ASEAN 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 celebrates MyTA’s 70-year legacy in Malaysia’s tea industry, bringing together 60 founding tea merchant firms from five states and maintaining the membership of 16 businesses under their original trading names since the association’s early years.
Establishing a National Tea Trade Association Since 1956
The origins of Malaysia Tea Association date back to 1955, when a group of tea merchants initiated efforts to establish an organisation representing the interests of the tea trade in Malaya.
Formally established in 1956, the association brought together 60 founding firms from five states, creating a platform for tea merchants to address common industry challenges, strengthen business cooperation and support the development of the tea trade.
Over the following decades, MyTA developed into an established industry organisation, representing the interests of tea businesses while witnessing Malaysia’s transformation from the pre-independence era to the present day.
Preserving 70 Years of Tea Merchant Heritage
A defining aspect of MyTA’s achievement is the continued membership of 16 founding-era tea merchant firms under their original trading names, reflecting remarkable business continuity across seven decades.
These longstanding members represent an important part of Malaysia’s tea trading heritage, preserving business identities that have remained connected to the association since its establishment.
Their continued participation highlights the enduring relationships between traditional tea merchants and MyTA, forming a significant part of the association’s ASEAN Records recognition.
Supporting Malaysia’s Tea Trade and Cultural Heritage
Throughout its history, MyTA has worked to protect the interests of tea merchants, encourage industry cooperation and promote Malaysia’s tea-drinking culture.
Its activities have included industry engagement, tea exhibitions, cultural promotion and initiatives supporting the appreciation of traditional tea varieties and local tea traditions.
The ASEAN Records recognition acknowledges MyTA’s founding history, longstanding membership continuity and contribution to preserving Malaysia’s tea trade heritage for future generations.
A Milestone Moment of Recognition
ASEAN Records recognition was officially presented on 25 October 2026 at Thean Hou Temple Malaysia, celebrating the association’s longstanding contribution to Malaysia’s tea industry and its 70-year heritage.
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 member companies and longstanding tea merchants whose collective contributions have supported its development and continuity over seven decades.
Voices of Leadership
Reflecting on the achievement, Tan Kee Hock, President of Malaysia Tea Association (MyTA), shared:
“This ASEAN Records recognition is a meaningful milestone for the Malaysia Tea Association and reflects the dedication of generations of tea merchants who have contributed to our industry’s development.
From 60 founding firms to the continued membership of 16 businesses under their original trading names, our 70-year journey represents more than business continuity. It reflects the trust, relationships and traditions that have been preserved across generations. We hope to continue strengthening Malaysia’s tea industry while passing this valuable heritage to future generations.”
About Malaysia Tea Association (MyTA)
Malaysia Tea Association (MyTA) is a Malaysian tea trade organisation with origins dating back to 1955, when local tea merchants initiated its formation to represent and support businesses operating in the tea industry.
Formally registered in 1956 as the Tea Merchants’ Association, Federation of Malaya, the organisation brought together tea merchants to protect their common interests, encourage business cooperation and support the development of the national tea trade.
Over the decades, MyTA has contributed to the promotion of tea culture through industry activities, exhibitions, knowledge sharing and engagement with tea businesses and relevant organisations.
With a heritage spanning 70 years as of 2026, the association continues to represent Malaysia’s tea trading community while promoting industry development, cultural appreciation and the preservation of traditional tea merchant identities.
For more information, visit:
https://www.tea.org.my/
