On 23rd August, the pharmaceutical world received a heavy blow. Datuk Oon Phaik Choo (温栢洲), chairman of Eagle & Pagoda Brand Teck Aun Medical Factory (飞鹰塔标德安药厂) was revealed to have passed away during the night at age 88.
Few may know famous pharmaceutical brand Eagle & Pagoda by name, but you will certainly recognise its iconic packaging. As such, there is no denying the contributions Datuk Oon Phaik Choo has made to society.
Son of the Teck Aun ‘Chi-Kit’ Pills (德安风痧丸) founder, Boo Ng Tong, Datuk Oon Phaik Choo not only kept up his father’s legacy, but also left his own mark in the pharmaceutical world. According to his son, Datuk Oon Kee Loong (温志隆), his father had always dedicated himself to the good of society, focusing on the pharmaceutical industry, education and charity.
The late Datuk had been one of the representatives of the Chinese medicine industry in Malaysia, thanks to the iconic brand. In fact, he was even honoured as the chairman of the Malaysian Chinese Medical Association in 1999. Datuk Oon Phaik Choo had worked then to develop traditional Chinese medicine in Malaysia and spearheaded the build of the association’s building.
He’d also been notably active in several associations yet remained focused work pertaining to education and charity, such as funding underprivileged students, building schools and repairing roads. This later earned him the title of “Datuk” by the Head of State of Penang in July 1995.
Kee Loong added that his father had happily celebrated his birthday in July in Bangkok, Thailand with his family and staff. However, two weeks ago, he was reportedly admitted to the hospital after a nasty fall.
Datuk Oon Phaik Choo will be buried on Monday (28th August) in Nirvana Memorial Park in Penang. His son, Kee Loong has sworn to uphold his father’s and grandfather’s legacy. We offer our sincere condolences to Datuk Oon Phaik Choo’s family and those who knew him.
Sources: China Press, Oriental Daily, Facebook
