Yuen Tong Hong — 遠東行

A Legacy Since 1962. Trusted Through Generations.

Established in March 1962, Yuen Tong Hong Hardware has a history shaped by Singapore's traditional hardware trade, the people who built the business, and generations of practical knowledge.

Archival photograph

The original 遠東行 signboard, kept as part of our history.

This is the signboard from the business's earlier years. Yuen Tong Hong's current identity is the circular 遠東行 logo shown on this page and in our header.

Our history

Our history in Singapore

Yuen Tong Hong Hardware was established in March 1962 by Ng Kai Tong, an immigrant from China. The business was part of a trade union comprising hardware merchants dealing in iron and brassware for the carpentry, building and engineering industries.

In 1975, the business moved to Victoria Street. It later relocated to Veerasamy Road to make way for the development of Bugis Junction.

Ng Kai Tong's son, Ng Kah Weng, subsequently ran the business until his passing in late 2016.

Milestones

March 1962
Yuen Tong Hong was established.
1975
The business moved to Victoria Street.
Later relocation
The business moved to Veerasamy Road to make way for the Bugis Junction development.
Until late 2016
Ng Kah Weng ran the business until his passing.

A Shop Through the Years

From its earlier shopfront to its changing locations in Singapore, Yuen Tong Hong's story is connected to the everyday hardware trade — the products, practical knowledge and customer needs that shaped the business.

A glimpse of Yuen Tong Hong Hardware in its earlier days.

Historical photograph of the Yuen Tong Hong Hardware shopfront with its 遠東行銅鉄 signage — A glimpse of Yuen Tong Hong Hardware in its earlier days.

Part of a Wider Trade Heritage

Traditional hardware shops have long served the needs of carpentry, building, engineering and everyday repairs. Their value lies not only in the products on their shelves, but also in the experience and knowledge developed through the trade.

An archival photograph reflecting the people and community of an earlier era.

Archival photograph of a group gathered outside a traditional building bearing a 遠東行 banner — An archival photograph reflecting the people and community of an earlier era.

Preserving the Record

Old signboards, photographs and business cards are tangible reminders of how a business and its surrounding trade have evolved. These archival pieces help us recognise the people and history behind the Yuen Tong Hong name.

The original 遠東行 signboard — an enduring symbol of Yuen Tong Hong's heritage.

The original 遠東行 signboard, white brush calligraphy on a deep red field — The original 遠東行 signboard — an enduring symbol of Yuen Tong Hong's heritage.

An original business card preserving a piece of Yuen Tong Hong's history.

Original Yuen Tong Hong business card with traditional Chinese calligraphy and English trade details — An original business card preserving a piece of Yuen Tong Hong's history.

The address and telephone number printed on the business card are historical. Please use the store information page for current contact details.

Yuen Tong Hong today

Owned by Guadua

Honouring the Past, Serving the Future

Yuen Tong Hong is now owned by Guadua. While ownership has changed, we recognise the contribution of the founding family and the knowledge built over decades.

Our intention is to honour the business's origins and help preserve traditional hardware and locksmithing knowledge — trades whose skills and stories deserve to remain visible and valued.

As we bring the catalogue online, we aim to make it easier for homeowners, handymen and contractors to enquire about hardware and practical solutions, while continuing to respect the heritage behind the name.

In the press

Celebrating Yuen Tong Hong: Guardian of Vanishing Crafts

By Offbeat Singapore

The feature looks at the partnership between Yuen Tong Hong and Offbeat Singapore's Vanishing Craftsmen tour, which has brought visitors into the shop since 2021. It reflects on what the shop and its neighbourhood in Jalan Besar meant to the people who passed through, and on the practical knowledge behind traditional hardware, keys and locks — the kind of craft knowledge that is steadily becoming harder to find.

Read the full story

An independent article published by Offbeat Singapore, linked here for reference.

Browse our catalogue

Pricing and availability are confirmed on enquiry.