Chun Man Yuan Satay founder dies

Back in 1985, Madam Wang Yamei sold satay to make ends meet.

Her daughter Bettifer Lee, 57, was in 2018 quoted by Michelin Guide as saying: "Back then, our family was very poor, and at the advice of some of our neighbours, my mother decided to set up a small stall selling satay.

"My sisters and I would go and help out after school, grilling the satay and fanning the charcoal, serving customers. It was hard work and I hated it because it was so hot and smoky."

Madam Wang sourced from a supplier for her coffee shop stall at Block 163 in Potong Pasir in 1985 before making her satay from scratch.

That little business grew from selling satay to manufacturing and supplying satay to stalls across Singapore.

In 2017, 168 CMY Satay - with satay sourced from Chun Man Yuan Food Supplies - at Chinatown Complex Market & Food Centre was listed in the Michelin Guide Singapore.

On April 4, the matriarch died at age 85.

Her grandson Andy Chua, 35, told Shin Min Daily News that Madam Wang had high blood pressure and was on medication for heart disease.

After suffering a stroke eight years ago, Madam Wang had to rely on a wheelchair to get around.

Mr Chua took over the reins from his mother in 2018.

Madam Lee had been running the family business since her mother underwent heart surgery in 1998.