Just $200 - that was the fee received by the founder of Woh Hup, the late Mr Yong Yit Lin (1900-1950), for his company's very first job. This, the building of a pair of garden gateposts for the British Resident in Seremban, was completed within four days and won him the respect and confidence of the authorities. As a result, Mr Yong was awarded many construction contracts by the Seremban Government, and subsequently gained recognition as one of the pioneer building contractors in Singapore and Malaya.
 

In 1926, the Colonial Secretary of the Straits Settlements, formerly the British Resident of Seremban, invited Mr Yong to Singapore. He seized the opportunity and was successful in tendering for the construction of the Keppel Chandu Packing Plant labourers' quarters. Mr Yong's hardwork, integrity and working philosophy of “small profit margins and construction speed” won his firm, Woh Hup Yit, numerous contracts. The company was incorporated as Woh Hup (Private) Limited in 1940.
 

In 1948, Mr. Yong was elected President of the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce. In addition, he was the President of the Singapore Chinese Contractors Association, a founder and director of Chung Khiaw Bank Limited and the President of the Khek Community Guild. He held numerous other appointments in school advisory councils and charitable organisations. In 1950, he was appointed a Justice of the Peace.