Datuk David Tan Sek Yin, former executive director of Tasek Corporation Bhd (1986-2004), now spends his days over a hot stove making Ipoh kai si hor fun (shredded chicken kuey teow), reports the Star online.

The 60-year-old can be seen going about Ipoh, in Malaysia, his minivan delivering containers of special broth to his Little Katong stalls at Canning Garden, Gourmet Square hawker centre.

The culinary world has always fascinated Tan, even though he had to play a big role in the cement business founded by his philanthropist grandfather Tan Lark Sye.

"People have wondered why I made the move to work in such a tiring business. But whenever I eat out and taste something good, I would research and try cooking to develop that special taste. I would not stop until I find it."

As business continued to grow, Tan knew he needed to have a production system. He bought a house in Canning Garden and turned it into a central kitchen with large metal canisters and fryers that use electricity and gas to cook broth and make sambal. The equipment operates by timers and according to Tan’s standard operating procedure. His central kitchen looks like a mini factory.

"It's similar to when I was working in the cement industry. I have to manage workers and time, and costing and budgeting are the main factors.