Street Talk:Yeung Siu-lung
If you’re looking for flowers this Chinese New Year, pay a visit to the “Orchid King” Yeung Siu-lung, the biggest orchid grower in the city. He talks to Emily Wu about his battle to rule the botanical world.
HK Magazine: How did you get into the orchid business?
Yeung Siu-lung: I used to work in the fish wholesaling industry, but in 1997, a relative of mine came to Hong Kong and brought me to a greenhouse owned by a Japanese guy. I was totally amazed by the magnificent orchids there. Then in 1998, the Japanese guy asked if I would like to set foot in the field. I traveled all over Taiwan to learn about the best ways of growing orchids. I devoted myself to it completely, and then in 2000, I set up my own company, Chiba Garden.
HK: Why orchids and not other flowers?
YSL: There’s an unlimited variety of orchids. New species can be bred each year, and each one comes with distinct characteristics. Take this distinctive one called “Princess Andrew,” it gives a pleasant smell at 11 in the morning when it absorbs enough sunlight.
HK: How did your family respond when they found out you were going into the orchid-growing business?
YSL: My family all scolded me and said that I was an anthomaniac [one who is obsessed with flowers]. They saw less and less of me as I spent entire days in the garden or the greenhouse. Now, they have all become anthomaniacs too!
HK: You said that your path to becoming the “Orchid King” has been tough. Can you tell us more about that?
YSL: Two years ago, people were celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival by setting off fireworks in an adjacent village. Some of the fireworks landed on our greenhouse and it burnt down—even the seedlings were damaged. I stayed positive by thinking of the Chinese proverb: “fire burns where it is prosperous.” In 2005, my orchids had blossomed beautifully, but almost all of them were ruined by Typhoon Pearl. The losses amounted to $25 million, but the compensation we got from the government was only $20,000.
HK: There are a lot of places named “Chiba Garden” on the market. Are they all yours?
YSL: There was a guy who told me that he was interested in my business, who asked if he could use the name as part of a franchise. I told him that he could, if he had the money, but he said he couldn’t afford it. Later, he named his company “The Japan Chiba Garden Ltd.”, which is obviously not under my ownership. Over the years, some of those who have worked in my company set up their own “Chiba Garden.” All of them are counterfeits.
HK: What are your sales predictions for Chinese New Year?
YSL: Due to the cold weather in Hong Kong this year, around 10 to 20 percent of the orchids may not blossom in time for Chinese New Year. This means that the price will go up by around 40 percent. Also, the appreciation of the renminbi has pushed up the cost of the fertilizers and other equipment.