Tiger Balm originated in 1918 after Aw Boon Haw refined his family herbal formula to appeal to a wider market. This product became the foundation of a vast commercial network that stretched across Southeast Asia and eventually into the media and banking sectors, establishing the Burmese-born entrepreneur as a significant economic force in the mid-twentieth century.
Early Business Development
Born in Yangon in 1882 to a Hakka herbalist father, Aw Boon Haw spent his early career in Burma under British colonial rule. By 1918, his family had achieved substantial wealth. He rebranded his herbal ointment as Tiger Balm, utilizing innovative cartoon-based commercialization to reach a broader customer base. Exports soon moved into Japan, China, and various regions across Southeast Asia.
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In 1926, Aw migrated to Malaysia following friction with the British colonial administration, eventually basing his main factory at 89 Neil Road in Singapore. Beyond pharmaceuticals, he diversified into publishing by founding newspapers such as Sin Chew Jit Poh, Sin Pin Jit Poh, and the Sing Tao Daily. His commercial interests further extended into finance with the establishment of the Chung Khiaw Bank.
Wartime Shifts and Post-War Recovery
During World War II, Aw moved his operations to Hong Kong while his brother managed affairs in Singapore until the factory was forced to close. Following the conclusion of the conflict, he returned to Singapore to re-establish his business interests. At various points in his career, he served as a member of the National Political Assembly and received the Officer of the Order of the British Empire award.
Philanthropy and Final Years
Aw invested in infrastructure and public spaces, notably founding the St. John Hospital in Cheung Chau in 1932 alongside his brother. He also commissioned the Haw Par Villas, which remain standing in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Fujian province. In 1954, at age 72, he died from a heart attack in Honolulu during transit between Boston and Hong Kong.
Fast facts
- Born: 1882, Yangon
- Died: 1954, Hong Kong
- Citizenship: Myanmar, Republic of China
- Key Product: Tiger Balm
- Awards: Officer of the Order of the British Empire
- Notable Foundation: St. John Hospital, Cheung Chau
- Notable Daughter: Sally Aw
Questions readers ask
What was the main business of Aw Boon Haw?
He was an entrepreneur best known for founding the herbal ointment brand Tiger Balm.
Did Aw Boon Haw establish any media organizations?
Yes, he founded several newspapers including the Sing Tao Daily and Sin Chew Jit Poh.
Achievements
- Officer of the Order of the British Empire
