1931 – Early Life

• Wong Sung Choy is born in Ipoh, Malaysia.

• Trains under shoemaking masters in Taiping and Klang, building a foundation in artisanal craftsmanship.

1958 – Founding

• Establishes the Hong Kong Shoe Store in Penang.

• The name “Hong Kong” reflects modern style and prestige in Asia during the 1950s.

• First shop opens on Argyll Road, later moving to Hutton Lane and Lebuh Muntri.

1970s – Expansion & Recognition

• Produces shoes for Penang factories and the British Royal Air Force, gaining a reputation for precision and comfort.

• Specializes in custom leather shoes, Baba Nyonya beaded shoes, prosthesis footwear, and even clown shoes.

• Customers often bring their own materials, showing trust in the shoemaker’s skill.

1970s – Jimmy Choo Apprenticeship

• Datuk Jimmy Choo, later a world‑renowned designer, apprentices under Wong Sung Choy.

• Learns the fundamentals of shoemaking — hand‑stitching, design, and precision — in this humble workshop.

• His success story becomes a living testament to the store’s role in shaping global fashion.

1983 – 2nd Generation

• Wong Sung Choy retires; his son Wong Heng Mun (born 1963) takes over.

• Heng Mun began learning shoemaking at age 10, officially joining the business at 14.

• His philosophy: “Think of the safety of the wearer. Do it with heart. Stay focused.”

2013 – Heritage Continuation

• The shop relocates to 20, Kimberley Street, George Town.

• Recognized by George Town World Heritage Incorporated as a living heritage business.

• Continues to serve loyal customers while preserving artisanal traditions.

2020s – Resilience

• Despite challenges like the COVID‑19 pandemic, the store remains a symbol of craftsmanship and cultural pride.

• Today, it stands as both a shoemaking workshop and a heritage landmark, linking past generations to future ones.