Po Sum On Medicated Oil and Po Sum On Healing Balm Preparations Developed by Mr. Kwok Siu Kui (Alias Chu Nam)
In the early 20th century, over-the-counter Chinese or Western medicine was scarce. When ailments struck, the only solution was to get medicine prescribed by a herbalist from a herbal medicine shop. Then came the labourious process of preparing the remedy at home. To sufferers of minor complaints like muscle sore pain, joint pain and mild abdominal pain, this practice was both expensive and time consuming. Appreciating this need, Mr. Kwok Chu Nam, an expert of Chinese medicine, developed a medicated oil for external use with a fine blend of medicinal herbs. He named it Po Sum On Medicated Oil – an oil to assure well being of the whole family. The product’s therapeutic effectiveness was proven, and in 1907, the “Po Sum On Medicine Factory” was officially registered as a Hong Kong manufacturer, with its first shop opening at Li Yuen Street West, Central. In 1910, the company adopted the image of a bouncing, happy-looking, heart-warming Chinese boy (Tóngzǐ) as its registered trademark, a symbol of lasting prosperity and joy in traditional Chinese culture. In the ensuring years, Po Sum On’s operations expanded throughout Southeast Asia, establishing outlets in Guangzhou, Vietnam and Macau. The brand continues to grow in the 1950s and beyond, reaching different regions of the world like Australia, North America, etc. Po Sum On's facility in Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong obtained Australia GMP and Hong Kong GMP in 1998 and 2012 respectively, ensuring the quality, safety and efficacy of the products manufactured by Po Sum On.