BOH Shares Its Deep 'Malayan' Roots and Living through Khazanah’s Dana Warisan Initiative

3 April 2026

KUALA LUMPUR: BOH has been invited to participate in Khazanah Nasional’s Dana Warisan initiative at the iconic Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad, one of Malaysia’s most significant and architecturally rich landmarks, renowned for its Moorish-inspired design.

The Dana Warisan initiative forms part of the larger Warisan KL project, which aims to conserve and revitalise national heritage assets by reimagining them for adaptive reuse as inclusive, dynamic, and liveable spaces. Launched by Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Warisan KL brings together government agencies, GLCs, GLICs, private partners, and communities to transform heritage buildings into platforms that connect history with the present, foster civic pride, engage local communities and visitors, and inspire future generations.

BOH’s involvement at Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad reflects a shared history that dates back to Kuala Lumpur’s formative years. The Russell family, founders of BOH, have been part of Malaya’s development since 1890, when John Russell, affectionately known as ‘Jack’, arrived in the Straits Settlements as the Selangor Government Printer. Serving under the British Resident in Selangor, Jack played a key role in documenting Malaya’s early governance, infrastructure, and social life, at a time when the Government Offices, now known as Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad, stood at the centre of the nation’s administrative life.

From its early days, the family actively contributed to Malaya’s progress across industries including printing, engineering, construction, mining, agriculture, and commerce. This legacy continued when J.A. Russell, one of Jack’s sons, founded BOH Plantations in 1929, pioneering Malaya’s first highland tea garden in the Cameron Highlands and laying the foundation for what would become Malaysia’s most beloved tea brand.

“Being part of the Warisan KL initiative at Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad is profoundly meaningful for BOH,” said Caroline Russell, Chairman of BOH. “It allows us to celebrate not only our own heritage but also the broader narrative of Malaysia’s growth, a story shaped by people, places, and shared histories.”

“Our journey in Malaya began in 1890, at a time when this very building symbolised administration, progress, and nation-building,” she added. “Sharing BOH’s story within a landmark that has witnessed Malaysia’s transformation is a powerful reminder that heritage is not static. It is an invaluable treasure that we carry forward, nurture, and pass on with purpose. We hope visitors will see how heritage lives on, not only in historic walls but in ideas, values, and everyday rituals such as sharing a cup of tea,” she reflected.

Rooted in nearly a century of Malaysian heritage, BOH’s history embodies enterprise, resilience, and long-term stewardship, values that resonate strongly with Warisan KL’s commitment to sustainable nation-building.

As part of this initiative, BOH is presenting curated exhibitions that recount its legacy from 1890 to the present, offering visitors an immersive journey through its heritage and contribution to Malaysia’s development. Visitors can also take home a tangible piece of this living legacy through BOH’s iconic teas, available for purchase at its onsite retail outlet.

“It is our hope that BOH’s story will inspire Malaysians to reconnect with the past while looking confidently towards the future,” added Caroline.

As BOH approaches a century of tea-making excellence, its participation in this revitalisation project reaffirms a longstanding commitment to heritage, sustainability, and community.