讀後心得

The Bao Qian Chang Ginseng and Medicinal Herbs Store in San Francisco's Chinatown ended its over 60-year history after the passing of its founders, Zhong Bei Qian and his wife Zhong Lin Bao Yu. As a pioneer in the Chinese medicine industry in the United States, this family business witnessed the struggles of Chinese immigrants. Bao Qian Chang was established in 1959, introducing Korean ginseng to the United States for the first time and innovatively representing Tiger Balm and other traditional Chinese medicines, becoming an important hub for the distribution of herbal medicine. The couple adhered to honest business practices, earning the trust of the community and enthusiastically supporting charitable causes. It closed only in 2017, leaving behind a touching business legacy.

Located in San Francisco's Chinatown, the landmark store Wah Kiu Hong Kong Herbal Medicine Co. officially ended its over 60-year history after the passing of its founders, Chung Pak Kien and his wife, Chung Lin Po Yook. This family business was not only a pioneer in the Chinese medicine industry in the United States but also witnessed the struggles of a generation of Chinese immigrants.

Founded in 1959, Wah Kiu initially operated as a grocery and ginseng herbal medicine store, becoming the first agent to introduce Korean ginseng to the United States, maintaining an exclusive partnership with the Korean government for several decades. The company also pioneered the agency of Tiger Balm and has maintained a partnership with Kyoto's Nin Jiom for over 50 years concerning Chuanbei Loquat Syrup, establishing its core position in the distribution of traditional Chinese medicine.

In the 1970s, Wah Kiu took the lead in Wisconsin, establishing a direct sourcing system for American ginseng, helping the state become a premium American ginseng production area, and bridging trade between Hong Kong and Wisconsin herbal farmers, establishing connections with several well-known Asian suppliers. As a pioneer in the American herbal medicine industry, Wah Kiu gained a reputation for selling high-quality authentic American ginseng.

By the late 1970s, Wah Kiu took advantage of the opportunities presented by the opening of China-U.S. trade, importing popular traditional Chinese medicine and herbs on a large scale, paving the way for the development of traditional Chinese medicine in the United States, benefiting Chinese communities and the mainstream market across the country. This symbolized the spirit of integrity in business in Chinatown. Chung Pak Kien and his wife consistently adhered to the principles of honesty, following the business philosophy of "fair prices, fair dealings," earning the trust and affection of local residents.

While working hard to raise their children, they diligently managed Wah Kiu Hong Kong Herbal Medicine Store until the business closed in 2017. Their entrepreneurial journey not only fulfilled the American dream but also became a model of business ethics in Chinatown, praised as "a legend of Chinatown written over a lifetime." Chung Pak Kien and Chung Lin Po Yook were married at the Old St. Mary’s Cathedral, where they maintained a devout faith and continued to engage in the local community until they were unable to attend mass.

Chung Lin Po Yook was an outstanding businesswoman and dutiful family member who worked hard to pass on family values to her relatives, especially her children. While their business thrived, the couple never forgot to give back to society, serving as important pillars in the San Francisco Chinatown community, contributing their time and money to various causes. They supported charitable and educational efforts in Chinatown for many years, including institutions like Tung Wah Hospital, St. Mary’s Chinese School, and St. Mary’s Chinese Day School, actively giving back to society and benefiting the Chinese community.