Dreams of oil tycoonery might begin right here at Cheun Wan Tsui. Let’s explore a tale of ambition and transformation. This is a story rooted in the heart of Hong Kong’s industrial past.
Cheun Wan Tsui offers more than meets the eye. It’s a place linked to the rise of industry. This place whispers tales of families like the Hos and their partnership with Caltex.
Time to journey back to a Hong Kong striving for growth. The Ho family of Tsuen Wan, native to Ham Tin village played a key role. Ho Chuen-yiu a Wah Yan College graduate started with Texaco before the war. His English skills proved very helpful. Texaco later became Caltex.
In 1929, Texaco acquired a large plot in Tsuen Wan to build an oil depot. The depot commenced operations around 1936. As a result, the road next to it was fittingly named Texaco Road.
After the war, Ho Chuen-yiu started his own business. His company Yiu Kee Hong became the main agent for Caltex products in the New Territories in 1948. He even opened a general store Kung Ping Emporium. Ho became a community leader serving on multiple boards.
The Caltex agency became very lucrative attracting criminals. In 1950, Ho Chuen-yiu and his son were abducted. They managed to escape during a police checkpoint encounter in Kwai Chung. Ho received extortion letters but remained resilient. He became chairman of the Tsuen Wan Rural Committee.
Yiu Kee Hong prospered as kerosene was popular. In 1959 Yiu Kee Hong opened its first Caltex gas station. By 1965, Caltex Asia had numerous gas and kerosene stations.
Ho Chuen-yiu invested in ventures such as Wang Wah Investment Co. He also invested in Chuen Yiu and Co Ltd. He died in 1970 and his son Ho Tsz-ping succeeded him.
In the 1970s and 80s Caltex continued to grow. By 1985 it was doing considerable business. In 1984, Caltex relocated its oil depot from Tsuen Wan to Tsing Yi. The original site was redeveloped into Riviera Gardens.
Ho Tsz-ping continued his father’s community service. He helped build the Tsuen Wan Public Ho Chuen Yiu Memorial College.
The third generation of Hos expanded the Caltex partnership into southern China. They established Langton Investment distributing Caltex products. Caltex Langton partnered with local governments.
In 1983, they formed Skillworld Investments to construct oil depots in Shenzhen. This expanded the distribution network in the Pearl River Delta. In 1997, it was renamed Caltex South China Investments Ltd.
Today Cheun Wan Tsui reminds us of Hong Kong’s transformation. From fishing villages to industrial hubs, families like the Hos helped shape its destiny. Their legacy fuels the city’s continued progress.