Ho King-yuen, one of the founders and former managing director of the iconic Hong Kong ice cream brand "Mobile Softee" (富豪雪糕), passed away on Jan. 23 in Australia at the age of 98. He was laid to rest on Feb. 8. Today (Feb. 11), Ho's family published an obituary in local newspapers, stating that he was surrounded by his wife, children, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren at the time of his passing.
Ho's family fondly described him as "a sincere, hardworking, and kind-hearted man who was always willing to help others." Born the eldest son in his family, Ho faced hardship early in life, losing his father during World War II. He dropped out of school to support his family and took on multiple jobs in the post-war years. He held a key position at the Dairy Farm Company, worked part-time at the HK Jockey Club, and served as an inspector in the HK Auxiliary Police Force until retiring from service to pursue a business career.
Leveraging his experience at Dairy Farm, Ho introduced HK to its first-ever soft-serve ice cream trucks imported from overseas, establishing the Mobile Softee brand. His family praised his legacy, saying he brought "priceless sweet memories to generations of Hong Kongers" and turned the brand into "a widely recognized symbol of HK."
Mobile Softee ice cream trucks have been a part of HK's streets for over half a century. With 14 trucks in operation—three stationed at designated tourist spots and the others roaming the city—they continue to sell just four classic items: soft-serve ice cream, nutty drumsticks, takeaway “lotus cups”, and jumbo orange smoothies. These offerings, unchanged over the years, have become a beloved part of HK's cultural identity.
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