JAKARTA, INDONESIA — Piet Yap, co-founder of Bogasari Flour Mills, died June 6 at the age of 89

Yap started in sugar trading, Forbes reported. He later co-founded Bogasari Flour Mills and grew it into one of the largest wheat flour millers in the world. He was credited with changing the eating habits of Indonesians from mostly rice to more flour-based products like noodles and dumplings, the magazine said.

Yap was known for his ability to cultivate and maintain lasting friendships with key business contacts in Southeast Asia, Forbes said. He wrote an autobiography, “The Grains of My Life,” that was released in 2010.

Yap is survived by his wife, three daughters, eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. His son preceded him in death.