54 Years of Food, Family & Fresh Beginnings
Proudly Singaporean Since 14 October 1971
It all started with a simple idea:
Good food brings people together.
Not just around the table—but across harbours, markets, kitchens, and homes.
What began as a heartfelt mission to connect fishermen, traders, and families has grown into a joyful, multi-generational journey rooted in taste, trust, and trade.
From our earliest days, we’ve believed in doing things the right way—honest partnerships, quality ingredients, and relationships that last. It’s how we earned our place at the table, first in Singapore and now around the world.
From Humble Start to Heartfelt Legacy
Ours is a story of early mornings and late nights, of family teamwork and quiet determination.A story built on resilience, laughter, and a shared love for food that nourishes, connects, and delights.
Over five decades later, we’re proud to remain a 100% privately-owned Singaporean company—still independent, still family-led, and still guided by our founding values.
From the docks of Jurong to kitchens across Asia and beyond, our commitment remains the same:
Serve well. Stay fresh. Grow with heart.
Still Fresh. Still Family. Still Far Ocean.
Today, Far Ocean continues to serve the world from the heart of Singapore—bringing premium products to homes, cafés, hawker stalls, hotels, and fine dining tables alike.
Whether it’s a heritage recipe or a modern culinary creation, we are proud to support the people who feed others—chefs, traders, entrepreneurs, and families across borders.
This timeline celebrates every turning point—the wins, the lessons, and the joyful moments that shaped who we are today.
Far Ocean. Built with heart. Shared with joy.
Here’s to the next delicious chapter, written together.
🐟🇸🇬❤️🥢
I was born in October 1927 in Shantou, China, and came to Singapore at 13 with my father, seeking a better life. When war came in 1942, I stood alongside fellow Singaporeans to defend the city I had come to call home. The occupation was harsh—I endured forced labour and lost my father—but my commitment to Singapore only grew stronger through those darkest days.
After the war, I worked as a fish auctioneer in Ellenborough Market, helping to rebuild trust and stability in a recovering community. I pioneered turning fish scraps into nourishing fishmeal, feeding families and farms during Singapore’s growth.
When Singapore gained independence in 1965, I saw new hope for all of us and embraced a future full of promise. On 14 October 1971, after decades of hard work, I founded Far Ocean. The name reflects a simple truth I’ve lived by: humble beginnings, honest work, and relentless trust will always carry far—far beyond the horizon and far into the future of this nation I proudly call home.
1927 | Born by the Sea
I was born in October 1927 in Shantou, a coastal town in China where the sea shaped every life. But my journey would carry me far from those shores—towards Singapore, a land that would become my true home and the foundation of a family legacy.
1940 | Finding a Home in Singapore
At just 13, I arrived in Singapore with my father, seeking a better life amid hardship. Singapore was then a British colony, a vibrant but challenging port city. It was a place of opportunity, but also one on the brink of monumental change.
1942 | The Fall and Occupation of Singapore
When I was 15, the Japanese Imperial Army invaded and captured Singapore in February 1942 after a fierce seven-day battle. The British surrendered, and the city entered a dark period of Japanese occupation that lasted until 1945. Life under occupation was brutal. I endured forced labour and hardship, and tragically lost my father during those years. But even in those darkest times, my love for Singapore grew deeper. I fought alongside my fellow residents in spirit and resolve, committed to the city that had become my home.
1945 | The Return of the British and Post-War Recovery
With Japan’s surrender in August 1945, British administration returned to Singapore. The city was scarred—economically battered and socially fractured. I began working as a fish auctioneer at Ellenborough Market, a major wholesale fish market known for fresh and dried seafood. In 1967, as part of Singapore’s efforts to modernize its fishing industry, the wholesale fish trade moved to the newly established Jurong Wholesale Fish Market. I transitioned there as well, embracing the new facilities and contributing to the growth of Singapore’s seafood sector. Every fish I auctioned was more than trade—it was a contribution to rebuilding trust and livelihoods in a recovering city.
1965 | Singapore’s Independence: A Nation Reborn
Singapore’s separation from Malaysia and declaration of independence in August 1965 was a pivotal moment. The young nation faced immense challenges—racial tensions, economic uncertainty, and the urgent need to build infrastructure and identity from the ground up. I embraced this new chapter with determination and quiet strength. I expanded my business, pioneering the production of fishmeal—turning what was once waste into nourishment for farms and families. This innovation symbolized the resourcefulness and resilience that Singaporeans embodied.
1971 | The Birth of Far Ocean
On 14 October 1971, after decades of perseverance, I founded Far Ocean. This company was more than a business—it was a reflection of my belief that humble beginnings, honest work, and relentless trust could carry far beyond the horizon
Our Legacy Lives On
Today, Far Ocean stands as a testament to resilience, sacrifice, and an enduring love for Singapore. From a young boy who arrived with hope to a man who helped rebuild a nation, my journey is woven into the fabric of this island’s story. Far Ocean is not just a company—it is a family legacy passed through generations, inspiring every step forward.
Riding the Waves with Heart
In the early 1980s, Mr. Henry Quek (Quek Peng Hock) returned to Singapore with salt in his veins and a clear purpose in his heart. After years at sea, he knew that seafood wasn’t just cargo — it was nourishment, livelihood, and community.
With that belief, he launched Kiang Huat Seafood, a small trading venture grounded in big values: freshness, timing, and trust. Every crate was handled with care. Every handshake meant something. Henry wasn’t just doing business — he was building something meaningful, one delivery at a time.
The Frozen Revolution ❄️🐟
Never one to follow the crowd, Henry embraced innovation early. He was one of the first in the region to back the “frozen on board” method — flash-freezing seafood just hours after catch, right on the vessel. It was bold, fresh, and game-changing.
This approach wasn’t just about better quality. It was about trust, traceability, and taste. The results spoke for themselves: Kiang Huat’s sales soared past S$12 million, and Henry soon found himself working alongside global seafood giants like Thai Union, Chicken of the Sea, and Charoen Pokphand (CP).
These weren’t just customers — they were long-term partners. And together, they helped put Singapore on the seafood map.
A Thai-Singapore Connection That Changed Everything
One of Henry’s boldest moves? Building direct sourcing relationships with Thailand’s trawler fleets. At a time when few dared to venture beyond traditional routes, he forged ties with Thai producers to bring the freshest wild-caught harvests straight to Singapore.
This wasn’t just good business. It was relationship-building at its best — grounded in respect, loyalty, and a shared love for the sea. By sourcing directly from Thailand, Henry raised the bar for quality and consistency, while helping Singapore shine as a key seafood gateway in the region.
A Bigger Dream, A Bigger Splash
By the late ’80s, it was time for the next chapter. Kiang Huat Seafood merged into Far Ocean Sea, and with that, the family’s vision grew even bigger. Grit, passion, and legacy all came together — and the results were extraordinary.
Turnover more than doubled to S$26 million, and Far Ocean proudly stepped onto the regional stage. But more than just growth, what mattered most was the spirit behind it all.
This wasn’t just a business anymore.
It was a family story. A mission. A movement for better food, done the right way — with joy, with heart, and always with a smile.
The Quiet Force That Made It All Work
Every family business needs someone who brings calm and steady strength to the whirlwind—and in the 1990s, Judy quietly became that person for Far Ocean. As Finance and Admin Director, she wasn’t about the spotlight or grand gestures. She was about building a foundation so solid it could carry the dreams of generations to come.
Brains Behind the Backbone 💼❄️
Back when the seafood trade was still a messy, manual affair, Judy led Far Ocean’s first big leap—a S$3.8 million cold storage facility that became Singapore’s first fully integrated seafood hub. This wasn’t just about cold storage; it was about giving the company the space and strength to grow, to dream bigger, and to serve more families.
Judy’s real gift was in the details—she brought in Far Ocean’s first ERP system, transforming old dusty ledgers into real-time data, automated controls, and clearer financial insight. It wasn’t flashy, but it was revolutionary. Through her quiet leadership, Far Ocean became a data-smart, audit-ready, and future-ready company.
Raising the Bar, Quietly but Surely
Judy also led Far Ocean’s journey to meet the world’s highest standards, securing certifications like HACCP, ISO, USDA, EU—and even earning an ‘A’ grade from AVA, a proud first for a Singapore seafood exporter. These weren’t just certificates on a wall; they were hard-won passports that opened doors to the world’s toughest markets, earned through Judy’s relentless attention and care.
The Big Moves Behind the Big Names
Judy’s vision didn’t stop at systems and certifications. She took bold steps like acquiring Tri Marine’s frozen fish facility, a game-changing deal with a global seafood giant. With calm confidence, she secured new processing power and a boost to Far Ocean’s reputation.
Then came retail—Judy brought Far Ocean’s products into homes across Singapore, Malaysia, and Hong Kong by securing supply deals with Dairy Farm Group, Wellcome, and Market Place. She helped the company grow from wholesaler to household name, from reactive to resilient.
Judy didn’t just keep the wheels turning—she helped build the engine that drives Far Ocean forward. Quietly. Brilliantly. With heart.
From Local Hero to Global Player
By the 2000s, Mr. Henry Quek wasn’t just a familiar face in seafood — he was one of Singapore’s most respected industry voices. With decades of hands-on experience and a steady hand at the helm of Kiang Huat and later Far Ocean, Henry stepped up as Group CEO, ready to take the brand beyond borders.
And like many great journeys, this one didn’t begin with a grand strategy — it started with a handshake.
A Meeting That Changed Everything 🤝🐟
A lost sailor with nothing to lose showed up at the fisherman's wharf, Henry met Chuck Bundrant, the legendary founder of Trident Seafoods — the largest seafood company in the United States. What began as a casual conversation turned into a powerful, long-term partnership grounded in mutual respect, shared standards, and a love for doing things right.
Under Henry’s leadership, Far Ocean became Trident’s trusted Asian partner, collaborating on everything from sourcing to cold chain logistics across the Americas.
This partnership didn’t just open doors — it opened new continents.
Cracking the Code on Global Markets
With USDA certification in hand, Far Ocean gained access to the most competitive food markets in the world:United States. Canada. Brazil.And one of Henry’s proudest moments? Seeing Far Ocean products on the shelves at Walmart USA, the world’s biggest retailer.
No shortcuts. No fanfare.
Just years of trust, consistency, and quiet excellence — finally recognised on the biggest stage.
More Than Growth — Global Respect
Around the same time, Henry led the strategic acquisition of Tri Marine International’s tuna and swordfish operations, including its Singapore facility. With that move, Far Ocean stepped confidently into global supply chains — especially in premium tuna and swordfish — expanding across Thailand, Brazil, Taiwan, Russia, and the U.S.
By the end of the 2000s, Far Ocean had grown from a regional name into a globally respected cold chain leader.
Legacy in Motion 🌏✨
Henry never chased headlines — he chased progress.And with every deal sealed, audit passed, and new market entered, he proved that a Singapore-grown company could thrive globally — without ever compromising on integrity.
By 2008, under his leadership:
✔️Far Ocean crossed US$100 million in annual turnover
✔️ Became Singapore’s largest seafood company
✔️ Ranked among Southeast Asia’s Top 10 in Seafood Times
It wasn’t luck. It was legacy — built on heart, honour, and hustle.
Opening New Doors, One Step at a Time
In the early 2010s, Jordan Quek took on a quiet but mighty challenge — one that most would have steered clear of:bringing Far Ocean into the European Union and United Kingdom.
These weren’t easy markets. The paperwork was endless. The rules, unforgiving. But Jordan believed Far Ocean was ready — not just on paper, but in heart and in standards. So he rolled up his sleeves and got to work.
Step by Step, Market by Market 🇪🇺🇬🇧
Jordan personally led the long, meticulous journey to meet every requirement — from food safety regulations to post-Brexit systems. It took years of persistence, learning, and patience. But in the end, Far Ocean earned full export approval for both the EU and UK — becoming one of the few Singaporean seafood companies to do so.
It wasn’t loud. It wasn’t overnight. But it was real.And it laid the foundation for something much bigger.
A Handshake That Meant the World 🤝🇯🇵
As the doors opened in Europe, another meaningful connection was quietly forming — this time with Marubeni Europe, part of Japan’s Big Four trading houses. Through sincerity, consistency, and long-haul trust-building, Jordan secured a supply partnership that brought Far Ocean products into Japan’s institutional network.
This was no small moment.Marubeni didn’t just buy seafood — they believed in the Far Ocean story.
Hello Tesco, Lidl & Kaufland 🛒🌍
One milestone led to another.Jordan’s efforts soon opened doors to Tesco, the UK’s largest grocery chain — followed by The Schwarz Group, the powerhouse behind Lidl and Kaufland.
With each new shelf and contract, Far Ocean stepped further into modern retail — not just as a supplier, but as a name people could count on.
A Bigger Reach, Same Family Spirit
Jordan’s leadership didn’t just grow sales — it grew Far Ocean’s identity.He helped the company evolve from a Singapore-grown exporter to a globally trusted cold chain brand, grounded in quality, care, and humility.
By the end of the decade:
✔️ Global turnover crossed USD $200 million
✔️ Far Ocean was active in over a dozen top-tier markets
✔️ And the mission stayed the same — from source to plate, keep it honest, keep it fresh
Jordan didn’t chase headlines — he followed through.
Quiet steps. Big impact. And a belief that if you do things right, the world will open up.
Coming Home, Rising Strong
In 2020, as borders closed and the world paused, Jerrold Quek stepped into the family business — right in the eye of the storm. While global supply chains were crumbling and foodservice demand vanished overnight, Jerrold didn’t wait for things to recover.
He adapted. Fast.
With restaurants shut and hotels quiet, he shifted Far Ocean’s gears from B2B to B2C almost overnight — launching direct-to-consumer channels through Facebook Live, Shopee, Lazada RedMart, and Grab Grocery.What began as crisis response became a lifeline — keeping Singaporean families fed and Far Ocean’s mission alive.
50 Years Offshore — Then, a Bold Return Home 🇸🇬
But Jerrold’s biggest move wasn’t online — it was homeward.After five decades of operating offshore, Jerrold led Far Ocean back to Singapore’s retail shelves for the very first time.
He secured a strategic partnership with NTUC FairPrice, the nation’s largest supermarket chain — placing Far Ocean products into 1 in 5 households across Singapore.It was more than shelf space.
It was a homecoming — where the brand that grew across oceans finally planted roots in the place it all began.
From wholesale giant to household name — Far Ocean was now part of everyday life in Singapore.
Smarter Moves, Stronger Foundations
With domestic success stabilised, Jerrold turned toward future growth.He relocated the company’s HQ to Mahachai, Thailand — closer to the heartbeat of regional protein supply.It was a strategic pivot that cut costs by 30%, increased net margins by 10%, and kept quality standards high.
Digitally enabled, operationally lean, and regionally connected — Far Ocean was now built for the next decade.
Breaking Through Japan & South Korea 🇯🇵🇰🇷
Jerrold didn’t stop at home turf.He expanded Far Ocean’s footprint into Japan, securing direct supply with Gyoren Hokkaido, and broke into South Korea through partnerships with retail giant Lotte World — entering two of Asia’s most selective food markets with confidence.
A Golden Milestone, A Global Celebration 🎉
In the same year as our 50th anniversary, Far Ocean reached a new high:US $300 million in global sales turnover.From a small fish mill by the docks to a brand trusted across continents — the journey came full circle.
Jerrold brought Far Ocean home — and launched it forward.
In a time of crisis, he created clarity. In a time of fear, he sparked momentum. And with that, the next chapter begins — bold, local, and full of heart. 🐟🇸🇬💫
From the world, back to where it all began.
Far Ocean is home — and ready for what’s next. 🇸🇬🌏🐟
