The Shocking Story of Surrey Hills Grocer ft Pang Gek Teng | Aiken Chia

Pang Gek Teng, more affectionately known as Gek, is the founder and CEO of Surrey Hills Grocer. I first knew about her when a Chef friends of mine told me that she's been putting her money where he mouth is, investing into young culinary talent which stood out to me in a F&B industry that has nominal margins and so I wanted to find out more... and boy did I find out more. This is story of the woman behind Surrey Hills Grocer.
00:00 - Intro
01:10 - Childhood & Family
04:30 - Crying at O Level Results
05:40 - Life at SHATEC
07:05 - Not Being the Pretty Girl
09:12 - Identifying Strengths beyond the system
10:34 - 80/20 Principle
12:50 - Why Australia for Uni?
16:40 - Going into Banking
18:10 - Why did you quit banking?
20:20 - Going Solo to China for an idea
23:24 - Why my first brand failed
27:27- My second business in Australia
36:45 - The Closure of Surch
37:55 - Moving Back to SG with $362
40:39 - Moved to Tears by Dad
43:50 - Working 9 - 5 in SG
50:33 - Learning from Failure
52:44 - The Birth of Surrey Hills Grocer
56:50 - Grocer, Not Cafe
1:00:00 - Why Would An Investor Invest?
1:03:00 - Opening in Jurong
1:07:08 - The Breakthrough
1:10:34 - Surrey Hills in a Car Park?
1:18:40 - Purpose in Success
1:16:50 - What Is Success to You?
1:21:03 - Advice for Entrepreneurs
This episode was filmed on the 5th September 2023
🍔: @aikenchia | @charzheng | @gaiusgaye
💌: [e-mail]

[@aammeerruull]

I'm truly inspired by this. Thank you, Aiken, for the opportunity to highlight the struggles of local entrepreneurs. I've been running a humble bakery for four years, and at 29, I'm on the verge of giving up and considering using my degree to find a corporate job next year. This video has given me the push I needed. Thank you again; I can't express my gratitude enough!

[@AikenChiaMing]

Thank you so much for watching and for leaving this comment! I hope this video has made you feel less alone. You're brave and have something that's yours! 💙💙💙 may all good things come your way and have strength and joy for your journey!

[@alrightjudgeme]

Beautiful sharing thank you Aiken and your team for this. Continue to shine tall and bright!🎉

[@robinzhuang3865]

😊

[@robinzhuang3865]

I

[@honor9lite1337]

Yeag😮

[@yapparistory]

❤️❤️❤️ this sharing wholeheartedly, I cried while listening... I had a similar career and business experience in my 20s and was left with only SGD 5 at 31. But our Heavenly Father God sent His angels (strangers) to help me. I am now 50 and I must say that this verse is so real -- "Those who trust in the Lord will never be put to shame." (1 Peter 2:6) His miraculous blessings are indeed pure grace! Hallelujah 🙏🏻 "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." (Psalm 51:17) "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.'" (Matthew 19:26)

[@AikenChiaMing]

💙💙💙 thats amazing, thank you for watching and for sharing this!

[@Confidego]

Amen to that!

[@WLew7648]

I had lunch at Surrey Hills HV just today. Being a far eastie, I knew about Jurong but only started (& elated) going to ION. Although I do not know Gek, this story is truly amazing and encouraging. God is indeed good.

[@Hllee6428]

I wasn't able to finish the entire video...but just wondering if Gek was a Christian all along, or was she born-again at a later age?

[@Shoppahorlicks]

I worked at TANGS, and remember you and your watches. So amazing to see how God has purposed you to be the salt and light to those around you. Gifting you a spirit of courage, never giving up. ❤️

[@blamethegame]

If there’s one thing I take away from this episode, it’s the failures and stubbornness to not give up is what brought about Gek’s success. One of the most l inspiring videos! Thank you so much for sharing!

[@swegaporean]

What an amazing conversation that’s authentic, humble and hopeful. That vision of the two birds went straight to the heart - thank you both for speaking truth and hope in this space!

[@cyberwhiz]

Thank you sharing your story! I understand Gek's story as I had similar experience during my entrepreneur journey in my early 30s and was left with only $200 in my bank account and increasing family liabilities. Fortunately, I managed to see the light at the end of the tunnel and arrived at a better destination. As much as people love to celebrate success, it is even more important to embrace and share our past failures. Thank you Aiken for bringing Gek onto your show.

[@AikenChiaMing]

Thank you for sharing this! Also, very heartened to know many other entrepreneurs have overcome! 💪

[@peiningtan1143]

Gek Teng, not sure if you remember me but we went to the same primary school., we were the same batch! I am so happy for you that you started out Surrey Hills. After hearing your stories, I am so moved by your positivity! All the best in your business!

[@gekp9528]

Hello Peining, of course I do remember you & of course your mum. It was vivid memory, please connect and would love to see you all again at Surrey Hills.

[@miadelle528]

her stable childhood gives her this quiet confidence

[@JKNana]

She came a long way! Very impressed with her perseverence!! Way to go!!

[@SC-livelife]

I just wanted to say. It was a very daring move to open the outlet in arena. I was working around the area and thinking "will it works" when it opened. But when I tasted the food. I can only say it was really good and the result was just from pure hard work. I can only say the starting was slow not because of the PR or brand. It was just purely at that time a lot of us were still working from home and it takes us a while before stepping in to try. Well done and well deserved.

[@jennsg5306]

Inspiring! Looking forward to part 2 and 3 👍🏻

[@cocozo5586]

Thank you for sharing your inspiring story. I’m in my late 40s, and thinking of what’s next in life. New job or start a biz. With ur sharing, I know what to choose.. 🙏🏻♥️

[@amyxu1437]

Looking forward part 2! Really inspiring

[@belindaliew2769]

It is indeed a blessing to be able to bless. From a post posted on a FB page last year during Xmas season from a lady who needed recommendation for an affordable caterer so she could at least feed her family with the limited funds she had, during the festive season. N I saw Gek replied to extend her help to feed the family at no cost, to share the joy of Xmas. A short & sweet reply. No question asked & asked nothing in return. Gek’s journey with God & how He turned things around making adversities into positivities which Gek can share & encourage others with such a wonderful testimony. N create a ripple effect to bless others with what God is blessing her with. Can’t help but tear thinking how lovely our Heavenly Father is that He is there in our darkest moments & gone ahead of us to set our crooked path straight ❤️

[@alawong8669]

Aiken, thanks for bringing this interview to live. Truly great to hear awesome stories like this so long ones continue to believe in Him while continuing to work hard. Ms Pang’s quote resonates to my guiding life motto: The Higher We Go, The Harder We Fall The Harder We Fall, The Higher We Bounce I wish her and you continue successes.

[@ZiminZi]

I didn't know the first outlet was Jurong. I went to the website, still don't know which part of jurong. 😂 As a jurong kid I feel embarrassed.

[@NTrinnu2]

I was very encouraged :) trying to start something too that doesn't quite have a shape or form and am starting at ground zero. Thank you for sharing your journey with God through the ups and downs. Hoping He will slowly reveal His purpose.

[@AikenChiaMing]

Thank you for watching and leaving this comment. Loved Gek's sharing cos it was a bit of an off-course from the safer Singaporean route! May you dream boldly, and execute supernaturally! ❤️😞💙 love and strength to ya, Aiken

[@NTrinnu2]

@@AikenChiaMing Yes, exactly why her sharing is so encouraging!! Truly in awe of God who was and is with Gek in the journey. He's never afraid of our mess. Thankyouuu and amen!! 🙏

[@ChirpyChat]

Surrey Hills as an Aussie concept is reminiscent of the Surry Hills neighbourhood wine and dine vibes in Sydney. Surrey Hills is actually an area in UK. Love the ambience in Surrey Hills Grocer but no so much the food in the cafe.

[@confusednugget]

Thank you for sharing your story Gek! What a great testimony to God, and encouragement to others. And thank you Aiken & team for making this video happen. Looking forward to part ii already!! 🙏🏼

[@AikenChiaMing]

Thank you for watching and leaving this comment! 💙

[@gekp9528]

Thankful that God have used me to be an encouragement to someone else!

[@sojourner35]

Thank you for your authentic sharing, Gek. What a testimony and I believe this is just the beginning of Him unveiling your purpose on this side of earth. I’m deeply encouraged. Thank you Aiken and team for bringing Gek onto your show.

[@AikenChiaMing]

We're very blessed and honoured to hold her story! Thank you for watching and commenting! 💙

[@gekp9528]

Thank you, God enabled! Blessings.

[@jj.t4844]

Teared while watching. Thank you for sharing! Wishing y'all a purposeful life!

[@graceyswag]

Very inspiring story, to God be the glory. Kudos to Pang Gek Teng & Aiken for this amazing interview :D

[@skyrocketchips8725]

what an inspiration. absolutely beautiful story ❤❤

[@max308767]

Loved listening to your story, Gek Teng. God is never oblivious to our challenges. Fighting!! 😎😎😎

[@markchua4947]

Very inspiring story! Thanks for sharing!

[@contentanchors5900]

Thank You for sharing this humbling testimony, Aiken, Gek. Gek hit the right spot - what is the inner real purpose we are living for? Do we just drift through life / do something really well and good? Keep staying rooted like this hor… and come to HK for a Surrey Hills roadshow pls 🤓✌️ A lot of us are here slogging v v v hard but we miss SG food a lot lor 😢

[@miadelle528]

her parents are angels 🥺

[@sarahw8660]

Thank you for this heartfelt sharing that SO GLORIFIES our God and not only that, shows us the Reality of our God’s love and grace! The LORD your God blessed you both tremendously. He prospers the works of your hands and anoint your words with divine weight. When is Part 2 /3 and so on coming up? ❤ The

[@nonelikekyu]

watched the full thing in one sitting with my mum and we loved it! gek's introduction drew us in from the start and we were hooked til the end :) thank you for sharing! my mum was nodding in agreement the whole time and she's interested in visiting the branch in ion's carpark now 😂

[@AikenChiaMing]

Aww thank you for watching and for leaving this comment! Hi to Mom too and yes, please order the French Toast when you're there! It's my fav!!! -Aiken 💙

[@gekp9528]

Please email me [e-mail], will make arrangements =)

[@bakkwa8705]

Thank you for sharing such a personal journey . It has made me reflect on many things going on in my life . May God’s blessings and love be upon both of you 🙏

[@AikenChiaMing]

And likewise to you 💙 appreciate your time and your comment

[@frenofsmackeroo]

thxs for this sharing & really looking forward to hearing more insights. Made My Day

[@alvinhuang1345]

Inspiring story!! Thanks Aiken for interview Gek Teng and her for sharing. =)

[@chinesedocsg]

Good to have supportive parents and family ❤❤❤

[@holycow-ny6sy]

This is a great episode, please do have Gek back soon and also other entrepreneurs who are willing to share their story! You've earned a new subscriber to your channel Aiken😊

[@AikenChiaMing]

Thank you for watching and for commenting! More to come! There has been 3 previous episodes if you haven't seen with a ton of wisdom. Please enjoy!

[@vivien8877]

So cool, never knew the story behind this. You are amazing and I pray that God continues to prosper the work of your hands! May you continue to find joy and passion in doing what you do :)

[@c.uriouspalette]

Thank you for sharing this message with us ❤

[@henrywasabi]

This is very inspiring to me, thanks for sharing this wonderful story.

[@jonathanwzx]

I needed to hear this in this season ❤

[@gizamlukeable]

Very motivational and powerful video. Thanks for sharing.

[@jayw4305]

So inspired by your entrepreneurial journey. Indeed, God is good in the ups and downs.

[@basseuphoria]

You mean that was 1 hour? It felt so short! So much emotions to much blessings.

[@tylaadelina]

amazing, amazing, simply amazing!

[@xuansie]

wow I gta say this is such an inspiring podcast! I rly enjoyed and stayed through the entire episode and I love how genuine, bold, and a women of faith she is! God is so good to you and thank you for sharing so much from your heart! you're so amazing! and I really love the conversation held between you two, its so wholesome and genuine! love it! both of you are such powerful individual!

[@j1o23kfgall]

aiken, i appreciate your work in this. I was contemplating whether to invest long time to watch this, and im so glad i did. Thanks for sharing your story, i thought it was opened by foreigner, good to know it was opened by a local singaporean, cheers

[@AikenChiaMing]

Thank you for watching and for leaving this comment. Hope that Gek's story was an encouragement to ya!

[@jolieng7372]

Hi Aiken and Gek, thank you for sharing with us this story and thank you Gek for sharing your entrepreneurship journey and showing us that failure is really a stepping stone to what's to come. Thank you for being an inspiration through how you're a dreamer but also a follower of the One who provides! really been an encouragement to me and im sure to many others! 🤩🤩 Thank you Aiken for the entrepreneurs series too! really cool to see how you have created that space for them to share their story intimately and also give glory to God! Good onya (Good work in aussie slang😉)

[@AikenChiaMing]

Aww thanks mate! It's been really inspiring to hear from these amazing leaders why and how they do things differently! Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@EmmaChong]

Thank you for sharing this amazing story, it reminded me that the little breakthroughs happened in my life can only be God.

[@zacklee22]

Aiken how are you today ☺️ and I am Zack from Malaysia and I really like the video 📹

[@TheSybox76]

Being a Dragon like u, always have entrepreneurship in our mind. Hope mine will happen soon. Your story inspire me

[@MeiLiRosemaryNgoi]

Thank you for sharing your amazing journey❤. Our GOD is great!!

[@tlee7028]

What a concluding remark ...God is Great ! Thank you for sharing such a remarkable journey with God in your success and failiure. Amen!

[@dripred]

This sharing and interview is so wonderful! The best part is how you both give glory to GOD! Thank you to Gek, for sharing your entrepreneurial story as a testimony to how gracious He is and the favour He has shown you along a difficult journey :) and Aiken, you are amazing, thank you for continuing the work you do on KZbin and even elevating it to this level. Thank you for staying online, as your audience and fans continue get to enjoy your creativity and passion, thank you. ❤

[@Lawrenc139]

Aiken let your guests talk. Fortunately she could maintain her train of thought

[@lynnlee4822]

Impactful. Encouraging. Above all, authentic.

[@kinsanong8057]

Amen and amen. Thanks Gek for sharing your story. more importantly, thank you for showing us what's it like to be obedient and humble before God. And thank You for inspiring us with your definition of success - to be able to bless people around us. This is powerful Truly He has a plan for us. As a business owner myself, i've always had grand plans in my head. And i'm one who likes to have control of how things should go. But God has time and time again showed me the importance of letting go and letting God take control. Every victory is His. Hope to visit Surrey Hills one day :) love from Malaysia

[@Teambuci]

This was incredible. Well done. 👑🔥❤️🙏

[@miadelle528]

but she's very pretty wat!!

[@AlexG.LimChannel]

very blessed by this

[@zacklee22]

Aiken can you pls pray 🙏 for me to have wisdom tq

[@AikenChiaMing]

For sure Zack :)

[@starslove1234]

woman of faith. inspiring :)

[@lclbenjamin]

Amen!!

[@MrMossie123]

Can the interviewer stop interrupting her?

[@suyap6250]

Adui, wish Aiken would translate 😢

[@cheriechan6461]

My husband watched your podcast with me for the first time. He kept interrupting while I was trying not to miss any details, to share how much he resonates with her sharing. 😂

[@AikenChiaMing]

Awww! Thanks for watching! If you (or him) hasn't, we've got 3 more episodes before this one! Appreciate your time and comment! 🙂

[@cheriechan6461]

@AikenChiaMing I watched all 3!!! Have been waiting neck long long since Melvin's episode 😊 I have recommended my sister to watch them too 😄. It is my way of sharing the "good news" with her.

[@AikenChiaMing]

​@cheriechan6461 you da best!! Sorry we took awhile!!! More coming 🥳🥳🥳

[@AikenChiaMing]

​@cheriechan6461 also thanks for sharing to your fam!!! Appreciate it!

[@jeanjean_]

Am I the only one who think they look good together 😂

[@edt1988]

WOW

[@celineong7070]

wow :”) God is good @27:42

[@MCRealEstateSG]

42:15 … 😭

[@junkaikoh13]

🥲

[@MeiLiRosemaryNgoi]

Thank you for sharing your amazing journey❤. Our GOD is great!!