While anyone can follow a recipe to make a bowl of tau huay (beancurd dessert), maintaining the authentic taste beloved by three generations of customers requires far more focus and dedication.

As the owner of Rochor Beancurd House – with outlets in Geylang and Balestier – Mr Jason Koh, 45, is keenly aware that upholding his family’s heritage business involves more than managing day-to-day operations. “It’s about honouring the legacy of my grandparents and father,” he said, adding that some customers who grew up eating his family’s tau huay now bring their children to enjoy it. “At the same time, adapting to modern tastes and preferences is crucial. Balancing these responsibilities is challenging but incredibly rewarding.”

To help secure the long-term stability of Rochor Beancurd House and safeguard his family’s financial well-being, Mr Koh turned to HSBC as a partner for his business and personal finance planning.

As an HSBC Premier client, he has access to a wide range of financial solutions and services that caters to his diverse needs, such as global wealth management solutions and market insights. “From savings and checking accounts to investment opportunities and wealth management services, HSBC’s comprehensive suite of options helps me manage my finances effectively,” Mr Koh said.

A PARTNER IN BUSINESS SUCCESS

An advantage of working with HSBC is its expertise in supporting business owners, said Mr Koh. He noted that its business banking services – such as loans, credit facilities and cash management solutions – help him manage the financial aspects of Rochor Beancurd House. “Having both personal and business banking needs met by a single institution simplifies financial management,” he added.

Using HSBC’s banking services also made it possible for Mr Koh to follow his father’s advice to plan for the long-term interests of the business, while successfully navigating the challenges faced by the food and beverage industry in recent years.

This has enabled him to pursue investments in more sustainable business practices, train his staff and continuously improve operating processes, all while managing issues like rising costs of raw materials, staff retention and the growing need to incorporate technology in business. Rochor Beancurd House has adopted digital tools for inventory management, online marketing and customer relationship management, and Mr Koh keeps an active social media presence to reach more customers.

For his personal banking needs, Mr Koh appreciates HSBC’s digital banking platform, which allows him to access accounts, transfer funds and monitor investments easily, even with his busy schedule. “The platform is convenient and easy to use, and enhances my financial management efficiency,” he shared.

DISHING OUT PERSONALISED WEALTH MANAGEMENT

HSBC relationship manager, Ms Sharon Chih, who has worked with Mr Koh for almost four years, recalled being impressed by Mr Koh and his wife at their first meeting. “They were very dedicated and hands-on with their business, visiting the stores daily to ensure that operations ran smoothly,” she said.

Given the volatile nature of the food and beverage industry, Mr Koh shared with Ms Chih that he was interested in diversifying his personal investments to mitigate risks and protect his wealth. At the same time, he wanted to continue expanding his business.

With this knowledge, Ms Chih recommended a holistic approach to managing their wealth. For example, Mr Koh and his wife, who are in their 40s – and still in the earlier stages of retirement planning – needed solutions to make their money work harder and generate passive income while they focused on growing their business. To address this need, Ms Chih provided short-term and passive income solutions designed to supplement their future retirement income.

While Mr Koh and his wife focus on running and growing Rochor Beancurd House, Ms Chih has put together a comprehensive array of wealth management solutions designed to preserve his wealth and maintain a diversified investment portfolio with a comfortable level of risk.

Just as he safeguards his health with nightly gym sessions, Mr Koh believes in conserving his family’s wealth through careful planning and the expert guidance of Ms Chih. He values HSBC’s financial solutions, which offer stability and form a key part of the wealth plan he has created with his 12-year-old son’s financial future in mind.

“When I expressed the importance of securing my child’s education, Sharon tailored a plan that balances growth and security, allowing us to fund his future studies without compromising other financial priorities,” he said.

SECURING A FLOURISHING FUTURE

Over the years, Ms Chih has been a steady and reassuring guide on Mr Koh’s wealth journey. “As my wealth has grown and my financial needs have evolved, she has kept my portfolio on the right path,” he said. “Sharon has a good understanding of my financial planning needs and preferences, which have been crucial in steering my wealth journey.”

As Mr Koh’s wealth grew, so did his comfort level with risk. When he was ready to explore a broader range of investment opportunities, Ms Chih suggested diversifying into new asset classes while maintaining a balance with safer investments. “Sharon’s thoughtful approach helps me stay prepared for changes rather than just reacting to them, which gives me peace of mind as I continue to accumulate wealth,” he said.

Mr Koh hopes to eventually pass the business on to his son but is content to let him choose his own path when he is older. He is also open to identifying capable team members who could be strong candidates to lead Rochor Beancurd House in the future.

In the meantime, he is focused on opening more outlets across Singapore, and potentially overseas. He also plans to innovate by introducing fresh flavours and variations to win over a new generation of beancurd fans.

As his business thrives and grows, Mr Koh says that daily operations will always be guided by the values handed down by his father and grandparents – a commitment to quality, frugality, resourcefulness, integrity, honesty, community and customer engagement, as well as long-term thinking. “Upholding these values keeps Rochor Beancurd House a cherished part of our customers’ lives and is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the generations before me,” he emphasised.

Mr Koh noted that Ms Chih and her team’s excellent customer service, responsiveness and reliability have made HSBC the right banking partner for him. “My banking experience is smooth and stress-free,” he said. “Choosing HSBC has allowed me to leverage their extensive resources, expertise and personalised services to effectively manage my personal finances, while also supporting the continued growth and success of Rochor Beancurd House.”

This article is for general information only and not meant to be relied on for any investment or advisory purposes, nor is it an offer by HSBC Bank (Singapore) Limited of any products or services. It is not, and should not, be construed as an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to purchase, or subscribe for, any interests in securities or any investment. The specific investment objectives, personal situation and particular needs of any person have not been taken into consideration. Before you make any investment decision, you may wish to seek advice from a financial consultant. If you choose not to do so, you should consider whether the investment is suitable for you. The opinions of Mr Koh and the author of this article expressed herein are not representative of HSBC’s views.