Many of us would do much in the way of carrying on the family legacy, sharing the teachings and stories of our parents with our children and grandchildren.
After all, is that not how progress is made?
David Wong, however, takes it one step further.
From home kitchens and family recipes
“My earliest memory of baking goes back to when I was around 9 or 10, helping my mother prepare pineapple tarts for Chinese New Year,” said David.
Since his days of cutting dough strips to form the lattice topping of those tarts, to pursuing a Diploma in Hotel and Catering Management, David has always been guided by a deep love for his mother and the traditions they shared.
“Though I didn’t go into the hospitality line immediately, I built a strong career and climbed the corporate ladder wearing many hats. But over time, I felt a growing disconnect—I couldn’t imagine spending the rest of my life in a job that didn’t align with my passion,” shared the 51-year-old.
After 10 years working in property development, David left his career behind and returned to the kitchen, starting small by baking from home and reconnecting with the joys and values his mother had passed down, before being further inspired by a trip to Taiwan where he learnt about square pineapple tarts.
And so, David launched Baker Dave in 2012, a small bakery with a total capital of RM300,000, sourced from his family and business partner, which went into covering rental, renovation, and setup costs, plus sustaining operations for a year, which included staffing, supplies, and overheads.
Two years later, David rebranded his business to Nooks by Baker Dave, a bakery-cafe which he started with just one team member—a deaf and mute worker who David said was “sent into his life by the Almighty,” as it taught him patience, humility, and the value of leading with compassion, shaping the way he runs his business today.
The cafe quickly gained a loyal following of regulars, who David claimed to include mid-level professionals, local artists, politicians, and even royalty.
A tribute of love
Finally, in November 2019, David renamed his cafe to Swee Bee, a tribute to his now 76-year-old mother’s legacy, and the values and lessons she’s passed down that have shaped David’s life and career.
Throughout these transitions, however, Swee Bee has always been an ever-present figure guiding David through his ventures and operations.
“The base recipe of our pineapple tart is 100% my mother’s original—the very one I learnt at her side as a child. I’ve kept it almost entirely unchanged, with one small tweak: I removed the star anise and cinnamon from the pineapple paste.”
“While they were part of her traditional recipe, I found that the spices didn’t suit the wider palate, so I made the call to simplify the flavour. Everything else—from the dough to the texture of the filling—remains as she taught me,” he said.
Another major change is the shape of the pineapple tart itself: square, representing a first in Malaysia which got the brand listed in the Malaysia Book of Records.
The square isn’t just a visual novelty—it’s rich with meaning. In Chinese culture, the square symbolises stability and wealth and also represents the four corners of the world: North, South, East, and West.
As a proud Malaysian Chinese, this symbolism resonates deeply with me. The Chinese community is spread across the globe, yet no matter how far we go in search of success, we always return home—for reunions, for love, for tradition.
That homecoming, that gathering, is symbolised by a circle within the square—the family reunion at the heart of the world.
Spreading the love
The brand’s recognitions don’t just end there though, with Swee Bee’s pineapple tarts earning a gold medal at the Malaysia Culinary World Cup. They were also part of the world’s largest cooking competition, listed in the Guinness World Records.
“These accolades are not just wins—they’re a testament to the dedication, craft, and quality we bake into every batch,” David added.
Since receiving these accolades, the brand has grown significantly, now participating in trade fairs, collaborating with various media from Sin Chew Daily to Astro, and becoming a household name around the country.
“I want people to know that Swee Bee is more than just a name or a brand. It’s a tribute to my mother—the woman who sparked my love for baking and instilled in me the values of hard work, precision, and deep respect for tradition. Everything I’ve built today carries her spirit, her strength, and her warmth.”
“Today, her name on the signboard means more than just branding, it’s a daily reminder of where this journey began. Her values, her recipes, and her life lessons continue to shape how I craft each tart, how I lead my team, and how I treat every customer. It’s a living legacy, one that I’m honoured to carry forward.”
- Learn more about Swee Bee here.
- Read our other F&B stories here.
Featured Image Credit: Swee Bee
