Royal Selangor has been part of Malaysia’s story for more than a century, and it all began with pewter.
For more than 140 years, Royal Selangor has done something rather special: it has turned a humble Malaysian material into objects that have found their way into homes, celebrations, and collections around the world.
From a small workshop in 1885 to a globally recognised name in pewter, Royal Selangor’s story is a reminder that great brands do not always begin with grand ambitions. Sometimes, they begin with one craftsman, a few tools and a willingness to keep going.
It Started with a Young Pewtersmith
The story began in 1885, when Yong Koon, a young pewtersmith from Shantou, China, arrived in Malaya with little more than his tools and determination. He established a small pewter business, laying the foundation for what would eventually become Royal Selangor.
At the time, tin was central to Malaya’s economy, particularly during the country’s famous tin-mining boom. Pewter, an alloy traditionally made primarily from tin, became part of everyday life and ceremonial culture.
But Yong Koon’s legacy was never simply about working with metal. It was about mastering a craft and passing it forward.
From Family Workshop to Global Brand
Like many enduring Malaysian businesses, Royal Selangor grew through generations.
In 1930, Yong Koon’s family moved into their own shophouse on Pudu Road and continued the business as Malayan Pewter Works. Over the decades, the company adapted to changing times, producing everything from ceremonial pieces to cigarette boxes, vases, teapots and other household objects.
Then came an important turning point.
In 1992, Selangor Pewter was renamed Royal Selangor, reflecting its status as a royal pewterer. The new name signalled something bigger: this was no longer simply a local pewter manufacturer. It was becoming a brand with ambitions beyond Malaysia.
The Secret Is in the Craft
Walk into the Royal Selangor Visitor Centre in Kuala Lumpur and the story becomes tangible.
Visitors can watch pewtersmiths work in real time, explore the history of pewter and even try their hand at traditional craftsmanship. There is also the famous world’s largest pewter tankard, alongside a replica of the Petronas Twin Towers made from more than 7,000 pewter tankards.
It is perhaps the best demonstration of what makes Royal Selangor different. The brand does not simply manufacture pewter. It keeps the craft alive.
When Heritage Meets Modern Design
Tradition, however, does not mean standing still.
Royal Selangor has collaborated with international designers and cultural institutions, including the British Museum, while continuing to develop contemporary pewter designs. Its products today range from home décor and drinkware to collectables, trophies and corporate gifts.
Its global presence tells another part of the story. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, Royal Selangor has stores in cities including London, Hong Kong and Singapore, while its products have also been carried by prestigious retailers such as Harrods in London and Wako in Japan. That is quite a journey for a business that began with a young craftsman in Malaya.
More Than a Souvenir
Perhaps Royal Selangor’s greatest achievement is not that it has survived for more than a century. It is that it has made Malaysian craftsmanship desirable far beyond Malaysia.
A pewter tankard can be a drinking vessel. A trophy can mark a victory. A decorative piece can become a family heirloom. But behind each object is a story about craftsmanship, patience and the ability to evolve without losing one’s roots.
In 2026, Royal Selangor opened a new Gallery at Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad, bringing its heritage and craftsmanship into the heart of Kuala Lumpur, another chapter in a story that began in 1885.
A Legacy Cast in Pewter
Royal Selangor proves that heritage does not have to gather dust. It can be redesigned. Reimagined. Taken overseas. Passed from one generation to another. And perhaps that is the real lesson behind this Malaysian icon: when craftsmanship is respected, heritage can become a foundation for the future, not a chain holding it back.
From a humble pewter workshop to a name recognised around the world, Royal Selangor has spent more than a century transforming Malaysian craftsmanship into timeless works of art. Each piece is more than beautifully crafted; it carries a story, preserving a piece of Malaysia’s heritage for generations to come.
A small workshop can create a big legacy when guided by the right vision. Across Malaysia, there are leaders building legacies of their own. The Leadership Excellence Award (LEA) invites you to recognise their contribution. Nominate a leader whose journey deserves recognition.
