Mr. Honda Malaysia, Boon Siew- Epitome of Success

Do you have a motorcycle at home? Which model is it? If your motorcycle is EX5 Honda, noticed that the sticker on the petrol tank below the seat written ‘BOON SIEW HONDA’. Yes, Tan Sri Dato’ Loh Boon Siew is the founder of Boon Siew Honda motorcycle in Malaysia. He’s dubbed the second Mr. Honda in Malaysia after the first Mr. Honda, Mr. Soichiro Honda.

Born in Hui An, China, he made his living by collecting and gathering pig dung. He came to Penang, Malaysia from China at the age of twelve with his friends. Upon his arrival, his first job is becoming an apprentice in a mechanic’s workshop. He was not paid until the basic mechanical skills are acquired. Then, he was paid three dollars monthly. He also had to summon all his endurance to tolerate with the frequent whacks by his sifu if he did something wrong. He also made his substantial income by washing buses at night.

Boon Siew planned to start a bus business at the age of eighteen. About eleven buses worth two thousand were brought by him at 1933. Using his mechanical skills, he modified and reconditioned all the buses. Then, he sold all of them for twelve thousand dollars. He used this sum of money to buy another buses and sold them. Unfortunately, the Japanese soldiers confiscated all his money during World War II.

But he persevered and never gave up hope. After the war ended, Boon Siew started his own business again. He sold motorcycle accessories and bicycles. Later, he spread his business to buses and used cars.

In 1958, Boon Siew noticed an opportunity that will change his whole life forever. While on vacation in Japan, he saw most of Japanese people rode Honda Super Cub motorcycles. The popularity of Honda motorcycles in Japan was so amazing. He believed that the market for such low-cost motorcycles will become hot in Malaysia.

So, without wasting time, he took necessary actions to make it a reality. He took his quick action by arranging a meeting with Mr. Soichiro Honda, the founder of Japanese Honda Motor Co Ltd. He convinced Mr. Honda to establish a subsidiary in Malaysia. And finally, his efforts were paid off and confidence surged within Mr. Honda.

The first Honda showroom was set up near to his house. And he was appointed the only Honda motorcycle distributor in Malaysia. A few years later, he developed a factory in Penang and Honda motorcycles imported from Japan was renamed Boon Siew Honda. Now, it becomes one of the most best-selling motorcycles in Malaysia due to its low-cost and excellent engine’s efficiency.