SMU holds a special place in Teo Hong Han’s (BAcc 2005, BBM 2005 and MWM 2015) heart. Not only did he graduate twice from SMU, but he also met his soulmate and life partner, Louisa Tan (BBM 2005 and BAcc 2005), at the University.
It was also at SMU where he picked up bold traits of being a go-getter and not conform to the norm. Recalling his time as an undergraduate, Hong Han is thankful he had the opportunities and flexibility to explore interesting business ventures, such as marketing t-shirts to SMU students, which honed his entrepreneurial skills and brought in profits. More importantly, it was where he nurtured lifelong friendships with individuals who share a strong sense of camaraderie, and are ever-willing to extend their networks to help their peers.
In 2018, Hong Han founded Pink Blossoms Brewing, a microbrewery that serves diverse flavours inspired from his beer pilgrimages in the United States.
Since its conception, many SMU alumni across different batches have shown up to support Pink Blossoms. As Hong Han shared, it is easy to spot an SMU alumnus, as the brewery plays “Closing Time” just before closing the Tasting Room, and the alumni are the ones seen cringing when the song comes on!
Though he always had support since the opening of Pink Blossom’s Brewing, it was during the COVID-19 pandemic that Hong Han witnessed the full magnitude and spirit of comradeship. The Circuit Breaker period was not easy for many and certainly not for Hong Han and Pink Blossoms Brewing. Perishables that were already in stock could not be consumed and were destined to go to waste, leading to financial loss. The sudden announcement of Circuit Breaker measures, while necessary to curb the spread of the virus, did not help many in the Food and Beverage Industry, and Hong Han was left with an immediate problem with no apparent solution. Then, as quickly as the Circuit Breaker measures were announced, Pink Blossom’s supporters and the SMU alumni community stepped forward to buy up Pink Blossom Brewing’s inventory to keep the business going. This kind deed lifted a huge burden off Hong Han’s shoulders, allowing him to focus on other challenges ahead.
In his words, Hong Han “…never could imagine that the spirit of giving was so strong in the community, and (I) constantly count my blessings to be on the receiving end of such kindness.” The strong support he received left an indelible mark on him as he adds, “To me, the spirit of giving and receiving are two sides of the same coin. We all need somebody to lean on sometimes."
"We should celebrate the friends whom we can always lean on and pay-it-forward by becoming somebody whom others can lean on. It is not about the frequency of giving or the magnitude of the gift. It is about perpetuating a cycle which reinforces itself.”
While COVID-19 has brought about multiple challenges, Hong Han also recognises that the pandemic has indeed fuelled many acts of kindness through which many have been blessed; and that such gestures are worth celebrating. As the world draws a close to 2020 and gradually moves towards 2021, Hong Han hopes that people will remember the kindness and gratitude demonstrated, and continue to care and support those around them. His reflection, which he gladly shares –“Sometimes, a little gesture is all it takes to make a big difference for another person.”
We couldn’t agree more.
For more information on Pink Blossoms Brewing, please visit: https://pinkblossomsbrewing.com/
