Malaysian immigrant builds life as a baker in Kinmen
Growing up in Malaysia, Soh Jia Seng moved to Kinmen in 2014 for university. After graduating, he opened a bakery with his wife, Hung Yu-ting. All their bread is made fresh daily using minimal oil, salt and sugar for a healthier option. With the help of startup resources for young business owners, the small shop quickly gained a reputation and became a famous bakery in Houpu 16 Creative Park.
This is the Houpu 16 Creative Park in Jincheng Township. Here amid traditional Minnan architecture, you’ll find many young entrepreneurs trying to make a start. One among them, Soh Jia Seng is making fresh bread to be sold that day.
Soh Jia Seng
Entrepreneur
Normally we start at 6 a.m., but if there is a special order we will start around 4. One time we made almost 700 salted butter rolls in one day. That was a record.
Soh’s wife Hung Yu-ting is excellent at developing creative ideas and understanding what their customers want. The pair make bread fresh daily, using less oil, salt and sugar and without additives so that their customers can eat baked goods that are both healthy and delicious.
Hung Yu-ting
Entrepreneur
My favorite is our caterpillar cream bread. Other stores’ caterpillar breads always have a lot of glazing on top. My stomach actually can’t handle a lot of bread, but I really like it! My husband makes it without the glaze, and he adjusted the cream filling so that it’s healthier.
Soh began by making cinnamon rolls. His parents-in-law loved them and encouraged him to open a bakery. After three years of hard work, the shop really started to succeed. After more and more customers became regulars, Soh felt a deep sense of accomplishment.
Soh Jia Seng
Entrepreneur
Today he bought a salted butter roll, and I know I will see him tomorrow, the day after tomorrow, and the day after that. That’s what makes me the happiest.
After graduating high school, Soh wanted to study abroad, so he came to Kinmen for university. Ten years later, with a wife and child as a part of his life, Kinmen is like his hometown.
Soh Jia Seng
Entrepreneur
I like the slower pace of life here. Even though I’m really busy, I like this kind of environment. It makes people feel relaxed whenever they have time off.
The storefront of an old building was the start of their bakery, which soon became a place where magic happens. The occasional delivery changes their working style, and when they’re tired, they can visit the beach at any time.
Soh Jia Seng
Entrepreneur
I really want to open a bakery and coffee shop. So, as I gain experience running this first shop, I’m always thinking about opening an even bigger one. I can start with my own breads and sandwiches and then add a drink menu. Customers can enjoy a snack and beverage in the cafe or take it to go.
From Malaysia to Kinmen, Soh is forging his own path in life, constantly moving forward.
This story was provided by the program "We Are Family"
Funded by New Immigrant Development Fund
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2024-06-10