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Join Ngee Teck Huat, the vibrant vegetable farmer Pua Chon Teck, in an exciting experience. Prepare for a captivating adventure as we delve into the fascinating world of vegetable farming! Discover the bustling network of workers, the multitude of vegetable varieties, and the tireless dedication of Mr Pua and his team. From contract farming to international logistics, this is a journey you won’t want to miss! Get ready to be entertained and enlightened by the remarkable story of Ngee Teck Huat, the unsung hero of Singapore’s vegetable market.
Meet Mr Pua, the driving force behind Ngee Teck Huat, one of the largest vegetable suppliers serving Singapore’s markets today. Mr Pua has spent nearly three decades growing and supplying vegetables, and his passion for the work remains undiminished. “I’ve never complained about being tired,” he says. “I really enjoy it.” Even on public holidays like Labour Day or Hari Raya, he insists on working—asking his team to leave certain tasks for him just so he can keep moving. For Mr Pua, farming isn’t just a job—it’s his way of life and his form of exercise.
His journey began at just 19 years old, when he and his brother decided to strike out on their own after finishing school. With their father focused on wholesale vegetable trading and not directly involved in guiding them, the brothers took the initiative to reserve their own plot of land. While his older brother helped register the business, it was Mr Pua—with strong support from his mother—who eventually took the reins. Starting with a $20,000 loan from Shun Feng to purchase farming nets, he built up the business from scratch.
Today, Ngee Teck Huat produces an astonishing volume of fresh produce—over 15,000 to 20,000 kilograms of vegetables daily, with 90% bound for Singapore. They grow over 100 varieties of vegetables, including top sellers like xiaobaicai, kangkong, bayam, and ongcai. The farm supplies major retailers like NTUC, Sheng Siong, Hao Mart, Umart, and Baimei, and maintains a tight logistics operation to ensure freshness.
A hands-on leader, Mr Pua starts his day early by visiting the farms, checking crop quality, and distributing fertilisers weekly. With over 100 workers from Nepal, Indonesia, and Bangladesh, many of whom have worked with him for years, he believes in giving them ownership through contract farming to boost motivation. Unlike others who buy and resell, Mr Pua’s edge lies in growing his own vegetables—something he takes great pride in, every single day.
Jackie Neo is a licensed tourist guide based in Singapore, active in the profession since 1996. As a long-time volunteer with My Community, Jackie is a familiar face at many events, especially as a guide for the My Boon Keng and My Clementi tours.
Jackie’s extensive guiding experience enriches every tour he leads, offering participants meaningful insights into the history and culture of Singapore’s neighbourhoods. He is known for his warm presence in the community—jovial, friendly, and always eager to engage with participants.
His long-standing involvement reflects a genuine commitment to sharing Singapore’s everyday heritage with heart and humour.
Lim Xin Yi has been an active volunteer with My Community since 2022, contributing primarily to its cultural mapping projects. As a key member of the mapping team, Xin Yi helps document neighbourhood stories through resident interviews, walks, and observations.
In addition to her work with My Community, Xin Yi is an avid volunteer across various civil society initiatives, reflecting a strong commitment to community service and public engagement.
Her contributions support My Community’s mission to preserve and share Singapore’s everyday histories in Queenstown through genuine befriending efforts and oral history campaigns.
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