Malaysia Direct Seller 2023 I Tan Sri Noor Hisham_E

PM-INTERNATIONAL RECEIVES AWARD FOR THE BIGGEST INTERNATIONAL GROWTH IN 2022

SCHENGEN, LUXEMBOURG/ DALLAS, TX, USA, APRIL 20, 2023

PM-International received the Bravo International Growth Award from the US trade magazine “Direct Selling News” as the fastest-growing international direct selling company, one of the most important awards in the industry. The company was recognized with this award for the third time in a row. This is unprecedented in the history of the Bravo International Growth Awards. The award is presented in conjunction with the “DSN Global 100” ranking of the world’s top-selling direct selling companies in terms of revenue and honors the highest annual revenue increase among all international DSN Global 100 companies.

CEO AND FOUNDER ROLF SORG HONORED WITH THE BRAVO LEADERSHIP AWARD.

Rolf Sorg, CEO and Founder of PMInternational, received the Bravo Leadership Award, which honors the almost 30-year success story of PMInternational under his leadership. The Bravo Leadership Award recognizes excellence and exceptional leadership by a direct sales executive, both at the corporate level and in the field. Rolf

Sorg expressed his sincere thanks to all Leaders, distribution partners and employees of PM-International on stage: “The foundation of our success is the hard work of the team behind me. The absolute commitment to the highest level of service is the reason why PM has been growing for 29 years now. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved, but I know there’s still a lot of work to be done.”

STABLE GROWTH IN CHALLENGING TIMES

In 2022, the manufacturer and distributor of the premium products of their own FitLine brand for health, fitness and beauty increased their group-wide annual sales to 2.55 billion US Dollars. For Rolf Sorg, the recognition for this achievement clearly belongs to all PM-International distribution partners worldwide: “In recent years, despite the challenges we have all had to face worldwide, we have never lost sight of our vision and values. During this time, our team has grown even closer together, finding new and innovative ways to stay connected and pursue our goals. Most importantly, we remain committed to our mission of positively impacting the lives of people around the world. We look forward to continuing to work towards making

the world healthier, happier and more sustainable for everyone.”

The announcement of the world’s top performers in direct sales is always eagerly awaited. PM-International was able to improve its position among the largest direct sellers worldwide on the current ranking to 8th place, last year PM-International was able to reach 9th place. The company first made it into the selection in 2010 and has been listed continuously ever since.

PM-International AG is one of the world’s largest direct selling companies in the areas of health, fitness, and beauty, based in Schengen, Luxembourg. In 2022, the PM-International group registered annual sales of $2.55 billion.

Founded in 1993, the company develops and markets high-quality, premium nutritional supplements and cosmetics under its own brand name, FitLine® – many of which have a patented technology. The exclusive Nutrient Transport Concept (NTC®) represents the company’s core competency: it delivers the nutrients exactly when they are needed and where they are needed –to the cellular level, from inside and out.

For more information on PMInternational AG and its products visit www.pm-international.com

Direct Seller Malaysia is the official publication of the Direct Selling Association of Malaysia (DSAM) which was founded in 1978. The national trade association promotes the direct selling industry on a national and international level.

With a membership of 136 companies in the country, DSAM is the official voice of the industry, and contributes to the industry’s professional image and presence on both the local and global levels. It works closely with the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs and other government bodies and trade associations to achieve the common goals.

Malaysia is among the largest direct selling markets in the world and fourth in Asia Pacific, according to the World Federation of Direct Selling Associations (WFDSA). The 2021 projected industry sales turnover provided by the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs is RM27 billion.

Direct Seller Malaysia publication is mainly to serve the needs of the dynamic direct selling industry in the country and to voice the concerns and needs of the industry. For

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Harini Management Services Sdn Bhd (609031-W)

TAN SRI DR NOOR HISHAM: A MAN ON A MISSION

A respected figure in the healthcare industry and former DG of Health, Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah, has embarked on a new chapter in his career as Code Administrator for DSAM. He shares with CHRISTINA THOMAS how he can uphold and enhance the reputation of DSAM, build trust with the public and drive innovation in a long-standing industry.

Recognising the history and track record of the direct selling industry in Malaysia, Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham draws on his experience in leading the battle against COVID-19, to rally for building greater trust and engagement between consumers and the direct selling industry. He acknowledges that the direct selling industry has been in operations in Malaysia over the last 40 years, but he highlights that innovation, engagement and trust are pivotal in the progress of the industry in the years to come.

Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham was recently appointed Code Administrator of DSAM which involves an intricate scope of leadership such as guiding DSAM on regulations, advising the DSAM Board and members on relevant regulatory developments, ensuring compliance to the Direct Sales and Anti-Pyramids Scheme Act 1993 and Regulations, as well as handling complaints, investigations and proposing compensation, among other functions. As Code Administrator, Tan Sri Dr Noor

Hisham also has to ensure that any order or decision made by the Code Administrator must be fair and reasonable for all parties involved, premised on the DSAM Code of Conduct, the Direct Sales and AntiPyramid Scheme Act 1993 and, the terms and conditions of member companies.

With his role cut out for him, Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham is all set to dive into the functions of this new role and bring positive change as well as deliver impact in the direct selling industry. He explains, “In DSAM as a Code Administrator, we are trying to entrust how best we can continue to sell the brand of DSAM and also to build trust and engage with the public. Through engagement, addressing challenges and issues, as well as managing the expectations of the public, we can earn trust.”

Highlighting key factors in building trust, Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham said that trust can be built through effective leadership, partnerships and also enhancing the use of technology, creative ideas and innovation, in order to drive the association forward. He draws on his

experience in healthcare saying, “If you look into the past, 10 years ago we started with home delivery of medicine. Patients need not come to the hospital to collect the medicine, instead we send it to them via Pos Malaysia’s Ubat Melalui Pos.”

“We send the medicine to patients. It has been 10 years since we first started this service and it has been a very successful initiative. Patients are happy and hospitals are not congested. There is no need to waste time making a trip to the hospital, parking your car, queuing and collecting your medicine,” he adds.

He draws a similarity between that example and the direct selling industry, saying, “So you see direct selling is also almost the same – the concept is that we deliver to your home. Once we deliver the products to your home, we need to use electronic technology, social media and others to build trust. When you sell via direct selling, there is actually a person or organisation behind it, and it is important to build trust, if you have personalised care.”

In saying this, he poses the million-dollar question, “Direct

Order of Rio Branco

Tan Sri Noor Hisham, was recently awarded the prestigious “Order of Rio Branco” by the Brazilian government, represented by His Excellency the Ambassador of Brazil to Malaysia, Ary Norton de Murat Quintella. This award serves as a reminder of the importance of international collaboration in the fight against public health threats and the importance of collective preparedness and response.

Tan Sri Noor Hisham said, “The COVID-19 pandemic has affected every aspect of our lives. However, we persevered, equipped with science, facts and data through a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to arrive at where we are today.”

“I want to take this opportunity to express my most profound appreciation and gratitude to all the frontliners, who have worked tirelessly and sacrificed so much to keep us safe. They are the true heroes of this pandemic COVID-19, and I am honoured to receive this award on behalf of all frontliners. I am confident this award is just the beginning of a much closer collaboration between Malaysia and Brazil in health,” he added.

Malaysia and Brazil have a shared common interest in promoting public health, and this award highlights the potential for greater cooperation and partnership between both nations. Tan Sri Noor Hisham expressed his excitement about the potential for South-South collaboration in research, particularly between the Institute for Medical Research, Ministry of Health Malaysia and The Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (or better known as Fiocruz), Ministry of Health Brazil.

DSAM extends our heartiest congratulations to Tan Sri Noor Hisham on the receipt of this prestigious and honorific order of Brazil bestowed upon a valiant Malaysian medical leader who led his team in the fight against COVID-19. We hope our country sees more of such leaders rising to important causes and honouring Malaysia on the world stage.

change the way business is done so that they can reach all corners of the nation.”

He highlights that in order to gain the confidence and trust of consumers, there must be a strong code of ethics for members as well as the public. “The public must know the code of ethics as well. We need to enhance the code of ethics, comply to the code of ethics and implement it well,” he says.

Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham points out that just like our health, the direct selling industry has to empower the public to take care of themselves, empower direct selling companies to regulate themselves and to comply with regulations.

He notes, “As the Code Administrator, I have to make sure they comply and we listen to issues. We listen to how we can improve from the bottom up and not top down only because input often comes from the bottom up. If you can self-regulate and empower the company and the individual to have a high professional code of ethics and sell things in a very transparent way, then I am sure you can expand and open up more markets.”

selling is not new and has been around for more than 40 years but now the question is how do you innovate, and create new platforms for direct selling to reach out to more people and by population.”

In addressing this question, he explains that key to the success of the direct selling industry today is communication. He encourages direct sellers to embrace technology and look for new ways to reach out to their target audiences. Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham reminds, “If we continue direct selling like what we did 40 years ago, then we will be left behind. So today, technology, creative ideas, innovation play a major role in direct selling, and direct selling frontliners must embrace all this technology and

In advising consumers and direct sellers, Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham says, “You need to know where you buy from, credentials of the seller, if there are approvals for the products, whether or not its genuine, as there are a lot of fake products out there. So you need to have all this verified, and we need to have a platform to ask questions – that’s how I think you can enhance direct selling.”

He reminds direct sellers that it is very important to engage consumers and the public, follow through on products and services, and help people to prevent health problems. Once this has been achieved or carried out, sustainability is achieved, in terms of continuous purchase and consumer loyalty.

CEOS MERDEKA LUNCHEON 2023

CELEBRATING INDEPENDENCE WITH THE DIRECT SELLING INDUSTRY PARTNERS.

In September, DSAM hosted the CEOs Merdeka Luncheon 2023 at The Saujana Hotel, Kuala Lumpur. Members and guests were greeted by a showcase of the latest BMW car and the latest superbikes as well as a photograph opportunity facilitated by DCR Marketing Sdn Bhd.

In his welcome address, Zaihan Ariffin, President of DSAM thanked the past president, office bearers, board of directors and members for their presence. He also welcomed representatives of KPDN and Tan Sri Noor Hisham Abdullah, who went on to deliver his keynote address.

Tan Sri Noor Hisham presented on the topic of Value Based Governance & Leadership in Managing the Pandemic

COVID-19. He shared about issues and challenges in managing the expectation of communities and building public trust. In reminding the audience of the COVID-19 ordeal, Tan Sri Noor Hisham said, “We move but we must learn from history.”

He added “I see a lot of potential to enhance DSAM in terms of value proposition and how we can make a big difference in moving forward.”

In his presentation, Tan Sri Noor Hisham expounded on the types of leadership, basic skills of leadership, delivery system and achievements, innovation and excellence culture, and how all this was applied during the pandemic.

He explained important leadership skills – as a doctor, the most important of them all being to “first do no harm”. This

was followed by the achievement of high impact and a good outcome at a reasonable cost. He explained that key to the Ministry of Health’s (MOH) success is teamwork and working together. He also explained about Malaysia’s Preparedness in relation to the Prevention and Control Act 342 and how the COVID-19 pandemic was effectively managed.

A team from UOB Bank was also at hand to share insights and strategies that can lead to significant growth in members’ wealth. They shared about the bank’s digital and banking suite that are convenient and versatile for business owners.

The luncheon ended with a great opportunity for networking among industry partners, guests and KPDN officials.

DSAM ANNUAL DINNER 2022 –AN ENCHANTING NIGHT

DSAM’s Annual Dinner 2022 unfolded with a vibrant show of colours, music and traditional Malaysian folk dances. The event was officiated by Datuk Azman bin Mohd Yusof, Secretary General of the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living. The opulent ballroom welcomed crowds of direct sellers dressed in their

best traditional costumes, amidst the excitement and camaraderie in the air. The evening culminated with speeches by Datuk Azman and DSAM President. Guests from the World Federation of Direct Selling Associations and Direct Selling Associations of Asia Pacific, graced the gala night.

Stand-up comedian, Dr Jason Leong filled the night with laughter with his jokes and anecdotes of daily life, while the Best Dressed Awards segment saw direct sellers parade their fashionable costumes to the cheers of the crowd. Many direct sellers walked away with attractive lucky draw prizes that included branded items, travel vouchers, household appliances and other valuable items. All in, it was a fabulous night of fun, great food and an unforgettable experience. Direct sellers from across the nation had the opportunity to meet and network with each other amidst an enchanting night.

UNLOCKING THE PATH TO SUCCESS: THE BENEFITS OF DIRECT SELLING

Direct selling serves as a retail channel employed by both prominent international brands and smaller, innovative enterprises to promote a wide range of products and services directly to consumers. This encompasses a diverse range of offerings, spanning from jewellery, cookware and supplements to cosmetics, housewares and beyond.

In today’s dynamic business

landscape, direct selling has emerged as a powerful avenue for entrepreneurs and salarymen to create sustainable income streams while enjoying a range of unique advantages. This article delves into the numerous benefits of engaging in direct selling, shedding light on why it is an attractive proposition for ambitious individuals seeking financial independence and professional fulfillment.

1LOW INITIAL INVESTMENT

One of the most appealing aspects of direct selling is its low barrier to entry. Unlike traditional brick-and-mortar businesses, which often demand significant capital, direct selling ventures can be launched with a modest investment. This accessibility levels the playing field, allowing individuals from various backgrounds to step into the entrepreneurial arena.

2FLEXIBLE WORK HOURS

Direct selling offers a level of flexibility that few other business models can match. Entrepreneurs have the freedom to set their own schedules, enabling them to strike a balance between work and personal life. E3w

This adaptability is especially beneficial for individuals with familial or other professional commitments. This means people with full-time jobs, and parents who need to juggle responsibilities in caring for their children, and people in various other circumstances can all still engage in direct selling.

3WORK FROM ANYWHERE

Working from home has its advantages and many people have grown accustomed to working from home during the pandemic. However, direct selling takes this a step further by allowing entrepreneurs to work from anywhere.

Depending on an entrepreneur’s preferences, he or she can work from home, work from a cafe, or even work from a chair beside a pool or beach. In this sense, direct selling offers an unmatched level of flexiblity in the choice of work environment.

4NO INVENTORY OR OVERHEAD COSTS

Unlike traditional retail businesses, direct selling does not require entrepreneurs to maintain a physical storefront or manage large inventories. This eliminates the need for costly overhead expenses such as rent, utilities and inventory storage. As a result, more of the revenue generated from sales can be directed towards profits or reinvested in the business.

5PERSONAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

Engaging in direct selling is not

just about making sales—it’s about honing vital skills that can be applied in various aspects of life. Entrepreneurs learn to communicate effectively, negotiate, build relationships, and manage their time efficiently. These skills are transferable and can significantly contribute to personal growth and development.

In developing their interpersonal and communication skills, entrepreneurs gain confidence and become more eloquent in conveying their ideas. The side effect is that they can improve their relationships with their loved ones, friends and colleagues too.

6EXTENSIVE PRODUCT KNOWLEDGE

Direct sellers have the opportunity to become experts in the products or services they represent. This in-depth knowledge not only builds confidence in their offerings but also enables them to provide valuable insights and recommendations to their customers. Such expertise fosters trust and credibility, leading to stronger customer relationships.

7DIVERSE INCOME STREAMS

Direct selling allows entrepreneurs to explore multiple income streams within the same business. They can expand their product range, target new demographics, or even recruit and mentor other sellers. This diversification of revenue sources enhances financial stability and resilience, reducing dependency on a single product or market.

8STRONG SUPPORT NETWORK

Reputable direct selling companies provide comprehensive training and support to their entrepreneurs. This support often includes sales training, product knowledge seminars, marketing resources, and access

to a community of like-minded individuals. This network can be invaluable for new entrepreneurs, offering them guidance and mentorship as they navigate their business journey.

9EMPOWERMENT AND INDEPENDENCE

Direct selling empowers individuals to take charge of their own financial destiny. Entrepreneurs are not bound by the limitations of a traditional employment model. Instead, they have the freedom to set their own goals, define their own success, and determine the direction of their business. This level of independence can be incredibly empowering and fulfilling.

MOVING FOREWARD

Engaging in direct selling business is an empowering and potentially lucrative endeavour for aspiring entrepreneurs. Its low startup costs, flexibility and diverse income streams make it an attractive option in today’s business world. Moreover, the personal growth and development opportunities it offers are great for individuals looking to build not only a successful business but also a fulfilling career. By harnessing the benefits of direct selling, entrepreneurs can unlock their potential to achieve financial independence, professional success and personal fulfilment.

GET READY FOR E-INVOICE

Malaysia will introduce mandatory e-invoicing next year. The first phase will roll out in June 2024 and the introductory process will end in 2027.

E-invoicing will enable real-time or near real-time validation and storage of all transactions involving all B2G, B2B and B2C transactions, both domestic and cross border and in all industries and sizes of companies.

To facilitate taxpayers’

transition to e-Invoice, the IRBM has developed two distinct e-Invoice transmission mechanism – an IRBM-hosted portal called MyInvois Portal and an application programming interface (API).

Gradual mandatory implementation will be based on business revenue. Pilot projects with selected taxpayers are slated to begin early 2024 with companies with a turnover of RM100 million and above.

The next phase, which affects companies with an annual revenue of

RM50 million, will begin in January 2025. Companies with an annual revenue of around RM25 million will be required to use e-invoicing in January 2026, followed by all companies from 2027.

EFFICIENT TAXING

The Electronic billing system will be used by businesses’ trading partners, such as their suppliers, to present and monitor transactional documents between one another and to ensure the terms of their trading agreements are being met.

E-invoicing will help improve the efficiency of tax administrations, either through direct or indirect taxes. It is also expected to provide cost savings in doing business and strengthen the tax system in the country by making it fairer and more equitable.

For micro, small and mediumsized enterprises (MSME), the phased implementation offers

E-INVOICING WORKFLOW

Here is an overview of the e-Invoicing workflow from the point a sale is made or transaction undertaken, and an e-Invoice is issued by the supplier via MyInvois Portal or API, up to the point of storing validated e-Invoices on IRBM’s database for taxpayers to view their respective historical e-Invoices.

Issuance of e-Invoice

Supplier and buyer will be able to obtain a summary of the e-Invoice transactions via MyInvois Portal. 1 3 2 4 5 6

When a sale or transaction is made (including e-Invoice adjustments), the supplier creates an e-Invoice and shares it to IRBM via MyInvois Portal or API for validation.

Validation of e-Invoice

IRBM validation is performed in near real-time ensuring that the e-Invoice meets the necessary standards and criteria. Once validated, the supplier will receive a Unique Identifier Number from IRBM via MyInvois Portal or API. The Unique Identifier Number will allow traceability of IRBM and will reduce instances of tampering with the e-Invoice.

Notification of validated e-Invoice

IRBM will inform both the supplier and buyer once e-Invoice has been validated via MyInvois Portal or API.

Sharing of e-Invoice

Upon validation, the supplier is obliged to share the validation e-Invoice (embedded with a QR code) with the buyer. The QR code can be used to validate the existence and status of the e-Invoice MyInvois Portal.

Rejection or cancellation of e-Invoice

Upon issuance of e-Invoice, a stipulated period of time is given for:

- Buyers to request for rejection of e-Invoice

- Suppliers to perform cancellation of e-Invoice Rejection request or cancellation must be accompanies by justification

6. MyInvois Portal

a progressive and manageable transition to e-Invoice. This allows MSMEs to align their financial reporting and processes to be digitalised with industry standards. It also allows MSMEs to adapt over a longer period and mitigate potential disruptions.

QUICK TAKE

1. E-invoice is a digital representation of a transaction between a supplier and a buyer. It replaces traditional paper or electronic documents such as invoices, credit notes and debit notes.

2. IRBM defines the e-invoice as a file created in the format specified by the new regulations that can

be automatically processed by the relevant accounting system, eg XML and JSON.

3. IRBM will use the Continuous Transaction Control model where the validation is done instantly (or near-instantly).

3. For small and medium businesses which do not have an e-invoice system in place, IRBM will provide free solutions which are web-based and require manual input of data into the system.

4. The first stage of implementation will focus on business-to-business and domestic transactions, which include intercompany invoices.

DSAM in collaboration with Deloitte has held an online briefing

Taxpayers can kickstart the transition by:

Updating key MyTax details

Assessing organisation readiness for adoption 1 2 3

Initiate appropriate communications

for Members in September 2023 on this matter. We will continue to update our Members on the implementation progress and hold further briefings when necessary. For queries, reach out to myinvois@hasil.gov.my. Alternatively, you can download the recently released e-Invoice Guideline from hasil.gov.my/en/e-invoice/

BE INTERNATIONAL: INSPIRING LIVES THROUGH SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

MAKING MEANINGFUL LONG TERM CONTRIBUTIONS TOWARDS A BETTER FUTURE.

BE International stands as an exemplary model in its commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), embodying a corporate ethos centered on giving back to society. Throughout its journey, BE International has consistently demonstrated a profound dedication to making a positive impact, evident through its contributions and accomplishments.

Amidst global challenges, BE International remains unwavering in its mission to uplift communities in need. This year, the company and its visionary leaders have once again set an inspiring precedent by donating RM150,000 to Yayasan SinChew for disaster relief efforts. BE International was also the Premium Sponsor of World Vision’s Famine 30 initiative, contributing RM100,000 along with 5,000 sachets of BElixz SlendezMeal. This initiative addressed immediate challenges and underscores the company’s commitment to eradicating hunger and malnutrition.

Furthermore, for the fifth consecutive year, BE International has extended its support to Generasi Gemilang’s programs. The company also sponsored Super Sarapan Program, benefiting 262 students in 6 schools. By providing nourishment and vital resources, the company actively promotes educational advancement and holistic well-being among the younger generation.

Celebrating accomplishments on both the national and international fronts, BE International was awarded the prestigious Healthcare Professionals’ Choice 2023 awards in Hong Kong. In recognition of BE International’s

efforts in enhancing lives and delivering innovation, the company won the coveted Brand Award for Healthy Clothing for the AULORA Apparel Series, and the Brand Award for Nutritional Supplement (Comprehensive Improvement) for BElixz SHIRUTO.

Driven by its motto “BEyond Inspiring Minds, Touching Lives for Eternity”, BE International continues to inspire, influence, and improve the lives of individuals across the globe.

In line with BE International’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goals and in improving the lives of communities, the company has played an active role in contributing towards disaster relief and sponsorships towards education as well as well-being.

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