Mao Shan Wang, D24 or Red Prawn – Which is your favourite type of durian? Buckle up and hop on a ride with Durian Farmer Chin Kuan Voon and witness first-hand how the King of Fruits is cultivated, harvested and delivered to 99 Old Trees Founder Kelvin Tan who makes some of Singapore's best durian desserts!
What You'll Do
Get ready for a delicious journey into a small rustic town in Malaysia, Bekok, featuring durian farmer Chin Kuan Voon of VS Farms and Singaporean Kelvin Tan, the founder of 99 Old Trees. This is a rare opportunity to meet two passionate individuals who are deeply committed to the cultivation, appreciation, and sharing of the king of fruits. Discover how traditional farming practices in Bekok have shaped the local durian industry, and hear first-hand accounts of what it takes to grow top-quality durians—from soil to season to harvest.
From marcotting to grafting, learn the in and outs of durian farming to ensure only the best tasting durians are grown and make their way into Singapore to Kelvin's shop. Expect stories of heritage and hard work, of rural Malaysia's vibrant agricultural life, and of how durian farming is not just a livelihood but a legacy. You’ll learn about the different durian varieties, what makes a good durian, and how Singapore’s durian lovers are connected through direct partnerships with the suppliers. Whether you're a durian enthusiast or simply curious about the people and practices behind your favorite fruit, this session will give you a new appreciation for the community, culture, and craft behind every creamy bite.
About MY-SG
Singapore and Malaysia are closely knitted cultural, historically and socially. This series hopes to highlight the essential, everyday connections between Malaysia and Singapore—particularly through the flow of produce. From fresh produce and poultry to beloved snacks and ingredients, much of what fills our tables in Singapore begins its journey across the border.
This programme shines a light on the unseen hands and early-morning movements that keep our markets and kitchens stocked. Through stories and shared meals, MY-SG honours the people, relationships, and supply chains that nourish both nations, reminding us how interwoven our daily lives truly are.
About the Host
Chin Kuan Voon, or Ah Voon, is a third-generation durian farmer from Bekok, Johor, who began tending to durians at just six years old. Taught by his grandmother, he now runs a family farm with trees over 50 years old, growing premium varieties like MSW and 101. Through cross-crop farming, close collaboration with neighbours, and a deep respect for tradition, Ah Voon has built a reputation for quality and honesty. His long-standing partnership with Kelvin Tan of 99 Old Trees connects Bekok’s rich durian heritage to Singapore. For Ah Voon, each durian is more than just a fruit—it’s the result of care, legacy, and a lifelong passion.Kelvin Tan is the founder of 99 Old Trees, a beloved Singaporean durian retailer known for its high-quality Mao Shan Wang and deep-rooted connections to Malaysian farms. With a passion for durians and a sharp eye for quality, Kelvin built 99 Old Trees not just as a fruit business, but as a bridge between Singaporeans and the people who grow their favourite fruit.
Committed to transparency, freshness, and fair trade, Kelvin personally works with durian farmers to ensure each fruit that arrives in Singapore is harvested at its peak. His dedication to building long-term relationships with farmers like Mr Chin Kuan Voon of VS Farms has helped shape a more sustainable and traceable durian supply chain. Whether he’s curating a seasonal tasting experience or innovating with durian desserts, Kelvin continues to redefine how Singaporeans enjoy the King of Fruits.
Who should come?
- Everyone is welcome to participate in this exciting tour!
Programme Details
- Approximate Duration: 12.5 hours (Please arrive 15-30 minutes before the tour for registration)
- Language: English and Mandarin
- Meeting Point: Meet at EITHER My Community's Office (Blk 115A Commonwealth Drive, #04-13, Singapore 149596) OR Chinese Garden MRT Station Exit A (Bus Stop B28341). A chartered bus will bring us to Malaysia.
- Ending Point: The event will end at 99 Old Trees Durian (1 Teo Hong Rd, Singapore 088321)
- The tour will proceed rain or shine.
Attire
- Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable long sleeved clothing to protect themselves from the sun and from mosquitoes.
- Participants must wear covered shoes with good soles grip.
What to bring?
- Bring along your physical NRIC, passport, a change of clothes, hand sanitiser, wet wipes, insect repellent, a bottle of water and an umbrella.
- Each traveller is solely responsible for ensuring that his or her passport or other travel document is valid for at least 6 months from the date of return and that he or she has all necessary visas, permits or passes as may be required by the governmental authorities of Malaysia.
- Please bring along your own breakfast to consume on the bus.
- We recommend that participants bring 100RM/person for meals and additional expenses.
- Participants are encouraged to bring their own earphones (with a standard 3.5mm audio jack) because we will be using radio guides for the tour!
- Please ensure that you bring along any personal medication. Asthmatic individuals are reminded to bring their inhaler.
What to expect?
- As we will be visiting a farm, participants may need to walk on dirt paths during the tour.
Other important information
- Our facilitators will reach out to you before the event with further instructions. Please ensure that you are contactable via the email and phone number provided.
- The ending time provided is an estimate. Due to traffic congestion, customs clearance and other circumstances, the duration of the tour is an estimate and can only be used as a reference. Participants should not plan for activities after the tour.
- Parking is available at the meeting point. However, we recommend participants take public transport or a taxi to the meeting point to avoid extended parking charges.
- The venue is not wheelchair accessible.
- Photography is allowed at event premises.
Terms and Conditions
- Participants may wish to purchase a travel insurance separately. We will not be responsible for the loss, damage or theft of any item(s) belonging to a participant throughout the duration of the tour.
- Each ticket admits only one participant.
- Without limiting any other provision of these Terms and Conditions, to the fullest extent permitted by law, we shall not be responsible or assume any liability to any participant for:
- any injury, damage, loss or delay affecting any person or property not arising from our own negligence or breach;
- any loss, damage, cost, expense or delay suffered or incurred due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to:
- actions or omissions of third parties (including any applicable third party service providers);
- mechanical breakdowns;
- a Force Majeure Event;
- a failure by the participant to comply with any of his or her obligations hereunder;
- a failure by the participant or traveller to posess, obtain or maintain any travel documentation required for the tour (e.g. health certificates, visas, valid passports, etc.);
- a failure by the participant to follow reasonable instructions, including but not limited to noting and complying with specified check-in and check-out and/or meeting places and times.
- The sequence of any itinerary for a tour may be subject to change from time to time, due to traffic conditions and other unforeseen circumstances.
- It is the responsibility of participants who are pregnant to ensure that they have a doctor’s certification that they are fit for travel. Notwithstanding any such doctor’s certificate, My Community has the sole discretion to disallow a pregnant traveller to undertake certain activities and no refund shall be payable in such event.
- By agreeing to participate in the tour, every participant will be responsible for any injury, loss of damage due to careIessness of other actions on his/her part or that of children under his/her charge.
- It is compulsory for a parent/guardian to accompany any child of or under the age of 18.
- Videos and photographs may also be taken during the event. By registering for this event, you give My Community full rights to use the photos for marketing and publicity.
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