Perak Footwear Association has come a long way since 1913. Back then, it was known as Tat Yau Hong Perak Association. It was founded by the late Mr. Cheong Kou with its registration and approval from the British government from London. During that time Malaysia (formerly known as Malaya) was under the British colonial rule.

The establishment had the late Mr. Loke Jiao as the first president of the association with about twenty two members only. The idea of forming the association with about twenty two members only. The idea of forming the association was to foster closer friendly relationship among shoe manufacturers and as an entertainment center such as Cantonese opera activity and mahjung playing during leisure.

During Japanese invasion in China, Tat Yau Hong Perak Association did play a part to help the Chinese by raising funds through its Cantonese opera activities. It was until 1941 when finally the Japanese Imperial Army invaded Malaya (today as Malaysia), which forced the association to halt all activities. All evidence of fund raising for the Chinese were destroyed and the members were all dispersed, as they were afraid of being caught by the Japanese Imperial Army.

The association was reactivated after World War Two in 1946, led by the late Mr. Choo Fok Chai as the president with about forty members only.

In 1973 Tat Yau Hong Perak association was renamed as Perak Shoe makers' Association to better reflect the actual identity of the association. Thereafter the association and its members were struggling hard to raise funds and admitting more members for its support. Finally in 1979, the association managed to buy its own premise located at No.635, Jalan Pasir Puteh, 31650 Ipoh, Perak Malaysia.

The association had actively performed its social obligation such as giving small scholarship award, as an encouragement to the members' children and also contributed financially to other charitable organization.

In so far, one of the major contributions to the footwear industry was the in cooperation with a pattern cutting and design institution known as ShoeArt Design Studio. Its principal, Mr. Eric Foo Yin Peng who was graduated from ARS Sutoria in Italy, one of the very few well known shoe design institution in the world, had conducted about twenty classes at the association premise and is still conducting today.

In year 2001, the new millennium, Perak Shoe Makers' Association again was renamed as Perak Footwear Association. This is in line with the association ambition to invite more members including people who are supporting the shoe industry such as material suppliers, sole suppliers and other related industry that support the shoe industry. Further to that, we are opening our door to all Malaysian Individual who has one common interest, footwear, to join as member.

Today, after 89 years with about 660 very supportive members, the association is poised to face new challenges from local and abroad. I trust with the present leadership, we will succeed.