BRAND LEGEND 150 YEAR CENTURION
Dato Seri Anne Eu, Chairman of Eu Yan Sang Malaysia
Going Beyond Glory
Having reached the pinnacle of one mountain after another, has not deterred Dato Seri Anne Eu, Chairman of Eu Yan Sang Malaysia from seeking yet another cloud of glory for the legendary 145-year brand
By Yvonne Yoong
Quote: “Keep going beyond glory.” – Dato Seri Anne Eu, Chairman of Eu Yan Sang Malaysia
“有國鶴廣東 經義在其中 傳家守正道 立志可成功”
Just how many brands can lay claim to a heritage of excellence spanning 145 years with the ability to adapt to today’s ever-changing and fickle landscape? Indisputably legendary “Eu Yan Sang, (with) 145 years of caring since 1879” takes home the inaugural Brand Legend Awards (BLA) under the Brand Legend 150- Year Centurion category by the Branding Association of Malaysia (BAM) for its legacy of excellence springing from the values espoused by its founding forefathers.
In receiving the award, Dato Seri Anne Eu, Chairman of Eu Yan Sang Malaysia reflects on how over a century of excellence in adding value to the community serves as a reminder to “always go beyond – (and) just not (aim for) mere success.”
“We are incredibly honoured to receive the award, especially as we mark a significant milestone with Eu Yan Sang’s 145th anniversary. This recognition underscores our long-standing commitment to quality and innovation in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TMC). It also serves as a reminder that we’ve always strived to go beyond mere success — going beyond glory by continuously evolving and setting higher standards,” she said.
This award she added, further enhances the brand’s reputation while opening new doors for it to grow in the integrative health and wellness space.
Elaborating further, she shared on how important it is to “keep going beyond glory”.
“We have to continuously evolve by setting higher standards. Today, we are here, and in the next two years, we are really up there. It’s just like the
iPhone, having evolved from iPhone 1 to iPhone16, so the next generation of iPhones keep coming. This is how we would like Eu Yan Sang to evolve in this way too,” said the sprightly Asia Queen of TCM.
Qualifying that while the homegrown brand may not be as phenomenal as the iPhone, this rough blueprint of remaining relevant is how she would like to chart EuYan Sang’s course in generations to come.
Certainly not being unaccustomed to winning an avalanche of awards, she is nevertheless aware that the inaugural BLA will not only enhance Eu Yan Sang’s reputation but will also “open new doors for the brand to grow in the wellness field, especially in integrative healthcare.”
Wishing For The World
Admitting that since the brand is already at the height of its success locally, the next logical step would be to “wish for the world”.
“We would like to broaden our horizon and reach as far as possible. Now, we are going into America and going global because I also sit on the World Board of the Olive Baden Powell Society (OBPS) global charity organisation represented by 164 nations. So, I asked myself, ‘Why can’t Eu Yan Sang one day be among these 164 countries?’” she reasoned since the brand has already ventured beyond Malaysian shores – to Singapore, Hong Kong, China, Australia, America, and Taiwan.
“OBPS under the auspices of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) is all over the world, represented by 164 countries while our brand is a commercial (entity). But then, though being commercial, we also do charities in our own right,” reasoned the philantropist who intends to conquer the world!
Astutely sure-footed and committed to giving back to society, her value system is entrenched from the family motto based on good discipline passed down from her husband’s founding fathers, encapsulated in poem written by them extolling their family members to live a “very rightful life” and not do anything bad and to always “help out mankind” in order to find success.
“This (philosophy), “Caring for Mankind” resonates with us. The descendants are taught that when you care for mankind, you care for their health and happiness too,” she said.
“Communicate happiness. That is most important and beautiful,” said the free- spirited and well-travelled dynamic philanthropist who loves empowering young females in her global OBPS Board capacity for girl guides and girl scouts spanning 164 nations.
Women empowerment is important to her, and she sees the power dynamics between both genders slowly but surely, changing. Having said that, many of the country’s top businessmen are her friends of whom she touts this saying,
“I never want to walk behind you. Neither do I want to walk ahead of you. Let us walk together.”
Competing Like The Olympics
She views the Brand Legend Awards – Brand Legend 150-Year Centurion accolade as something made possible with heartfelt gratitude to its customers who have trusted Eu Yan Sang for generations, acknowledging that their loyalty is the brand’s greatest asset.
“But then again, we must not forget my dedicated ‘Team Eu Yan Sang’ – just like they have ‘Team Malaysia’ in the Olympics. ‘Team Eu Yan Sang’ is like a family to me. Their hard work and the commitment in upholding our high standards have played a very crucial role for this recognition award.”
Last but not least, she expressed her gratitude to her business partners and stakeholders for the support and belief in the brand’s mission of “promoting health and wellness to the power of TCM”.
In the same token, she believes that being a brand legend underscores its longtime commitment to quality and innovation in TCM. The ability to pivot and adapt to modern times to retain its relevance is crucial. The brand has indeed modernised traditional methods of preparing TCM with various changes to user innovations incorporating modern changes to modernise processes.
And, looking back on her life, if she could live it all over again, the irrepressible Lady of substance says she wouldn’t change a thing. “I would still choose to participate in these meaningful activities because for me, that is what gives life its true purpose”.
@Paparazzi360
The “Brand Legend Awards” pay homage to the pioneers, innovators, and pillars of our local economy. These businesses are more than just enterprises; they are institutions that have shaped industries, fostered job creation, supported local communities, and inspired generations of entrepreneurs.The theme of these awards, “Larger Than Life,” perfectly encapsulates the enduring legacy of these legendary brands. They have transcended the boundaries of mere entities, becoming institutions that have played pivotal roles in shaping our city and region.
Through their unwavering commitment to excellence, resilience in the face of challenges, and ability to adapt to ever-changing market landscapes, these businesses have cemented their place in our collective consciousness. They are the giants upon whose shoulders our local economy stands tall, and their contributions have been instrumental in weaving the vibrant tapestry of our city and region