ECHOES OF THE PAST

Echoes of the Past: Unfolding Stories Behind the Names 

Today is 2024, and I find myself in my 80s, having retired from all professional endeavors. Nevertheless, I still retain a vivid memory of the names and companies I interacted with during my early career, spanning from the 1960s to the 1990s. Here, I share my treasured memories from the past as a meaningful way to occupy my leisure time, unfolding the stories behind the names.

1. AH SOON... 

was one of the panel beating contractors we engaged in the early 1980s. After he provided a quotation and we reached an agreement, he would transport the damaged vehicle from Nanyang Motors (NMSB) to his facility on Perak Lane for repairs. He was diligent in his work and consistently delivered the repaired vehicles on schedule. I made it a point to visit his garage for each repair job to ensure that the work was progressing well.

2. ALBERT MOH K.H... 

resided above a coffee shop located at the intersection of Penang Road and Burma Road, directly across from Loke Thye Kee. He was a teacher and a close companion within our circle, which included Joe Quah and Low Kim Seong. I recall an afternoon when he treated us to Mehkong Thai spirit at the coffee shop, creating fond memories of our time together. His preferred beverage was stout. Later, he relocated to Chee Seng Garden, where one evening we indulged in drinks and ended up staying overnight due to our inebriation. The following morning, we discovered numerous beer cans scattered across the floor. We referred to his wife by her maiden name, Miss Ong, rather than Mrs. Moh, as she was also a teacher. Albert acted as my emcee during my wedding tea reception at Chusan Night Club. Unfortunately, we lost touch, and in 2020, I learned from his wife that he had become senile.

3. ALLIED MUTUAL... 

was an insurance agent ran by LAWRENCE CHEAH S.P. He was a press reported from the Straits Time. He involved in many activities, one of which is the senior citizen. He was my Club Secretary in the Lions Club of George Town in 1978. He was conferred Dato’ in 2020 and Dato’ Seri in 2024


4. ASIA INSURANCE... 

the manager was MR. SIEW HOONG HONG until his retirement in 2018, after which Patrick Cheah took over. Mr. Siew was a former teacher from MBS. In 2000, Mr. Siew who was suffering from cataracts, applied for complimentary cataract surgery through the Lions Club. I assessed his needs at his residence, and his application was subsequently approved. Sadly, Mr. Siew passed away in 2020.


5. AIA... 

MR. SONY is a claims manager with a Chinese wife. He is down-to-earth and helpful in many ways. I always looked forward to his visits.


6. B BRAUN... 

MS. CHEE has served as my primary contact. She was responsible for the Braun Store Department and simultaneously managed all company vehicles, including Braun 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. Decisions regarding company cars and their repairs were under her purview. In contrast, I handled personal vehicles directly with their owners, who were predominantly foreign managers. I was granted a 24-hour access pass to B Braun for breakdown assistance. Additionally, I successfully marketed my package plan for car service, which included synthetic oil for RM 300, and offered complimentary labor services for 12 months.


7. CHEMLUBE SYNTHETIC OIL...

Introduced by MILTON from Singapore, with CHOONG BAN BENG, a local school teacher, serving as the representative. I became the inaugural representative for this service. I developed a service plan utilizing synthetic oil and distributed flyers across the entire island of Penang. As a result, the majority of factories in Penang and Butterworth enrolled in the plan. With over 300 vehicles to service throughout the year, my mechanics were kept exceptionally busy.

8.  MR TEH CHIN YAP  from OUI - Overseas Union Assurance was the manager. He was known as Steven and later Albert.  Beyond our professional relationship, we shared a personal friendship along with other close companions. We participated in a pooled investment account together with other friends. Teh eventually left OUI to pursue opportunities in St. Hosey, US, with his wife Lillian, He visited us twice and subsequently lost contact. He had a spinal cord injury and underwent a major operation. Mr. Chew succeeded Mr Teh in his role at OUI, while Briget continued to serve as the company secretary. 

9. DRIVER CHEQU HASHIM... 

resided in Butterworth and provided transportation services for RM800 per tour to Hatyai. His vehicle accommodates between 8 to 10 passengers. He demonstrated reliability, efficiency, and a willingness to accommodate our needs. We engaged his services for three short tours to Hatyai town, during which he transported us to our hotel while he opted for more economical lodging. He was flexible in picking us up for tours and meals as per our preferences. On one occasion, we traveled to Kota Bahru, and due to our group exceeding 10 passengers, he arranged for a second vehicle to ensure everyone was accommodated. During our return journey, we encountered a flash flood that caused us to lose our way at the Thai border, leaving us in a precarious situation. Despite the danger, it was an exhilarating experience that we will always remember.

10. The PEN GROUP of vehicles... 

had been managed by NMSB for several years. I interacted with Ms. Leow from Pentex, Mr. Woon from Penfibre, and Mr. Tham and/or Ms. Ooi from Pentley. They reached out to me for additional details regarding our vehicle package service, which included Chemlube synthetic oil for RM360.00 annually. Over time, our relationship evolved from that of business associates to close friends. However, after my retirement, I lost touch with them.

11. AH CHOON (MR. TOH PAY CHOON)... 

was a dedicated and skilled mechanic within our team. He was responsible for managing emergency and towing services for vehicles that had broken down. The expansion of the Penang Airport runway was carried out by MAEDA, a Japanese firm. Impressed by our services, they selected our workshop to handle the maintenance of their vehicle fleet. We consented to this arrangement and designated Mr. Toh as the supervisor. Regrettably, six months later, he submitted his resignation to accept a position with Maeda.

12. QUAH BAH AIK... 

had been a Member of St. John. In the 1960s, he was employed at Wearnes Brothers. I became acquainted with him when the company sent new vehicles to NMSB for polishing and painting. Mr. Phew was responsible for overseeing the new vehicles at that time. During those years, new vehicles were delivered with a wax coating. The storekeeper was Ooi Hock Seng, who later retired and took on the role of bookkeeper at the Esso Petrol Pump on Burmah Road. Mr. Lim Khye Su (English wife, managing AAM) managed the Wearnes workshop for several years until his retirement in 1980. Throughout the 1960s to the 1990s, I interacted with various managers from Wearnes. One of them, Mr. Soo, was someone I successfully recruited as a member of the Lions Club.

13. MR. YEOH GUAN HEAN...

also known as Towkay, who was the Manager of Commercial Union Assurance, has been a long-time and dear friend. We both had a shared passion for the entertainment industry, particularly in food and beverages. Our wives are well acquainted, and the four of us frequently enjoy dining out together. Following his retirement, he became affiliated with Berjaya Assurance. In his absence, Mr. Khoo Seng Boon has assumed leadership at Commercial Union, with support from Khor Chin Cheng.

14. AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION OF MALAYSIA (AAM)... 

operated its office at Charter Bank in Penang, under the management of an English lady called Mrs. Lim. AAM offered a range of services to its members, including roadside assistance, round-the-clock technical support, and auto repair services. In 1991, AAM launched its inaugural Breakdown and Towing service in Kuala Lumpur, subsequently expanding to Penang, where our workshop, NMSB, was designated to serve its members. Initially, our focus was on Penang Island, and in 1995, we extended our services to Butterworth. As NMSB ceased operations in 2000, several workshops were recruited to serve its members. I had the opportunity to meet Teresa in the AAM office along Jalan Sungei Pinang in 2014. I was told that AAM was dissolved in 2016. 

15. AH CHOOI.. 

was been appointed as our contractor for cushion maker for NMSB following the resignation of Mr. Cheah, our employee, who left after winning a lottery ticket. While Ah Chooi's craftsmanship is commendable, it did not surpass that of Mr. Cheah after 20 plus years of training in NMSB. 

DR. VELA...

Was a member of SJAB. He worked in the General Hospital and was a good drinker. He kept his bottle in his drawer and shared it with me when I visited him. We were buddies and met quite often. He stayed along Dicken Street, the road next to Cathay Cinema. He changed professions and practised law.

1.   Ban Heap Lee Trading (buy textile from them. Connected to XX)

2. Ban Hock Soon is an insurance agency.  I contacted Mr. Ang Seng Leong and Brother Ah Hin.

3. Baxter Healthcare –  I dealt with the company for several years and I know several secretaries, Ms. Aye Lee and Ms. Pat. Mr Goon was the financial officer. NMSB serviced all their vehicles.

4.  Mr. Bok Ah Chye, formerly from Commercial Union, joined Taisho Marine.

6. Boon Pharmacy was doing insurance for their pharmacy. The person in charge was Mr. Ho.

8. Capital Insurance –  The manager was Jeffrey Kang

9. Pan Global Insurance – NMSB was in the a panel of this company .  I contacted  Ms. Veron.  Freddy Jeremiah aka the frog in the hash group. He was related to Nicholas Boudville.  

    Paramount Assurance – Manager Mr. Yap B.H.

1.  Club Ilham, situated along Macalister Road next to Penang Sport Club, was a restaurant that served good western food.

QBE  Insurance-  Manager Mr. Yeoh Guan Chye and his assistant Charlie. Their office top floor of the Star Publication Building along Pitt Street.

Ah Eng was our contractor for exhaust pipe repairs. His shop was along Kuala Kangsar Road. 

Mr. Tan Peng Hock played well in badmintion. Manager of Royal Insurance. 

Sime Axa Assurance –  Manager was Jimmy 

Tan Kee Leong has a driving school. He knew people in RIMV.  He was our RIMV runner to renew roadtax, L learners and matters related to RIMV.

GRE, Royal Exchange Assurance –  Manager Mr. Tan Lee Sin and his staff Nancy and Kang. Mr. Tan sponsored me to Penang Swimming Club.

Taisho Insurance . Mr. Kuang and Ms. Li Sah were in charge of Claims Department.

Thomas Howel Adjusters – Mr. Philip, the Manager after Francis Tan left

Texchem –  Ms. Soo Ann

United Oriental Assurance  – Manager Mr Sudesh

Huat Spray Painting, NMSB appointed painter 

Jerneh Insurance –  Mr. Quah was a nice guy. Short in stature, he was sincere.  We got along well. His wife was attached to Taisho Marine.

Mr. John Yeoh San Hai, an insurance agent for Jerneh. His hobby were big motor cycle. His wife shared his ambition and hobby.

Wan Ahmad Adjuster–  Mr. Steven Ong was knowledgeable in his field. 

Kooi Auto was our motor repair contractor late 1990s 

Kurnia Insurance –  I communicate with Judy, George and  Mr. Sim

Maclaren Adjusters – Mr. Alfredo and Mr Lim

Zama Adjusters (Mr. Chew – also worked at Lean Hup Motor)

Mesteri – Jimmy, Edward

Maphilindo Adjuster - Gary, Foo Ah Long (who passed away. His wife is a RIMV Runner)

Mr. Yap Bok Huat – Nanyang Insurance

Taisho Marine – Claims Department (Ms. Li Sah and Ivan)

Edward Lumley – Mr. Teoh was a drunkard turnover a new leaf when he left for KL.  My contact person was his  secretary Adeline.

South East Asia – I help them to look for office in Tamil Street. Manager Henry Lai rented workshop to store accident cars.

American Home, an insurance company.

4  MNI short for Malaysian National Insurance.

Anika, insurance agency, the manager was Bobby Tan and assistant, Catherine.

Antah Sedgwick, insurance agency

Arab Malaysian Eagle Assurance – personnel in the office like Mr. Saw, Mdm Connie and Wendy.          

National Car Rental with a green logo, Betty

4  Neuton Auto - Mrs. Lee was the proprietor’s wife

     Nasantara Worldwide Assurance – Joseph Soo was manager

Ng Wee Kok was CM’s secretary. He liked to be recognized to get things done.