singapore Thong Chai Medical Institution, Chairman of the Council of St. John Singapore, and First Vice Chairman of Nanhua High School and Nanhua Primary School.
In 1991, he was awarded the Public Service Star (BBM(L)) by the President of Singapore. In 2008, he received an honorary doctorate from the University of West Alabama and the Outstanding Chinese Award from the World Chinese Association. In 2010, Queen Elizabeth II conferred upon him the title of Knight of the Order of St. John (KStJ). In 2015, he received the Singapore Distinguished Chinese Businessman Award.
Hobbies
Leong was passionate about shooting sports and won national championships in Singapore. He represented the country at the Southeast Asian Peninsular Games, Southeast Asia Shooting Championship, and other international events. In 1974, he was invited to China to attend a demonstration competition.
He was also fond of ballroom dancing and competed in numerous dance competitions with his wife, even attaining judging credentials.
Death
On the afternoon of September 15, 2018, Leong Heng Keng passed away due to illness at the age of 89. He was survived by his wife, four children and their spouses, six grandchildren and their spouses, and two great-granddaughters.