As war broke out around the world, many businesses found themselves struggling to survive. However, for Leung Yun Chee, it was an opportunity to expand. During the war the Japanese occupied Singapore, and trading ceased. This meant that Leung Yun Chee’s once stiff competition from abroad ceased to be a problem. As a result, Axe Brand Universal Oil became the go-to brand, and established itself as leader in medicated oils.