You probably recognise the packet before you even read the name.

For generations, Hup Seng crackers have been a familiar Malaysian snack, whether dipped into Milo, dunked into kopi or enjoyed alongside a cup of teh. But behind that iconic packet is a story that goes back more than 75 years, including a rather unexpected connection to table tennis.

Hup Seng Is Actually Older Than Merdeka

Hup Seng's story began seven years before Malaya gained independence.

In 1950, the Kerk family from Batu Pahat, Johor started selling crackers, cookies and biscuits. They transported their products by van to different towns around the state.

So, long before Hup Seng biscuits appeared on supermarket shelves, they were travelling around Johor in vans, making their way from town to town.

Four Brothers Turned It Into Hup Seng

Fast-forward to 1958, when four Kerk brothers established Hup Seng Co. as a partnership.

Even the company's name has a meaningful connection to how it began. According to the company, Hup Seng means "Success with Teamwork", a fitting name for a business built by four brothers working together.

"Ping Pong" Really Does Refer To Table Tennis

Now for the part many Malaysians have probably wondered about: Why does a packet of crackers have a ping pong logo?

Hup Seng says it began producing its Ping Pong Crackers in 1958, with the name inspired by China's success in table tennis.

That's where the familiar Cap Ping Pong branding comes from, the logo that has appeared on Hup Seng crackers for generations.

But There's A Little Mystery In That Story

There's an interesting detail surrounding the timeline.

Hup Seng says the Ping Pong name was inspired by China's success in table tennis in 1958. However, official table-tennis records show that China's first world champion was crowned in 1959.

So while the connection between the name and table tennis is part of Hup Seng's history, the exact timeline behind the inspiration leaves a little room for curiosity.

The Crackers Are Still Made In Batu Pahat

More than 75 years after the Kerk family's business began, Hup Seng's biscuit manufacturing operations remain based in Batu Pahat, Johor.

The crackers may have travelled far beyond Malaysia, but their production remains connected to the place where the story began.

By 1977, Hup Seng Was Already Going Global

Hup Seng wasn't always just a Malaysian household name.

By 1977, the company was already exporting its products across Southeast Asia. Today, its manufacturing arm exports to more than 20 countries.

From transporting biscuits around Johor in vans to seeing Malaysian-made crackers on shelves overseas, that's quite an upgrade.

Those Gold Awards On The Packet Are Real

And if you've ever noticed the award symbols printed on Hup Seng's packaging, they're not simply there for decoration.

Hup Seng's Cream Crackers have received recognition from Monde Selection since 1994, including Gold awards in 2024, 2025 and 2026. In 2026, the product also received a Diamond Trophy.

More Than Just A Packet Of Crackers

Sometimes, the things we grew up with become so familiar that we stop wondering where they came from.

Hup Seng is one of those brands.

What looks like a simple packet of crackers carries more than seven decades of Malaysian history,  from a family business travelling around Johor in vans to a homegrown brand exporting its biscuits around the world.

And now, the next time you see that little Ping Pong logo, you'll know there's more behind it than just a catchy name.