The Honda Cub And Loh Boon Siew

Honda Cub 50cc, small, innovative and practical.

Ban Hoe Seng now under the care of Chew Choon Siew, Boon Juan’ second son, had changed their business activity from commodities to motorcycles.  

Oon Kok "this one sure
can sell"

They sold European motorcycles starting with the brand Francis Barnett and over the years added other names such as Lambretta, Velocette and NSU from Germany.

It was in 1958, Yeoh Oon Kok, a nephew of Choon Siew, then an Assistant Sales Supervisor with the company spotted a small bike quite unlike the larger European models.

It had some interesting features so he persuaded the rider, a salesman, to follow him back to Ban Hoe Seng showroom.  

At the showroom he offered the salesman tea and snacks while he checked out the small bike with his uncle Choon Kok. 

Chew Choon Hock was
a Bank Compradore

This is the first time they had set their eyes on a Honda Cub. The small 50cc bike was practical and innovative, had a rear suspension, signal lights and an electric starter, something unheard of in those days, and the price was competitive.

To quote Oon Kok in his own words “this one sure can sell”   

The distributor was property developer and innovative entrepreneur Loh Boon Siew of Penang.

Choon Kok together with his elder brother Choon Siew discussed on the best way to approach Boon Siew to secure this business. 

They solicited the assistance of their third brother Chew Choon Hock.  

Choon Hock worked as a Bank *Comprador in Penang. He held a senior position whose portfolio was to approve loans for Chinese businesses. (*Compradore: A person who acts as an agent for foreign organizations engaged in investment, trade, or economic exploitation).

He approached Boon Siew explaining the family credentials and their already hands-on involvement in the motorcycle industry.   

The late Tan Sri
Loh Boon Siew

Boon Siew subsequently visited Ban Hoe Seng to view their showroom and set up. 

He realized he had a good partnership so gave Ban Hoe Seng the main dealership for the whole of Perak for motorcycles and later on motorcars.

The relationship with Ban Hoe Seng lasted more the 55 years when Ignatius Chew, the CEO then, gave it back in 2012 for motorcycles and again in 2017 for the automobiles

End.