Written by: Glenda Wee
“My business speaks for itself. Every piece of work tells its own story, because it’s handmade with purpose and passion,” said Miss Thia, regarding the survival of her 78-year-old business. However, her success did not come by without numerous trials and hard work.
Before the trendy bars and modern shops appeared, the Joo Chiat district was known for its traditional shops that held rich culture and heritage. Despite the changing times, some of these shops have managed to survive since the early 40s, one of them being Teong Theng Co.
Who are they?
Established in 1945, Teong Theng Co has withstood the test of time, being one of the rare few handmade rattan furniture shops left standing in Singapore. They sell almost all types of rattan products, from the iconic rattan swings, rocking chairs, seashell chairs and many more, that are now in scarce supply. With help from her siblings, this family business is currently run by 76-year-old Miss Thia Ah Buay, the owner and managing director of Teong Theng Co. Customers are immediately greeted by a nostalgic woody scent, and an old school charm, when they step into this quaint little shop. “I’ve never considered expanding this business. I’m already more than content for it to be surviving till this day,” said Miss Thia.
Miss Thia’s Journey to Rattan
Miss Thia has been in the business for over 50-years, but there is more to her story than just this furniture shop. As a teenager, her passion lied in the medical field, where she hoped to help improve the lives of others. At 20-years-old, she became a nurse at Singapore General Hospital, but familial responsibilities soon cut this dream short when her father, the founder of Teong Theng Co, decided that it was time to pass the business down to her. “When it comes to family, you have to do it, whether you like it or not,” said Miss Thia. “Family always comes first.”
Still, this career switch uncovered unexpected interests in Miss Thia. “I learnt how to appreciate rattan craft, and I eventually fell in love with it,” said Miss Thia. “Handmade items truly come from the makers’ heart and soul. Each chair is a piece of art. They are made with the customers in mind, and are carefully designed to outline the human form comfortably.”
Surviving Through Changing Times
The construction of rattan furniture first started in the 1840s, and is now considered a rare age-old craft in Singapore. Rattan is a long-stemmed vine that looks like bamboo. Its strong and flexible material, makes it ideal to be weaved into furniture that is durable, lightweight, and cooling. “We always make sure to get good quality, solid rattan, so that it can last for generations!” said Miss Thia. “Actually, rattan gives you a long life, its natural gloss is good for your skin.”
With every high comes a low, like all things in life, and the business was no exception. Some years back, the demand for handmade rattan products drastically fell, due to it being replaced by plastic and rubber, and the invention of modern machinery. “The younger generation don’t appreciate rattan craft as much anymore,” said Miss Thia. It was a period of struggle to make ends meet, however, she took multiple measures to ensure the survival of her business, like keeping up with trends and fulfilling custom orders. “I can do anything they ask for. I’ve made custom bedframes, sofa sets, lamps and more,” said Miss Thia. She also took it upon herself to learn English, since not all her customers were Chinese-speaking.
In the recent years, rattan furniture has been growing in popularity again, with many young Singaporeans buying it as a feature piece to add a vintage touch in their modern homes. “That’s how doing business is like, the demand will rise and fall. It’s not easy, but I have loyal customers who’ll always come back to buy,” said Miss Thia.
Rattan’s Irreplaceable Charm
38-year-old, Grace Teo, has been buying from Teong Theng Co for 10 years now. “It makes me reminiscent of the good old days, when I would visit my grandparents as a child. I remember some rattan chairs leaving marks on my fleshy self, being a chubby kid,” said Grace. “These nostalgic feelings I get from rattan furniture is so precious and invaluable. It’s more than a piece of furniture, it’s memories.”
The crafting of intricate and charming furniture by hand from rattan, is now seen as more of an artwork than a commodity, with its mesmerising old world charm and nostalgic value. It is important to preserve such traditional crafts as they help us to understand the significance of our history, which make up who we are today. “I hope that the new generations to come, will learn to appreciate the heart and meaning put into the rattan craft,” said Miss Thia. It is hard to miss the heaps of rattan furniture in this shop along Joo Chiat street, artfully breathing a sense of old school charm into the neighbourhood. Do we really want to allow this gem to go extinct?
