ASIA Records is proud to officially recognise Malaysia Tea Association (MyTA) for achieving:
First National Tea Trade Association Founded by Tea Merchant Companies from Multiple States, with the Most Retained Under Their Original Trading Names Since Inception
(60 founding firms from 5 states enrolled 1955–1956; 16 remain in membership for 70 years as of October 2026)
This recognition highlights MyTA’s achievement in sustaining a 70-year tea trade association legacy, originally established with 60 founding firms from five states, including 16 longstanding members that have maintained their original trading names since the association’s early years.
Building a Tea Trade Legacy Across Seven Decades
Malaysia Tea Association traces its beginnings to 1955, when tea merchants came together to establish a collective organisation to represent their business interests and address challenges facing the industry.
The association was formally established in 1956 with 60 founding firms representing five states, laying the foundation for a national tea trade network built around cooperation, industry representation and commercial development.
Over seven decades, MyTA has continued to serve Malaysia’s tea trading community while maintaining its historical connection to the country’s traditional tea merchant businesses.
Maintaining 16 Original Trading Names Since Inception
One of MyTA’s most distinctive achievements is the continued membership of 16 founding-era tea merchant businesses operating under their original trading names, demonstrating exceptional continuity within Malaysia’s traditional tea industry.
These businesses represent generations of commercial heritage, with trading identities that have remained associated with the organisation throughout its 70-year history.
Their continued membership reflects the importance of preserving established business relationships and traditional trading identities, forming the measurable basis for MyTA’s ASIA Records recognition.
Connecting Tea Industry Development with Cultural Preservation
Beyond its role in industry representation, MyTA has contributed to the promotion of traditional tea culture, commercial cooperation and knowledge sharing among Malaysian tea merchants.
Through tea exhibitions, trade-related activities and cultural initiatives, the association has helped connect traditional tea businesses with changing consumer preferences and developments in the wider tea industry.
The ASIA Records recognition acknowledges MyTA’s historical significance, longstanding membership continuity and ongoing efforts to preserve Malaysia’s tea trading heritage while supporting future industry development.
A Milestone Moment of Recognition
ASIA Records recognition was officially presented on 25 October 2026 at Thean Hou Temple, Malaysia, marking an important occasion in celebrating the association’s 70-year history and continued contribution to Malaysia’s tea trading community.
The recognition was received on stage by Tan Kee Hock, President of Malaysia Tea Association (MyTA), and Kok Pui Leng, Secretary General of Malaysia Tea Association (MyTA), representing the association’s leadership, founding-era member firms and successive generations of tea merchants whose contributions have supported its longstanding legacy.
Voices of Leadership
Reflecting on the milestone, Tan Kee Hock, President of Malaysia Tea Association (MyTA), shared:
“Receiving ASIA Records recognition is a proud moment for the Malaysia Tea Association and every generation of tea merchants who have been part of our history.
Our association was built on the spirit of cooperation, shared responsibility and a commitment to strengthening the tea trade. Seeing 16 longstanding members continue under their original trading names after 70 years reminds us of the importance of preserving our roots while embracing future opportunities. We remain committed to supporting our members and celebrating Malaysia’s rich tea heritage for generations to come.”
About Malaysia Tea Association (MyTA)
Malaysia Tea Association (MyTA) is a longstanding Malaysian tea trade organisation whose origins date back to 1955, when local tea merchants initiated efforts to establish an association representing their collective business interests.
Formally registered in 1956, the association was originally known as the Tea Merchants’ Association, Federation of Malaya, later adopting a name reflecting its national role in Malaysia’s tea industry.
MyTA supports the tea trading community through industry representation, business cooperation, knowledge sharing, tea-related exhibitions and cultural promotion activities.
With 70 years of history as of 2026, the organisation continues to maintain connections between traditional tea merchant businesses and the wider tea industry, preserving commercial heritage while encouraging the appreciation and development of tea culture in Malaysia.
For more information, visit:
https://www.tea.org.my/
