By SGN | 19 Jan 2021
Whether you’ve got a blocked nose, an itchy mosquito bite or you’re having the runs, mom’s got you covered (quite literally) with her arsenal of medicated oils and balms. Chop Wah On, Lotus Leaf Brand and Three Star Brand are quintessential in the medicine cabinets of most Asian households – and even till today, remains as one of the first few things we gravitate towards whenever we feel nauseous, sick, or just want a sniff of nostalgia.
Heritage brands like these medicated oils and balms have been around for generations and are trusted in most Asian families around the world to provide care, healing, and comfort. Today, these once unique to Asia brands have increased their reach on a global scale with the use of digital and e-commerce platforms.
If you’ve ever travelled or lived abroad, you’d be happy to know that you can readily purchase traditional oils and balms at online marketplaces. Throwback just a decade ago, these oils and balms are nearly as scarce as the number bottles of kaya and sauce packets that we’d pack in our luggage.
Expanding Eastern Remedies to the West
Three Star Brand underwent a major restructuring in 2017 – during which, the owners realised a shift in shopping behaviour from offline to online. Business Development Director Tan Yu Chuan shared that this led to the heritage brand’s decision to partner with e-commerce platforms such as Shopee, Lazada and most recently Amazon, which they say, have significantly increased their reach. They have also implemented a 360-marketing approach which includes livestreams, key opinion leader engagements and digital marketing initiatives.
“We’ve also tapped on Enterprise Singapore grants such as the Market Readiness Assistance (MRA), which have greatly supported our entry into new overseas markets, and the E-Commerce Booster Package to expand our local reach,” Yu Chuan says. The heritage brand is also looking at opportunities to tap into new overseas market through the Multichannel E-Commerce Platform (MEP) Programme and the Enterprise Development Grant (EDG).
In the past, brands often relied on the power of word of mouth to carve a name for themselves. However, Miss Lim Pei Yi, second-generation owner of Lotus Leaf Brand echoes that such methods are long lost in history. “Technology is all around us now. We realised that people are very digitally savvy, even the older generations are learning basic technology. In order to get more exposure for our products, we cannot just rely on word of mouth,” she says.
This realisation to set the business on an online track was brought on amidst Singapore’s COVID-19 circuit breaker, which saw retail businesses halting operations. To create a stronger online presence, Lotus Leaf Brand has concentrated efforts to increase their online presence on social media platforms and e-commerce sites, on top of applying for digital payments via their business bank account.
Tong Kok Wing, Director of Chop Wah On and also the grandson of its founder, Tong Chee Leong, tells us that the traditional brand is actively working with various courier services to deliver products in Singapore and across the globe. The third-generation family busines is also in the process of developing their very own e-commerce website, which is set to launch by the end of the year – and Kok Wing is hopeful that this will help them connect with more customers.
“We are also present on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram, where we share about our products, brand updates and stories about our shop,” Kok Wing says. One such story dates back to the 1950s and tells of the shop’s beloved pet tiger cub, Margaret, who was kept at their flagship shop in Chinatown – talk about nostalgic!
A City-Dweller’s Day to Night Routine with Our Heritage Brands
Good morning! There’s nothing like starting your morning with a little perk me up courtesy of Three Star Brand Aroma Med Oil – we recommend the Lemon or Grapefruit scent to uplift your mood before you go on to tackle the day!
Getting your daily dose of exercise can help keep us fit and healthy. Before you head off for a morning jog around the nearby park, protect yourself from the mozzies with Lotus Leaf Brand Roll-On Mosquito Repellent!
Muscle and joint aches after a workout can leave us feeling sluggish the whole day. Soothe those aching muscles while on the go with Three Star Brand Medicated Oil, Three Star Brand Herbal Medicated Patch or Lotus Leaf Brand Gold Lion Rheumatic Oil. Now you can go off for that meeting feeling 10/10!
Feeling unwell could hinder you from living your day – Chop Wah On’s Shake Hand Brand Eucalyptus Embrocation relieves common cold symptoms, insect bites and stings. If you’ve got a little tummy trouble, reach out for Wah On Nutmeg Embrocation which relieves stomach wind and cramps!
P.S. Please practice social responsibility by visiting a doctor if you have common cold symptoms!
Relaxing after a long day is a must for us city-dwellers. Did you know that Chop Oh Wan carries its own skincare series as well? Pamper yourself with the Shake Hand Brand Miracle CrocOil Facial Sheet Mask that is said to help one improve their complexion and skin texture!
Your hair is what you wear on the daily. Keep them healthy with Lotus Leaf Brand Hair Oil which is formulated to improve hair growth and prevent itchiness and hair fall!
In every Asian household, there’s nothing that traditional balms and ointments can’t fix. Even as digital adoption skyrockets and transforms the way we work and live, these traditional brands continue to evolve their product offerings and keep their hearts centred on the preservation of our deep-rooted culture. What’s your family’s go-to balm and ointment?
