Loke Yew
Six months after first arriving in Malaya, he moved to Kuala Lumpur where he worked at the 'Tong Hing Long Company', a provision store owned and started by Loke Yew, who took an immediate liking to him. Even though he started off performing menial tasks, his hard-working and humble nature earned him Yew's trust, who gradually handed him more important responsibilities. When Loke Yew travelled up north to Perak to explore the possibilities of starting up a tin mining business, he left the young Yoke Choy in charge of his provision store. Cheong Yoke Choy saw Loke Yew not only as a benefactor but also a mentor. After saving sufficient money, he followed in Loke Yew's footsteps and started Hoong Fatt Tin Mining company with Chan Wing, but not before sending for his parents who were still back in China.