Hup Lee Fried Bee Hoon founder dies of heart failure at 51 after 2-year ALS battle

SINGAPORE: Tan Boon Hai, the visionary behind the economic bee hoon chain Hup Lee (合利经济米粉), sadly departed at the age of 51 last Thursday (2 May).

His passing was attributed to heart failure, occurring two years subsequent to his diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), as reported by Singapore’s Chinese media Shin Min Daily News.

Mr Tan’s 50-year-old wife, Wong Suling, shared with the press at Mr Tan’s wake in Choa Chu Kang that his journey in the food and beverage (F&B) industry began at his parents’ modest economic bee hoon stall in Yishun.

Forward-thinking during serving NS

From a young age, Mr Tan and his elder brother diligently assisted at their parents’ stall.

With only secondary school qualifications, Tan earnestly charted his future during his National Service (NS) at 18 years old, recognizing his talent in frying bee hoon.

He meticulously documented his entrepreneurial ambitions and strategies in his journal.

Upon completing NS, he boldly launched his first outlet in Woodlands.

Over the subsequent years, Mr Tan expanded his enterprise, establishing three additional stores across different locales and even inaugurating a factory to produce chilli sauce and marinades for distribution to his burgeoning network of outlets.

Once satisfied with the production capacity, Mr Tan further bolstered his ventures by enlisting the support of family and friends.

By the early 2000s, Hup Lee’s growth surged, with an impressive tally of 90 stalls launched within a decade.

Following the upheaval of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent vaccination, Mr Tan fervently re-immersed himself in his work, as noted by Ms Wong.

Shocking ALS diagnosis

However, in February 2022, Mr Tan encountered an unexpected hurdle when he noticed weakness in his left hand.

Despite consulting with six medical professionals, it wasn’t until later that he received the disheartening diagnosis of ALS.

Ms Wong underscored Mr Tan’s prioritization of health during his lifetime, citing his daily running routine and dietary moderation.

Consequently, the diagnosis came as a profound shock.