By Anne Das
Tan Kai Lek, a name cherished within Ipoh’s community, has quietly but profoundly reshaped the cultural and artistic landscape of our historic city. As the owner and managing director of Bukit Merah Wood Products Sdn Bhd, he has elevated his family’s sawmill business to new heights and created a thriving hub of creativity and cultural tourism.
Inspired by his father, Tan Hoh Heng, deeply entrenched in the sawmill industry, Kai Lek pursued civil engineering in Taiwan. There, he was exposed to the rise of cultural creativity in Japan and Taiwan, igniting his passion for blending traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation. Upon returning to Ipoh, he devoted himself to the family business, crafting solid wood artworks.
His dedication to repurposing wood is evident in his various ventures. He founded The Happy 8 Retreat, a chain of eco-friendly hotels offering guests a unique “art stay” experience. These hotels feature furniture and décor designed by Kai Lek, showcasing his talent for transforming discarded wood into stunning, functional art.
Recognizing the decline of traditional wood manufacturing and the need for new economic endeavours, Kai Lek seized the opportunity to transform his wood factory into more than just a production site. He turned it into one of Ipoh’s most unique establishments. Red Mountain Sun Yin Loong (Mengelembu) attracts visitors from far and wide for its white coffee as well as for its unique wood repurposes. This vision progressed to the creation of Tin Alley, another dedicated space for art and community engagement but this time in Old Town Ipoh.
Kai Lek has spearheaded numerous large-scale events under these 2 platforms he created: Red Mountain Sun Yin Loong (Wood Factory & Art Cafe) and Tin Alley, aimed at boosting community spirit and promoting cultural tourism.
Today he provides these platforms to young artists and the community to engage with wood art. One ongoing initiative is brick painting for Tin Alley’s slanted wall, involving local students and the community in preserving Ipoh’s cultural heritage. Each brick painted carries historical significance, reviving and honouring our rich history together.
Kai Lek has led numerous successful events to boost community spirit and cultural tourism in Ipoh. Art Ipoh 2.0 transformed Tin Alley into a 6-week artistic playground, celebrating local talent and fostering pride in Ipoh’s culture and heritage. Another notable event was the 5th Annual Calligraphy Couplets, where Kai Lek used colours to symbolise the unity of cultures in Ipoh. His belief that “colours have a universal language that transcends barriers” resonates with many of his initiatives.
The highlight event of 2024 was Everybody’s Birthday Bash at Tin Alley, celebrating the Year of the Wood Dragon, saw over 2,000 people come together in a vibrant, festive atmosphere. Jalan Bijih Timah and Lorong Bijih Timah were adorned with decorations, festive couplets, traditional Chinese music, and fireworks, illuminating the streets of Ipoh’s Old Town.
Kai Lek Tan’s efforts showcase his dedication and forward-thinking. He has transformed the traditional timber industry into a dynamic tourism hub, preserving local history, fostering community spirit, and sparking creativity among residents and visitors alike.
His work continues to inspire others to explore beyond their perspectives, appreciate the diversity and collaborate for unexpected rewards. Through his efforts, Ipoh’s rich heritage and vibrant community spirit is celebrated, ensuring the legacy of this remarkable city endures for generations to come. Kai Lek Tan may work quietly, but his impact on Ipoh’s landscape is profound and lasting, making him a true visionary in every sense.
