MRCA NEWS - Retailing : Franchising : Branding - Vol.1 No.4

LETTER

LETTER

RETAILING | FRANCHISING | BRANDING VOL 1 NO 4∣ WM RM8 / EM RM10

Vol 1 NO 4 RM8.00

“We believe that creativity and innovation have made us a trendsetter and market leader ....”

--------------------------------------------------------------Albert Chiang, Group MD, Bonia Corporation Berhad

BONIA ISSN:2289-3377

A brand built on product quality and innovation

KDN NO:PP13818/02/2013(031900)

GST ON MALAYSIAN BUSINESSES How will GST affect your business?

NEVER TOO OLD FOR AN EDUCATION

Emeritus Professor Dr. Muhamad Awang, Vice Chancellor, SEGI University

MRCA’S YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS WHO ROCK! T.Y Ooi, Executive Manager, PJ Uniform Roys Tan, CEO, Occubite Resources

Contents Pg4

Credit Page MRCA Board Members & MPH

Pg6

Publisher’s Note Message from President of MRCA, Dato’ Nelson Kwok

16

Pg8

24

BONIA is a brand built on product quality and innovation Albert Chiang Heng Kieng, shares how it all began and how Bonia has established itself as a top of the line home -grown fashion brand.

Focus

22

GST on Malaysian Businesses Find out all you need to know about the Goods and Services Tax and if it will affect your business

16

Never too old for an education Emeritus Professor Dr. Muhamad Awang encourages working professionals to take the bold step toward an MBA with Segi University

18

An appetite for something new Meet T.Y Ooi and read about how she plans to diversify Professor’s uniform business

22

18

Pg

26

Pg

10

2

∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣Vol 1 No 4

Bite Me! Roys Tan invites you to take a bite into Occubite’s Muffins

24

E-Commerce learns to love consumer service According to delegates at London’s eCommerce Expo 2013 consumers expect outstanding service from start to finish

26

57 57 58

• Taiwan study tour • Mr Xu Zhang Ren visits • Happy 21st Birthday MRCA

Water, glorious water NEP Holdings (M) Berhad gives us the Diamond Water Filtration System

29

Health is wealth Dato’ Marcus Kam explains why Pathlab is Malaysia’s preferred one-stop healthcare centre

30

The future of Asian Malls, what’s next?

PPK president, H.C Chan discusses the recent trends in Asian shopping malls development at the CASC Conference

32

Sewing your way to success Mostwell Sdn Bhd's Epal Centre offers business opportunities for those wanting to make a living out of sewing

34

It’s not about making cents, it’s about making sense Experts from Thinkscape Group share their perspectives on what brand experience truly means

36

Limelight • • • • • • •

Pg

56

Gallery

Pg

10

For The Record • November (EGM)

Pg

Pg

On The Cover

58

Pg MRCA Member’s Logo Page

One City Berjaya MyOrtho Mall Of Malaysia KIP Mart Matrix Holdings Sunway

New Members • • • • • • •

De Western Ellui Holdings GHL Shellys Marketing Suez Top Touch ‘N Go Vinsoon Shoe

38 40 42 44 46 48 50

LaunchPad • • • •

60 61 63 64

Blynk Mobile Customer Experience Management Maximising Brain Ability MRCA in Kuching

Reaching Out Deepavali Visit

66

Talking Point

68

30

Pg

36

Pg

51 52 52 53 53 54 54

Vol 1 No 4∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣

3

Contents Pg4

Credit Page MRCA Board Members & MPH

Pg6

Publisher’s Note Message from President of MRCA, Dato’ Nelson Kwok

16

Pg8

24

BONIA is a brand built on product quality and innovation Albert Chiang Heng Kieng, shares how it all began and how Bonia has established itself as a top of the line home -grown fashion brand.

Focus

22

GST on Malaysian Businesses Find out all you need to know about the Goods and Services Tax and if it will affect your business

16

Never too old for an education Emeritus Professor Dr. Muhamad Awang encourages working professionals to take the bold step toward an MBA with Segi University

18

An appetite for something new Meet T.Y Ooi and read about how she plans to diversify Professor’s uniform business

22

18

Pg

26

Pg

10

2

∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣Vol 1 No 4

Bite Me! Roys Tan invites you to take a bite into Occubite’s Muffins

24

E-Commerce learns to love consumer service According to delegates at London’s eCommerce Expo 2013 consumers expect outstanding service from start to finish

26

57 57 58

• Taiwan study tour • Mr Xu Zhang Ren visits • Happy 21st Birthday MRCA

Water, glorious water NEP Holdings (M) Berhad gives us the Diamond Water Filtration System

29

Health is wealth Dato’ Marcus Kam explains why Pathlab is Malaysia’s preferred one-stop healthcare centre

30

The future of Asian Malls, what’s next?

PPK president, H.C Chan discusses the recent trends in Asian shopping malls development at the CASC Conference

32

Sewing your way to success Mostwell Sdn Bhd's Epal Centre offers business opportunities for those wanting to make a living out of sewing

34

It’s not about making cents, it’s about making sense Experts from Thinkscape Group share their perspectives on what brand experience truly means

36

Limelight • • • • • • •

Pg

56

Gallery

Pg

10

For The Record • November (EGM)

Pg

Pg

On The Cover

58

Pg MRCA Member’s Logo Page

One City Berjaya MyOrtho Mall Of Malaysia KIP Mart Matrix Holdings Sunway

New Members • • • • • • •

De Western Ellui Holdings GHL Shellys Marketing Suez Top Touch ‘N Go Vinsoon Shoe

38 40 42 44 46 48 50

LaunchPad • • • •

60 61 63 64

Blynk Mobile Customer Experience Management Maximising Brain Ability MRCA in Kuching

Reaching Out Deepavali Visit

66

Talking Point

68

30

Pg

36

Pg

51 52 52 53 53 54 54

Vol 1 No 4∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣

3

LETTER

MRCA IS PUBLISHED BY

Malaysian Retailer-Chains Association

No.15-6, Blk A, Jaya One, No 72A, Jalan Universiti, 46200, Petaling Jaya.

Tel: 603-7955 3526 Fax: 603-7955 3525 Website: http://mrca.org.my

MRCA NEWSLETTER IS PRODUCED FOR MRCA BY

MPH Group Magazine (M) Sdn Bhd (771396-H)

Lot 1, 1st Floor, Bangunan TH, No. 5 Jalan Bersatu, Seksyen 13/4, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor DE, Malaysia Tel: 603-7960 7334 Fax: 603-7960 3278 E-mail: magazines@mph.com.my

MALAYSIAN RETAILER-CHAINS ASSOCIATION Patron Y.A. Bhg Tun Dr. Mahathir Bin Mohamad

Immediate Past President Dato’ Tay Sim Kim OSIM (M) Sdn. Bhd.

Board of Advisors Y.B. Dato’ Sri Mustapa Bin Mohamed Y.B. Dato’ Sri Liow Tiong Lai Y.B. Senator Tan Sri Datuk Lee Hock Seng JP

Deputy President Dato’ Liaw Choon Liang JP Focus Point Holdings Berhad

President’s Advisors Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Clement Hii Dato' Sri Low Jee Keong Dato’ Dr. Jennifer Low JP

Vice Presidents Dato’ Dahlan Mohd Rashid DR Group Holdings Sdn. Bhd. Dato’ Garry Chua Rotol Food-Chain (M) Sdn. Bhd.

Founder President Dato’ Eddie Choon Poh Kong Holdings Berhad Life Time Honorary President Mr Albert Chiang Bonia Corporation Berhad

Ms Valerie Choo Grand Surf Sdn. Bhd. Secretary General Mr Andy Goh Fujihome Global Berhad

Mr Lee Hwa Cheng Sinma Jewellery Centre Sdn. Bhd.

Deputy Secretary General Ms Shirley Tay Sunrider International (M) Sdn. Bhd.

President H.E Dato’ Nelson Kwok T.T. JP Nelson’s Franchise (M) Sdn. Bhd.

Treasurer General Mr S.Y. Cheah Golden Scoop Sdn. Bhd.

Council Dato’ Dr Chai Kee Kan KK Supermart & Superstore Sdn. Bhd.

Legal Advisor Dato’ Manjit Singh Manjit Singh Sachdev Mohammad Radzi & Partners.

Datuk Henry Yip Choong Hung Dragon-i Restaurant Sdn.Bhd. Mr Lai Sia Ling Econsave Cash & Carry (PD) Sdn.Bhd.

Mr Ringo Low Ringo Low & Assoc.

Mr Ching Kok Cheong Fella Design Sdn. Bhd.

Honorary Auditor Dato’ Raymond Liew McMillan Woods.

Mr Lawrence Ooi In Sim PJ Uniform Sdn.Bhd.

Mr Ler Leong Keh IBDC (M) Sdn.Bhd.

MPH GROUP

Chief Executive Officer Dato’ Ng Tieh Chuan

MPH GROUP MAGAZINE

MPH GROUP PUBLISHING

General Manager V S Ganesan

Senior Marketing and Sales Executive Lilian Ng

Chief Operating Officer Swaminathan MV

General Manager Kuah Sze Mei

Senior Editor Vimala Seneviratne

Marketing Executive Juan Margrita

Editor Aleyann Matthews

CREATIVE

Production Editor Shamsul Hidzry O Khairuddin

Head of Department Amy Heng

Contributor Sharmila Vella

Deputy Creative Head (Magazine) Stephanie Yap

Senior Sales Manager Ng Wee Ming

Senior Creative Designers Ng Seng Chee, Ngan Pooi Kuan

Sales Managers Faridah Ismail Rebecca Gun

Creative Designers Raja Khairul Mudzaffar Shah, Amanda Fong Seok Mei

Sales Executive John Reuben Kua

CIRCULATION & RETAIL DISTRIBUTION General Manager Tai Kwai Meng

FINANCE Accountant Barbara Tay

General Manager (Finance) Kelvin Chong Manager Koh Sook Khuen

Mr Bruce Lim Aun Choong SEG International Bhd. Mr Ricky Thye Kok Lam Tangible Aim Sdn.Bhd. Mr Brian Tham Jee Ping Watatime (M) Sdn.Bhd. Ms Choi Wei Yee Sunlight Taxi Sdn.Bhd. Ms Seak Thean Pow Bagus Curtain Sdn.Bhd.

Advertising Enquiries

V S Ganesan / Ng Wee Ming Tel: 603-7960 4278 Fax: 603-7960 3278 E-mail: ganesan@mph.com.my

Online Partner

Printer

MPH Group Printing (M) Sdn Bhd (142270-H) No 31, Jalan 2/148A, Taman Sungai Besi, Industrial Park 57100 K.L Tel: 603-7987 0966 Fax: 603-7984 0966 E-mail: sales@mphprinting.com.my

Distributors (Malaysia)

MPH Distributors Sdn Bhd (5048-A) Ground Floor, Bangunan TH, No. 5 Jalan Bersatu, Seksyen 13/4, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor DE, Malaysia Tel: 603-7958 1688 Fax: 603-7958 1623 E-mail: distributors@mph.com.my

All authors automatically agree to indemnify MRCA and MPH Group Magazine Sdn Bhd against any loss, costs, expenses (including legal fees), damages and liabilities that might arise from their own incapacity, negligence, breach of contract or other civil misdeeds. We reserve the right to edit all articles. Submit your articles to annie9979@ gmail.com. All rights reserved. Copyright © 2013 by MRCA and MPH Group Magazine Sdn Bhd. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written permission from the publisher. The views expressed in the articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of MRCA and MPH Group Magazine Sdn Bhd. MRCA and MPH Group Magazine Sdn Bhd accept no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, photography, illustration and other editorial materials.

MULTISYNC X463UN Takes Video Walls to New Levels of Impact

Putting together an immense digital billboard for a large public area can be a very complicated affair. This is especially so if you must have both detail clarity and viewable distance; when an image is visible from great distances, details are usually unimpressive and when details are great, they cannot be appreciated by those standing too far away. This problem is solved with video walls and NEC’s professional-grade MultiSync X463UN large-screen display stands out among the rest.

BEST-IN-CLASS VIDEO WALL

Expand images across your video wall to create a configuration of up to 10x10 (100 displays).

Features such as TileMatrix enable video wall customization without the need for external hardware or additional software, while Auto ID assigns IDs to the individual display with a single press of a button.

ULTRA-NARROW BEZEL DESIGN

Your video walls will be near-seamless with the X463UN’s ultra-narrow bezels, which are only 5.9mm wide, minimizing image transition gaps between displays to barely discernible levels – resulting in near-flawless images. The 46” Full HD panel also includes ambient light sensor and direct LED backlighting for improved power consumption and uniformity.

linkedin.com/company/nec-corporation-of-malaysia

1-pg adv - NEC.indd 31

BUILT-IN EXPANSION SLOT With support for NEC’s dual slot technology and Intel’s Open Pluggable Specification (OPS), the X463UN simplifies digital signage installation and maintenance, allowing for integration with single-board computers and option cards without the need to stow external equipment.

MULTI-DISPLAY MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE The X463UN includes a free download of NaViSet Administrator 2, where you can control, monitor and manage all your connected display devices through an intuitive UI. This enables easy report generation and settings updates to be performed from one centralized location.

J U LY 2 0 1 3

|

HWM

31

12/12/13 12:23 PM

LETTER

MRCA IS PUBLISHED BY

Malaysian Retailer-Chains Association

No.15-6, Blk A, Jaya One, No 72A, Jalan Universiti, 46200, Petaling Jaya.

Tel: 603-7955 3526 Fax: 603-7955 3525 Website: http://mrca.org.my

MRCA NEWSLETTER IS PRODUCED FOR MRCA BY

MPH Group Magazine (M) Sdn Bhd (771396-H)

Lot 1, 1st Floor, Bangunan TH, No. 5 Jalan Bersatu, Seksyen 13/4, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor DE, Malaysia Tel: 603-7960 7334 Fax: 603-7960 3278 E-mail: magazines@mph.com.my

MALAYSIAN RETAILER-CHAINS ASSOCIATION Patron Y.A. Bhg Tun Dr. Mahathir Bin Mohamad

Immediate Past President Dato’ Tay Sim Kim OSIM (M) Sdn. Bhd.

Board of Advisors Y.B. Dato’ Sri Mustapa Bin Mohamed Y.B. Dato’ Sri Liow Tiong Lai Y.B. Senator Tan Sri Datuk Lee Hock Seng JP

Deputy President Dato’ Liaw Choon Liang JP Focus Point Holdings Berhad

President’s Advisors Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Clement Hii Dato' Sri Low Jee Keong Dato’ Dr. Jennifer Low JP

Vice Presidents Dato’ Dahlan Mohd Rashid DR Group Holdings Sdn. Bhd. Dato’ Garry Chua Rotol Food-Chain (M) Sdn. Bhd.

Founder President Dato’ Eddie Choon Poh Kong Holdings Berhad Life Time Honorary President Mr Albert Chiang Bonia Corporation Berhad

Ms Valerie Choo Grand Surf Sdn. Bhd. Secretary General Mr Andy Goh Fujihome Global Berhad

Mr Lee Hwa Cheng Sinma Jewellery Centre Sdn. Bhd.

Deputy Secretary General Ms Shirley Tay Sunrider International (M) Sdn. Bhd.

President H.E Dato’ Nelson Kwok T.T. JP Nelson’s Franchise (M) Sdn. Bhd.

Treasurer General Mr S.Y. Cheah Golden Scoop Sdn. Bhd.

Council Dato’ Dr Chai Kee Kan KK Supermart & Superstore Sdn. Bhd.

Legal Advisor Dato’ Manjit Singh Manjit Singh Sachdev Mohammad Radzi & Partners.

Datuk Henry Yip Choong Hung Dragon-i Restaurant Sdn.Bhd. Mr Lai Sia Ling Econsave Cash & Carry (PD) Sdn.Bhd.

Mr Ringo Low Ringo Low & Assoc.

Mr Ching Kok Cheong Fella Design Sdn. Bhd.

Honorary Auditor Dato’ Raymond Liew McMillan Woods.

Mr Lawrence Ooi In Sim PJ Uniform Sdn.Bhd.

Mr Ler Leong Keh IBDC (M) Sdn.Bhd.

MPH GROUP

Chief Executive Officer Dato’ Ng Tieh Chuan

MPH GROUP MAGAZINE

MPH GROUP PUBLISHING

General Manager V S Ganesan

Senior Marketing and Sales Executive Lilian Ng

Chief Operating Officer Swaminathan MV

General Manager Kuah Sze Mei

Senior Editor Vimala Seneviratne

Marketing Executive Juan Margrita

Editor Aleyann Matthews

CREATIVE

Production Editor Shamsul Hidzry O Khairuddin

Head of Department Amy Heng

Contributor Sharmila Vella

Deputy Creative Head (Magazine) Stephanie Yap

Senior Sales Manager Ng Wee Ming

Senior Creative Designers Ng Seng Chee, Ngan Pooi Kuan

Sales Managers Faridah Ismail Rebecca Gun

Creative Designers Raja Khairul Mudzaffar Shah, Amanda Fong Seok Mei

Sales Executive John Reuben Kua

CIRCULATION & RETAIL DISTRIBUTION General Manager Tai Kwai Meng

FINANCE Accountant Barbara Tay

General Manager (Finance) Kelvin Chong Manager Koh Sook Khuen

Mr Bruce Lim Aun Choong SEG International Bhd. Mr Ricky Thye Kok Lam Tangible Aim Sdn.Bhd. Mr Brian Tham Jee Ping Watatime (M) Sdn.Bhd. Ms Choi Wei Yee Sunlight Taxi Sdn.Bhd. Ms Seak Thean Pow Bagus Curtain Sdn.Bhd.

Advertising Enquiries

V S Ganesan / Ng Wee Ming Tel: 603-7960 4278 Fax: 603-7960 3278 E-mail: ganesan@mph.com.my

Online Partner

Printer

MPH Group Printing (M) Sdn Bhd (142270-H) No 31, Jalan 2/148A, Taman Sungai Besi, Industrial Park 57100 K.L Tel: 603-7987 0966 Fax: 603-7984 0966 E-mail: sales@mphprinting.com.my

Distributors (Malaysia)

MPH Distributors Sdn Bhd (5048-A) Ground Floor, Bangunan TH, No. 5 Jalan Bersatu, Seksyen 13/4, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor DE, Malaysia Tel: 603-7958 1688 Fax: 603-7958 1623 E-mail: distributors@mph.com.my

All authors automatically agree to indemnify MRCA and MPH Group Magazine Sdn Bhd against any loss, costs, expenses (including legal fees), damages and liabilities that might arise from their own incapacity, negligence, breach of contract or other civil misdeeds. We reserve the right to edit all articles. Submit your articles to annie9979@ gmail.com. All rights reserved. Copyright © 2013 by MRCA and MPH Group Magazine Sdn Bhd. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written permission from the publisher. The views expressed in the articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of MRCA and MPH Group Magazine Sdn Bhd. MRCA and MPH Group Magazine Sdn Bhd accept no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, photography, illustration and other editorial materials.

MULTISYNC X463UN Takes Video Walls to New Levels of Impact

Putting together an immense digital billboard for a large public area can be a very complicated affair. This is especially so if you must have both detail clarity and viewable distance; when an image is visible from great distances, details are usually unimpressive and when details are great, they cannot be appreciated by those standing too far away. This problem is solved with video walls and NEC’s professional-grade MultiSync X463UN large-screen display stands out among the rest.

BEST-IN-CLASS VIDEO WALL

Expand images across your video wall to create a configuration of up to 10x10 (100 displays).

Features such as TileMatrix enable video wall customization without the need for external hardware or additional software, while Auto ID assigns IDs to the individual display with a single press of a button.

ULTRA-NARROW BEZEL DESIGN

Your video walls will be near-seamless with the X463UN’s ultra-narrow bezels, which are only 5.9mm wide, minimizing image transition gaps between displays to barely discernible levels – resulting in near-flawless images. The 46” Full HD panel also includes ambient light sensor and direct LED backlighting for improved power consumption and uniformity.

linkedin.com/company/nec-corporation-of-malaysia

1-pg adv - NEC.indd 31

BUILT-IN EXPANSION SLOT With support for NEC’s dual slot technology and Intel’s Open Pluggable Specification (OPS), the X463UN simplifies digital signage installation and maintenance, allowing for integration with single-board computers and option cards without the need to stow external equipment.

MULTI-DISPLAY MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE The X463UN includes a free download of NaViSet Administrator 2, where you can control, monitor and manage all your connected display devices through an intuitive UI. This enables easy report generation and settings updates to be performed from one centralized location.

J U LY 2 0 1 3

|

HWM

31

12/12/13 12:23 PM

From the President

Hello Everyone!

I

’m proud to present to you the 4th and final issue of the MRCA Magazine for the year 2013, featuring Mr Albert Chiang from Bonia Corporation on our cover. One of the most prominent local brands in retail fashion, he shares with us how Bonia has created a brand synonymous with product quality and innovation. Keeping it ‘all in the family’, read about how it all began right here.

It looks like MRCA will end this year with a bang!

In the recent Extraordinary Annual General Meeting members have passed the decision to purchase a new premise for the MRCA Secretariat in OneCity, USJ. The increase in

size of our premise is a testimony that our association is growing bigger and stronger everyday. The new office space is more than 5000 square feet in size and is an ideal space to serve our members better. On 18 January 2014, I look forward to celebrating the big move into our new office space with all of you.

As retailers, we understand the importance of brand building, therefore in a bid to move forward with the times, MRCA will re-launch our logo in the very near future to represent a newer and more dynamic association.

Branding is an integral part of your business success and a sound investment. Therefore, on the same note, I encourage members to take part in the 8TV & NTV 7 ‘Brand of Malaysia’ corporate exercise to further elevate your brand awareness and presence. This is a great opportunity for all MRCA members.

The New Year gives us a chance to start afresh leaving the past behind us. In 2014, retailers can look forward to and benefit from ‘Visit Malaysia Year 2014’ where the government is encouraging more tourist arrivals and in turn more tourist dollars to benefit our economy.

As retailers, we can look forward to a very successful year ahead.

Last but definitely not least, I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Very Merry Christmas and a Blessed & Successful New Year!

Bring on 2014! We can do it!

H.E Dato’ Nelson Kwok JP

President, Malaysian Retailer – Chains Association Honorary Consul of the Republic of Mozambique to Malaysia

6

∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣Vol 1 No 4

From the President

Hello Everyone!

I

’m proud to present to you the 4th and final issue of the MRCA Magazine for the year 2013, featuring Mr Albert Chiang from Bonia Corporation on our cover. One of the most prominent local brands in retail fashion, he shares with us how Bonia has created a brand synonymous with product quality and innovation. Keeping it ‘all in the family’, read about how it all began right here.

It looks like MRCA will end this year with a bang!

In the recent Extraordinary Annual General Meeting members have passed the decision to purchase a new premise for the MRCA Secretariat in OneCity, USJ. The increase in

size of our premise is a testimony that our association is growing bigger and stronger everyday. The new office space is more than 5000 square feet in size and is an ideal space to serve our members better. On 18 January 2014, I look forward to celebrating the big move into our new office space with all of you.

As retailers, we understand the importance of brand building, therefore in a bid to move forward with the times, MRCA will re-launch our logo in the very near future to represent a newer and more dynamic association.

Branding is an integral part of your business success and a sound investment. Therefore, on the same note, I encourage members to take part in the 8TV & NTV 7 ‘Brand of Malaysia’ corporate exercise to further elevate your brand awareness and presence. This is a great opportunity for all MRCA members.

The New Year gives us a chance to start afresh leaving the past behind us. In 2014, retailers can look forward to and benefit from ‘Visit Malaysia Year 2014’ where the government is encouraging more tourist arrivals and in turn more tourist dollars to benefit our economy.

As retailers, we can look forward to a very successful year ahead.

Last but definitely not least, I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Very Merry Christmas and a Blessed & Successful New Year!

Bring on 2014! We can do it!

H.E Dato’ Nelson Kwok JP

President, Malaysian Retailer – Chains Association Honorary Consul of the Republic of Mozambique to Malaysia

6

∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣Vol 1 No 4

As at 30th November 2013

As at 30th November 2013

As at 30th November 2013

As at 30th November 2013

Cover Story І

Bonia Corporation Berhad І

Bonia Corporation Berhad

Cover Story

celebrities appearances in company events and the appointment of the Brand Ambassador. This year we selected super model and famous actress, SONIA SUI, from Taiwan. Previously, we had our Malaysian international icon, Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh, and, Kelly Chen (well known singer cum actress) from Hong Kong, to name a few. All these events as well as appearances of celebrities and top models from Indonesia, Singapore and other countries have helped in making BONIA an international brand.

BONIA:

A brand built on product quality and innovation

Bonia’s innovative merchandising and creative marketing strategies have created a brand that is internationally recognised. What are some of the significant campaigns that have helped achieve this?

We use thematic titles in our collection to represent the location that has influenced the collection. Some of these themes include Flavours of the Season (Italy), Cool Blues Meet Sultry Browns (Australia), Eternal Skies (Greece), Mystique in Paris (France) and La Dolce Vita (Italy). We also participate in major international trade fairs such as Lineapelle, MIPEL, MICAM etc.

In 1974, Mr Chiang Sang Sem started a business in designing and manufacturing leather goods in Singapore. Why did he choose leather goods?

Our Chairman and founder of the company, Mr Chiang Sang Sem, “….product quality and innovation are still the was involved in the designing and fundamentals needed to build a strong brand.” manufacturing of leather goods at a young age. Therefore, with his expertise and strong passion, he decided to step into the leatherwear industry as his career path when he started his own business.

Albert Chiang Heng Kieng, Group Managing Director, Bonia Corporation Berhad shares the story of how it all began and how Bonia has established itself as a top of the line home-grown fashion brand.

How did he come up with the brand name Bonia?

To further build the business, our Chairman actively attended leatherwear trade fairs in Europe with the hope of adding new and international elements to his leather goods business. Mr Chiang was greatly inspired by the talents of Mr Giambologna, a renowned Italian sculptor, during the Bologna leather fair. A new brand was born — BONIA. Incidently, Bonia is also the name of a plant.

Many young Malaysians are surprised when they find out that Bonia is, in fact, a local brand. What is your comment on this?

Malaysians are surprised because they cannot imagine that such level of quality and success can be achieved locally. We think that anything foreign is better.

Albert Chiang Heng Kieng, Group Managing Director

T

he story of the Chiang family older brother is instrumental in keeping “My brother is our hero…he is the one begins in a small village in who pulled our family out of poverty.” the family together.

Melaka. Chiang Sang Sem, the eldest of 10 siblings started Learning all he can from his older to work at a young age so that he could help his parents support the brother, Albert is today the Managing Director of the Group which family. Gaining some experience in manufacturing leather goods in has over 1,100 sales outlets and 140 standalone boutiques in countries Penang & Kuala Lumpur, Chiang decided to start his own business around Asia and the Middle East. Apart from its flagship fashion with the helping hands of his younger siblings and relatives. It was a label, Bonia Corporation also owns Sembonia and Carlo Rino and is decision that would forever change the lives of his family members. In also the sole distributor for international brands such as Braun Buffel, 1974, Bonia was born.

Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club, Valentino Rudy, The Saville Row Company, Austin Reed, Renoma Paris, Renoma Café Gallery, Driven by passion and perseverance, Chiang was determined to Enrico Coveri, Jeep and Pierre Cardin for various product categories. create a Malaysian brand of International standard. “My brother is our hero,” says Albert Chiang, Group Managing Director, Bonia MRCA Magazine recently sat down with Albert Chiang to find Corporation Berhad. “He pulled our family out of poverty.” Today, all out more about Bonia and how they created an internationally the Chiang siblings are part of the business. Albert explains that his recognisable brand image.

10 ∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣Vol 1 No 4

Although it has been our practice all these years to use imported raw materials, particularly from Italy, (Italy is known for its fine leather products), our fine workmanship and skill have led us to be perceived as a foreign brand. In addition, most of our designs are created by our Italian designers with Italian inspiration. Gaetano De Franceschi has been one of our most instrumental designers.

How has aggressive advertising and promotion of the brand in the 80’s helped the brand?

Our advertising dollars have been well spent on selective publications, premier magazines, in-house magazines and well-planned advertising campaigns. The up-to-trend designs, quality products with superb craftsmanship play a significant role in making BONIA to be widely accepted by consumers; be it locals and tourists from all over the world.

We also aggressively promoting our brand with fashion shows, Bonia pop-up stores in strategic locations (Orchard Road, Singapore),

Vol 1 No 4∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣ 11

Cover Story І

Bonia Corporation Berhad І

Bonia Corporation Berhad

Cover Story

celebrities appearances in company events and the appointment of the Brand Ambassador. This year we selected super model and famous actress, SONIA SUI, from Taiwan. Previously, we had our Malaysian international icon, Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh, and, Kelly Chen (well known singer cum actress) from Hong Kong, to name a few. All these events as well as appearances of celebrities and top models from Indonesia, Singapore and other countries have helped in making BONIA an international brand.

BONIA:

A brand built on product quality and innovation

Bonia’s innovative merchandising and creative marketing strategies have created a brand that is internationally recognised. What are some of the significant campaigns that have helped achieve this?

We use thematic titles in our collection to represent the location that has influenced the collection. Some of these themes include Flavours of the Season (Italy), Cool Blues Meet Sultry Browns (Australia), Eternal Skies (Greece), Mystique in Paris (France) and La Dolce Vita (Italy). We also participate in major international trade fairs such as Lineapelle, MIPEL, MICAM etc.

In 1974, Mr Chiang Sang Sem started a business in designing and manufacturing leather goods in Singapore. Why did he choose leather goods?

Our Chairman and founder of the company, Mr Chiang Sang Sem, “….product quality and innovation are still the was involved in the designing and fundamentals needed to build a strong brand.” manufacturing of leather goods at a young age. Therefore, with his expertise and strong passion, he decided to step into the leatherwear industry as his career path when he started his own business.

Albert Chiang Heng Kieng, Group Managing Director, Bonia Corporation Berhad shares the story of how it all began and how Bonia has established itself as a top of the line home-grown fashion brand.

How did he come up with the brand name Bonia?

To further build the business, our Chairman actively attended leatherwear trade fairs in Europe with the hope of adding new and international elements to his leather goods business. Mr Chiang was greatly inspired by the talents of Mr Giambologna, a renowned Italian sculptor, during the Bologna leather fair. A new brand was born — BONIA. Incidently, Bonia is also the name of a plant.

Many young Malaysians are surprised when they find out that Bonia is, in fact, a local brand. What is your comment on this?

Malaysians are surprised because they cannot imagine that such level of quality and success can be achieved locally. We think that anything foreign is better.

Albert Chiang Heng Kieng, Group Managing Director

T

he story of the Chiang family older brother is instrumental in keeping “My brother is our hero…he is the one begins in a small village in who pulled our family out of poverty.” the family together.

Melaka. Chiang Sang Sem, the eldest of 10 siblings started Learning all he can from his older to work at a young age so that he could help his parents support the brother, Albert is today the Managing Director of the Group which family. Gaining some experience in manufacturing leather goods in has over 1,100 sales outlets and 140 standalone boutiques in countries Penang & Kuala Lumpur, Chiang decided to start his own business around Asia and the Middle East. Apart from its flagship fashion with the helping hands of his younger siblings and relatives. It was a label, Bonia Corporation also owns Sembonia and Carlo Rino and is decision that would forever change the lives of his family members. In also the sole distributor for international brands such as Braun Buffel, 1974, Bonia was born.

Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club, Valentino Rudy, The Saville Row Company, Austin Reed, Renoma Paris, Renoma Café Gallery, Driven by passion and perseverance, Chiang was determined to Enrico Coveri, Jeep and Pierre Cardin for various product categories. create a Malaysian brand of International standard. “My brother is our hero,” says Albert Chiang, Group Managing Director, Bonia MRCA Magazine recently sat down with Albert Chiang to find Corporation Berhad. “He pulled our family out of poverty.” Today, all out more about Bonia and how they created an internationally the Chiang siblings are part of the business. Albert explains that his recognisable brand image.

10 ∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣Vol 1 No 4

Although it has been our practice all these years to use imported raw materials, particularly from Italy, (Italy is known for its fine leather products), our fine workmanship and skill have led us to be perceived as a foreign brand. In addition, most of our designs are created by our Italian designers with Italian inspiration. Gaetano De Franceschi has been one of our most instrumental designers.

How has aggressive advertising and promotion of the brand in the 80’s helped the brand?

Our advertising dollars have been well spent on selective publications, premier magazines, in-house magazines and well-planned advertising campaigns. The up-to-trend designs, quality products with superb craftsmanship play a significant role in making BONIA to be widely accepted by consumers; be it locals and tourists from all over the world.

We also aggressively promoting our brand with fashion shows, Bonia pop-up stores in strategic locations (Orchard Road, Singapore),

Vol 1 No 4∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣ 11

Cover Story І

Bonia Corporation Berhad І

Bonia Corporation Berhad

Our future plans include taking BONIA to more territories globally.

We also have plans to introduce more international brands under Bonia Corporation.

a lot of doors for Bonia. It has provided a platform for retailers to be heard by relevant government ministries.

When did Bonia’s involvement with MRCA begin and has it helped your business?

Our company was invited to be a member about 19 years ago.

MRCA is a big retail family that is very close knit and it has opened

What suggestions do you have for young entrepreneurs to build a strong brand?

They should have the following: • Passion — Love what they do • Patience — Wait for opportunities • Perseverance — Dare to fail and dare to try • Humble –– Gain more popularity • Positive Attitude — Learning is an endless process in life • Confidence — Believe in themselves Learning from your mistakes, taking initiative and being proactive are the foundation for continuous improvement. Most importantly, product quality and innovation are still the fundamentals needed to build a strong brand. Customer satisfaction should also be a top priority. MN

Awards and Recognition of BONIA Corporation Berhad Being a public listed company on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia since Year 2007, BONIA Corporation Berhad is involved in business of high-fashion branded leatherwear, footwear, men’s apparel and accessories.

BONIA has received the following awards from various organisations : 2013 • “Putra Brand Awards” under “Apparel & Accessories” category, and Putra Most Enterprising Brand of the Year • Mercedes-Benz STYLO Fashion Award – “Industry Award”

What sets Bonia apart from other international leather good brands?

BONIA, the Italian Inspiration, has consistently and constantly emphasised on its three main key elements at all times: Elegance, Quality & Craftsmanship. These elements have made our products affordable and what's even better, they are great value for money.

We believe that creativity and innovation have made us a trendsetter and market leader in the luxury leather goods industry. At the moment, Bonia Corporation has a turnover of RM623 million and we aim to have a turnover of RM1 billion by 2015.

If you could go back in time, is there anything you would have done differently in the last 39 years?

Having started the brand from humble beginnings, gaining consumers’ confidence and recognition and setting the BONIA brand on par with international brands, we are proud to be who we are. I think we would still choose to be in the fashion retail business.

12 ∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣Vol 1 No 4

2012 • “Putra Brand Awards” under “Most Promising Brand of the Year” • “Malaysia’s Most Valuable Brands” Award 2011 • “Annual Award for Corporate Leadership“ under the “Fashion & Lifestyle” category • “Innovative Leadership in Globalisation” under Malaysia Institute of Directors • “Putra Brand Awards” under the “Apparel & Accessories” category 2010 • “Putra Brand Awards ” under the “Apparel & Accessories” category 2009 • “Malaysia’s Most Valuable Brands” Award • “Business Leadership in the Retail-Chains Sector” from the Kuala Lumpur Malay Chamber of Commerce (KLMCC) 2008 • Singapore Prestige Brand Award - “Heritage Brand Award” 2007 • “Malaysia’s Most Valuable Brands” Award

Cover Story

Cover Story І

Bonia Corporation Berhad І

Bonia Corporation Berhad

Our future plans include taking BONIA to more territories globally.

We also have plans to introduce more international brands under Bonia Corporation.

a lot of doors for Bonia. It has provided a platform for retailers to be heard by relevant government ministries.

When did Bonia’s involvement with MRCA begin and has it helped your business?

Our company was invited to be a member about 19 years ago.

MRCA is a big retail family that is very close knit and it has opened

What suggestions do you have for young entrepreneurs to build a strong brand?

They should have the following: • Passion — Love what they do • Patience — Wait for opportunities • Perseverance — Dare to fail and dare to try • Humble –– Gain more popularity • Positive Attitude — Learning is an endless process in life • Confidence — Believe in themselves Learning from your mistakes, taking initiative and being proactive are the foundation for continuous improvement. Most importantly, product quality and innovation are still the fundamentals needed to build a strong brand. Customer satisfaction should also be a top priority. MN

Awards and Recognition of BONIA Corporation Berhad Being a public listed company on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia since Year 2007, BONIA Corporation Berhad is involved in business of high-fashion branded leatherwear, footwear, men’s apparel and accessories.

BONIA has received the following awards from various organisations : 2013 • “Putra Brand Awards” under “Apparel & Accessories” category, and Putra Most Enterprising Brand of the Year • Mercedes-Benz STYLO Fashion Award – “Industry Award”

What sets Bonia apart from other international leather good brands?

BONIA, the Italian Inspiration, has consistently and constantly emphasised on its three main key elements at all times: Elegance, Quality & Craftsmanship. These elements have made our products affordable and what's even better, they are great value for money.

We believe that creativity and innovation have made us a trendsetter and market leader in the luxury leather goods industry. At the moment, Bonia Corporation has a turnover of RM623 million and we aim to have a turnover of RM1 billion by 2015.

If you could go back in time, is there anything you would have done differently in the last 39 years?

Having started the brand from humble beginnings, gaining consumers’ confidence and recognition and setting the BONIA brand on par with international brands, we are proud to be who we are. I think we would still choose to be in the fashion retail business.

12 ∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣Vol 1 No 4

2012 • “Putra Brand Awards” under “Most Promising Brand of the Year” • “Malaysia’s Most Valuable Brands” Award 2011 • “Annual Award for Corporate Leadership“ under the “Fashion & Lifestyle” category • “Innovative Leadership in Globalisation” under Malaysia Institute of Directors • “Putra Brand Awards” under the “Apparel & Accessories” category 2010 • “Putra Brand Awards ” under the “Apparel & Accessories” category 2009 • “Malaysia’s Most Valuable Brands” Award • “Business Leadership in the Retail-Chains Sector” from the Kuala Lumpur Malay Chamber of Commerce (KLMCC) 2008 • Singapore Prestige Brand Award - “Heritage Brand Award” 2007 • “Malaysia’s Most Valuable Brands” Award

Cover Story

Cover Story І

Bonia Corporation Berhad

A brand that rose from humble beginnings, Bonia understands the importance of GIVING

BACK to society

P

art of the mission and vision of Bonia Corporation is a strong focus on charity and giving back to those in need.

Through the years, Bonia has been involved in various Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities, notably “With All Our Hearts" (WAOH) Malaysian AEON Foundation.

Bonia is a major contributor through this entity that runs all major charities and community services under AEON. The foundation, which started from a charity fund, has been operating for 10 years and benefits thousands of people who are in need.

Also, as Lifetime Honorary President of MRCA, Albert says that Bonia is very actively involved with MRCA’s charity wing, Branding

“It is important to us that charity is as close to the heart of our employees as it is to us.”

Charity Education Fund. Through this Fund, Bonia provides educational scholarships to deserving students.

It is part of Bonia’s culture to contribute monetary assistance to various community projects, charitable organisations and the local community. “We also actively organise charity events throughout the year to encourage our employees to play an active role in society.

It is important to us that charity is as close to the hearts of our employees as it is to ours.” MN

14 ∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣Vol 1 No 4

Cover Story І

Bonia Corporation Berhad

A brand that rose from humble beginnings, Bonia understands the importance of GIVING

BACK to society

P

art of the mission and vision of Bonia Corporation is a strong focus on charity and giving back to those in need.

Through the years, Bonia has been involved in various Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities, notably “With All Our Hearts" (WAOH) Malaysian AEON Foundation.

Bonia is a major contributor through this entity that runs all major charities and community services under AEON. The foundation, which started from a charity fund, has been operating for 10 years and benefits thousands of people who are in need.

Also, as Lifetime Honorary President of MRCA, Albert says that Bonia is very actively involved with MRCA’s charity wing, Branding

“It is important to us that charity is as close to the heart of our employees as it is to us.”

Charity Education Fund. Through this Fund, Bonia provides educational scholarships to deserving students.

It is part of Bonia’s culture to contribute monetary assistance to various community projects, charitable organisations and the local community. “We also actively organise charity events throughout the year to encourage our employees to play an active role in society.

It is important to us that charity is as close to the hearts of our employees as it is to ours.” MN

14 ∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣Vol 1 No 4

Focus І GST On Malaysian Businesses

GST affect MALAYSIAN BUSINESSES? How will

Find out all you need to know about the Goods and Services Tax and the effects of its implementation on your business.

GST On Malaysian Businesses І

Focus

THE IMPACT OF GST ON THE ECONOMY Based on studies conducted, GST will positively impact the economy through the reduction of business costs. As mentioned earlier, businesses may enjoy the special Zero Rated Supplies - are taxable supplies schemes to alleviate cash flow problems. which are subject to a zero rate that is not GST also offers a credit offset mechanism to liable for GST at the output. create a more friendly business environment in the supply chain.

Exempt Supplies - are nonBased on studies conducted, GST will positively impact Indirectly GST also taxable supplies which are the economy through the reduction of business costs. helps in increasing Gross not subject to GST at the Domestic Product due output stage that is, when to the competitive exports and pricing of supplied to the consumer. However, the GST on export will be zero-rated and Malaysian products.

GST paid on input by the businesses cannot businesses which are also exporters can be claimed as tax credit. recover all the input tax incurred in the HOW DO YOU FIND OUT MORE ABOUT GST? course of its business. Thus, it makes our The Government is encouraging businesses exports more competitive.

Certain basic food and amenities such as especially retail businesses to actively rice, poultry, fish, meat, vegetable, sugar, participate in seminars on GST conducted flour and cooking oil are free from tax.

GST is only mandatory for those businesses by the Customs Department or the Ministry The sales and rental of residential and with an annual sales of taxable supply of Finance. Education, training, awareness exceeding the prescribed threshold of agricultural properties and services like programmes and advisory visits regarding RM500,000. Any business below the stated private health and education as well as the GST implementation have and will be public transportation are exempted from threshold, may apply voluntarily. conducted on an ongoing basis. Prior to GST. GST implementation, the Government will Companies are encouraged to register carry out pilot runs in the system.

GST AND YOUR BUSINESS through an online system. However, manual Compared with SST where some businesses submission is also accepted. To ensure The Customs Call Centre (CCC) will pay multiple tax and higher level of taxtransition of tax reform, the Government help the public to make inquiries on on-tax, GST offers your business a way to will assist SMEs by reducing the compliance GST and the existence of the GST Portal gain by recovering input tax, thus reducing cost involved. The Government would will disseminate information on GST cost of doing business. For example, under provide free training and education and also to ensure high compliance when GST SST, manufacturers are not allowed to assist SMEs in acquiring the basic software is implemented. MN claim service tax on telecommunication, needed for GST implementation.

Standard Rated Supplies - are taxable supplies of goods and services which are subject to a positive rate.

accounting and legal services and sales tax on indirect inputs such as office equipment and furniture as these taxes are embedded into the price of the goods sold. Hence, the cost of doing business is increased. Under the GST system, any GST incurred on acquisition is claimable and is not a cost to your businesses.

W

Malaysia. Even though GST is charged HAT IS GST AND WHY NOW? and could spur economic growth as well as in sales price of the goods or services, the GST or Goods and Services increase competitiveness in the global market. amount remitted to the Government is Tax is a consumption tax, It is also capable of generating a more stable only in the value added to the goods or based on the value added source of revenue to the nation because it is services at each level of the distribution/ concept. Also known as Value Added less susceptible to economic fluctuations. supply chain. The value Tax, GST is imposed GST offers your business a way to gain by recovering added is the value that a on goods and services input tax, thus reducing cost of doing business. producer adds to its raw at every production and materials or purchases before selling the distribution state in the supply chain new or improved product or service. To including importation of goods and Based on a study conducted by the Ministry enable this, GST adopts a credit offset services. GST is meant to REPLACE the of Finance, GST can overcome the various mechanism whereby the GST charged on current Sales Tax and Service Tax (SST). inherent weaknesses under SST such as: the output of the business is offset against • Tax cascading and tax compounding. the GST paid on the goods and services The introduction of GST is part of the • Issue of transfer pricing and value shifting. acquired as inputs by the business. GST Government’s tax reform programme set • No complete relief of the tax on goods charged on output is called output tax. to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness exported.

This offsetting mechanism is to ensure that of the existing taxation system. GST • Discouraging vertical integration. the GST paid by businesses is recoverable has been adopted by 160 countries thus • Bureaucratic red tape. and thus helps to reduce the cost of far and has been a proven method of doing business. collecting taxes, which works better HOW DOES GST WORK? than other methods. It seems to be a GST is charged on supply of goods and There are three types of supplies listed better tax system as it is more effective, services made in Malaysia and on the under GST materials: efficient, transparent and business friendly importation of goods and services into

16 ∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣Vol 1 No 4

Credit to: www.gst.customs.gov.my Vol 1 No 4∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣ 17

Focus І GST On Malaysian Businesses

GST affect MALAYSIAN BUSINESSES? How will

Find out all you need to know about the Goods and Services Tax and the effects of its implementation on your business.

GST On Malaysian Businesses І

Focus

THE IMPACT OF GST ON THE ECONOMY Based on studies conducted, GST will positively impact the economy through the reduction of business costs. As mentioned earlier, businesses may enjoy the special Zero Rated Supplies - are taxable supplies schemes to alleviate cash flow problems. which are subject to a zero rate that is not GST also offers a credit offset mechanism to liable for GST at the output. create a more friendly business environment in the supply chain.

Exempt Supplies - are nonBased on studies conducted, GST will positively impact Indirectly GST also taxable supplies which are the economy through the reduction of business costs. helps in increasing Gross not subject to GST at the Domestic Product due output stage that is, when to the competitive exports and pricing of supplied to the consumer. However, the GST on export will be zero-rated and Malaysian products.

GST paid on input by the businesses cannot businesses which are also exporters can be claimed as tax credit. recover all the input tax incurred in the HOW DO YOU FIND OUT MORE ABOUT GST? course of its business. Thus, it makes our The Government is encouraging businesses exports more competitive.

Certain basic food and amenities such as especially retail businesses to actively rice, poultry, fish, meat, vegetable, sugar, participate in seminars on GST conducted flour and cooking oil are free from tax.

GST is only mandatory for those businesses by the Customs Department or the Ministry The sales and rental of residential and with an annual sales of taxable supply of Finance. Education, training, awareness exceeding the prescribed threshold of agricultural properties and services like programmes and advisory visits regarding RM500,000. Any business below the stated private health and education as well as the GST implementation have and will be public transportation are exempted from threshold, may apply voluntarily. conducted on an ongoing basis. Prior to GST. GST implementation, the Government will Companies are encouraged to register carry out pilot runs in the system.

GST AND YOUR BUSINESS through an online system. However, manual Compared with SST where some businesses submission is also accepted. To ensure The Customs Call Centre (CCC) will pay multiple tax and higher level of taxtransition of tax reform, the Government help the public to make inquiries on on-tax, GST offers your business a way to will assist SMEs by reducing the compliance GST and the existence of the GST Portal gain by recovering input tax, thus reducing cost involved. The Government would will disseminate information on GST cost of doing business. For example, under provide free training and education and also to ensure high compliance when GST SST, manufacturers are not allowed to assist SMEs in acquiring the basic software is implemented. MN claim service tax on telecommunication, needed for GST implementation.

Standard Rated Supplies - are taxable supplies of goods and services which are subject to a positive rate.

accounting and legal services and sales tax on indirect inputs such as office equipment and furniture as these taxes are embedded into the price of the goods sold. Hence, the cost of doing business is increased. Under the GST system, any GST incurred on acquisition is claimable and is not a cost to your businesses.

W

Malaysia. Even though GST is charged HAT IS GST AND WHY NOW? and could spur economic growth as well as in sales price of the goods or services, the GST or Goods and Services increase competitiveness in the global market. amount remitted to the Government is Tax is a consumption tax, It is also capable of generating a more stable only in the value added to the goods or based on the value added source of revenue to the nation because it is services at each level of the distribution/ concept. Also known as Value Added less susceptible to economic fluctuations. supply chain. The value Tax, GST is imposed GST offers your business a way to gain by recovering added is the value that a on goods and services input tax, thus reducing cost of doing business. producer adds to its raw at every production and materials or purchases before selling the distribution state in the supply chain new or improved product or service. To including importation of goods and Based on a study conducted by the Ministry enable this, GST adopts a credit offset services. GST is meant to REPLACE the of Finance, GST can overcome the various mechanism whereby the GST charged on current Sales Tax and Service Tax (SST). inherent weaknesses under SST such as: the output of the business is offset against • Tax cascading and tax compounding. the GST paid on the goods and services The introduction of GST is part of the • Issue of transfer pricing and value shifting. acquired as inputs by the business. GST Government’s tax reform programme set • No complete relief of the tax on goods charged on output is called output tax. to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness exported.

This offsetting mechanism is to ensure that of the existing taxation system. GST • Discouraging vertical integration. the GST paid by businesses is recoverable has been adopted by 160 countries thus • Bureaucratic red tape. and thus helps to reduce the cost of far and has been a proven method of doing business. collecting taxes, which works better HOW DOES GST WORK? than other methods. It seems to be a GST is charged on supply of goods and There are three types of supplies listed better tax system as it is more effective, services made in Malaysia and on the under GST materials: efficient, transparent and business friendly importation of goods and services into

16 ∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣Vol 1 No 4

Credit to: www.gst.customs.gov.my Vol 1 No 4∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣ 17

Focus І SEGi University

SEGi University І

You are

NEVER too

old for an

EDUCATION Emeritus Professor Dr. Muhamad Awang, Vice Chancellor, SEGi University encourages working professionals to take the bold step toward an MBA with SEGi University. in health sciences, early childhood education, tourism, creative arts, engineering and IT.” He describes SEGi as having a variety of choices when it comes to qualifications available - certificates to PHD or DBA levels.

When asked about the perception that private institutions were in the business simply for the monetary returns, Emeritus Prof.

Muhamad says, “Education is a unique business. We have a responsibility to our shareholders but we are also building human capital where we help individuals reach their full potential. We have to balance our responsibility to our shareholders, our students and their parents,”

One thousand SEGi students will be participating in the structured internships with MRCA members. “This solid relationship also extends to job placements,” he adds.

However, Emeritus Prof. Muhamad explains that currently there is a struggle in the minds of undergraduate students when it comes to a career in retail. “There is a perception that retail is not so sexy. SEGi is working hard to change that perception. “Recently, we invited industry leaders from MRCA to host a series of talks to educate our students on the opportunities available to them in the dynamic retail industry.”

Focus

help them in life and in their work. It is a step towards successfully moving up the management ladder.

“I have personally seen individuals grow in their careers after completing their Masters,” says Emeritus Prof. Muhamad. He encourages those interested in pursuing their masters to attend a preview, speak to friends and to finally take that next step.

“Age should never be a barrier, I’ve seen mothers graduate with their sons,” he says excitedly. He also believes that companies should encourage their employees to upgrade “We have a tight-knit collaboration themselves even if it means sponsoring With 36 years of history behind them, with MRCA that includes structured them. “The input that they provide is SEGi is the smart choice for your invaluable and outweighs any salary internship programmes….” education needs and is one of the first increment that the company may have universities to have the dual-mode university status. to incur,” he states. SEGi encourages their own employees to further their education for self-improvement.

“Students can study anytime, anywhere using any device convenient,” he states. “However, we still encourage our students to “As an MBA student at SEGi, you will have up-to-date university come in a few times a month so there is engagement and we will be facilities that include our SEGi Sphere,” he says. The SEGi Sphere is able to keep track of their progress throughout their studies.” a comprehensive and integrated education portal where students can view programme materials, keep a personalised schedule, conduct group chats with classmates and lecturers, access the E-Library and Through this dual-mode university status, SEGi hopes to grow their online databases as well as manage their student email account. adult student enrolment. Emeritus Prof. Muhamad encourages everyone he meets who intend to further their education to take Emeritus Prof. Muhamad reiterates the SEGi advantage, where a that bold step forward. “I have spoken to many individuals who SEGi education is not only about giving the input but making sure have been toying with the idea for a long time but have not been that students are career-ready. When asked why one should choose able to cross that psychological barrier,” he says.

SEGi for their educational needs he says, “We stay true to our philosophy, in that we provide an education that is passion-guided He believes that the moment they cross that barrier, they will realise and industry-driven.” that it’s not as tough as they thought and that a Masters degree will

SEGi, states Emeritus Prof. Muhamad, takes the role of educator seriously and it is not about fulfilling minimum requirements and churning out graduates. “At SEGi, we ensure that our students are well-equipped and well-groomed to be work-ready in the future.”

S

SEGi is in collaboration with MRCA through the Industry Centre of Excellence (ICOE). It is a system set in place where everything works from the bottom up.

EGi University (SEGi) is one of the largest private “Through ICOE, we concentrate on what the industry needs. We education groups in the country. “We are the largest do this through research, workshops and a lot of engagement with in terms of student volume, with over 28,000 students the industry. That information is then compiled and a standard is across all our campuses,” explains Emeritus Professor Dr. set in place for our students to meet industry needs.”

Muhamad Awang, Vice Chancellor, SEGi University. Comprising a total of four colleges, one university and “ At SEGi, we ensure that our students are well equipped SEGi considers MRCA a Value Added Partner where two training centres, and well groomed to be work ready in the future.” industry leaders are invited to SEGi University is also be industry panel of advisors whether to mentor or even lecture at considered the largest private education group in terms of market SEGi. “We have a tight knit collaboration with MRCA that includes capital worth more than RM1 billion. structured internship programmes for our business undergraduates, where for a semester, MRCA members take on our students as Emeritus Prof. Muhamad explains that SEGi prides itself in being a interns and at the end of the internship they submit a report on the multi-discipline education group which means they are not focused progress of the student,” says Emeritus Prof. Muhamad. on a particular niche. “We focus on many niches. We offer courses

18 ∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣Vol 1 No 4

Vol 1 No 4∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣ 19

Focus І SEGi University

SEGi University І

You are

NEVER too

old for an

EDUCATION Emeritus Professor Dr. Muhamad Awang, Vice Chancellor, SEGi University encourages working professionals to take the bold step toward an MBA with SEGi University. in health sciences, early childhood education, tourism, creative arts, engineering and IT.” He describes SEGi as having a variety of choices when it comes to qualifications available - certificates to PHD or DBA levels.

When asked about the perception that private institutions were in the business simply for the monetary returns, Emeritus Prof.

Muhamad says, “Education is a unique business. We have a responsibility to our shareholders but we are also building human capital where we help individuals reach their full potential. We have to balance our responsibility to our shareholders, our students and their parents,”

One thousand SEGi students will be participating in the structured internships with MRCA members. “This solid relationship also extends to job placements,” he adds.

However, Emeritus Prof. Muhamad explains that currently there is a struggle in the minds of undergraduate students when it comes to a career in retail. “There is a perception that retail is not so sexy. SEGi is working hard to change that perception. “Recently, we invited industry leaders from MRCA to host a series of talks to educate our students on the opportunities available to them in the dynamic retail industry.”

Focus

help them in life and in their work. It is a step towards successfully moving up the management ladder.

“I have personally seen individuals grow in their careers after completing their Masters,” says Emeritus Prof. Muhamad. He encourages those interested in pursuing their masters to attend a preview, speak to friends and to finally take that next step.

“Age should never be a barrier, I’ve seen mothers graduate with their sons,” he says excitedly. He also believes that companies should encourage their employees to upgrade “We have a tight-knit collaboration themselves even if it means sponsoring With 36 years of history behind them, with MRCA that includes structured them. “The input that they provide is SEGi is the smart choice for your invaluable and outweighs any salary internship programmes….” education needs and is one of the first increment that the company may have universities to have the dual-mode university status. to incur,” he states. SEGi encourages their own employees to further their education for self-improvement.

“Students can study anytime, anywhere using any device convenient,” he states. “However, we still encourage our students to “As an MBA student at SEGi, you will have up-to-date university come in a few times a month so there is engagement and we will be facilities that include our SEGi Sphere,” he says. The SEGi Sphere is able to keep track of their progress throughout their studies.” a comprehensive and integrated education portal where students can view programme materials, keep a personalised schedule, conduct group chats with classmates and lecturers, access the E-Library and Through this dual-mode university status, SEGi hopes to grow their online databases as well as manage their student email account. adult student enrolment. Emeritus Prof. Muhamad encourages everyone he meets who intend to further their education to take Emeritus Prof. Muhamad reiterates the SEGi advantage, where a that bold step forward. “I have spoken to many individuals who SEGi education is not only about giving the input but making sure have been toying with the idea for a long time but have not been that students are career-ready. When asked why one should choose able to cross that psychological barrier,” he says.

SEGi for their educational needs he says, “We stay true to our philosophy, in that we provide an education that is passion-guided He believes that the moment they cross that barrier, they will realise and industry-driven.” that it’s not as tough as they thought and that a Masters degree will

SEGi, states Emeritus Prof. Muhamad, takes the role of educator seriously and it is not about fulfilling minimum requirements and churning out graduates. “At SEGi, we ensure that our students are well-equipped and well-groomed to be work-ready in the future.”

S

SEGi is in collaboration with MRCA through the Industry Centre of Excellence (ICOE). It is a system set in place where everything works from the bottom up.

EGi University (SEGi) is one of the largest private “Through ICOE, we concentrate on what the industry needs. We education groups in the country. “We are the largest do this through research, workshops and a lot of engagement with in terms of student volume, with over 28,000 students the industry. That information is then compiled and a standard is across all our campuses,” explains Emeritus Professor Dr. set in place for our students to meet industry needs.”

Muhamad Awang, Vice Chancellor, SEGi University. Comprising a total of four colleges, one university and “ At SEGi, we ensure that our students are well equipped SEGi considers MRCA a Value Added Partner where two training centres, and well groomed to be work ready in the future.” industry leaders are invited to SEGi University is also be industry panel of advisors whether to mentor or even lecture at considered the largest private education group in terms of market SEGi. “We have a tight knit collaboration with MRCA that includes capital worth more than RM1 billion. structured internship programmes for our business undergraduates, where for a semester, MRCA members take on our students as Emeritus Prof. Muhamad explains that SEGi prides itself in being a interns and at the end of the internship they submit a report on the multi-discipline education group which means they are not focused progress of the student,” says Emeritus Prof. Muhamad. on a particular niche. “We focus on many niches. We offer courses

18 ∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣Vol 1 No 4

Vol 1 No 4∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣ 19

Focus І Segi University University of Southern Queensland (USQ) MBA, Australia The USQ MBA is much sought-after for its global outlook and focus on practical skills for anyone who wants to climb the corporate ladder. Students are given the freedom to select a specialisation to support the general business skills taught in the programme. Specialisations that are available include Global Business Management, Project Management and Sustainable Business.This programme is available to anyone with relevant professional work experience.

Aptly named PACE, or Professional and Looking for a MBA programme that suits Continuing Education, this programme you? enables students to learn at their own pace Pursuing a Master of Business and complete their studies with assurance that Administration (MBA) is a norm today for they can still attend to other obligations and ambitious individuals wanting to progress have a fulfilling work-life balance. Instead of in their careers and to be equipped for attending scheduled the challenges “I have personally seen classes at a physical of the business world. To meet individuals grow in their careers venue that can take the demands of after completing their Masters.” up additional time, cost and effort to various industries, commute, students can conveniently log in SEGi University Group offers a wide range to their classes at any time of the day, at any of MBA courses to cultivate tomorrow’s location with access to the Internet. business leaders, with options to graduate with an MBA from SEGi University, Students can select either one of the following University of Southern Queensland, study methods: University of Sunderland or University a) Independent learning – students attend of Greenwich. classes once a month. Revision classes are also provided for one weekend per semester SEGi University MBA for one particular subject.

Under SEGi University, MBA candidates have three options of specialisation: Global b) Supported learning – students attend Business, Entrepreneurship or General classes every weekend.

Management.

Students attend these classes at their nearest SEGi campus or SEGi Recruitment Centres, The SEGi University MBA (Global thus providing more convenience to obtain Business) prepares its graduates for today’s the support of peers and lecturers. competitive business environment in a globalised scale. Through SEGi’s qualified academicians and renowned business leaders/advisors, graduates under the SEGi University MBA (Entrepreneurship) will know how to launch their own startup companies and begin their careers in the venture capital industry.

To enhance competency in strategic management in the corporate world, individuals can take up the SEGi University MBA (General Management).

SEGi University PACE MBA Now, SEGi is offering students a more flexible study option to enable busy professionals to pursue an MBA at their own convenience, anywhere and anytime.

20 ∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣Vol 1 No 4

University of Sunderland (UOS) MBA, United Kingdom The winner of the Best New University in the North East by the acclaimed Guardian University Guide 2012, UOS offers its MBA to individuals with appropriate work experience and whose first degree is may or may not be in a business and management discipline. Assessment comprises mostly of assignments, one examination and a dissertation based on contemporary business and management research.

Master of Business Administration (International Business) University of Greenwich (UOG), United Kingdom UOG moulds its MBA graduates to take on responsible leadership, from the starting points of creativity, practicality and social resourcefulness, and focuses strongly on the personal development of participants, including their career management. This MBA also focuses on the integrative disciplines of business strategy and the management of change in an increasingly global business environment. With an assessment of 85 per cent coursework and 15 per cent examination, this MBA is best suited for individuals who want to gain an international outlook in the corporate world and also prefer to earn their qualification via dissertation. MN

Focus І Segi University University of Southern Queensland (USQ) MBA, Australia The USQ MBA is much sought-after for its global outlook and focus on practical skills for anyone who wants to climb the corporate ladder. Students are given the freedom to select a specialisation to support the general business skills taught in the programme. Specialisations that are available include Global Business Management, Project Management and Sustainable Business.This programme is available to anyone with relevant professional work experience.

Aptly named PACE, or Professional and Looking for a MBA programme that suits Continuing Education, this programme you? enables students to learn at their own pace Pursuing a Master of Business and complete their studies with assurance that Administration (MBA) is a norm today for they can still attend to other obligations and ambitious individuals wanting to progress have a fulfilling work-life balance. Instead of in their careers and to be equipped for attending scheduled the challenges “I have personally seen classes at a physical of the business world. To meet individuals grow in their careers venue that can take the demands of after completing their Masters.” up additional time, cost and effort to various industries, commute, students can conveniently log in SEGi University Group offers a wide range to their classes at any time of the day, at any of MBA courses to cultivate tomorrow’s location with access to the Internet. business leaders, with options to graduate with an MBA from SEGi University, Students can select either one of the following University of Southern Queensland, study methods: University of Sunderland or University a) Independent learning – students attend of Greenwich. classes once a month. Revision classes are also provided for one weekend per semester SEGi University MBA for one particular subject.

Under SEGi University, MBA candidates have three options of specialisation: Global b) Supported learning – students attend Business, Entrepreneurship or General classes every weekend.

Management.

Students attend these classes at their nearest SEGi campus or SEGi Recruitment Centres, The SEGi University MBA (Global thus providing more convenience to obtain Business) prepares its graduates for today’s the support of peers and lecturers. competitive business environment in a globalised scale. Through SEGi’s qualified academicians and renowned business leaders/advisors, graduates under the SEGi University MBA (Entrepreneurship) will know how to launch their own startup companies and begin their careers in the venture capital industry.

To enhance competency in strategic management in the corporate world, individuals can take up the SEGi University MBA (General Management).

SEGi University PACE MBA Now, SEGi is offering students a more flexible study option to enable busy professionals to pursue an MBA at their own convenience, anywhere and anytime.

20 ∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣Vol 1 No 4

University of Sunderland (UOS) MBA, United Kingdom The winner of the Best New University in the North East by the acclaimed Guardian University Guide 2012, UOS offers its MBA to individuals with appropriate work experience and whose first degree is may or may not be in a business and management discipline. Assessment comprises mostly of assignments, one examination and a dissertation based on contemporary business and management research.

Master of Business Administration (International Business) University of Greenwich (UOG), United Kingdom UOG moulds its MBA graduates to take on responsible leadership, from the starting points of creativity, practicality and social resourcefulness, and focuses strongly on the personal development of participants, including their career management. This MBA also focuses on the integrative disciplines of business strategy and the management of change in an increasingly global business environment. With an assessment of 85 per cent coursework and 15 per cent examination, this MBA is best suited for individuals who want to gain an international outlook in the corporate world and also prefer to earn their qualification via dissertation. MN

Focus І Retail & Franchise

Retail & Franchise І

appetite for something new An

T.Y Ooi, Executive Manager, PJ Uniform Sdn Bhd, lets us in on her plans to diversify the uniform business.

I

magine a cage submerged in the Gulf of Mexico. Then, imagine this cage being surrounded by seven great white sharks.

That’s exactly where you would have found T.Y Ooi, not too long ago.

Adrenaline junkie, avid foodie and entrepreneur extraordinaire, Ooi cites travel, 4 x 4’s and the great outdoors as her greatest passions. Ooi is the daughter of Lawrence Ooi and June Yap, founders of P.J Uniform or more popularly known by their brand Professor. Since 1982, Professor has been the uniform market leader in the Klang Valley with a strong focus on quality and innovation.

Ooi with her father, Lawrence Ooi friend selling children’s clothing,” she says.

Ooi made the trip back to Malaysia in 2008 to be a part of the family business.

When Ooi returned home to manage the business she was also determined to take it one notch up. Apart from school uniforms and uniforms for extra curricular activities, Ooi has been working on making Professor a one-stop shop for all things related to camping gear. “In the last three years I have expanded the camping range extensively. We have everything you need when you go camping — tents, knives, cooking utensils, among others. Now we can be considered a one-stop shop where people relate the Professor brand to camping,” she states.

Focus

include driving 4 x 4’s various parts of Africa including Egypt, covering 11 countries.

Recently, they explored the South American continent from Paraguay to Bolivia.

“It’s when we came back from South America that my mother had the idea to design our uniforms with a zipper pocket option.” The latest in Professor’s innovative design offers the traditional open pockets and a pocket with a zipper so school children can keep their valuables such as keys and money safely.

Professor is probably the only one in the market with this uniquely designed feature.

Most recently, Ooi decided that it was time for the brand to embrace e-commerce. “We have customers from

On the way back from her most recent adventure, Ooi made a pit stop in the United States to visit her best friend. It was in Los “My parents are now semi-retired.

“Since 1982, Professor has been the uniform Angeles that Ooi was introduced to Louisiana cuisine through a It was either I came back or they market leader in the Klang Valley with a crawfish boil. “I’m a seafood lover would sell the business,” she adds. strong focus on quality and innovation.” and I went back three times to have Unable to fathom the business it before leaving that place,” she says. “I knew as far as Sabah who come down to Kuala falling into the hands of outsiders, I had to take the idea back to Malaysia.”

Lumpur just to buy our products. So, I Ooi admits that she has a very strong want to make it easier for our customers to attachment to the business. After all, she Crab Factory will open its doors in January obtain our products,” she says. had hands-on experience in the business 2014 in SS2, directly under the Professor during her growing up years. “I’ve been outlet. Ooi is convinced that the Malaysian Today, the brand is also present in 11 working in this business since I was a kid. market is ripe for more International cuisine Tesco outlets around Malaysia. Ooi I worked every school holidays,” Ooi says. and is excited to offer diners a unique and new recognises that the brand may be dining experience. "We will line your table above the budget for a lot of Malaysian She recalls how her friends would share with a long piece of waxed paper and cut lime families. “We’ve created a sub-brand with her their exciting plans for the wedges, tie plastic bibs around your neck called Professor Deluxe which is less holidays. However, Ooi’s time at work then serve you our seafood boil in huge bags." expensive making it affordable for more was well spent as she learnt everything "You then dig in with just your hands, no people.” Although Professor Deluxe is less she knows today working from the cutlery will be provided. It's very much a expensive customers can be rest assured bottom up. She learnt the ropes of the group eating experience." that there is no compromise in quality business from two good teachers — her and workmanship.” parents. Her mother, she says, was the Always on the look out for a new adventure, ‘brains of the business’ while her father, Ooi is all set to spearhead P.J Uniform to Cut from the same cloth, Ooi and her who was in charge of the public relations a whole different level, while keeping her mother share a love of adventure. They and marketing, pushed the brand into parents' business legacy alive. MN have taken various trips together that the malls.

“My mum designed our uniforms herself. She used to cut the cloth right here in our Petaling Jaya office before sending it out to get sewn.

Today we have our own factory in Cheras to meet the demands of all our 17 outlets,” she says.

Through the years, Professor has established itself as a brand known for its quality of material and workmanship. “The work philosophy that my mum and dad passed down is that we must be a business that provides quality for our customers.”

The Professor outlet in SS2 that is now located on the first floor to make way for Crab Factory

22 ∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣Vol 1 No 4

Ooi completed her secondary schooling in Sri Aman before leaving for Australia to further her studies. “I continued to live and work in Melbourne and even owned a business with a

Adventure Addicts: Ooi with her mother, June Yap

In Africa, on a 444 adventure Vol 1 No 4∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣ 23

Focus І Retail & Franchise

Retail & Franchise І

appetite for something new An

T.Y Ooi, Executive Manager, PJ Uniform Sdn Bhd, lets us in on her plans to diversify the uniform business.

I

magine a cage submerged in the Gulf of Mexico. Then, imagine this cage being surrounded by seven great white sharks.

That’s exactly where you would have found T.Y Ooi, not too long ago.

Adrenaline junkie, avid foodie and entrepreneur extraordinaire, Ooi cites travel, 4 x 4’s and the great outdoors as her greatest passions. Ooi is the daughter of Lawrence Ooi and June Yap, founders of P.J Uniform or more popularly known by their brand Professor. Since 1982, Professor has been the uniform market leader in the Klang Valley with a strong focus on quality and innovation.

Ooi with her father, Lawrence Ooi friend selling children’s clothing,” she says.

Ooi made the trip back to Malaysia in 2008 to be a part of the family business.

When Ooi returned home to manage the business she was also determined to take it one notch up. Apart from school uniforms and uniforms for extra curricular activities, Ooi has been working on making Professor a one-stop shop for all things related to camping gear. “In the last three years I have expanded the camping range extensively. We have everything you need when you go camping — tents, knives, cooking utensils, among others. Now we can be considered a one-stop shop where people relate the Professor brand to camping,” she states.

Focus

include driving 4 x 4’s various parts of Africa including Egypt, covering 11 countries.

Recently, they explored the South American continent from Paraguay to Bolivia.

“It’s when we came back from South America that my mother had the idea to design our uniforms with a zipper pocket option.” The latest in Professor’s innovative design offers the traditional open pockets and a pocket with a zipper so school children can keep their valuables such as keys and money safely.

Professor is probably the only one in the market with this uniquely designed feature.

Most recently, Ooi decided that it was time for the brand to embrace e-commerce. “We have customers from

On the way back from her most recent adventure, Ooi made a pit stop in the United States to visit her best friend. It was in Los “My parents are now semi-retired.

“Since 1982, Professor has been the uniform Angeles that Ooi was introduced to Louisiana cuisine through a It was either I came back or they market leader in the Klang Valley with a crawfish boil. “I’m a seafood lover would sell the business,” she adds. strong focus on quality and innovation.” and I went back three times to have Unable to fathom the business it before leaving that place,” she says. “I knew as far as Sabah who come down to Kuala falling into the hands of outsiders, I had to take the idea back to Malaysia.”

Lumpur just to buy our products. So, I Ooi admits that she has a very strong want to make it easier for our customers to attachment to the business. After all, she Crab Factory will open its doors in January obtain our products,” she says. had hands-on experience in the business 2014 in SS2, directly under the Professor during her growing up years. “I’ve been outlet. Ooi is convinced that the Malaysian Today, the brand is also present in 11 working in this business since I was a kid. market is ripe for more International cuisine Tesco outlets around Malaysia. Ooi I worked every school holidays,” Ooi says. and is excited to offer diners a unique and new recognises that the brand may be dining experience. "We will line your table above the budget for a lot of Malaysian She recalls how her friends would share with a long piece of waxed paper and cut lime families. “We’ve created a sub-brand with her their exciting plans for the wedges, tie plastic bibs around your neck called Professor Deluxe which is less holidays. However, Ooi’s time at work then serve you our seafood boil in huge bags." expensive making it affordable for more was well spent as she learnt everything "You then dig in with just your hands, no people.” Although Professor Deluxe is less she knows today working from the cutlery will be provided. It's very much a expensive customers can be rest assured bottom up. She learnt the ropes of the group eating experience." that there is no compromise in quality business from two good teachers — her and workmanship.” parents. Her mother, she says, was the Always on the look out for a new adventure, ‘brains of the business’ while her father, Ooi is all set to spearhead P.J Uniform to Cut from the same cloth, Ooi and her who was in charge of the public relations a whole different level, while keeping her mother share a love of adventure. They and marketing, pushed the brand into parents' business legacy alive. MN have taken various trips together that the malls.

“My mum designed our uniforms herself. She used to cut the cloth right here in our Petaling Jaya office before sending it out to get sewn.

Today we have our own factory in Cheras to meet the demands of all our 17 outlets,” she says.

Through the years, Professor has established itself as a brand known for its quality of material and workmanship. “The work philosophy that my mum and dad passed down is that we must be a business that provides quality for our customers.”

The Professor outlet in SS2 that is now located on the first floor to make way for Crab Factory

22 ∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣Vol 1 No 4

Ooi completed her secondary schooling in Sri Aman before leaving for Australia to further her studies. “I continued to live and work in Melbourne and even owned a business with a

Adventure Addicts: Ooi with her mother, June Yap

In Africa, on a 444 adventure Vol 1 No 4∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣ 23

Focus І Retail & Franchise

Retail & Franchise І

BITE ME!

After fixing the nicks and securing investors, Occubite Muffins was born. The research and development stage of Occubite was thorough. “During the R&D stage I ate 30 muffins for lunch,” laughs Tan. But Tan was far from being ‘muffined-out’. He hired a chef from the United States to create 200 muffins in a span of 10 months. Paying special attention to taste, Tan delivered muffins to his

Focus

Tan also opted for a young and funky brand for his business. “We are targetting those between the ages of 18 and 35,” says Tan. The youthfulness of the brand can be clearly seen in the creativity of the names of their 37 muffins. Tan, who named the muffins himself, says that he wanted names that were easy for people to remember. “During the Valentine period in February, we had a muffin called Taylor Sweet that was very popular.”

On expanding his business overseas, Tan says, “So far we have 11 countries interested in the business.” However, being pioneers in the muffin business in

“During the R&D stage I ate 30 muffins for lunch.” clients for a taste test and the R&D team worked on the best tastes based on the feedback received.

Roys Tan, CEO of Occubite Resources Sdn Bhd invites you to take a bite into Occubite’s Muffins.

W

Taking the next big leap in his life, Tan sold ith a quirky disposition his share of the photocopying business and and a constant smile on secured a job with his father’s friend in the his face, 33-year-old Roys import business. Tan, who was then only Tan, CEO of Occubite 22-years-old, was made the General Manager Resources Sdn Bhd is one of the ‘younger’ of the company. This, unfortunately, did not members of MRCA. Although still a ‘baby’ sit well with his other working colleagues who compared to his more experienced and were older. “So successful “I realised there wasn’t anyone selling the working counterparts, muffins, so I took on the challenge.” environment Tan is an wasn’t very good and I failed to bring in the entrepreneur in his own right and has the sales,” Tan says. He left the job. “It was truly drive and passion to make his business a a difficult time for me as I was earning RM success.

12,000 a month with my photocopying business and there I was left with nothing.”

“When I was 19, I started my own business with friends while studying at “I knew that I had to somehow find a way Tunku Abdul Rahman College,” says Tan. to become successful again.” Tan quickly “It was a photocopying shop and we were bounced back by importing stationary from the only photocopying shop that was open China. He repackaged and branded the 24-hours.” Taking advantage of the fact stationary before selling it to the open market. that he was a student himself, Tan was “To do that, I started my own advertising aware of the needs of students and had a agency from scratch,” he says. Adverasia Sdn ready network of customers at hand. He Bhd Advertising was established about 10 readily admitted to skipping most of his years ago and is still active today. Tan didn’t classes to concentrate on the business, but stop there. Through Adverasia, Tan took on he still managed to pass his examinations the role of marketing consultant for a popular in college.

24 ∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣Vol 1 No 4

donut brand. The team at Adverasia was in charge of developing marketing strategies when they first started out in Malaysia.

“I was in the donut business for five years.

You could say that’s how my love for desserts started and why I am currently in the muffin business. I realised there wasn’t anyone selling muffins, so I took on the challenge,” he adds.

Malaysia, he is taking things a step at a time. “Our first outlet in the Philippines will open in January 2014, after which we will further plan our expansion overseas,” he says.

Occubite Muffins opened its first outlet on 11th August 2012 at Tropicana City Mall selling muffins that were low fat, low in sugar and had fewer calories. “Muffins are the healthier choice compared to donuts or cupcakes,” says Tan. The name Occubite is derived from the combined words of “occupy” and “bite”. “Usually, muffins come in big sizes. Our muffins are smaller so you can try a variety instead of just settling for a large one.”

Although a newcomer, Tan seems to have steered Occubite in the right direction by creating a muffin-loving customer base and continuing to be innovative.

“We have yet to introduce over 200 more varieties of muffins to the public.

“At Occubite we don’t want to create a trend, instead we want to create a culture,” he states. There’s no doubt that this culture will leave you hungry for more. MN

To diversify his advertising business, Tan consulted a few of his trusted advisors who were also MRCA members.

Roys Tan, CEO of Occubite Resources Sdn Bhd

Vol 1 No 4∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣ 25

Focus І Retail & Franchise

Retail & Franchise І

BITE ME!

After fixing the nicks and securing investors, Occubite Muffins was born. The research and development stage of Occubite was thorough. “During the R&D stage I ate 30 muffins for lunch,” laughs Tan. But Tan was far from being ‘muffined-out’. He hired a chef from the United States to create 200 muffins in a span of 10 months. Paying special attention to taste, Tan delivered muffins to his

Focus

Tan also opted for a young and funky brand for his business. “We are targetting those between the ages of 18 and 35,” says Tan. The youthfulness of the brand can be clearly seen in the creativity of the names of their 37 muffins. Tan, who named the muffins himself, says that he wanted names that were easy for people to remember. “During the Valentine period in February, we had a muffin called Taylor Sweet that was very popular.”

On expanding his business overseas, Tan says, “So far we have 11 countries interested in the business.” However, being pioneers in the muffin business in

“During the R&D stage I ate 30 muffins for lunch.” clients for a taste test and the R&D team worked on the best tastes based on the feedback received.

Roys Tan, CEO of Occubite Resources Sdn Bhd invites you to take a bite into Occubite’s Muffins.

W

Taking the next big leap in his life, Tan sold ith a quirky disposition his share of the photocopying business and and a constant smile on secured a job with his father’s friend in the his face, 33-year-old Roys import business. Tan, who was then only Tan, CEO of Occubite 22-years-old, was made the General Manager Resources Sdn Bhd is one of the ‘younger’ of the company. This, unfortunately, did not members of MRCA. Although still a ‘baby’ sit well with his other working colleagues who compared to his more experienced and were older. “So successful “I realised there wasn’t anyone selling the working counterparts, muffins, so I took on the challenge.” environment Tan is an wasn’t very good and I failed to bring in the entrepreneur in his own right and has the sales,” Tan says. He left the job. “It was truly drive and passion to make his business a a difficult time for me as I was earning RM success.

12,000 a month with my photocopying business and there I was left with nothing.”

“When I was 19, I started my own business with friends while studying at “I knew that I had to somehow find a way Tunku Abdul Rahman College,” says Tan. to become successful again.” Tan quickly “It was a photocopying shop and we were bounced back by importing stationary from the only photocopying shop that was open China. He repackaged and branded the 24-hours.” Taking advantage of the fact stationary before selling it to the open market. that he was a student himself, Tan was “To do that, I started my own advertising aware of the needs of students and had a agency from scratch,” he says. Adverasia Sdn ready network of customers at hand. He Bhd Advertising was established about 10 readily admitted to skipping most of his years ago and is still active today. Tan didn’t classes to concentrate on the business, but stop there. Through Adverasia, Tan took on he still managed to pass his examinations the role of marketing consultant for a popular in college.

24 ∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣Vol 1 No 4

donut brand. The team at Adverasia was in charge of developing marketing strategies when they first started out in Malaysia.

“I was in the donut business for five years.

You could say that’s how my love for desserts started and why I am currently in the muffin business. I realised there wasn’t anyone selling muffins, so I took on the challenge,” he adds.

Malaysia, he is taking things a step at a time. “Our first outlet in the Philippines will open in January 2014, after which we will further plan our expansion overseas,” he says.

Occubite Muffins opened its first outlet on 11th August 2012 at Tropicana City Mall selling muffins that were low fat, low in sugar and had fewer calories. “Muffins are the healthier choice compared to donuts or cupcakes,” says Tan. The name Occubite is derived from the combined words of “occupy” and “bite”. “Usually, muffins come in big sizes. Our muffins are smaller so you can try a variety instead of just settling for a large one.”

Although a newcomer, Tan seems to have steered Occubite in the right direction by creating a muffin-loving customer base and continuing to be innovative.

“We have yet to introduce over 200 more varieties of muffins to the public.

“At Occubite we don’t want to create a trend, instead we want to create a culture,” he states. There’s no doubt that this culture will leave you hungry for more. MN

To diversify his advertising business, Tan consulted a few of his trusted advisors who were also MRCA members.

Roys Tan, CEO of Occubite Resources Sdn Bhd

Vol 1 No 4∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣ 25

Focus І e-commerce

e-commerce І

As the novelty expires, learns to love consumer service

e-commerce

and usability. Brand development exhibitors, together with marketing and usability companies, actually made up only around one in four of all exhibitors, a sharp drop in the ratio of just a few years ago.

With e-commerce now becoming an unexceptional part of many consumers' typical shopping regimen, digital sales channels need to learn to love customer service, according to delegates at London's eCommerce Expo 2013.

By Nick Jaspan, Special Correspondent, Manchester

The largest contingents of exhibitors were from six distinct sectors – content management, e-commerce, payment processing, multi-channel solutions, warehouse management systems and logistics.

The presence of more than a dozen hosting companies – including UKFast, the show's lead sponsor – was a testimony to one particular e-commerce mantra – without speed, you're the 'walking wounded'.

With over 6,500 visitors attending across the two days, the keynote speaker “Without sessions and the four sector specific theatres (one apiece for e-commerce and social platforms; digital and mobile marketing; delivery and customer loyalty and payment and security), were all inevitably over-subscribed. Equally inevitably, the event also attracted representatives from all of the giants of the sector, including speakers from Facebook, Twitter, Google, Sony and Hewlett-Packard.

Big Data – the massive volume of difficultto-access esoteric customer data that typically defies use in standard database applications – was, predictably, the theme of many of these presentations. According to Elaine Cook, Strategic Marketing Director for retail technology at Intel UK, the microprocessor giant, big data remains very much the province of large corporates and those companies with extensive data management experience, such as mail order companies and the more enlightened retail groups.

I

t can now be taken as a given that consumers essentially 'get digital'. The most successful companies, though, 'get' that consumers also expect outstanding service from start to finish, with web interaction just one part of their overall buying experience, albeit a key one. That, in essence, was the lesson from this year's eCommerce Expo at London's Olympia.

More fully, the message was that e-commerce is not just about the digital welcome, the browsing experience and the goods on offer.

The way that e-consumers negotiate and pay for their purchases – and even how they feel once their goods have been delivered – are all key factors in developing and driving an e-commerce platform.

Most research now suggests that, Amazon aside, comparatively few e-commerce sites

26 ∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣Vol 1 No 4

succeed in securing repeat or extended business from customers. Dissatisfied consumers cite a lack of communication, little goodwill, overly-complex merchant services, minimal customer engagement and delivery problems as the issues that alienate them from ecommerce companies. Above and beyond that, there is the more nebulous suggestion that many such companies just show no sign of wanting to engage with consumers on a long-term basis.

This pronounced emphasis on the 'total user experience' saw the biggest stands at this year's event dominated by payment companies, notably Visa and Barclaycard.

There was also a sizeable presence from several logistics companies, including DHL, UPS and the Royal Mail, as well as number of international warehousing, channel stockists and management system

companies. Attendees across these sectors included the PVS Group (a German fulfillment house) and Ohio's Automated Packaging Systems. A more surprising addition to the exhibitors' roster was the CN Group, a privately-owned North of England newspaper company that was keen to demonstrate its ability to reach consumers across its home territory.

Perhaps seeking to bask in a little reflected glory, the show's organisers were also keen to stress that PayPal chose eCommerce 2013 as the launch platform for its new debit cards for high street shoppers, should such a breed still exist.

Tellingly, a quick scan through the business activities of the exhibitors confirmed just how little emphasis the ecommerce community now places on web marketing

For many, she said, it still represented largely uncharted territory, with the majority of companies simply failing to understand how they could make substantial additional revenues from such data. Most companies – the core group above notwithstanding – she believes, are focused on selling their core services to the exclusion of the complementary revenue streams represented by monetising their data. They ignore at their loss, she said, the chance of turning the existing data they hold on customers into new and complementary sales.

Despite the undoubted – but often mystified – interest in Big Data, the subject was undoubtedly upstaged by the

Focus

working week imminent and Monday morning dread kicking in, Twitter topics turn to shopping and shopping habits, as people endeavour to postpone their workaday reality. Just 12 hours later, he said, Twitter traffic on the Monday morning proper changes from escape to determination, as comments about health, new challenges and new jobs reach their weekly high.

Nasr's advice to brands was to plan these new peaks and troughs into their marketing activity. Only then, he said, can they ensure their digital marketing initiatives are delivered in a timely and appropriate fashion.

Perhaps ironically, Twitter, that

speed, you're the 'walking wounded'.” most contentious and news-

friendly of social media, was itself upstaged. Even the news that the company is to file – presumably in more than 140 characters – for an IPO on the New York Stock Exchange, couldn't trump a seminar on one fundamental aspect of e-commerce – the checkout process. Fittingly, it fell to Visa, one of the pioneers of the credit card world, to outline the next stage in the evolution of online payments.

presence of Dara Nasr, Head of Agency Sales at Twitter UK. His presentation – Connecting with your Customers and How to use Social Media for E-commerce – was, undoubtedly, the second biggest draw on the opening day of the event.

In keeping with the overall tone of the Expo, his opening remarks focused on the new reality of Twitter, as with many of other forms of social media, now being part of the fabric of ordinary life.

With their novelty long gone, it's the way that brands now lever the power of these 'everyday' tools, he said, that will distinguish them in the marketplace.

According to Nasr, Twitter's particular strength lies in its ability to allow people to converse in real time. Citing an example, he said, on Sunday evenings, with the

As part of his presentation – A New Era of Payments in the Changing Digital Landscape – Jonathan Vaux, Senior Vice President of Visa Europe, introduced delegates to the company's new V.me digital wallet service, its new mobilefriendly payment facility. V.me users can make online payments using only their email and a password for authentication, a move said to save both time and hassle.

The launch of the new service has been prompted by Visa's own research, research that shows that, by 2020, almost half of all of its transactions in Europe will take place via a mobile device. With the failure/ abandonment rate of mobile payments currently running at around 60%, it is clear that – if successful – this new initiative could be worth billions to both retailers and to Visa itself.

With customers craving both speed and security, Vaux sees many of the industry's traditional physical channels set to vanish forever. In their place, he envisages the use of a vast array of digital payment options, including barcodes/QR codes, NFC, checkout apps and, increasingly, facial recognition software.

Despite the understandable emphasis on virtual shopping, the role of the traditional high street retailer still loomed surprisingly large. More than one session was keen to emphasise just how much e-commerce

Vol 1 No 4∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣ 27

Focus І e-commerce

e-commerce І

As the novelty expires, learns to love consumer service

e-commerce

and usability. Brand development exhibitors, together with marketing and usability companies, actually made up only around one in four of all exhibitors, a sharp drop in the ratio of just a few years ago.

With e-commerce now becoming an unexceptional part of many consumers' typical shopping regimen, digital sales channels need to learn to love customer service, according to delegates at London's eCommerce Expo 2013.

By Nick Jaspan, Special Correspondent, Manchester

The largest contingents of exhibitors were from six distinct sectors – content management, e-commerce, payment processing, multi-channel solutions, warehouse management systems and logistics.

The presence of more than a dozen hosting companies – including UKFast, the show's lead sponsor – was a testimony to one particular e-commerce mantra – without speed, you're the 'walking wounded'.

With over 6,500 visitors attending across the two days, the keynote speaker “Without sessions and the four sector specific theatres (one apiece for e-commerce and social platforms; digital and mobile marketing; delivery and customer loyalty and payment and security), were all inevitably over-subscribed. Equally inevitably, the event also attracted representatives from all of the giants of the sector, including speakers from Facebook, Twitter, Google, Sony and Hewlett-Packard.

Big Data – the massive volume of difficultto-access esoteric customer data that typically defies use in standard database applications – was, predictably, the theme of many of these presentations. According to Elaine Cook, Strategic Marketing Director for retail technology at Intel UK, the microprocessor giant, big data remains very much the province of large corporates and those companies with extensive data management experience, such as mail order companies and the more enlightened retail groups.

I

t can now be taken as a given that consumers essentially 'get digital'. The most successful companies, though, 'get' that consumers also expect outstanding service from start to finish, with web interaction just one part of their overall buying experience, albeit a key one. That, in essence, was the lesson from this year's eCommerce Expo at London's Olympia.

More fully, the message was that e-commerce is not just about the digital welcome, the browsing experience and the goods on offer.

The way that e-consumers negotiate and pay for their purchases – and even how they feel once their goods have been delivered – are all key factors in developing and driving an e-commerce platform.

Most research now suggests that, Amazon aside, comparatively few e-commerce sites

26 ∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣Vol 1 No 4

succeed in securing repeat or extended business from customers. Dissatisfied consumers cite a lack of communication, little goodwill, overly-complex merchant services, minimal customer engagement and delivery problems as the issues that alienate them from ecommerce companies. Above and beyond that, there is the more nebulous suggestion that many such companies just show no sign of wanting to engage with consumers on a long-term basis.

This pronounced emphasis on the 'total user experience' saw the biggest stands at this year's event dominated by payment companies, notably Visa and Barclaycard.

There was also a sizeable presence from several logistics companies, including DHL, UPS and the Royal Mail, as well as number of international warehousing, channel stockists and management system

companies. Attendees across these sectors included the PVS Group (a German fulfillment house) and Ohio's Automated Packaging Systems. A more surprising addition to the exhibitors' roster was the CN Group, a privately-owned North of England newspaper company that was keen to demonstrate its ability to reach consumers across its home territory.

Perhaps seeking to bask in a little reflected glory, the show's organisers were also keen to stress that PayPal chose eCommerce 2013 as the launch platform for its new debit cards for high street shoppers, should such a breed still exist.

Tellingly, a quick scan through the business activities of the exhibitors confirmed just how little emphasis the ecommerce community now places on web marketing

For many, she said, it still represented largely uncharted territory, with the majority of companies simply failing to understand how they could make substantial additional revenues from such data. Most companies – the core group above notwithstanding – she believes, are focused on selling their core services to the exclusion of the complementary revenue streams represented by monetising their data. They ignore at their loss, she said, the chance of turning the existing data they hold on customers into new and complementary sales.

Despite the undoubted – but often mystified – interest in Big Data, the subject was undoubtedly upstaged by the

Focus

working week imminent and Monday morning dread kicking in, Twitter topics turn to shopping and shopping habits, as people endeavour to postpone their workaday reality. Just 12 hours later, he said, Twitter traffic on the Monday morning proper changes from escape to determination, as comments about health, new challenges and new jobs reach their weekly high.

Nasr's advice to brands was to plan these new peaks and troughs into their marketing activity. Only then, he said, can they ensure their digital marketing initiatives are delivered in a timely and appropriate fashion.

Perhaps ironically, Twitter, that

speed, you're the 'walking wounded'.” most contentious and news-

friendly of social media, was itself upstaged. Even the news that the company is to file – presumably in more than 140 characters – for an IPO on the New York Stock Exchange, couldn't trump a seminar on one fundamental aspect of e-commerce – the checkout process. Fittingly, it fell to Visa, one of the pioneers of the credit card world, to outline the next stage in the evolution of online payments.

presence of Dara Nasr, Head of Agency Sales at Twitter UK. His presentation – Connecting with your Customers and How to use Social Media for E-commerce – was, undoubtedly, the second biggest draw on the opening day of the event.

In keeping with the overall tone of the Expo, his opening remarks focused on the new reality of Twitter, as with many of other forms of social media, now being part of the fabric of ordinary life.

With their novelty long gone, it's the way that brands now lever the power of these 'everyday' tools, he said, that will distinguish them in the marketplace.

According to Nasr, Twitter's particular strength lies in its ability to allow people to converse in real time. Citing an example, he said, on Sunday evenings, with the

As part of his presentation – A New Era of Payments in the Changing Digital Landscape – Jonathan Vaux, Senior Vice President of Visa Europe, introduced delegates to the company's new V.me digital wallet service, its new mobilefriendly payment facility. V.me users can make online payments using only their email and a password for authentication, a move said to save both time and hassle.

The launch of the new service has been prompted by Visa's own research, research that shows that, by 2020, almost half of all of its transactions in Europe will take place via a mobile device. With the failure/ abandonment rate of mobile payments currently running at around 60%, it is clear that – if successful – this new initiative could be worth billions to both retailers and to Visa itself.

With customers craving both speed and security, Vaux sees many of the industry's traditional physical channels set to vanish forever. In their place, he envisages the use of a vast array of digital payment options, including barcodes/QR codes, NFC, checkout apps and, increasingly, facial recognition software.

Despite the understandable emphasis on virtual shopping, the role of the traditional high street retailer still loomed surprisingly large. More than one session was keen to emphasise just how much e-commerce

Vol 1 No 4∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣ 27

Focus І e-commerce operators could learn from the timehonoured practices of the finest high street outlets.

Diamond NEP І

so, was that, despite the outstanding shopping experience offered by the finest physical retailers, it is the online world that now offers the optimum shopping

The growing importance of bridging the gap between on- and off-line shopping was highlighted by the experiences of these digital retailers – Kiddicare, Oak Furniture With this in mind, it was a Company and Made.com – surprisingly large contingent that all of whom are now actively “this year's eCommerce Expo demonstrated vied for tickets for a second day how engrained the online shopping experience forging in-store relationships seminar on the future of the high with their bricks and mortar has become for many consumers.” street. While, disappointingly, counterparts. The intent representatives of many of the major environment, one that bricks and mortar behind this enhanced co-operation is to retailers were largely absent, a number retailer find impossible to match. With create a better overall shopping experience, of leading digital brands with a keen both channels likely to co-exist for some enabling both parties to support and enhance interest in the retail landscape were existing customer loyalty while developing time, it was felt that the best way forward conspicuously present. was to ensure a synergy across the physical new revenue streams. and digital shopping platforms. In this Luminaries on hand to offer their way a level of customer service and Over the course of its two days, this year's advice to conventional retailers included satisfaction could be delivered that neither eCommerce Expo demonstrated how Martijn Bertisen (Google's Senior channel could offer on its own. engrained the online shopping experience Industry Retail Head), Katy Clark has become for many consumers. While this (Group Relationship Director for The Trinity Leeds, Land Securities' new one has seen a vast number of local and global Nectar), Rosie Akenhead (Manager of million sq ft development in the north opportunities emerge, it has also changed Local Business Outreach at Yelp UK), of England, was cited as a pioneering the rules of engagement. With novelty the local information provider and Glen example of just what could be done. consigned to history, online operators now Richardson (Chief Marketing Officer for The new development has been billed need to ensure that the whole retailing offer Fruugo) the global e-commerce site, who as offering “an omni-channel shopping is seamless – from marketing to on- and was representing the Interactive Media experience”, is said to promote a real off-line product engagement through to in Retail Group (IMRG), the UK online synergy between bricks and mortar and payment and ultimately delivery. As with the retailers trade body. e-commerce. Its innovative approach has high street retailers, who once distinguished been designed to embody new ways of themselves through their high levels of The panel debate was dominated by the involving customers more fully in the services, it is those online companies that can impact of e-commerce on the high street. 'brand universe', while offering them new truly build customer rapport and satisfaction The consensus, perhaps predictably consumer experiences. that will prosper in the long term. MN

Focus

Water, Glorious Water

Group President of NEP Holdings (M) Berhad, Michael Lim Chang Huat speaks about NEP'S Diamond Water Filtration system that has been providing clean water to Malaysian households for over 16 years.

Michael Lim Chang Huat, Group President of NEP Holdings (M) Berhad

A

vital element in our everyday life, water is crucial for our survival.

Diamond Water Filtration System has won many accolades for being the best of the best for the most natural and toxic-free water systems available in the market. Michael Lim Chang Huat, Group President, NEP Holdings (M) Berhad shares the success of NEP through its prized product.

How and when did NEP get into the water filtration business?

In 1997, we encountered a water filtration system that was yet to be noticed by others at that time. It was a water system that was capable of elevating normal tap water to be as good as natural water. This accidental encounter soon became a turning point for NEP as we embrace this water system as our main product.

How have you successfully built the diamond brand to be the top-of-the-mind water filtration brand in Malaysia?

We believed that doing things differently and touching customers' hearts is the key to achieving success. We came out a numbers of strategies that have never been implemented in this industry.

For example: • 30-day free product experience • 120 days money back warranty • Product lifetime warranty • Creative monthly rental plan

Tell us about Yayasan NEP Trust.

-'YAYASAN NEP DIAMOND TRUST' was set up in 2005. Over the years, the Foundation has been actively subsidising orphanages, to support hundreds of children in their education, to help hundreds of poor families and to sponsor other charity events. For example,'Love Can Be More' is a project, with the objective of spurring a little bit more love for people and things around us.

The project does not ask for monetary donation but your love. In this project, we have invited luminaries to share their touching moments to inspire the common folk for a life time.

From your website it looks like customer care is an integral part of your business.

What kind of training do you offer your employees so that they further elevate your brand performance?

We provide professional training and ideological training to our team for them to know more and understand about the company's mission, believe and goals.

What is in the pipeline for NEP in the future?

- We will continue to strive in the water industry. At the same time, we hope to bring the success of DIAMOND to more countries. MN

28 ∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣Vol 1 No 4

Vol 1 No 4∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣ 29

Focus І e-commerce operators could learn from the timehonoured practices of the finest high street outlets.

Diamond NEP І

so, was that, despite the outstanding shopping experience offered by the finest physical retailers, it is the online world that now offers the optimum shopping

The growing importance of bridging the gap between on- and off-line shopping was highlighted by the experiences of these digital retailers – Kiddicare, Oak Furniture With this in mind, it was a Company and Made.com – surprisingly large contingent that all of whom are now actively “this year's eCommerce Expo demonstrated vied for tickets for a second day how engrained the online shopping experience forging in-store relationships seminar on the future of the high with their bricks and mortar has become for many consumers.” street. While, disappointingly, counterparts. The intent representatives of many of the major environment, one that bricks and mortar behind this enhanced co-operation is to retailers were largely absent, a number retailer find impossible to match. With create a better overall shopping experience, of leading digital brands with a keen both channels likely to co-exist for some enabling both parties to support and enhance interest in the retail landscape were existing customer loyalty while developing time, it was felt that the best way forward conspicuously present. was to ensure a synergy across the physical new revenue streams. and digital shopping platforms. In this Luminaries on hand to offer their way a level of customer service and Over the course of its two days, this year's advice to conventional retailers included satisfaction could be delivered that neither eCommerce Expo demonstrated how Martijn Bertisen (Google's Senior channel could offer on its own. engrained the online shopping experience Industry Retail Head), Katy Clark has become for many consumers. While this (Group Relationship Director for The Trinity Leeds, Land Securities' new one has seen a vast number of local and global Nectar), Rosie Akenhead (Manager of million sq ft development in the north opportunities emerge, it has also changed Local Business Outreach at Yelp UK), of England, was cited as a pioneering the rules of engagement. With novelty the local information provider and Glen example of just what could be done. consigned to history, online operators now Richardson (Chief Marketing Officer for The new development has been billed need to ensure that the whole retailing offer Fruugo) the global e-commerce site, who as offering “an omni-channel shopping is seamless – from marketing to on- and was representing the Interactive Media experience”, is said to promote a real off-line product engagement through to in Retail Group (IMRG), the UK online synergy between bricks and mortar and payment and ultimately delivery. As with the retailers trade body. e-commerce. Its innovative approach has high street retailers, who once distinguished been designed to embody new ways of themselves through their high levels of The panel debate was dominated by the involving customers more fully in the services, it is those online companies that can impact of e-commerce on the high street. 'brand universe', while offering them new truly build customer rapport and satisfaction The consensus, perhaps predictably consumer experiences. that will prosper in the long term. MN

Focus

Water, Glorious Water

Group President of NEP Holdings (M) Berhad, Michael Lim Chang Huat speaks about NEP'S Diamond Water Filtration system that has been providing clean water to Malaysian households for over 16 years.

Michael Lim Chang Huat, Group President of NEP Holdings (M) Berhad

A

vital element in our everyday life, water is crucial for our survival.

Diamond Water Filtration System has won many accolades for being the best of the best for the most natural and toxic-free water systems available in the market. Michael Lim Chang Huat, Group President, NEP Holdings (M) Berhad shares the success of NEP through its prized product.

How and when did NEP get into the water filtration business?

In 1997, we encountered a water filtration system that was yet to be noticed by others at that time. It was a water system that was capable of elevating normal tap water to be as good as natural water. This accidental encounter soon became a turning point for NEP as we embrace this water system as our main product.

How have you successfully built the diamond brand to be the top-of-the-mind water filtration brand in Malaysia?

We believed that doing things differently and touching customers' hearts is the key to achieving success. We came out a numbers of strategies that have never been implemented in this industry.

For example: • 30-day free product experience • 120 days money back warranty • Product lifetime warranty • Creative monthly rental plan

Tell us about Yayasan NEP Trust.

-'YAYASAN NEP DIAMOND TRUST' was set up in 2005. Over the years, the Foundation has been actively subsidising orphanages, to support hundreds of children in their education, to help hundreds of poor families and to sponsor other charity events. For example,'Love Can Be More' is a project, with the objective of spurring a little bit more love for people and things around us.

The project does not ask for monetary donation but your love. In this project, we have invited luminaries to share their touching moments to inspire the common folk for a life time.

From your website it looks like customer care is an integral part of your business.

What kind of training do you offer your employees so that they further elevate your brand performance?

We provide professional training and ideological training to our team for them to know more and understand about the company's mission, believe and goals.

What is in the pipeline for NEP in the future?

- We will continue to strive in the water industry. At the same time, we hope to bring the success of DIAMOND to more countries. MN

28 ∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣Vol 1 No 4

Vol 1 No 4∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣ 29

Focus І Retail

Retail І

Focus

Health is Wealth

Group CEO, Pathlab & Clinical Laboratory (M) Sdn Bhd Dato’ Marcus Kam tells us why Pathlab is Malaysia’s preferred one-stop healthcare centre.

have a team of well-trained employees.

Some of our employees have been with us for over 30 years. We have made it part of our mission to provide the best service possible to our customers. I believe that a business needs to have that as part of their culture. We also need “We provide the information necessary to keep up with change to ensure we for people to save their life.” are giving our customers the best. safely say that Malaysians pay the lowest Early detection of diseases saves lives, What’s in the future for Pathlab? rate in the world for a health screening with so essentially you are in the business To expand and grow in the region.

Pathlab. In fact our rates haven’t changed in of saving lives. How effectively have you Today, Pathlab is in six countries almost 20 years. shouldered that responsibility? apart from Malaysia and Singapore— Our job is to alert people on any health Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, In this competitive industry how do you issues they might have. I always say that Myanmar, Cambodia and Hong Kong meet the challenges to remain the top my employees who are actively doing this which have 600 million people. Not choice as a one-stop healthcare centre? deserve a medal. We run tests to let people many Malaysian companies can say What makes Pathlab different from other know their status of health. We provide that they are in almost all the ASEAN healthcare centres? the information necessary for people to countries. MN In addition to the service we provide, we save their lives.

People are taking their health matters into their own hands. Having some knowledge is better than having no knowledge at all. Having said that, knowing and doing are two different things. Some people are predisposed to certain ailments because of their genetics but they choose to ignore it.

Is Pathlab the popular choice among Malaysians for their health screening needs?

We have been the company of choice for health screening for over 30 years. Accuracy, convenience, reliability and affordability form the cornerstone of our business. I can

A

the rest of the world. Today, people tend to highly recognisable logo in industry can more so far so fast in terms engage health care services more than they bright yellow, Malaysians know of technology and market coverage. In 60 did before. that Pathlab is in the business years, the world has changed and so has the of monitoring, maintaining world of testing.

Would you say Malaysians are becoming and protecting one’s health. Although the more health conscious? If so, why do you business started out in Singapore over 60 years As CEO & President, I handle all daily think that is? ago, Dato’ Marcus Kam, Group CEO has management but still seek the advice of my Yes, people are more health-conscious expanded its operations covering the whole of father intermittently on certain matters. today because we have a growing the ASEAN region. Read about how it “Today, people tend to engage health middle-class and aging population. all began and where Pathlab is headed care services more than they did before.” People also have greater access to in the coming years. health information. With this information We recently celebrated 60th Anniversary in comes a certain amount of empowerment.

How did it all begin?

Singapore and we are in our 39th year in However, the power of knowledge is like a Pathlab had its humble beginnings more than Malaysia. sword which can cut two ways.

60 years ago in a tiny garage in Singapore.

My father Dato' Dr. F. W. Kam founded the How has the healthcare industry People have better awareness of health Company and today we have expanded this progressed in Malaysia since Pathlab matters thanks to the media. There are business franchise all over Asia. established itself here in 1974? numerous books on healthcare and the The industry is growing due to people’s internet too is a good source of healthWe never imagined at that time, when awareness, affluence and the aging related information. diagnostic testing was at it's infancy that this population. Asia is now catching up with

30 ∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣Vol 1 No 4

Pathlab 60 years ago in Singapore

Vol 1 No 4∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣ 31

Focus І Retail

Retail І

Focus

Health is Wealth

Group CEO, Pathlab & Clinical Laboratory (M) Sdn Bhd Dato’ Marcus Kam tells us why Pathlab is Malaysia’s preferred one-stop healthcare centre.

have a team of well-trained employees.

Some of our employees have been with us for over 30 years. We have made it part of our mission to provide the best service possible to our customers. I believe that a business needs to have that as part of their culture. We also need “We provide the information necessary to keep up with change to ensure we for people to save their life.” are giving our customers the best. safely say that Malaysians pay the lowest Early detection of diseases saves lives, What’s in the future for Pathlab? rate in the world for a health screening with so essentially you are in the business To expand and grow in the region.

Pathlab. In fact our rates haven’t changed in of saving lives. How effectively have you Today, Pathlab is in six countries almost 20 years. shouldered that responsibility? apart from Malaysia and Singapore— Our job is to alert people on any health Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, In this competitive industry how do you issues they might have. I always say that Myanmar, Cambodia and Hong Kong meet the challenges to remain the top my employees who are actively doing this which have 600 million people. Not choice as a one-stop healthcare centre? deserve a medal. We run tests to let people many Malaysian companies can say What makes Pathlab different from other know their status of health. We provide that they are in almost all the ASEAN healthcare centres? the information necessary for people to countries. MN In addition to the service we provide, we save their lives.

People are taking their health matters into their own hands. Having some knowledge is better than having no knowledge at all. Having said that, knowing and doing are two different things. Some people are predisposed to certain ailments because of their genetics but they choose to ignore it.

Is Pathlab the popular choice among Malaysians for their health screening needs?

We have been the company of choice for health screening for over 30 years. Accuracy, convenience, reliability and affordability form the cornerstone of our business. I can

A

the rest of the world. Today, people tend to highly recognisable logo in industry can more so far so fast in terms engage health care services more than they bright yellow, Malaysians know of technology and market coverage. In 60 did before. that Pathlab is in the business years, the world has changed and so has the of monitoring, maintaining world of testing.

Would you say Malaysians are becoming and protecting one’s health. Although the more health conscious? If so, why do you business started out in Singapore over 60 years As CEO & President, I handle all daily think that is? ago, Dato’ Marcus Kam, Group CEO has management but still seek the advice of my Yes, people are more health-conscious expanded its operations covering the whole of father intermittently on certain matters. today because we have a growing the ASEAN region. Read about how it “Today, people tend to engage health middle-class and aging population. all began and where Pathlab is headed care services more than they did before.” People also have greater access to in the coming years. health information. With this information We recently celebrated 60th Anniversary in comes a certain amount of empowerment.

How did it all begin?

Singapore and we are in our 39th year in However, the power of knowledge is like a Pathlab had its humble beginnings more than Malaysia. sword which can cut two ways.

60 years ago in a tiny garage in Singapore.

My father Dato' Dr. F. W. Kam founded the How has the healthcare industry People have better awareness of health Company and today we have expanded this progressed in Malaysia since Pathlab matters thanks to the media. There are business franchise all over Asia. established itself here in 1974? numerous books on healthcare and the The industry is growing due to people’s internet too is a good source of healthWe never imagined at that time, when awareness, affluence and the aging related information. diagnostic testing was at it's infancy that this population. Asia is now catching up with

30 ∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣Vol 1 No 4

Pathlab 60 years ago in Singapore

Vol 1 No 4∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣ 31

Focus І Malaysia Shopping Malls Association

The Future of

Asian Malls, What’s Next?

At the recent Council of Asian Shopping Centres (CASC) Conference, Mr HC Chan, President of Malaysia Shopping Malls Association(PPK) and CEO of Sunway Shopping Malls and Theme Parks, discusses the recent trends in Asian shopping malls development.

T

he Council of Asian Shopping Centres (CASC) had its annual conference at Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa from 27-29 November 2013 with the theme ‘The Future Of Asian Malls, What’s Next’. The conference saw participants comprising industry professionals from shopping malls across Asia sharing their expertise and experience.

Formed in 1984, The Malaysia Shopping Malls Association (PPK) organised and hosted the conference here in Kuala Lumpur this year. The founding principals of the PPK is to help members with training and education, representation and networking opportunities. One of the most important ways PPK plays an active role in the development of Malaysian shopping malls is through the certification courses that has qualified over 2000 students in the areas of marketing, operations, finance and administration. With over 35 years of shopping mall management behind him, H.C Chan, President of PPK describes the shopping mall industry in Malaysia as the ‘zero to hero’ story. “In the mid-seventies, Ampang Park was one of the first malls in Kuala Lumpur. Today, Malaysia has seen a boom of an average of 100 malls in the last decade.” Chan attributes this boom to the rapid development of the Malaysian economy and increase of disposable

Kuala Lumpur’s specific strength is the ability to combine low prices with a good range of products in a large number of stores – The Globe Shopper Index (Kuala Lumpur ranked No2 in Asia Pacific) income. “Currently, Malaysia is ranked, the 4th best shopping destination in the world

by CNN and Kuala Lumpur is ranked 2nd in Asia -Pacific by the Globe Shopper Index,” says Chan.

Chan was the opening speaker at the recent CASC conference, where he discussed the recent trends in Asian shopping malls development. One of the trends he highlighted was the move from shopping to lifestyle that sees the Asian community embrace malls as part of their routine and a place to ‘hang out’.

“Malls do much better in tropical climates,” says Chan. He explains that

H.C Chan, President of PPK

32 ∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣Vol 1 No 4

today people look to malls for a ‘total lifetsyle’ destination that encompasses leisure, dining, entertainment, a social arena and shopping.

He further explains that Asian malls are enjoying a tremendous amount of growth particularly in emerging economies. “Asians are living in the golden period. We have the best performing economies, hotels, airlines, airports and now shopping malls.”

Chan points out that malls in Asia face great development potential because of technological advancement and affordable International travel and reminds participants that the key to success is relevancy and being able to identify the next development trend. MN

Focus І Malaysia Shopping Malls Association

The Future of

Asian Malls, What’s Next?

At the recent Council of Asian Shopping Centres (CASC) Conference, Mr HC Chan, President of Malaysia Shopping Malls Association(PPK) and CEO of Sunway Shopping Malls and Theme Parks, discusses the recent trends in Asian shopping malls development.

T

he Council of Asian Shopping Centres (CASC) had its annual conference at Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa from 27-29 November 2013 with the theme ‘The Future Of Asian Malls, What’s Next’. The conference saw participants comprising industry professionals from shopping malls across Asia sharing their expertise and experience.

Formed in 1984, The Malaysia Shopping Malls Association (PPK) organised and hosted the conference here in Kuala Lumpur this year. The founding principals of the PPK is to help members with training and education, representation and networking opportunities. One of the most important ways PPK plays an active role in the development of Malaysian shopping malls is through the certification courses that has qualified over 2000 students in the areas of marketing, operations, finance and administration. With over 35 years of shopping mall management behind him, H.C Chan, President of PPK describes the shopping mall industry in Malaysia as the ‘zero to hero’ story. “In the mid-seventies, Ampang Park was one of the first malls in Kuala Lumpur. Today, Malaysia has seen a boom of an average of 100 malls in the last decade.” Chan attributes this boom to the rapid development of the Malaysian economy and increase of disposable

Kuala Lumpur’s specific strength is the ability to combine low prices with a good range of products in a large number of stores – The Globe Shopper Index (Kuala Lumpur ranked No2 in Asia Pacific) income. “Currently, Malaysia is ranked, the 4th best shopping destination in the world

by CNN and Kuala Lumpur is ranked 2nd in Asia -Pacific by the Globe Shopper Index,” says Chan.

Chan was the opening speaker at the recent CASC conference, where he discussed the recent trends in Asian shopping malls development. One of the trends he highlighted was the move from shopping to lifestyle that sees the Asian community embrace malls as part of their routine and a place to ‘hang out’.

“Malls do much better in tropical climates,” says Chan. He explains that

H.C Chan, President of PPK

32 ∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣Vol 1 No 4

today people look to malls for a ‘total lifetsyle’ destination that encompasses leisure, dining, entertainment, a social arena and shopping.

He further explains that Asian malls are enjoying a tremendous amount of growth particularly in emerging economies. “Asians are living in the golden period. We have the best performing economies, hotels, airlines, airports and now shopping malls.”

Chan points out that malls in Asia face great development potential because of technological advancement and affordable International travel and reminds participants that the key to success is relevancy and being able to identify the next development trend. MN

Focus І Retail

Retail І

Focus

Sewing Your Way to Success

Mostwell Sdn Bhd’s Epal Centre not only sells sewing machines but offers business opportunities for those wanting to make a living out of sewing, writes SHARMILA VELLA

I

n today’s modern technological world, innovation has opened vast opportunities for people to set up their own business and to succeed. Mostwell Sdn Bhd is selling sewing machines with the opportunities of a business plan for those who intend to make a living out of sewing.

It is interesting to note that Mostwell Sdn Bhd is not just selling sewing machines but selling a lifestyle concept with the sales of the machine.

The Selangor-based company which was set up in 1987, opened an Epal Handicraft Centre where customers are entitled to a free sewing course for 12 months when they buy a sewing machine.

“With a tagline, From Zero to Hero, we believe anyone can learn to sew. The Epal Centre has been garnering a lot of interest

34 ∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣Vol 1 No 4

“With every purchase we give the customer a box filled with illustrations and details of how to sew, which means she can also do it on her own at her own pace and in her own house if she does not have the time to attend our courses,” he said.

Chua added that most customers initially buy the basic model before getting the more advanced ones. “Many customers have more than one sewing machine at home. Some even buy the RM29,000 model, especially if they are seamstresses.”

Epal Handycraft Training Centre was established in 2001 with the aim of spreading sewing knowledge to every Malaysian. Epal Centres are running the business of selling sewing machine and offering sewing courses for free for a period of 12 months to customers who become their VIP members.

There are now 14 branches of Epal Centres nationwide that are equipped among housewives and entrepreneurs who are eager to start their own sewing business,” said Group Managing Director of Mostwell Group, Sam Chua.

Mostwell successfully acquired the sole agent distributorship of Janome Sewing Machine Co Ltd, Japan in Malaysia in 2004. Janome is the largest sewing machine manufacturer in the world and the first company to create computerised sewing machines in the market.

There are various sewing courses to choose from. One can choose from embroidery to making handbags, shoes, baju kurung, shirts, patchwork, quilting, appliqué and curtains.

The company sells seven types of Janome sewing machines priced between RM2,499 and RM29,000. With the purchase of a machine a customers is entitled to a free sewing course for 12 months.

with facilities such as sewing machines for VIP members to learn new projects and other sewing techniques. In addition, there are also friendly and experienced tutors in all Epal Handycraft Training Centres. From technical assistance and maintenances, there are welltrained technicians in every centre. Repair services for machines are also provided for the customers.

Epal introduced the VIP Membership System to all Epal sewing machine users.

Epal VIP members are entitled to a wide range of benefits which include free courses, business opportunities, sewing contests and other activities organised by the company.

Mostwell also believes in a sustainable business through a responsible development to provide high quality services to customers. Mostwell also takes its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) seriously. It organises sewing programmes to lend a helping hand to the needy such as single mothers, poor families and the orphanages. The objective of these sewing programmes is to provide sewing skills to them in order to raise their standard of living.

The company has 16 branches in Malaysia and two in Indonesia. The company is also planning to set up Mostwell Academy to provide skill training in sewing. It has obtained the approval from the Department of Skill Development, Ministry of Human Resources Malaysia.

“We are the first academy in Malaysia to offer a full syllabus in the art of creative sewing. It offers the Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM) in Creative Sewing Maker (Level 1) and Creative Sewing Senior Maker (Level 2). The duration of each level is six months,” said Chua.

Mostwell has also been working closely with KDSM (Koperasi Dagang Seni Malaysia Berhad) by implementing the Home-based Business Programme which offers entrepreneurial opportunities for those intending to get into the sewing business. Under this scheme, the participants, especially housewives, will be able to run the sewing business from home to increase the household income while taking care of their family.

Chua said that Mostwell is a unique business with a social concern for its people. “We ensure that everyone who participates in our sewing courses is satisfied with her sewing works. We, in fact, encourage them to develop their passion through sewing.” MN

HONORABLE AWARDS RECEIVED BY MOSTWELL

• 2008 - the 6th Malaysia 100 Outstanding SMEs, Golden Bull Award • 2010 - the 8th Malaysia 100 Outstanding SMEs, Golden Bull Award • 2011 - the 9th Malaysia 100 Outstanding SMEs, Golden Bull Award • 2012 - SME Women Entrepreneur Award 2012 • 2012 - the 10th Malaysia 100 Outstanding SMEs, Golden Bull Award • 2013 - Golden Eagle Award “The Excellent Eagle 2013”

Vol 1 No 4∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣ 35

Focus І Retail

Retail І

Focus

Sewing Your Way to Success

Mostwell Sdn Bhd’s Epal Centre not only sells sewing machines but offers business opportunities for those wanting to make a living out of sewing, writes SHARMILA VELLA

I

n today’s modern technological world, innovation has opened vast opportunities for people to set up their own business and to succeed. Mostwell Sdn Bhd is selling sewing machines with the opportunities of a business plan for those who intend to make a living out of sewing.

It is interesting to note that Mostwell Sdn Bhd is not just selling sewing machines but selling a lifestyle concept with the sales of the machine.

The Selangor-based company which was set up in 1987, opened an Epal Handicraft Centre where customers are entitled to a free sewing course for 12 months when they buy a sewing machine.

“With a tagline, From Zero to Hero, we believe anyone can learn to sew. The Epal Centre has been garnering a lot of interest

34 ∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣Vol 1 No 4

“With every purchase we give the customer a box filled with illustrations and details of how to sew, which means she can also do it on her own at her own pace and in her own house if she does not have the time to attend our courses,” he said.

Chua added that most customers initially buy the basic model before getting the more advanced ones. “Many customers have more than one sewing machine at home. Some even buy the RM29,000 model, especially if they are seamstresses.”

Epal Handycraft Training Centre was established in 2001 with the aim of spreading sewing knowledge to every Malaysian. Epal Centres are running the business of selling sewing machine and offering sewing courses for free for a period of 12 months to customers who become their VIP members.

There are now 14 branches of Epal Centres nationwide that are equipped among housewives and entrepreneurs who are eager to start their own sewing business,” said Group Managing Director of Mostwell Group, Sam Chua.

Mostwell successfully acquired the sole agent distributorship of Janome Sewing Machine Co Ltd, Japan in Malaysia in 2004. Janome is the largest sewing machine manufacturer in the world and the first company to create computerised sewing machines in the market.

There are various sewing courses to choose from. One can choose from embroidery to making handbags, shoes, baju kurung, shirts, patchwork, quilting, appliqué and curtains.

The company sells seven types of Janome sewing machines priced between RM2,499 and RM29,000. With the purchase of a machine a customers is entitled to a free sewing course for 12 months.

with facilities such as sewing machines for VIP members to learn new projects and other sewing techniques. In addition, there are also friendly and experienced tutors in all Epal Handycraft Training Centres. From technical assistance and maintenances, there are welltrained technicians in every centre. Repair services for machines are also provided for the customers.

Epal introduced the VIP Membership System to all Epal sewing machine users.

Epal VIP members are entitled to a wide range of benefits which include free courses, business opportunities, sewing contests and other activities organised by the company.

Mostwell also believes in a sustainable business through a responsible development to provide high quality services to customers. Mostwell also takes its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) seriously. It organises sewing programmes to lend a helping hand to the needy such as single mothers, poor families and the orphanages. The objective of these sewing programmes is to provide sewing skills to them in order to raise their standard of living.

The company has 16 branches in Malaysia and two in Indonesia. The company is also planning to set up Mostwell Academy to provide skill training in sewing. It has obtained the approval from the Department of Skill Development, Ministry of Human Resources Malaysia.

“We are the first academy in Malaysia to offer a full syllabus in the art of creative sewing. It offers the Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM) in Creative Sewing Maker (Level 1) and Creative Sewing Senior Maker (Level 2). The duration of each level is six months,” said Chua.

Mostwell has also been working closely with KDSM (Koperasi Dagang Seni Malaysia Berhad) by implementing the Home-based Business Programme which offers entrepreneurial opportunities for those intending to get into the sewing business. Under this scheme, the participants, especially housewives, will be able to run the sewing business from home to increase the household income while taking care of their family.

Chua said that Mostwell is a unique business with a social concern for its people. “We ensure that everyone who participates in our sewing courses is satisfied with her sewing works. We, in fact, encourage them to develop their passion through sewing.” MN

HONORABLE AWARDS RECEIVED BY MOSTWELL

• 2008 - the 6th Malaysia 100 Outstanding SMEs, Golden Bull Award • 2010 - the 8th Malaysia 100 Outstanding SMEs, Golden Bull Award • 2011 - the 9th Malaysia 100 Outstanding SMEs, Golden Bull Award • 2012 - SME Women Entrepreneur Award 2012 • 2012 - the 10th Malaysia 100 Outstanding SMEs, Golden Bull Award • 2013 - Golden Eagle Award “The Excellent Eagle 2013”

Vol 1 No 4∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣ 35

Focus

І Branding

Branding І

It’s not about making cents, it’s about making

sense Experts of Branding at Thinkscape Group share their perspective on what brand experience truly means within the everchanging setting of the creative industry.

By: Natasha Muin

B

rand experience matters more than just the product or service. People are getting increasingly cynical and conscious about the quality of their lives. As societies are constantly evolving, brands need to follow suit. The existence of brands is intertwined with the relevance of positivity that they are able to bring. Branding is not merely about defining an image, or worse, just about logos and taglines. Let us shed this common conception and redefine the most important values of branding in the 21st century.

John Jong, the Managing Director of Thinkscape Group states, “We must think

36 ∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣Vol 1 No 4

of it as a collective process that in turn translates into a great brand experience.”

Therefore, while the general consensus is that the key elements to a successful brand can branch out to all sorts of disciplines, the fundamental grasp is that great brand experience must revolve around the understanding and the implementation of authenticity, dynamism, wide-ranging consideration, and the absolute best execution.

Stay true to your brand values When a brand finds itself established, it is only natural that it needs to retain its relevance to people. In terms of brand

experience, part of what makes people truly care about the existence of a brand is that they embrace its authenticity.

Strong brands stay true to what they are. Ideally, authenticity is when a brand claims that they can do great things, and then does great things. Authenticity has to be persistent in order to ensure that good brand experience stays in people’s minds. Gabriel Walter, Creative Director of Thinkscape Group asserts, “When a brand promises 100% organic and homegrown, people expect no less than 100% organic and homegrown.” If a brand cannot do certain things, it should not say it can. It is as simple as that.

Focus

Be dynamic with the changes that are puts it, “If an idea is not taken up and hesitation, they win people’s hearts with happening used as a solution to a problem it has their engagement.

Although staying true to a brand’s values no value. It becomes [a] non-idea.” The serves as a strong pillar, it does not mean height of a great brand experience is the Brands need to matter to people. As much that brands need not move forward in terms execution of the brand’s authenticity, as it is possible for brands to be regarded of evolving into something new and fresh. dynamism and thoughtfulness. All of these by many people in a good way, brands can Brands need to be sociologically aware of deep-rooted values have to be expressed also be forgotten. There is no doubt that the changes that are happening everywhere. through the product or service that the we have inevitably reached a foreseeable With the obvious boom of social media and brand promises. Case in point, Red Bull point where brands must walk the talk. social movements, the widening of choices to is a great example of a successful brand Thinkscape Group believes that brands cater to specific preferences is unavoidable. that delivers through the honesty of their should serve good things for people to People are not limiting their experiences identity, “Red Bull gives you wings“ which immerse themselves in. Perhaps we could to a singular fashion, and some people just translates to the authenticity of being shift our minds to thinking that what is refuse to conform to certain consumer daring and adventurous. The brand also truly being sold is not merely products behavior. So how do brands beat this ocean of showcases dynamism by venturing into and services; rather, it is the fulfillment differentiation? It cannot. All it can do is to extreme sporting events and even the that is attained when people associate with ride the waves and make the effort to change unconventional where they had a man such brands. and be dynamic according to the Brands need to be sociologically aware of the shift of current trends while still Thinkscape Group is the first changes that are happening everywhere. retaining authenticity. brand consultancy in the region to combine design, An all-inclusive thought process leads to free fall from outer space – the epitome architecture and interior design. They carry great brand experience of being extremely different. However, a 45-year legacy in helping clients find The probability of attaining dynamism only Red Bull defies the perception that their clarity in their brand identity, as well as happens when a brand considers all and speaks drink is just for extreme pros when they forge lifelong emotional connections with to all kinds of potential consumers. When hosted their infamous ‘Flugtag’ event in their customers. Their client roster includes a brand ignores potential for new growth, it which anyone can launch their homemade household brands such as Samsung, Purple risks becoming an intolerant brand. Therefore, flying machines and pilot their way across Cane, Sarawak Tourism Board, MIDA, a good brand experience that is all-inclusive the ocean. Flugtag was meant purely for ICLIF etc. by default needs strenuous thinking about the public’s enjoyment and had little to consumers and their needs. Wide-ranging do with extreme athletic professionalism.

Reference: Arden, P 2006, “Whatever You consideration is absolutely measurable, and it The execution of this kind of event was to Think Think The Opposite”, Portfolio, comes through when people understand that encourage community ties, and without New York. MN the brands they choose had made huge efforts in thinking about every little aspect of their needs. If people had to buy a product with their hard-earned money, why shouldn’t the product be well designed, function well, and overall provide agreat experience when they use it? Backed by years of research, Kian Ong, Brand Strategist of Thinkscape Group states that “Wide-ranging consideration does not only stop at people’s personal enjoyment, it can go as far as being driven by community, culture, politics and the environment”. Brand experiences are powerful enough to engage with these matters and they are able to build certain lifestyles and ideologies, which in turn makes the brand more prominent.

Execution should convey the value of the brand Strategizing for the best brand experience is a great effort, but by just plotting a concept without delivering it to its fullest would generate absolutely no value. As Paul Arden Vol 1 No 4∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣ 37

Focus

І Branding

Branding І

It’s not about making cents, it’s about making

sense Experts of Branding at Thinkscape Group share their perspective on what brand experience truly means within the everchanging setting of the creative industry.

By: Natasha Muin

B

rand experience matters more than just the product or service. People are getting increasingly cynical and conscious about the quality of their lives. As societies are constantly evolving, brands need to follow suit. The existence of brands is intertwined with the relevance of positivity that they are able to bring. Branding is not merely about defining an image, or worse, just about logos and taglines. Let us shed this common conception and redefine the most important values of branding in the 21st century.

John Jong, the Managing Director of Thinkscape Group states, “We must think

36 ∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣Vol 1 No 4

of it as a collective process that in turn translates into a great brand experience.”

Therefore, while the general consensus is that the key elements to a successful brand can branch out to all sorts of disciplines, the fundamental grasp is that great brand experience must revolve around the understanding and the implementation of authenticity, dynamism, wide-ranging consideration, and the absolute best execution.

Stay true to your brand values When a brand finds itself established, it is only natural that it needs to retain its relevance to people. In terms of brand

experience, part of what makes people truly care about the existence of a brand is that they embrace its authenticity.

Strong brands stay true to what they are. Ideally, authenticity is when a brand claims that they can do great things, and then does great things. Authenticity has to be persistent in order to ensure that good brand experience stays in people’s minds. Gabriel Walter, Creative Director of Thinkscape Group asserts, “When a brand promises 100% organic and homegrown, people expect no less than 100% organic and homegrown.” If a brand cannot do certain things, it should not say it can. It is as simple as that.

Focus

Be dynamic with the changes that are puts it, “If an idea is not taken up and hesitation, they win people’s hearts with happening used as a solution to a problem it has their engagement.

Although staying true to a brand’s values no value. It becomes [a] non-idea.” The serves as a strong pillar, it does not mean height of a great brand experience is the Brands need to matter to people. As much that brands need not move forward in terms execution of the brand’s authenticity, as it is possible for brands to be regarded of evolving into something new and fresh. dynamism and thoughtfulness. All of these by many people in a good way, brands can Brands need to be sociologically aware of deep-rooted values have to be expressed also be forgotten. There is no doubt that the changes that are happening everywhere. through the product or service that the we have inevitably reached a foreseeable With the obvious boom of social media and brand promises. Case in point, Red Bull point where brands must walk the talk. social movements, the widening of choices to is a great example of a successful brand Thinkscape Group believes that brands cater to specific preferences is unavoidable. that delivers through the honesty of their should serve good things for people to People are not limiting their experiences identity, “Red Bull gives you wings“ which immerse themselves in. Perhaps we could to a singular fashion, and some people just translates to the authenticity of being shift our minds to thinking that what is refuse to conform to certain consumer daring and adventurous. The brand also truly being sold is not merely products behavior. So how do brands beat this ocean of showcases dynamism by venturing into and services; rather, it is the fulfillment differentiation? It cannot. All it can do is to extreme sporting events and even the that is attained when people associate with ride the waves and make the effort to change unconventional where they had a man such brands. and be dynamic according to the Brands need to be sociologically aware of the shift of current trends while still Thinkscape Group is the first changes that are happening everywhere. retaining authenticity. brand consultancy in the region to combine design, An all-inclusive thought process leads to free fall from outer space – the epitome architecture and interior design. They carry great brand experience of being extremely different. However, a 45-year legacy in helping clients find The probability of attaining dynamism only Red Bull defies the perception that their clarity in their brand identity, as well as happens when a brand considers all and speaks drink is just for extreme pros when they forge lifelong emotional connections with to all kinds of potential consumers. When hosted their infamous ‘Flugtag’ event in their customers. Their client roster includes a brand ignores potential for new growth, it which anyone can launch their homemade household brands such as Samsung, Purple risks becoming an intolerant brand. Therefore, flying machines and pilot their way across Cane, Sarawak Tourism Board, MIDA, a good brand experience that is all-inclusive the ocean. Flugtag was meant purely for ICLIF etc. by default needs strenuous thinking about the public’s enjoyment and had little to consumers and their needs. Wide-ranging do with extreme athletic professionalism.

Reference: Arden, P 2006, “Whatever You consideration is absolutely measurable, and it The execution of this kind of event was to Think Think The Opposite”, Portfolio, comes through when people understand that encourage community ties, and without New York. MN the brands they choose had made huge efforts in thinking about every little aspect of their needs. If people had to buy a product with their hard-earned money, why shouldn’t the product be well designed, function well, and overall provide agreat experience when they use it? Backed by years of research, Kian Ong, Brand Strategist of Thinkscape Group states that “Wide-ranging consideration does not only stop at people’s personal enjoyment, it can go as far as being driven by community, culture, politics and the environment”. Brand experiences are powerful enough to engage with these matters and they are able to build certain lifestyles and ideologies, which in turn makes the brand more prominent.

Execution should convey the value of the brand Strategizing for the best brand experience is a great effort, but by just plotting a concept without delivering it to its fullest would generate absolutely no value. As Paul Arden Vol 1 No 4∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣ 37

Limelight І OneCity

The Ever Happening City

This massive integrated development by MCT Consortium brings new life to USJ.

S

itting on a 77acre plot of freehold land in USJ25, MCT is confident about tapping into the mature population of the surrounding area to keep OneCity buzzing with lifestyle and commercial activity.

"We believe we are heading in the right direction with this project. USJ is a populous area but does not have a complete sizable integrated development to cater to the population here. So we can easily draw in the crowd to OneCity", says MCT's General Manager, Retail Leasing, Joe Hue. According to Joe, the area within a 5 km radius of OneCity provides a catchment of 1.32 million people.

The preliminary phase of OneCity is largely built around the business, leisure and

entertainment lifestyle and consists of few different components. For smart use of a good space, the 12-halls cinema are built for dual usage. It is used as seminar halls during the weekday ensuring halls are fully utilized throughout the week.

The rooftop houses six thematic dining restaurants creating a different level of dining experience. OneCity also offers relaxation and rejuvenation with a spa and even an e-Fitness Centre for the health buffs.

OneCity also has Malaysia's largest karaoke lounge and a 15,000 square feet dance club. OneCity boasts a 60,000 square feet column-free rooftop banquet hall that can fit 1,200 people with an outdoor cocktail area that is absolutely charming.

Definitely a must-visit, OneCity is located just 20 minutes from KLIA, making it a perfect stopover for business visitors and tourists alike. MCT is looking to tie up with the Malaysian Tourism Board and various

travel agencies to make OneCity the ‘last stop’ location for tourists before heading to the airport.

There is ample parking space within the area to support the potential crowd with 12,000 parking bays spread across three levels of basement car park, connected to all the different components within OneCity. More importantly, improved infrastructure in the surrounding area ensures that OneCity is conveniently accessible. MCT has spent RM40 million on infrastructure development to ensure the development is accessible via the LDP, Elite Highway, Subang Jaya as well as Putra Heights. There are future plans for an LRT station in front of OneCity and the non-existence of traffic lights ensures that traffic flows smoothly around the vicinity. Expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2013, OneCity is all set to be the ‘NEW PLACE TO BE’. MN

Location map :

HAPPENING EVENTS @ ONE CITY - HOME FAIR (28/11/13 - 28/01/14) - TRANSFORMERS EXHIBITION (28/11/13 - 15/12/13) - LINE DANCING (30/11/13 , 10.00AM - 1.00PM) - ONE FM. Cruiser (28/11/13 , 12.30PM) - LION DANCE (01/12/13 , 1.00PM)

Scan for location :

SPEND ABOVE RM150.00 * @ ONE CITY TO REDEEM A FREE LIMITED EDITION HOROSCOPE BAG * Terms & Conditions Apply

Dato' Danny Goh - Executive Director of MCT Consortium Berhad

38 ∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣Vol 1 No 4

For Enquiries : 03-5115 9988 / 019-6888 079 A-03-01, SkyPark @ OneCity, Jalan USJ 25/1, 47650 Subang Jaya, Selangor.

Limelight І OneCity

The Ever Happening City

This massive integrated development by MCT Consortium brings new life to USJ.

S

itting on a 77acre plot of freehold land in USJ25, MCT is confident about tapping into the mature population of the surrounding area to keep OneCity buzzing with lifestyle and commercial activity.

"We believe we are heading in the right direction with this project. USJ is a populous area but does not have a complete sizable integrated development to cater to the population here. So we can easily draw in the crowd to OneCity", says MCT's General Manager, Retail Leasing, Joe Hue. According to Joe, the area within a 5 km radius of OneCity provides a catchment of 1.32 million people.

The preliminary phase of OneCity is largely built around the business, leisure and

entertainment lifestyle and consists of few different components. For smart use of a good space, the 12-halls cinema are built for dual usage. It is used as seminar halls during the weekday ensuring halls are fully utilized throughout the week.

The rooftop houses six thematic dining restaurants creating a different level of dining experience. OneCity also offers relaxation and rejuvenation with a spa and even an e-Fitness Centre for the health buffs.

OneCity also has Malaysia's largest karaoke lounge and a 15,000 square feet dance club. OneCity boasts a 60,000 square feet column-free rooftop banquet hall that can fit 1,200 people with an outdoor cocktail area that is absolutely charming.

Definitely a must-visit, OneCity is located just 20 minutes from KLIA, making it a perfect stopover for business visitors and tourists alike. MCT is looking to tie up with the Malaysian Tourism Board and various

travel agencies to make OneCity the ‘last stop’ location for tourists before heading to the airport.

There is ample parking space within the area to support the potential crowd with 12,000 parking bays spread across three levels of basement car park, connected to all the different components within OneCity. More importantly, improved infrastructure in the surrounding area ensures that OneCity is conveniently accessible. MCT has spent RM40 million on infrastructure development to ensure the development is accessible via the LDP, Elite Highway, Subang Jaya as well as Putra Heights. There are future plans for an LRT station in front of OneCity and the non-existence of traffic lights ensures that traffic flows smoothly around the vicinity. Expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2013, OneCity is all set to be the ‘NEW PLACE TO BE’. MN

Location map :

HAPPENING EVENTS @ ONE CITY - HOME FAIR (28/11/13 - 28/01/14) - TRANSFORMERS EXHIBITION (28/11/13 - 15/12/13) - LINE DANCING (30/11/13 , 10.00AM - 1.00PM) - ONE FM. Cruiser (28/11/13 , 12.30PM) - LION DANCE (01/12/13 , 1.00PM)

Scan for location :

SPEND ABOVE RM150.00 * @ ONE CITY TO REDEEM A FREE LIMITED EDITION HOROSCOPE BAG * Terms & Conditions Apply

Dato' Danny Goh - Executive Director of MCT Consortium Berhad

38 ∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣Vol 1 No 4

For Enquiries : 03-5115 9988 / 019-6888 079 A-03-01, SkyPark @ OneCity, Jalan USJ 25/1, 47650 Subang Jaya, Selangor.

Limelight І BERJAYA University College of Hospitality

Hands ON learning experience BERJAYA University College of Hospitality had students transform business challenges into opportunities at the Young Entrepreneurship Fair 2013.

about building a business; it engages their skills in transforming challenges into opportunities. The Entrepreneurship Development curriculum provides training in project management, budgeting and also teaches other soft skills needed to carry out the individual roles proactively.

The event focused more on hands-on experience rather than theory; a unique synthesis that integrates experience with curriculum. MN

The students who participated at the Young Entrepreneurs Fair II.

E

ntrepreneurship is more than the process of starting a business; it is about capturing prospects, developing a plan, working as a team and enhancing soft skills. The Young Entrepreneurs Fair at BERJAYA University College of Hospitality (BERJAYA UCH) , created a platform for the Entrepreneurship Development Class to do just that. Apart from being able to showcase their business acumen, they had the opportunity to be fully engaged through the ‘Immersion Methodology’, or learning through experience.

Participating students were grouped in teams where they brainstormed potential business ideas, then organised and presented a business plan that included: business introduction (name and logo), marketing and pricing strategies, projected financials plus the job scope for each team member. Not only were they putting their theoretical knowledge to good use, they were also totally involved in the fundamentals of business planning from scratch.

On the day of the fair, the students were given the freedom to ‘open shop’ and

conduct their businesses. This semester’s fair was a collaboration amongst the students from the School of Business, School of Culinary Arts and the BERJAYA Events Club. The synergy between the students was impeccable as they learned the essential skills of working, communicating and strategising together. The students also managed to overcome problems, work efficiently, practice time management along with other management skills.

This year the fair was Halloween themed and had students decorating their stalls and some were even dressed up for the occasion. The theme tested their innovative and creative skills, for which they were awarded prizes for the Best Booth, Best Business Name and Best Booth Sales. The prize for Best Booth went to ‘Hell’s Chicken’ team from the Entrepreneurship Development class, who also won the Best Sales prize award, selling 180 sets of their special home-made flavoured roast chicken. The Best Booth Name went to ‘No Tricks, Just Treats’ team from Culinary Restaurant Operations class.

The fair was a rousing success as most of the ‘businesses’ reaped profits while most managed to cover all their costs. The students learnt that entrepreneurship is not only

40 ∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣Vol 1 No 4

‘Cauldron of Mystery’, a specially mixed drink sold at one of the booths.

Chief Operating Officer of BERJAYA UCH Mae Ho gamely cutting the ‘Human Cake’.

Limelight І BERJAYA University College of Hospitality

Hands ON learning experience BERJAYA University College of Hospitality had students transform business challenges into opportunities at the Young Entrepreneurship Fair 2013.

about building a business; it engages their skills in transforming challenges into opportunities. The Entrepreneurship Development curriculum provides training in project management, budgeting and also teaches other soft skills needed to carry out the individual roles proactively.

The event focused more on hands-on experience rather than theory; a unique synthesis that integrates experience with curriculum. MN

The students who participated at the Young Entrepreneurs Fair II.

E

ntrepreneurship is more than the process of starting a business; it is about capturing prospects, developing a plan, working as a team and enhancing soft skills. The Young Entrepreneurs Fair at BERJAYA University College of Hospitality (BERJAYA UCH) , created a platform for the Entrepreneurship Development Class to do just that. Apart from being able to showcase their business acumen, they had the opportunity to be fully engaged through the ‘Immersion Methodology’, or learning through experience.

Participating students were grouped in teams where they brainstormed potential business ideas, then organised and presented a business plan that included: business introduction (name and logo), marketing and pricing strategies, projected financials plus the job scope for each team member. Not only were they putting their theoretical knowledge to good use, they were also totally involved in the fundamentals of business planning from scratch.

On the day of the fair, the students were given the freedom to ‘open shop’ and

conduct their businesses. This semester’s fair was a collaboration amongst the students from the School of Business, School of Culinary Arts and the BERJAYA Events Club. The synergy between the students was impeccable as they learned the essential skills of working, communicating and strategising together. The students also managed to overcome problems, work efficiently, practice time management along with other management skills.

This year the fair was Halloween themed and had students decorating their stalls and some were even dressed up for the occasion. The theme tested their innovative and creative skills, for which they were awarded prizes for the Best Booth, Best Business Name and Best Booth Sales. The prize for Best Booth went to ‘Hell’s Chicken’ team from the Entrepreneurship Development class, who also won the Best Sales prize award, selling 180 sets of their special home-made flavoured roast chicken. The Best Booth Name went to ‘No Tricks, Just Treats’ team from Culinary Restaurant Operations class.

The fair was a rousing success as most of the ‘businesses’ reaped profits while most managed to cover all their costs. The students learnt that entrepreneurship is not only

40 ∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣Vol 1 No 4

‘Cauldron of Mystery’, a specially mixed drink sold at one of the booths.

Chief Operating Officer of BERJAYA UCH Mae Ho gamely cutting the ‘Human Cake’.

Limelight І MyORTHO

Stride right

MyORTHO can help you walk pain-free with orthotic shoes and insoles.

Dr Edmund Lee, Director of Myortho Footcare

T

The solution?

Generally there are three types of feet - arched, high arched and flatfooted. A large percentage of Malaysian population is flat-footed, i.e. no arch is present whatsoever under the foot.

People with flat feet are exposed to greater level of risks with a higher chances of developing strained muscles, weakened muscles, pain spots and other pains as a result of its fallen arch.

However, based on these conditions, there is a good chance to treat children aged from 5 to 15 years old with flat foot problem as the arch can still be molded with the use of insoles.

As for adults, functional orthotics insoles and healthy footwear with adequate arch support can support and provide relief for flat foot without which, they could experience pain in their feet, legs, knees and even to their lower back.

he health of your feet has dramatic impact on the health of your body. Many people don’t realise that instability of the foot can lead to painful skeletal alignment issues.

MyORTHO Premium Orthotic Insoles help to relieve the pain and discomfort caused by an unsupported foot during everyday activities , sports and work.

However, for people with high arched feet or excessive pronation, it is most likely developed due to bone or nerve (neurological) condition.

In high arched feet, the arch will lower significantly during walking and running and the ankles will twist inwards. Unlike flat feet, more stress is placed on the metatarsals (section between the ankle and the toes) which can cause the feet to be painful.

Taking the right steps.

Everyone walks a little differently but most commonly your heel will touch the ground first with each step. Then you roll over the ball of your foot and onto your toes.With each move, your heel swings from side to side; the big toe maintains balance while the little toes acts as a springboard. But if your heel swings too much, the foot may flatten more than it should and over time, these abnormal movements may cause foot problems. Orthotic products will limit or assist motion by altering the way the bones and muscles work when one is on the move.

Orthotics Insoles & Shoes. How do they work?

They are designed to correct faulty foot function reducing the amount of ankle role and arch flattening during the gait cycle. In turn this will reduce the amount of internal rotation of the ankles, legs and knees.

Orthotics and orthotic shoes not only help alleviate problems in the feet but also in other parts of the body such as the knees and lower back.

What causes foot problems?

Foot problems are responsible for causing a wide range of health problems - bunions and hammer toes, outside knee and hip pain, children’s growing pain, corns and callous, ball of foot pain, shin pain, back of heel pain as well as children’s heel and knee pain to name a few.

What different types of orthotics are available?

Generally, there are 2 types of orthotics: custom-made orthotics insole and pre-made, off-the-shelf orthotics. While the later two are readily available, custom-made orthotics insole can only be prescribed and

42 ∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣Vol 1 No 4

dispensed by an Orthotist or related health practitioner. Custom made orthotics insoles are prescribed for patients with serious biomechanical disorders and/or foot deformities.

Good footwear is important.

The next time you buy a pair of shoes; have your feet measured and always use the shoe side for your bigger foot as a guide. It is best to go shoe shopping in the afternoon as that is the time when your feet swells to the largest!

The soles of the shoes should be strong with flexibility and preferably with non-slippery surface grip. A pair of shoes fitted with comfortably cushioned insoles or prescribed orthotic insoles will help reduce the impact of walking on hard surfaces. Though it is fashionable, try to avoid pointy or high heel shoes as they may cramp the toes.

You are the only one who can tell if the shoe fits. Buy shoes only if they are comfortable.

If can’t find shoes that fit, you should seek MyORTHO for advice.

Dr Edmund Lee is renowned foot orthotic expert in Malaysia practicing at MyORTHO ORTHOTIC SPECIALIST CENTRE . MyORTHO Centre takes a holistic approach and assesses patients from “the feet up”. www.myortho.com.my. MN

Limelight І MyORTHO

Stride right

MyORTHO can help you walk pain-free with orthotic shoes and insoles.

Dr Edmund Lee, Director of Myortho Footcare

T

The solution?

Generally there are three types of feet - arched, high arched and flatfooted. A large percentage of Malaysian population is flat-footed, i.e. no arch is present whatsoever under the foot.

People with flat feet are exposed to greater level of risks with a higher chances of developing strained muscles, weakened muscles, pain spots and other pains as a result of its fallen arch.

However, based on these conditions, there is a good chance to treat children aged from 5 to 15 years old with flat foot problem as the arch can still be molded with the use of insoles.

As for adults, functional orthotics insoles and healthy footwear with adequate arch support can support and provide relief for flat foot without which, they could experience pain in their feet, legs, knees and even to their lower back.

he health of your feet has dramatic impact on the health of your body. Many people don’t realise that instability of the foot can lead to painful skeletal alignment issues.

MyORTHO Premium Orthotic Insoles help to relieve the pain and discomfort caused by an unsupported foot during everyday activities , sports and work.

However, for people with high arched feet or excessive pronation, it is most likely developed due to bone or nerve (neurological) condition.

In high arched feet, the arch will lower significantly during walking and running and the ankles will twist inwards. Unlike flat feet, more stress is placed on the metatarsals (section between the ankle and the toes) which can cause the feet to be painful.

Taking the right steps.

Everyone walks a little differently but most commonly your heel will touch the ground first with each step. Then you roll over the ball of your foot and onto your toes.With each move, your heel swings from side to side; the big toe maintains balance while the little toes acts as a springboard. But if your heel swings too much, the foot may flatten more than it should and over time, these abnormal movements may cause foot problems. Orthotic products will limit or assist motion by altering the way the bones and muscles work when one is on the move.

Orthotics Insoles & Shoes. How do they work?

They are designed to correct faulty foot function reducing the amount of ankle role and arch flattening during the gait cycle. In turn this will reduce the amount of internal rotation of the ankles, legs and knees.

Orthotics and orthotic shoes not only help alleviate problems in the feet but also in other parts of the body such as the knees and lower back.

What causes foot problems?

Foot problems are responsible for causing a wide range of health problems - bunions and hammer toes, outside knee and hip pain, children’s growing pain, corns and callous, ball of foot pain, shin pain, back of heel pain as well as children’s heel and knee pain to name a few.

What different types of orthotics are available?

Generally, there are 2 types of orthotics: custom-made orthotics insole and pre-made, off-the-shelf orthotics. While the later two are readily available, custom-made orthotics insole can only be prescribed and

42 ∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣Vol 1 No 4

dispensed by an Orthotist or related health practitioner. Custom made orthotics insoles are prescribed for patients with serious biomechanical disorders and/or foot deformities.

Good footwear is important.

The next time you buy a pair of shoes; have your feet measured and always use the shoe side for your bigger foot as a guide. It is best to go shoe shopping in the afternoon as that is the time when your feet swells to the largest!

The soles of the shoes should be strong with flexibility and preferably with non-slippery surface grip. A pair of shoes fitted with comfortably cushioned insoles or prescribed orthotic insoles will help reduce the impact of walking on hard surfaces. Though it is fashionable, try to avoid pointy or high heel shoes as they may cramp the toes.

You are the only one who can tell if the shoe fits. Buy shoes only if they are comfortable.

If can’t find shoes that fit, you should seek MyORTHO for advice.

Dr Edmund Lee is renowned foot orthotic expert in Malaysia practicing at MyORTHO ORTHOTIC SPECIALIST CENTRE . MyORTHO Centre takes a holistic approach and assesses patients from “the feet up”. www.myortho.com.my. MN

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44 ∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣Vol 1 No 4

Vol 1 No 4∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣ 45

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44 ∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣Vol 1 No 4

Vol 1 No 4∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣ 45

Limelight І KIP Mart

A community shopping mall right at your doorstep

Find your household essentials and more at KIP Mart.

T

he younger generation isn’t so much into getting their ‘hands and feet dirty’ at traditional wet markets. Today, wet markets are quickly becoming a thing of the past. Consumers want to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables in a clean and comfortable environment. KIP Market is exactly what they’ve been looking for!

Based on a community shopping mall concept, KIP Mart has the facilities, planning and management supermarkets normally have. However, the best part about KIP

Mr. Yap Boon Teck, CEO of KIP Group

46 ∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣Vol 1 No 4

Mart is it still captures all the wonderful characteristics of a traditional market providing a one-stop centre with fresh ingredients and other household goods.

And that’s the KIP Mart difference.

It is a combination of a wet market, supermarket, retail shops and food court into one. In a nutshell, KIP Mart manages a mixed development project which includes traditional wet market and retail shops ‘the supermarket way’. Besides buying fresh ingredients from the wet market, customers can also find clothes, groceries to F&B and even the latest mobile phone models at KIP Mart.

KIP Mart’s focus is on property leasing and retail management. Their objective is to provide a one-stop centre for residents in the area they are located. According to CEO, Mr. Yap Boon Teck, some of the residential areas are far from hypermarkets or supermarkets and so KIP Mart provides the convenience they are looking for.

Yap exlains that it is the ‘personal touch’ that makes KIP Mart different. “Our wet market is equipped with air-conditioning so our customers can shop in a clean and comfortable environment,” he adds.

Every KIP Mart is equipped with ATM machines, money changers, indoor playgrounds, exhibition area and ample parking spaces. Safety is also of paramount importance and as such, KIP Mart has taken all the necessary security precautions

to give their tenants and customers peace of mind.

Currently there are six KIP Marts located in Masai, Tampoi, Kota Tinggi, Segamat and Senawang. Future expansion plans include the Central region with the very first KIP Mart opening in KIP Sentral@ Sepang soon. Melaka can look forward to a KIP Mart in the state open early next year. MN

Limelight І KIP Mart

A community shopping mall right at your doorstep

Find your household essentials and more at KIP Mart.

T

he younger generation isn’t so much into getting their ‘hands and feet dirty’ at traditional wet markets. Today, wet markets are quickly becoming a thing of the past. Consumers want to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables in a clean and comfortable environment. KIP Market is exactly what they’ve been looking for!

Based on a community shopping mall concept, KIP Mart has the facilities, planning and management supermarkets normally have. However, the best part about KIP

Mr. Yap Boon Teck, CEO of KIP Group

46 ∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣Vol 1 No 4

Mart is it still captures all the wonderful characteristics of a traditional market providing a one-stop centre with fresh ingredients and other household goods.

And that’s the KIP Mart difference.

It is a combination of a wet market, supermarket, retail shops and food court into one. In a nutshell, KIP Mart manages a mixed development project which includes traditional wet market and retail shops ‘the supermarket way’. Besides buying fresh ingredients from the wet market, customers can also find clothes, groceries to F&B and even the latest mobile phone models at KIP Mart.

KIP Mart’s focus is on property leasing and retail management. Their objective is to provide a one-stop centre for residents in the area they are located. According to CEO, Mr. Yap Boon Teck, some of the residential areas are far from hypermarkets or supermarkets and so KIP Mart provides the convenience they are looking for.

Yap exlains that it is the ‘personal touch’ that makes KIP Mart different. “Our wet market is equipped with air-conditioning so our customers can shop in a clean and comfortable environment,” he adds.

Every KIP Mart is equipped with ATM machines, money changers, indoor playgrounds, exhibition area and ample parking spaces. Safety is also of paramount importance and as such, KIP Mart has taken all the necessary security precautions

to give their tenants and customers peace of mind.

Currently there are six KIP Marts located in Masai, Tampoi, Kota Tinggi, Segamat and Senawang. Future expansion plans include the Central region with the very first KIP Mart opening in KIP Sentral@ Sepang soon. Melaka can look forward to a KIP Mart in the state open early next year. MN

Limelight І Matrix Concepts Holdings Bhd

Seremban’s Bandar Sri Sendayan

Dubbed the ‘Damansara of Seremban’, Bandar Sri Sendayan offers their residents upscale neighbourhood living with all the trimmings on 5,233 acres of freehold land.

is located along the main road frontage Persiaran Bandar Sri Sendayan, giving your business the advantage of superb visibility and unsurpassed accessibility. Situated at the main commercial belt of Bandar Sri Sendayan, your business can enjoy massive catchment from the overall township such as Sendayan TechValley, our high tech industrial park.

Unique Selling Points Impressive facade design, giving your business a distinctive and prominent image Choice of 24’ width, large built-up area and column free interior, for practical layout option that suit your business needs

M

Ample parkings are available for greater convenience

atrix Concepts Holdings Bhd has put a lot of thought into the planning and designing of BANDAR SRI SENDAYAN. However, the one thing that was on the top of their minds during the planning process was to provide a comfortable and safe living environment for your whole family.

3-phase electricity supply Fronting the iconic TUDM Academia & Training Centre

OPEN FOR REGISTRATION

Shop Offices

24’ x 80’ / 22’ x 75’

www.1sendayan.com

Strategically located within the greater Klang Valley Conurbation in Seremban, this modern contemporary landed development is only 50 minutes away from Kuala Lumpur which makes it easy to live in Seremban and still work in Kuala Lumpur. A premier integrated development made complete with ample facilities and amenities, BANDAR SRI SENDAYAN is without a doubt a sanctuary of tranquil tropical living, wholesome values and most importantly, a sense of community. Here, families will find it an oasis of fulfillment with a host of recreational facilities at the d’ Tempat Country Club, a premier private club, situated on 6.33 acres of land, with a total built-up area of approximately 480,000 sq. ft. that is scheduled to be fully operational in 2014. The Club is intended to cater for the sporting and recreational needs of residents and other people living and working in the area. Facilities include an Olympic size swimming pool, squash, tennis and badminton courts, a fully equipped gym and even a bowling alley. Your children will have the benefit of schooling at the Matrix Global Schools offering private education with just a stones throw away from your home. Potential businesses see BANDAR SRI SENDAYAN as a world of promising opportunities with a population catchment of 120,000 people, ensuring commercial vibrancy.

Matrix Concepts Holdings Bhd welcomes you to come HOME to BANDAR SRI SENDAYAN – The Pride Of The Land. MN

48 ∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣Vol 1 No 4

* All renderings contained in this advertisement are artist’s impressions only.

A Project Jointly Brought To You By:

LEASING OPPORTUNITIES

Land Owner:

016- 332 6177

Developer:

BSS Development Sdn Bhd (PEMERBADANAN)

(689638-X) AHLI KUMPULAN MATRIX CONCEPTS HOLDINGS BHD

Wisma Matrix, 57 Jalan Tun Dr. Ismail, 70200 Seremban, Negeri Sembilan DK, Malaysia tel. +606 764 2688 fax. +606 764 6288 PT1055, Jalan Metro Sendayan 1, 71950 Bandar Sri Sendayan , Negeri Sembilan DK, Malaysia tel. +606 792 1888 fax. +606 792 3888 Matrix Concepts Holdings Berhad, Unit 39-10, The Boulevard Office, Lingkaran Syed Putra, Mid Valley City, tel. +603 2202 2320 fax. +603 2201 2121 59200 Kuala Lumpur,Malaysia

Limelight І Matrix Concepts Holdings Bhd

Seremban’s Bandar Sri Sendayan

Dubbed the ‘Damansara of Seremban’, Bandar Sri Sendayan offers their residents upscale neighbourhood living with all the trimmings on 5,233 acres of freehold land.

is located along the main road frontage Persiaran Bandar Sri Sendayan, giving your business the advantage of superb visibility and unsurpassed accessibility. Situated at the main commercial belt of Bandar Sri Sendayan, your business can enjoy massive catchment from the overall township such as Sendayan TechValley, our high tech industrial park.

Unique Selling Points Impressive facade design, giving your business a distinctive and prominent image Choice of 24’ width, large built-up area and column free interior, for practical layout option that suit your business needs

M

Ample parkings are available for greater convenience

atrix Concepts Holdings Bhd has put a lot of thought into the planning and designing of BANDAR SRI SENDAYAN. However, the one thing that was on the top of their minds during the planning process was to provide a comfortable and safe living environment for your whole family.

3-phase electricity supply Fronting the iconic TUDM Academia & Training Centre

OPEN FOR REGISTRATION

Shop Offices

24’ x 80’ / 22’ x 75’

www.1sendayan.com

Strategically located within the greater Klang Valley Conurbation in Seremban, this modern contemporary landed development is only 50 minutes away from Kuala Lumpur which makes it easy to live in Seremban and still work in Kuala Lumpur. A premier integrated development made complete with ample facilities and amenities, BANDAR SRI SENDAYAN is without a doubt a sanctuary of tranquil tropical living, wholesome values and most importantly, a sense of community. Here, families will find it an oasis of fulfillment with a host of recreational facilities at the d’ Tempat Country Club, a premier private club, situated on 6.33 acres of land, with a total built-up area of approximately 480,000 sq. ft. that is scheduled to be fully operational in 2014. The Club is intended to cater for the sporting and recreational needs of residents and other people living and working in the area. Facilities include an Olympic size swimming pool, squash, tennis and badminton courts, a fully equipped gym and even a bowling alley. Your children will have the benefit of schooling at the Matrix Global Schools offering private education with just a stones throw away from your home. Potential businesses see BANDAR SRI SENDAYAN as a world of promising opportunities with a population catchment of 120,000 people, ensuring commercial vibrancy.

Matrix Concepts Holdings Bhd welcomes you to come HOME to BANDAR SRI SENDAYAN – The Pride Of The Land. MN

48 ∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣Vol 1 No 4

* All renderings contained in this advertisement are artist’s impressions only.

A Project Jointly Brought To You By:

LEASING OPPORTUNITIES

Land Owner:

016- 332 6177

Developer:

BSS Development Sdn Bhd (PEMERBADANAN)

(689638-X) AHLI KUMPULAN MATRIX CONCEPTS HOLDINGS BHD

Wisma Matrix, 57 Jalan Tun Dr. Ismail, 70200 Seremban, Negeri Sembilan DK, Malaysia tel. +606 764 2688 fax. +606 764 6288 PT1055, Jalan Metro Sendayan 1, 71950 Bandar Sri Sendayan , Negeri Sembilan DK, Malaysia tel. +606 792 1888 fax. +606 792 3888 Matrix Concepts Holdings Berhad, Unit 39-10, The Boulevard Office, Lingkaran Syed Putra, Mid Valley City, tel. +603 2202 2320 fax. +603 2201 2121 59200 Kuala Lumpur,Malaysia

Limelight І Sunway

Pat Kin Pat Sun І

Pat Kin Pat Sun offers a fusion cuisine

An oasis of shopping at

Sunway Pyramid It’s a shopping and entertainment haven that has won several awards and accreditations

to whet your appetite Share your brand’s inception and growth.

Pat Kin Pat Sun was conceived in 2005, and strives to offer a cosy environment for great conversations accompanied with freshly prepared meals. With an all-encompassing menu from over 300 dishes, PKPS offers a variety of infused flavours from Western to Asian, all set to whet your appetite. Our Signatures are Hong Kong Cheese Baked Rice, Hong Kong Dim Sum and Honey Baked Lamb Shoulder, just to name a few. From a humble beginning of 1 outlet in 2005, the brand currently operates 6 outlets in Klang Valley.

What is your current presence in Malaysia?

We currently have 6 outlets in Klang Valley: • Taman Shamelin Perkasa @ Cheras (HQ).

• Bandar Damai Perdana @ Cheras.

• Southgate Commercial Centre @ Sungei Besi.

• Platinum Victory @ Jalan Genting Klang.

• Setia City Mall @ Shah Alam.

• Pearl International Hotel @ Old Klang Road.

Malaysia’s Most Favourite Shopping Mall by Tourism Malaysia in addition to being awarded the prestigious FIABCI Prix d’Excellence Award 2011 under the Retail Development Category.

A

fter 16 years since it first opened its doors in 1997, Sunway Pyramid, Malaysia’s first themed shopping and entertainment mall, has undergone a RM550 million transformation in 2007 into a new shopping haven that boasts four million square feet of retail space.

The mall is part of the Sunway Resort City, a world-class integrated resort destination that includes the Sunway Lagoon Theme Park, the 5-star Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa, the Sunway Pyramid Convention Centre, the Sunway Medical Centre and Sunway University.

Sunway Pyramid has been accorded several awards and accreditations, including

Retail and Recreation The Egyptian-inspired shopping destination is now joined by two domes. Inspired by the Sun God Ra, the Orange Atrium glows with bright, warm and radiant hues while the Blue Atrium channels the cooling and refreshing blues of the Nile River. The remodelled mall is seamlessly connected at all four floors in a loop corridor, offering shoppers a 360-degree view as well as comfort and convenience.

Four shopping precincts offer a rejuvenating sanctuary for shoppers of all ages. Take your pick from high street fashion to young designer lines to signature couture at Fashion Central. Head up to Asian Avenue to see the latest in Asian high-street trends, including a fabulous mix of F&B that features the best of Asian street cuisine. Immerse yourself in the Moorish retail concept at Marrakesh, inspired by the exotic bazaars and souks of Morocco. Straddling along the entrance of Sunway Pyramid is Oasis Boulevard,

50 ∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣Vol 1 No 4

New Members

where you can whet your appetites and sway to the beat of the music from restaurants, cafes and clubs.

For some more entertainment and fun, there’s the 48-lane Sunway Mega Lanes, which also hosted bowling tournaments such as the 1998 Commonwealth Games and the Malaysian International Open Bowling Championships.

Or head to Sunway Pyramid Ice, Malaysia’s biggest indoor ice-skating rink. A 12-screen Tanjong Golden Village Cineplex featuring an IMAX theatre and Beanie-plex theatre is a must for movie buffs.

Facilities Sunway Pyramid boasts a host of customercentric services and amenities. Mall ambassadors help shoppers with directions and their vehicles, assist disabled customers and shoppers who need an extra hand with their children or groceries, and carry first aid materials for minor emergencies. A SunMed Clinic is also open to all shoppers who need medical assistance.

Other amenities include an Aeroline ticketing counter and drop-off corner where the public can buy tickets for rides to Penang and Singapore, and back again. A free Bandar Sunway shuttle service is also available for the Bandar Sunway community. The shopping mall provides other services such as a launderette, cobbler, barber, post office and clothes alterations. MN

What kind of training and support do you offer your brand?

Service quality and R&D are critical factors for our business. We believe in customer service as that is the key for return visits. Another factor is quality assurance in product development, and we focus on offering dishes made with quality ingredients, and ensure the consistency in its quality.

Peter Ng, Group CEO

Where do you see your brand in the next 5 years?

PKPS would have to take on bolder strides in creativity as consumer taste is evolving and getting more affluent. Staying focused on product development, PKPS has in place a strategy to strengthen its core Signatures to maintain its market positioning, and to introduce new and innovative dishes to excite customers and keep up with their well-travelled taste buds. Outlet expansion is also in the pipeline - 2 more outlets in Klang Valley by 2015 and possibly in other states too. MN

Limelight І Sunway

Pat Kin Pat Sun І

Pat Kin Pat Sun offers a fusion cuisine

An oasis of shopping at

Sunway Pyramid It’s a shopping and entertainment haven that has won several awards and accreditations

to whet your appetite Share your brand’s inception and growth.

Pat Kin Pat Sun was conceived in 2005, and strives to offer a cosy environment for great conversations accompanied with freshly prepared meals. With an all-encompassing menu from over 300 dishes, PKPS offers a variety of infused flavours from Western to Asian, all set to whet your appetite. Our Signatures are Hong Kong Cheese Baked Rice, Hong Kong Dim Sum and Honey Baked Lamb Shoulder, just to name a few. From a humble beginning of 1 outlet in 2005, the brand currently operates 6 outlets in Klang Valley.

What is your current presence in Malaysia?

We currently have 6 outlets in Klang Valley: • Taman Shamelin Perkasa @ Cheras (HQ).

• Bandar Damai Perdana @ Cheras.

• Southgate Commercial Centre @ Sungei Besi.

• Platinum Victory @ Jalan Genting Klang.

• Setia City Mall @ Shah Alam.

• Pearl International Hotel @ Old Klang Road.

Malaysia’s Most Favourite Shopping Mall by Tourism Malaysia in addition to being awarded the prestigious FIABCI Prix d’Excellence Award 2011 under the Retail Development Category.

A

fter 16 years since it first opened its doors in 1997, Sunway Pyramid, Malaysia’s first themed shopping and entertainment mall, has undergone a RM550 million transformation in 2007 into a new shopping haven that boasts four million square feet of retail space.

The mall is part of the Sunway Resort City, a world-class integrated resort destination that includes the Sunway Lagoon Theme Park, the 5-star Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa, the Sunway Pyramid Convention Centre, the Sunway Medical Centre and Sunway University.

Sunway Pyramid has been accorded several awards and accreditations, including

Retail and Recreation The Egyptian-inspired shopping destination is now joined by two domes. Inspired by the Sun God Ra, the Orange Atrium glows with bright, warm and radiant hues while the Blue Atrium channels the cooling and refreshing blues of the Nile River. The remodelled mall is seamlessly connected at all four floors in a loop corridor, offering shoppers a 360-degree view as well as comfort and convenience.

Four shopping precincts offer a rejuvenating sanctuary for shoppers of all ages. Take your pick from high street fashion to young designer lines to signature couture at Fashion Central. Head up to Asian Avenue to see the latest in Asian high-street trends, including a fabulous mix of F&B that features the best of Asian street cuisine. Immerse yourself in the Moorish retail concept at Marrakesh, inspired by the exotic bazaars and souks of Morocco. Straddling along the entrance of Sunway Pyramid is Oasis Boulevard,

50 ∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣Vol 1 No 4

New Members

where you can whet your appetites and sway to the beat of the music from restaurants, cafes and clubs.

For some more entertainment and fun, there’s the 48-lane Sunway Mega Lanes, which also hosted bowling tournaments such as the 1998 Commonwealth Games and the Malaysian International Open Bowling Championships.

Or head to Sunway Pyramid Ice, Malaysia’s biggest indoor ice-skating rink. A 12-screen Tanjong Golden Village Cineplex featuring an IMAX theatre and Beanie-plex theatre is a must for movie buffs.

Facilities Sunway Pyramid boasts a host of customercentric services and amenities. Mall ambassadors help shoppers with directions and their vehicles, assist disabled customers and shoppers who need an extra hand with their children or groceries, and carry first aid materials for minor emergencies. A SunMed Clinic is also open to all shoppers who need medical assistance.

Other amenities include an Aeroline ticketing counter and drop-off corner where the public can buy tickets for rides to Penang and Singapore, and back again. A free Bandar Sunway shuttle service is also available for the Bandar Sunway community. The shopping mall provides other services such as a launderette, cobbler, barber, post office and clothes alterations. MN

What kind of training and support do you offer your brand?

Service quality and R&D are critical factors for our business. We believe in customer service as that is the key for return visits. Another factor is quality assurance in product development, and we focus on offering dishes made with quality ingredients, and ensure the consistency in its quality.

Peter Ng, Group CEO

Where do you see your brand in the next 5 years?

PKPS would have to take on bolder strides in creativity as consumer taste is evolving and getting more affluent. Staying focused on product development, PKPS has in place a strategy to strengthen its core Signatures to maintain its market positioning, and to introduce new and innovative dishes to excite customers and keep up with their well-travelled taste buds. Outlet expansion is also in the pipeline - 2 more outlets in Klang Valley by 2015 and possibly in other states too. MN

New Members І Ellui Holdings Accessories,

Shellys Marketing І

Korean Style!

Shellys Marketing is focused on

bringing quality footwear for everyone

Ellui’s quality accessory line consists of a variety of headwear, chignons, silk scarves, scarves, earrings, male and female trendy spectacles, bags, accessories, etc.

E

stablished in 2010 specialising in women’s fashion accessories, Ellui Holdings is one of the fewer Malaysian accessory companies with their own brand. Through their solid strategy of brand management, they have successfully created their own brand ‘Ellui’. A favourite choice with Malaysian accessory lovers, Ellui has very quickly become a market leader in women’s accessories.

The image and concept of their stores and accessories follow the very popular K-Pop culture from Korea.

Their outlets are Korean themed creating a very Korean feel shopping atmosphere that is very popular with their customers. To date, Ellui has 6 brand outlets in Kuala Lumpur, in the city’s most popular shopping malls where 4 are operated as outlets and 2 are operated as stand alone units.

Ellui Holdings (M) Sdn Bhd implements internal training and education for all their staff successfully creating a positive

Mr Simpson Wong Kean Hin Managing Director Mr Kevin Wong Managing Director brand spirit. A bright fashion brand, coupled with a robust brand management that has short term, medium term and long term brand development plans, Ellui is optimistic about having a favourable potential space for development in their future. MN

New Members І GHL Systems Berhad preferred payment solutions provider

52 ∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣Vol 1 No 4

Lumpur, Manila, Sydney, and Wuhan, GHL deploys products and services to clients across vertical segments in telecommunications, oil & gas retailing, loyalty, retail, and airlines, amongst others.

Subject to shareholders’ and regulatory approval, GHL Systems Berhad has also recently proposed to acquire e-pay (M) Sdn Bhd and its parent company e-pay Asia.

What is your current presence in Malaysia?

Our corporate headquarters is in Kuala Lumpur and we have five offices in Penang, Johor Bahru, Kuantan, Kota Kinabalu and Kuching. We also have a R&D centre located in Technology Park Malaysia and two PCI-DSS compliant data centres.

What kind of training and support do you offer your brand?

We have 24 Service Centres & Service Partners nationwide, as well as a round the

Share your brand’s inception and growth On 23 March 2002 the XES brand was created under Shelly’s Marketing Sdn. Bhd. The core of our business concentrates on retail chain store management as well as local and export original equipment manufacturer (OEM) while our operations are led by experienced top management and systematic departments that include

marketing, merchandising, accounts, logistics, operation, IT, HR and R&D departments. The XES Brand prides itself in developing perfect and affordable footwear for everyday family use. Our collection of ladies’, men’s and children’s shoes that widely appeal to the messes for its styles, comfort and value are developed

by XES. XES caters to the lower-medium income group while XES Premium targets a medium-high income group. XES also carries selected distinguished shoe brands such as Scholl, Lee Cooper, Pooh and Disney, Bum Equipment, Scorpion and Neckermann.

What is your current presence in Malaysia?

In the past 11 years, we have lived up to our tagline, Trendy Family Shoe Store, creating a diverse shoe collection for ladies and men across Peninsular Malaysia with more than 90 outlets branched out across

shopping and retail complexes including Aeon Jusco, Aeon Carrefour, Giant, Tesco, and other malls.

What kind of training and support do you offer your brand?

We provide various training such as internal worker training, brand loyalty training, retailer management training and more. We believe that providing training to employees can improve their independence, ability, creativity, and motivation to increase their productivity and improve their performance.

Where do you see your brand in the next 5 years?

XES will keep producing quality products that are reasonably priced to our customers and we will produce different collection of shoes to cater to the different income and age range of our customers. MN

Suez Top Ventures І

GHL Systems Berhad is South East Asia’s Share your brand’s inception and growth.

GHL Systems Berhad (Main Market, Bursa Malaysia; Stock Code GHLSYS 0021; Bloomberg: GHLS:MK) is a leading payment solutions provider in the region, deploying world-class payment infrastructure, technology and services. We provide integrated end-to-end payment solutions encompassing physical and virtual payments on sale and rental basis, including Electronic Data Capture (EDC) terminals compliant to the Europay-MasterCard-Visa (EMV) platform, contactless readers, network access routers, and online payment gateways. With a full suite of payment solutions, we have successfully established a customer base beyond Malaysia - into Thailand, Philippines, Singapore, the People’s Republic of China, Taiwan, Australia, Romania, Holland, as well as the Middle East. Our commitment for constant Research & Development has enabled us to pioneer ground-breaking innovations that reinforce our leading position in the payment solutions space. We have 500 employees spread across Bangkok, Kuala

New Members

Suez Top Ventures:

Delicious Malaysian Cuisine contemporary setting and has become very popular with urban shoppers and tourist.

clock Call Centre for merchant/customer support. Technical support also comes from GHL’s 50-strong IT R&D team based in Technology Park Malaysia.

Where do you see your brand in the next 5 years?

GHL is presently the largest payment company in ASEAN. In the next five years, we will become the region’s biggest enabler of cashless and online payments. We will also be the dominant loyalty program operator in Malaysia and ASEAN. MN

Mr Raj Lorenz, CEO

New Members

What is your current presence in Malaysia?

All our 7 outlets in the Klang Valley are located strategically in Grade A Malls - Suria KLCC, Alamanda Putrajaya, Pavilion, Bangsar Shopping Centre, Mid Valley City, One Utama, Empire Subang

Datuk Rudy Foo Tak Hei, Chairman Share your brand’s inception and growth.

Suez Top Ventures Sdn Bhd was established in 1996 with our first Madam Kwan’s outlet in Jalan Telawi, Bangsar. As of today, we have 7 outlets in the Klang Valley and we have just opened a new outlet in Singapore. Madam Kwan is known for its delicious Malaysian cuisine in a

What kind of training and support do you offer your brand?

As a casual dining restaurant, we strive on best practices in service and operations. Standard Operating Procedures are implemented in the kitchen and a succession plan is set in place for all staff at the restaurant level.

Where do you see your brand in the next 5 years?

To grow regionally through a franchise system and penetrating major shopping malls in capital cities around South East Asia. MN Vol 1 No 4∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣ 53

New Members І Ellui Holdings Accessories,

Shellys Marketing І

Korean Style!

Shellys Marketing is focused on

bringing quality footwear for everyone

Ellui’s quality accessory line consists of a variety of headwear, chignons, silk scarves, scarves, earrings, male and female trendy spectacles, bags, accessories, etc.

E

stablished in 2010 specialising in women’s fashion accessories, Ellui Holdings is one of the fewer Malaysian accessory companies with their own brand. Through their solid strategy of brand management, they have successfully created their own brand ‘Ellui’. A favourite choice with Malaysian accessory lovers, Ellui has very quickly become a market leader in women’s accessories.

The image and concept of their stores and accessories follow the very popular K-Pop culture from Korea.

Their outlets are Korean themed creating a very Korean feel shopping atmosphere that is very popular with their customers. To date, Ellui has 6 brand outlets in Kuala Lumpur, in the city’s most popular shopping malls where 4 are operated as outlets and 2 are operated as stand alone units.

Ellui Holdings (M) Sdn Bhd implements internal training and education for all their staff successfully creating a positive

Mr Simpson Wong Kean Hin Managing Director Mr Kevin Wong Managing Director brand spirit. A bright fashion brand, coupled with a robust brand management that has short term, medium term and long term brand development plans, Ellui is optimistic about having a favourable potential space for development in their future. MN

New Members І GHL Systems Berhad preferred payment solutions provider

52 ∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣Vol 1 No 4

Lumpur, Manila, Sydney, and Wuhan, GHL deploys products and services to clients across vertical segments in telecommunications, oil & gas retailing, loyalty, retail, and airlines, amongst others.

Subject to shareholders’ and regulatory approval, GHL Systems Berhad has also recently proposed to acquire e-pay (M) Sdn Bhd and its parent company e-pay Asia.

What is your current presence in Malaysia?

Our corporate headquarters is in Kuala Lumpur and we have five offices in Penang, Johor Bahru, Kuantan, Kota Kinabalu and Kuching. We also have a R&D centre located in Technology Park Malaysia and two PCI-DSS compliant data centres.

What kind of training and support do you offer your brand?

We have 24 Service Centres & Service Partners nationwide, as well as a round the

Share your brand’s inception and growth On 23 March 2002 the XES brand was created under Shelly’s Marketing Sdn. Bhd. The core of our business concentrates on retail chain store management as well as local and export original equipment manufacturer (OEM) while our operations are led by experienced top management and systematic departments that include

marketing, merchandising, accounts, logistics, operation, IT, HR and R&D departments. The XES Brand prides itself in developing perfect and affordable footwear for everyday family use. Our collection of ladies’, men’s and children’s shoes that widely appeal to the messes for its styles, comfort and value are developed

by XES. XES caters to the lower-medium income group while XES Premium targets a medium-high income group. XES also carries selected distinguished shoe brands such as Scholl, Lee Cooper, Pooh and Disney, Bum Equipment, Scorpion and Neckermann.

What is your current presence in Malaysia?

In the past 11 years, we have lived up to our tagline, Trendy Family Shoe Store, creating a diverse shoe collection for ladies and men across Peninsular Malaysia with more than 90 outlets branched out across

shopping and retail complexes including Aeon Jusco, Aeon Carrefour, Giant, Tesco, and other malls.

What kind of training and support do you offer your brand?

We provide various training such as internal worker training, brand loyalty training, retailer management training and more. We believe that providing training to employees can improve their independence, ability, creativity, and motivation to increase their productivity and improve their performance.

Where do you see your brand in the next 5 years?

XES will keep producing quality products that are reasonably priced to our customers and we will produce different collection of shoes to cater to the different income and age range of our customers. MN

Suez Top Ventures І

GHL Systems Berhad is South East Asia’s Share your brand’s inception and growth.

GHL Systems Berhad (Main Market, Bursa Malaysia; Stock Code GHLSYS 0021; Bloomberg: GHLS:MK) is a leading payment solutions provider in the region, deploying world-class payment infrastructure, technology and services. We provide integrated end-to-end payment solutions encompassing physical and virtual payments on sale and rental basis, including Electronic Data Capture (EDC) terminals compliant to the Europay-MasterCard-Visa (EMV) platform, contactless readers, network access routers, and online payment gateways. With a full suite of payment solutions, we have successfully established a customer base beyond Malaysia - into Thailand, Philippines, Singapore, the People’s Republic of China, Taiwan, Australia, Romania, Holland, as well as the Middle East. Our commitment for constant Research & Development has enabled us to pioneer ground-breaking innovations that reinforce our leading position in the payment solutions space. We have 500 employees spread across Bangkok, Kuala

New Members

Suez Top Ventures:

Delicious Malaysian Cuisine contemporary setting and has become very popular with urban shoppers and tourist.

clock Call Centre for merchant/customer support. Technical support also comes from GHL’s 50-strong IT R&D team based in Technology Park Malaysia.

Where do you see your brand in the next 5 years?

GHL is presently the largest payment company in ASEAN. In the next five years, we will become the region’s biggest enabler of cashless and online payments. We will also be the dominant loyalty program operator in Malaysia and ASEAN. MN

Mr Raj Lorenz, CEO

New Members

What is your current presence in Malaysia?

All our 7 outlets in the Klang Valley are located strategically in Grade A Malls - Suria KLCC, Alamanda Putrajaya, Pavilion, Bangsar Shopping Centre, Mid Valley City, One Utama, Empire Subang

Datuk Rudy Foo Tak Hei, Chairman Share your brand’s inception and growth.

Suez Top Ventures Sdn Bhd was established in 1996 with our first Madam Kwan’s outlet in Jalan Telawi, Bangsar. As of today, we have 7 outlets in the Klang Valley and we have just opened a new outlet in Singapore. Madam Kwan is known for its delicious Malaysian cuisine in a

What kind of training and support do you offer your brand?

As a casual dining restaurant, we strive on best practices in service and operations. Standard Operating Procedures are implemented in the kitchen and a succession plan is set in place for all staff at the restaurant level.

Where do you see your brand in the next 5 years?

To grow regionally through a franchise system and penetrating major shopping malls in capital cities around South East Asia. MN Vol 1 No 4∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣ 53

New Members І Touch ‘n Go Sdn Bhd

November Meeting І

Touch ‘n Go – No. 1 in Malaysian Micropayments

En. Abdul Karim Md Lassim, Chief Executive Officer

What is your current presence in Malaysia?

CASHLESS – ANYTIME ANYWHERE With more than 6,000 reload points nationwide, a growing network of partners and merchants and not least of all, more than 6 million cardholders, Touch ‘n Go has become an essential part of every Malaysian’s day-to-day life.

What kind of training and support do you offer your brand?

With our many years of experience and expertise in everyday micropayments, we are in the best position to assist merchants, companies and also government authorities

Share your brand’s inception and growth.

Touch ‘n Go Sdn Bhd was first launched in March 1997 and has grown from strength to strength in the last 17 years. Today, it is the No. 1 in Malaysian micropayments – it is an accepted payment method, not only at tolls, but also across other segments including transit, parking and retail.

in increasing productivity and effectiveness in their respective areas. We offer endto-end solutions and support to all our partners in their adoption of e-payment as we move towards a cashless society.

A

Vinsoon Shoe Trading

- Stylish shoes and accessories for all What is your current presence in Malaysia?

We have two brands under Vinsoon Shoe Trading that is Hypershoe and VSG Hypershoe concentrates on the Malay market while VSG concentrates on the Chinese market. Some of our stores are 3 to 4 thousand feet and most are located at shoplots. We do have outlets in hypermarts such as Tesco, Giant and Aeon.

What kind of training and support do you offer your brand?

We have various promotional activities to promote our brand. Our brand is built on footwear for the whole family.

We are constantly improving ourselves to deliver the most stylish and in-trend fashionable shoes for our customers.

Through a strong focus on customer care and quality products we have established a strong customer base. Hypershoe offers a wide range of comfortable shoes while VSG focuses on female fashion and offers apparel as well. Our products are comfortable to wear comfortable to wear while maintaining style and elegance.

Where do you see your brand in the next 5 years?

We will advertising our brand aggressively in the media. We will also strengthen our employees through training in order to improve their communication skills to satisfy our customers. We are also offering opportunities for those who are interested in the franchise business. MN

54 ∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣Vol 1 No 4

November Meeting We’re moving!

Where do you see your brand in the next 5 years?

Touch ‘n Go will be the ‘One card for all’ in the next 5 years. Our number of retail partners are increasing and we want to be available in most of the favourite food joints, small to hyper retail outlets, beauty and healthcare stores, even at the local sundries shops. The upcoming MRT will also boost our position higher in becoming the ‘One Ticket System’ for public transportation in Malaysia. We aspire Touch ‘n Go to be on a higher brand positioning in Asia, standing at the same level as other smart card counterpart, such as the Hong Kong’s Octopus, Singapore’s EZ-Link, or Korean T-Money. For more details on Touch ‘n Go, please visit www. touchngo.com.my. MN

New Members І Vinsoon Shoes Trading

Share your brand’s inception and growth.

Vinsoon Shoe Trading Sdn Bhd was established in 1996. With 17 years of experience behind us, we started out with our first outlet in Jalan Ipoh with only two employees. Now, we have more than 35 outlets in the Klang Valley with 150 employees .Our vision is to provide good service and meet customer’s demands. In order to do that, we have a strong focus on customers service.

For The Record

fter the MRCA Extraordinary General Meeting held at KL Pac on 21 November 2013, the motion was passed to purchase a new and bigger office space for MRCA Secretariat at OneCity in USJ. MRCA is the proud new owner of a new and bigger office space for the MRCA secretariat that will provide more space to hold MRCA events such as training and education with an auditorium that fits 100 pax. President of MRCA, Dato’ Nelson Kwok says “Our association is growing bigger and stronger and so it is essential that we secure a bigger office space.” More than 5000 sqf office space in OneCity in USJ was purchased by MRCA for RM2.4 Million, a very special rate given to the association by developer MCT Consortium. MRCA secretariat plans to make the move to their new office space on 18 January 2014. The meeting also saw members taking a vote on their favourite new MRCA logo out of three options presented by branding specialist ThinkScape.

The night ended with a very special treat for members and invited guests from the Ci Hang Chempaka and Tiratana Welfare Society who were invited to a special

showcase of a fully Malaysian musical show entitled Hua La La.. The show was generously sponsored by 14 MRCA members for a fun night of relaxation and laughter for all. MRCA is proud to show their support for local Malaysian talents in the performing arts.

A little different from regular MRCA monthly meetings, the November meeting a rousing success. MN

Before the show, MRCA donated RM 5000 each to Tiratana Welfare Society and Pusat Kebajikan Ci Hang Chempaka. The event was also graced by the presence of founder of Ti-Ratana, High Priest K Sri Dhamaratana who was on hand to receive the mock cheque from Dato’ Nelson Kwok.

Vol 1 No 4∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣ 55

New Members І Touch ‘n Go Sdn Bhd

November Meeting І

Touch ‘n Go – No. 1 in Malaysian Micropayments

En. Abdul Karim Md Lassim, Chief Executive Officer

What is your current presence in Malaysia?

CASHLESS – ANYTIME ANYWHERE With more than 6,000 reload points nationwide, a growing network of partners and merchants and not least of all, more than 6 million cardholders, Touch ‘n Go has become an essential part of every Malaysian’s day-to-day life.

What kind of training and support do you offer your brand?

With our many years of experience and expertise in everyday micropayments, we are in the best position to assist merchants, companies and also government authorities

Share your brand’s inception and growth.

Touch ‘n Go Sdn Bhd was first launched in March 1997 and has grown from strength to strength in the last 17 years. Today, it is the No. 1 in Malaysian micropayments – it is an accepted payment method, not only at tolls, but also across other segments including transit, parking and retail.

in increasing productivity and effectiveness in their respective areas. We offer endto-end solutions and support to all our partners in their adoption of e-payment as we move towards a cashless society.

A

Vinsoon Shoe Trading

- Stylish shoes and accessories for all What is your current presence in Malaysia?

We have two brands under Vinsoon Shoe Trading that is Hypershoe and VSG Hypershoe concentrates on the Malay market while VSG concentrates on the Chinese market. Some of our stores are 3 to 4 thousand feet and most are located at shoplots. We do have outlets in hypermarts such as Tesco, Giant and Aeon.

What kind of training and support do you offer your brand?

We have various promotional activities to promote our brand. Our brand is built on footwear for the whole family.

We are constantly improving ourselves to deliver the most stylish and in-trend fashionable shoes for our customers.

Through a strong focus on customer care and quality products we have established a strong customer base. Hypershoe offers a wide range of comfortable shoes while VSG focuses on female fashion and offers apparel as well. Our products are comfortable to wear comfortable to wear while maintaining style and elegance.

Where do you see your brand in the next 5 years?

We will advertising our brand aggressively in the media. We will also strengthen our employees through training in order to improve their communication skills to satisfy our customers. We are also offering opportunities for those who are interested in the franchise business. MN

54 ∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣Vol 1 No 4

November Meeting We’re moving!

Where do you see your brand in the next 5 years?

Touch ‘n Go will be the ‘One card for all’ in the next 5 years. Our number of retail partners are increasing and we want to be available in most of the favourite food joints, small to hyper retail outlets, beauty and healthcare stores, even at the local sundries shops. The upcoming MRT will also boost our position higher in becoming the ‘One Ticket System’ for public transportation in Malaysia. We aspire Touch ‘n Go to be on a higher brand positioning in Asia, standing at the same level as other smart card counterpart, such as the Hong Kong’s Octopus, Singapore’s EZ-Link, or Korean T-Money. For more details on Touch ‘n Go, please visit www. touchngo.com.my. MN

New Members І Vinsoon Shoes Trading

Share your brand’s inception and growth.

Vinsoon Shoe Trading Sdn Bhd was established in 1996. With 17 years of experience behind us, we started out with our first outlet in Jalan Ipoh with only two employees. Now, we have more than 35 outlets in the Klang Valley with 150 employees .Our vision is to provide good service and meet customer’s demands. In order to do that, we have a strong focus on customers service.

For The Record

fter the MRCA Extraordinary General Meeting held at KL Pac on 21 November 2013, the motion was passed to purchase a new and bigger office space for MRCA Secretariat at OneCity in USJ. MRCA is the proud new owner of a new and bigger office space for the MRCA secretariat that will provide more space to hold MRCA events such as training and education with an auditorium that fits 100 pax. President of MRCA, Dato’ Nelson Kwok says “Our association is growing bigger and stronger and so it is essential that we secure a bigger office space.” More than 5000 sqf office space in OneCity in USJ was purchased by MRCA for RM2.4 Million, a very special rate given to the association by developer MCT Consortium. MRCA secretariat plans to make the move to their new office space on 18 January 2014. The meeting also saw members taking a vote on their favourite new MRCA logo out of three options presented by branding specialist ThinkScape.

The night ended with a very special treat for members and invited guests from the Ci Hang Chempaka and Tiratana Welfare Society who were invited to a special

showcase of a fully Malaysian musical show entitled Hua La La.. The show was generously sponsored by 14 MRCA members for a fun night of relaxation and laughter for all. MRCA is proud to show their support for local Malaysian talents in the performing arts.

A little different from regular MRCA monthly meetings, the November meeting a rousing success. MN

Before the show, MRCA donated RM 5000 each to Tiratana Welfare Society and Pusat Kebajikan Ci Hang Chempaka. The event was also graced by the presence of founder of Ti-Ratana, High Priest K Sri Dhamaratana who was on hand to receive the mock cheque from Dato’ Nelson Kwok.

Vol 1 No 4∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣ 55

Focus І MRCA’s 21st Birthday Bash

MRCA’s 21st Birthday Bash І

Happy 21 Birthday st

!

Focus

5

On 18 October 2013, members celebrated 21 SUCCESSFUL years of the Malaysian Retailer Chains Association 1 4 The night got even more entertaining with a comedy presentation from Alan and Indy that had the crowd in stitches.

6

In conjunction with the 21st Birthday Celebration, Malaysia’s 52 Leading Brands & Retail Chains – An MRCA Elite Mandarin Publication was launched. The book recognises the outstanding and leading entrepreneurs of MRCA featuring 52 businesses or corporations to serve as a guide to the Who’s Who of the local retail and service industry. All 52 members were on stage to receive a copy of the book each that night.

Dato’ Nelson Kwok, President of MRCA expressed that as the association enters a new era, it will continue to develop and serve the local retail industry with the long-term goal of preparing Malaysia so it becomes a globally competitive business hub and a top shopping destination.

The night was definitely a night to remember and MRCA members and friends went home feeling thrilled and entertained after a very successful flight! MN

T

rue to it’s theme, ‘Soaring Towards Greater Heights’ the venue at the Setia City Convention Centre was dressed up to resemble an airport waiting lounge where 1360 guests were passengers on a flight that was about to take off! Guests played along by handing over their boarding passes to flight attendants before boarding the ‘aircraft’.

Not only was the night creatively themed, guests were entertained by famous radio announcers JJ and Rudy who were full of surprises! The night wouldn’t be complete without them playing their famous ‘gotcha calls’ and even organising chairperson Mr Lai Sia Ling from Econsave wasn’t spared. Other surprises included a bogus award presentation that got the crowd laughing.

7 2

3

56 ∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣Vol 1 No 4

1. Standing From Left: Mr Seak Thean Pow, Dato Dr KK Chai, Mr Ching Kok Cheong, Mr Lai Sia Ling (Organizing Chairman), Ms Valerie Choo, Ms Shirley Tay, Mr Brian Tham & Mr Ricky Thye. From Left Sitting: Datuk Henry Yip, Mr Lee Hwa Cheng, Dato’ Tay Sim Kim, Dato Lim Kok Cheong, Dato’ Eddie Choon, Dato ’Nelson Kwok, Tan Sri Barry Goh, Dato’ Liaw Choon Liang, Mr SY Cheah & Mr. Andy Goh. 2. Dato’ Nelson Kwok, President of MRCA. 3. From Left: Dato' Eddie Choon, Dato' Nelson Kwok, Dato' Lim Kok Cheong, Mr. Lee Hwa Cheng & Mr. Andy Goh. 4. Malaysia’s 52 Leading Brands & Retail Chains – An MRCA Elite Mandarin Publication participants.

5. From Left: Ms Shirley Tay, Dato’ Nelson Kwok & Mr Tan Kai Hee. 6. From Left: Mr. Wong Seow Peng, Mr Bruce Lim, Dato' Eddie Choon, Dato' Nelson Kwok, Dato' Sri Low Jee Keong, Ms Grace Chia & Mr. Kevin Ng. 7. From Left: Mr Marcus Chia, Mr Seak Thean Pow (Young At Heart Award), Mr Lai Sia Ling (Organizing Chairman), Dato’ Nelson Kwok (International Corn Man Award), Dato’ Vincent Choo & Datin Cynthia Cheong (Romeo & Juliet Award), Mr Lee Hwa Cheng (Superman Award), Mr Andy Goh (Best Hair Do Award) & Mr Bryan Loo. 8. MRCA 21st Birthday Celebration committee: From Left: Ms Aries Tan, Mr. CK Wee, Mr Nicholas Chong, Mr Kelwin Lim, Ms Rei Lim & Ms Minlyi Chia.

9. From Left: Mr Seak Thean Pow, guest, Dato’ Nelson Kwok, Mr Mehdi Moudine (Magician), Dato’ Eddie Choon, Mr Andy Goh & Dato’ Liaw Choon Liang.

8

9 Vol 1 No 4∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣ 57

Focus І MRCA’s 21st Birthday Bash

MRCA’s 21st Birthday Bash І

Happy 21 Birthday st

!

Focus

5

On 18 October 2013, members celebrated 21 SUCCESSFUL years of the Malaysian Retailer Chains Association 1 4 The night got even more entertaining with a comedy presentation from Alan and Indy that had the crowd in stitches.

6

In conjunction with the 21st Birthday Celebration, Malaysia’s 52 Leading Brands & Retail Chains – An MRCA Elite Mandarin Publication was launched. The book recognises the outstanding and leading entrepreneurs of MRCA featuring 52 businesses or corporations to serve as a guide to the Who’s Who of the local retail and service industry. All 52 members were on stage to receive a copy of the book each that night.

Dato’ Nelson Kwok, President of MRCA expressed that as the association enters a new era, it will continue to develop and serve the local retail industry with the long-term goal of preparing Malaysia so it becomes a globally competitive business hub and a top shopping destination.

The night was definitely a night to remember and MRCA members and friends went home feeling thrilled and entertained after a very successful flight! MN

T

rue to it’s theme, ‘Soaring Towards Greater Heights’ the venue at the Setia City Convention Centre was dressed up to resemble an airport waiting lounge where 1360 guests were passengers on a flight that was about to take off! Guests played along by handing over their boarding passes to flight attendants before boarding the ‘aircraft’.

Not only was the night creatively themed, guests were entertained by famous radio announcers JJ and Rudy who were full of surprises! The night wouldn’t be complete without them playing their famous ‘gotcha calls’ and even organising chairperson Mr Lai Sia Ling from Econsave wasn’t spared. Other surprises included a bogus award presentation that got the crowd laughing.

7 2

3

56 ∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣Vol 1 No 4

1. Standing From Left: Mr Seak Thean Pow, Dato Dr KK Chai, Mr Ching Kok Cheong, Mr Lai Sia Ling (Organizing Chairman), Ms Valerie Choo, Ms Shirley Tay, Mr Brian Tham & Mr Ricky Thye. From Left Sitting: Datuk Henry Yip, Mr Lee Hwa Cheng, Dato’ Tay Sim Kim, Dato Lim Kok Cheong, Dato’ Eddie Choon, Dato ’Nelson Kwok, Tan Sri Barry Goh, Dato’ Liaw Choon Liang, Mr SY Cheah & Mr. Andy Goh. 2. Dato’ Nelson Kwok, President of MRCA. 3. From Left: Dato' Eddie Choon, Dato' Nelson Kwok, Dato' Lim Kok Cheong, Mr. Lee Hwa Cheng & Mr. Andy Goh. 4. Malaysia’s 52 Leading Brands & Retail Chains – An MRCA Elite Mandarin Publication participants.

5. From Left: Ms Shirley Tay, Dato’ Nelson Kwok & Mr Tan Kai Hee. 6. From Left: Mr. Wong Seow Peng, Mr Bruce Lim, Dato' Eddie Choon, Dato' Nelson Kwok, Dato' Sri Low Jee Keong, Ms Grace Chia & Mr. Kevin Ng. 7. From Left: Mr Marcus Chia, Mr Seak Thean Pow (Young At Heart Award), Mr Lai Sia Ling (Organizing Chairman), Dato’ Nelson Kwok (International Corn Man Award), Dato’ Vincent Choo & Datin Cynthia Cheong (Romeo & Juliet Award), Mr Lee Hwa Cheng (Superman Award), Mr Andy Goh (Best Hair Do Award) & Mr Bryan Loo. 8. MRCA 21st Birthday Celebration committee: From Left: Ms Aries Tan, Mr. CK Wee, Mr Nicholas Chong, Mr Kelwin Lim, Ms Rei Lim & Ms Minlyi Chia.

9. From Left: Mr Seak Thean Pow, guest, Dato’ Nelson Kwok, Mr Mehdi Moudine (Magician), Dato’ Eddie Choon, Mr Andy Goh & Dato’ Liaw Choon Liang.

8

9 Vol 1 No 4∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣ 57

Gallery І Taiwan Study Tour

MRCA goes to Taiwan

M

RCA in collaboration with KEAT - Knowledge Economy Association in Taiwan organised a study tour to Taiwan with the theme ‘Incoming Revolution in Service Economy’ from the 7 – 11 November 2013.

The trip allowed more members to be exposed to overseas business management and learn from Taiwan’s innovative new trends in the service industry. The journey took the members from Taipei

to Taichung and then to Sun Moon Lake to visit various F&B Restaurants, Motel / the famous Lavender Cottage, factory, etc.

Members gained a tremendous amount of business knowledge from talks presented by industry leaders. The trip was led by MRCA president, Dato’ Nelson Kwok. MN

Gallery І Xu Zhong Ren

Learning from the best Mr Xu Zhong Ren, The Godfather of Taiwan’s Logistics and Retail Industry visits Malaysia.

T

he godfather of Taiwan’s Logistics and Retail Industry (台湾流通教 父), Mr. Xu Zhong Ren (徐重仁 董事), was in Kuala Lumpur to exchange ideas and share his experience with Malaysian entrepreneurs. Mr Xu was instrumental in reviving the 7-Eleven business in Taiwan through various innovative ideas.

In conjunction with his visit, MRCA held a welcome dinner for Mr Xu at Purple

58 ∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣Vol 1 No 4

Cane Restaurant and a lunch reception at Minori, The Royale Bintang Hotel, Mutiara Damansara. MRCA members had a chance for a meet and greet with Mr Xu at the MRCA Secretariat on the 15 November 2013. He even had a chance to visit MRCA members’ outlets in Mid Valley Megamall where he provided useful tips and ideas for members’ outlets during his visit. MN

Gallery І Taiwan Study Tour

MRCA goes to Taiwan

M

RCA in collaboration with KEAT - Knowledge Economy Association in Taiwan organised a study tour to Taiwan with the theme ‘Incoming Revolution in Service Economy’ from the 7 – 11 November 2013.

The trip allowed more members to be exposed to overseas business management and learn from Taiwan’s innovative new trends in the service industry. The journey took the members from Taipei

to Taichung and then to Sun Moon Lake to visit various F&B Restaurants, Motel / the famous Lavender Cottage, factory, etc.

Members gained a tremendous amount of business knowledge from talks presented by industry leaders. The trip was led by MRCA president, Dato’ Nelson Kwok. MN

Gallery І Xu Zhong Ren

Learning from the best Mr Xu Zhong Ren, The Godfather of Taiwan’s Logistics and Retail Industry visits Malaysia.

T

he godfather of Taiwan’s Logistics and Retail Industry (台湾流通教 父), Mr. Xu Zhong Ren (徐重仁 董事), was in Kuala Lumpur to exchange ideas and share his experience with Malaysian entrepreneurs. Mr Xu was instrumental in reviving the 7-Eleven business in Taiwan through various innovative ideas.

In conjunction with his visit, MRCA held a welcome dinner for Mr Xu at Purple

58 ∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣Vol 1 No 4

Cane Restaurant and a lunch reception at Minori, The Royale Bintang Hotel, Mutiara Damansara. MRCA members had a chance for a meet and greet with Mr Xu at the MRCA Secretariat on the 15 November 2013. He even had a chance to visit MRCA members’ outlets in Mid Valley Megamall where he provided useful tips and ideas for members’ outlets during his visit. MN

Launch Pad І Mobile Retail in Malaysia

Customer Service Talk І

Launch Pad

The Dawn of

Customer Experience

By Ed Zehoo, Chief Technical Officer, BlynkMobile Worldwide

Retain your customers with top-notch service quality.

Mobile Retail in Malaysia to connect to their shoppers in a way that has never been possible before. A shopper would probably spend a few minutes on a retailer’s website from his PC, but compare this to his smart device - which stays with him almost the entire time! A mobile app that could push targeted offers & promotions to a shopper at select times of the day, or let him browse your store with a tap of his finger is the most powerful way ever to establish a form of loyalty and to keep them coming back to your store.

A

s the waves of technology sweep across the Internet age to the mobile age – driven for the most part by Google and Apple, every company in the world, big or small, in every industry, is starting to recognize the power of mobile devices and how these wonderful little gadgets and the apps that run on them are revolutionising the way business is done.

The retail industry is no exception.

Malaysia has had a rapidly rising user base of smartphones and tablets, and the new

generation of shoppers are now more likely than ever to interact with their favourite brands and stores through these mobile devices. In fact, widespread studies have confirmed that Malaysian shoppers spend a considerable amount of time exploring products and services on their smart devices before making an actual purchase.

As mobile apps become as important to a retailer as their e-commerce website or their corporate website, it is no longer a viable option for retailers to ignore this trend!

Mobile apps are a precious avenue for retailers

Blynk Mobile, a Siliconvalley-based company started by 2 Malaysians – is the answer that the retail industry really needs for their mobile application needs.

Using a unique never-been-done before ala-carte approach to selecting from a rich set of retail-themed mobile features that you need, and then bundling that in an affordable priceline, BlynkMobile is the fastest way for your retail outlet to go mobile, regardless if you are a brick and mortar retailer, shopping mall, product brand or F&B chain.

Visit our website at www.blynkmobile. com, and get in touch with us to see what we can do for your brand, business and shoppers.

Blynk Mobile conducted a seminar on mobile retail in Malaysia for 23 MRCA members at the MRCA secretariat office on 23 October 2013. MN

Management Talk

J

ust in case some of us assumed that “Customer Service” is a new trend, given more emphasis only in modern times, the fact remains that there are more than a few companies that had flourished for more than 100 years!

Eg. Tiffany Jewelry (176 years), Lee Kum Kee (125 years) and even home-grown Eu Yan Sang (134 years), just to name a few. They must have done quite a few things right for customers to be so loyal for generations!

We have all heard of the story of Dato’ Jimmy Choo – the humble Malaysian-born apprentice whose craftsmanship is now considered among the best in the world.

Lesser known is another apprentice some 180 years ago in Beijing, China. When Zhao Ting (赵廷) decided to set up his own workshop, he did not want to produce the shoes for commoners like other big brands of his time. He clearly defined his vision: which was to make shoes fit for the emperors and the imperial court officials.

That was probably one of the earliest “positioning” in today’s marketing jargon.

He also kept a log book (《履中备载》) detailing every customer’s measurements and preferences, purchase records, official titles, promotion dates and even his family

members’ shoe sizes. This old, handwritten CRM database was the secret key to their prospering business that continues on even after the collapse of the Qing Dynasty. Today Nei Lian Sheng ( 内联升) no longer makes court shoes but continues to make traditional cloth shoes for Chinese politburo and celebrities such as Jackie Chan.

A clear vision, an eye for detail, craftsmanship / design and understanding customer needs are only some of the many ways to reflect customer service excellence.

How then can one take stock of the current service quality and improve on it?

During the recent Customer Experience Management Talk held at MRCA Secretariat on 13 November 2013, Hazel Sia shared many examples from a range of industries. She presented a simple formula to monitor one’s Service Quality (RATER): •RELIABILITY •ASSURANCE •TANGIBLES •EMPATHY •RESPONSIVENESS To plan and implement any service improvement and innovation, we need

60 ∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣Vol 1 No 4

to define and be able to measure the results.

While some result may be very subjective (eg. How happy a customer is with a service or product), a framework is still necessary for service personnel to be prepared in every aspect to deliver what is expected, appreciated and beyond.

As the Malaysian retail sector continues to grow aggressively, it is imperative for service personnel (especially front liners) to keep up by setting a higher standard of Customer Service that is warm, genuine and competent. Only through a strong service culture, companies can look forward to greater profitability, happier customers, as well as a lasting reputation and legacy.

Hazel Sia is a versatile Corporate Trainer with vast work and life experience working for hospitality and transport companies across Asia – Singapore, Hong Kong and China.

Hazel trains on Customer Service Excellence (customizable for different companies), Customer Experience Management and Effective Communication Skills. For more information and to engage Hazel for your in-house Customer Service training, kindly contact: Emage Style Consultancy @tel: 603-61500326/ 60123258807 MN Vol 1 No 4∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣ 61

Launch Pad І Mobile Retail in Malaysia

Customer Service Talk І

Launch Pad

The Dawn of

Customer Experience

By Ed Zehoo, Chief Technical Officer, BlynkMobile Worldwide

Retain your customers with top-notch service quality.

Mobile Retail in Malaysia to connect to their shoppers in a way that has never been possible before. A shopper would probably spend a few minutes on a retailer’s website from his PC, but compare this to his smart device - which stays with him almost the entire time! A mobile app that could push targeted offers & promotions to a shopper at select times of the day, or let him browse your store with a tap of his finger is the most powerful way ever to establish a form of loyalty and to keep them coming back to your store.

A

s the waves of technology sweep across the Internet age to the mobile age – driven for the most part by Google and Apple, every company in the world, big or small, in every industry, is starting to recognize the power of mobile devices and how these wonderful little gadgets and the apps that run on them are revolutionising the way business is done.

The retail industry is no exception.

Malaysia has had a rapidly rising user base of smartphones and tablets, and the new

generation of shoppers are now more likely than ever to interact with their favourite brands and stores through these mobile devices. In fact, widespread studies have confirmed that Malaysian shoppers spend a considerable amount of time exploring products and services on their smart devices before making an actual purchase.

As mobile apps become as important to a retailer as their e-commerce website or their corporate website, it is no longer a viable option for retailers to ignore this trend!

Mobile apps are a precious avenue for retailers

Blynk Mobile, a Siliconvalley-based company started by 2 Malaysians – is the answer that the retail industry really needs for their mobile application needs.

Using a unique never-been-done before ala-carte approach to selecting from a rich set of retail-themed mobile features that you need, and then bundling that in an affordable priceline, BlynkMobile is the fastest way for your retail outlet to go mobile, regardless if you are a brick and mortar retailer, shopping mall, product brand or F&B chain.

Visit our website at www.blynkmobile. com, and get in touch with us to see what we can do for your brand, business and shoppers.

Blynk Mobile conducted a seminar on mobile retail in Malaysia for 23 MRCA members at the MRCA secretariat office on 23 October 2013. MN

Management Talk

J

ust in case some of us assumed that “Customer Service” is a new trend, given more emphasis only in modern times, the fact remains that there are more than a few companies that had flourished for more than 100 years!

Eg. Tiffany Jewelry (176 years), Lee Kum Kee (125 years) and even home-grown Eu Yan Sang (134 years), just to name a few. They must have done quite a few things right for customers to be so loyal for generations!

We have all heard of the story of Dato’ Jimmy Choo – the humble Malaysian-born apprentice whose craftsmanship is now considered among the best in the world.

Lesser known is another apprentice some 180 years ago in Beijing, China. When Zhao Ting (赵廷) decided to set up his own workshop, he did not want to produce the shoes for commoners like other big brands of his time. He clearly defined his vision: which was to make shoes fit for the emperors and the imperial court officials.

That was probably one of the earliest “positioning” in today’s marketing jargon.

He also kept a log book (《履中备载》) detailing every customer’s measurements and preferences, purchase records, official titles, promotion dates and even his family

members’ shoe sizes. This old, handwritten CRM database was the secret key to their prospering business that continues on even after the collapse of the Qing Dynasty. Today Nei Lian Sheng ( 内联升) no longer makes court shoes but continues to make traditional cloth shoes for Chinese politburo and celebrities such as Jackie Chan.

A clear vision, an eye for detail, craftsmanship / design and understanding customer needs are only some of the many ways to reflect customer service excellence.

How then can one take stock of the current service quality and improve on it?

During the recent Customer Experience Management Talk held at MRCA Secretariat on 13 November 2013, Hazel Sia shared many examples from a range of industries. She presented a simple formula to monitor one’s Service Quality (RATER): •RELIABILITY •ASSURANCE •TANGIBLES •EMPATHY •RESPONSIVENESS To plan and implement any service improvement and innovation, we need

60 ∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣Vol 1 No 4

to define and be able to measure the results.

While some result may be very subjective (eg. How happy a customer is with a service or product), a framework is still necessary for service personnel to be prepared in every aspect to deliver what is expected, appreciated and beyond.

As the Malaysian retail sector continues to grow aggressively, it is imperative for service personnel (especially front liners) to keep up by setting a higher standard of Customer Service that is warm, genuine and competent. Only through a strong service culture, companies can look forward to greater profitability, happier customers, as well as a lasting reputation and legacy.

Hazel Sia is a versatile Corporate Trainer with vast work and life experience working for hospitality and transport companies across Asia – Singapore, Hong Kong and China.

Hazel trains on Customer Service Excellence (customizable for different companies), Customer Experience Management and Effective Communication Skills. For more information and to engage Hazel for your in-house Customer Service training, kindly contact: Emage Style Consultancy @tel: 603-61500326/ 60123258807 MN Vol 1 No 4∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣ 61

Launch Pad І Maximising Brain Ability

MRCA members learn about Maximising their Brain Ability (MBA) basis of all learning. Memory is also a very important and integral part of overall brain ability and agility.

Mr Lim also took the participants through the differences of men and women’s memories and how a deeper understanding of it will help to improve the communication between men and women. This knowledge is also useful when dealing with customers, colleagues and superiors from the opposite gender.

T

he Maximising Brain’s Ability (MBA) seminar was held at the MRCA Secretariat on 12 September 2013 and was conducted by Mr Lim Teck Hoe. Mr Lim took the participating members through all the different ways to improve their understanding of the brain and how to improve its ability especially its memorising ability. He stressed the importance of improving memory because memory is the

He also went through several memory techniques that can help to improve general memory. It is applicable in memorising facts, figures and names and faces. Having good memory skills will always be an advantage because you can remember more details and learn faster compared to other people.

Participants walked away from the seminar with a better understanding of their brain ability and capabilities to help them in their careers. MN

Want to advertise your business in Malaysia’s 1st franchising, retailing and licensing magazine?

Target Market Business community with interest in the retail, licensing and franchise industry

Distribution • • • • • • •

More than 200 member companies in Malaysia and associates overseas Top management members Relevant ministers, ministries and government agencies including the Malaysia Overseas Trade Office Relevant business organisations and major shopping malls MRCA events Colleges/Universities in Malaysia Sold in all leading bookstores throughout Malaysia

62 ∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣Vol 1 No 4

Advertising Rates (Full Colour) Position

Casual Rates

2 Times

4 Times

Inside Front Cover

RM8 000

RM7 000

RM6 000

Inside Back Cover

RM6 000

RM5 000

RM4 000

Outside Back Cover

RM10 000

RM9 000

RM8 000

Full Page - Rob

RM3 500

RM3 325

RM3 150

Half Page

RM2 500

RM 2 375

RM2 250

Quarter Page

RM1 500

RM 1425

RM1 350

For enquiries please call: Ganesan @ 012 3739422 MPH Group Magazine (M) Sdn Bhd (771396-H)

Lot 1, 1st Floor, Bangunan TH, No. 5 Jalan Bersatu, Seksyen 13/4, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor DE, Malaysia Tel: 603-7960 7334 Fax: 603-7960 3278 E-mail: ganesan@mph.com.my

Launch Pad І Maximising Brain Ability

MRCA members learn about Maximising their Brain Ability (MBA) basis of all learning. Memory is also a very important and integral part of overall brain ability and agility.

Mr Lim also took the participants through the differences of men and women’s memories and how a deeper understanding of it will help to improve the communication between men and women. This knowledge is also useful when dealing with customers, colleagues and superiors from the opposite gender.

T

he Maximising Brain’s Ability (MBA) seminar was held at the MRCA Secretariat on 12 September 2013 and was conducted by Mr Lim Teck Hoe. Mr Lim took the participating members through all the different ways to improve their understanding of the brain and how to improve its ability especially its memorising ability. He stressed the importance of improving memory because memory is the

He also went through several memory techniques that can help to improve general memory. It is applicable in memorising facts, figures and names and faces. Having good memory skills will always be an advantage because you can remember more details and learn faster compared to other people.

Participants walked away from the seminar with a better understanding of their brain ability and capabilities to help them in their careers. MN

Want to advertise your business in Malaysia’s 1st franchising, retailing and licensing magazine?

Target Market Business community with interest in the retail, licensing and franchise industry

Distribution • • • • • • •

More than 200 member companies in Malaysia and associates overseas Top management members Relevant ministers, ministries and government agencies including the Malaysia Overseas Trade Office Relevant business organisations and major shopping malls MRCA events Colleges/Universities in Malaysia Sold in all leading bookstores throughout Malaysia

62 ∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣Vol 1 No 4

Advertising Rates (Full Colour) Position

Casual Rates

2 Times

4 Times

Inside Front Cover

RM8 000

RM7 000

RM6 000

Inside Back Cover

RM6 000

RM5 000

RM4 000

Outside Back Cover

RM10 000

RM9 000

RM8 000

Full Page - Rob

RM3 500

RM3 325

RM3 150

Half Page

RM2 500

RM 2 375

RM2 250

Quarter Page

RM1 500

RM 1425

RM1 350

For enquiries please call: Ganesan @ 012 3739422 MPH Group Magazine (M) Sdn Bhd (771396-H)

Lot 1, 1st Floor, Bangunan TH, No. 5 Jalan Bersatu, Seksyen 13/4, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor DE, Malaysia Tel: 603-7960 7334 Fax: 603-7960 3278 E-mail: ganesan@mph.com.my

Launch Pad І Explore Business and Exployment Opportunities

MRCA spends a day to explore

Business and Employment Opportunities in Kuching, Sarawak

O

n 29 November 2013, MRCA and the Kuching Chinese General Chamber of Commerce and Industry coorganised the Business and Employment Opportunity in Kuching, Sarawak. The event was held at the Dewan Bandaraya Kuching Selatan Auditorium.

The purpose of this event was to explore opportunities for MRCA members to expand their business to East Malaysia.

Also, it was an ideal opportunity for members to look for interested franchisees.

there was opportunity for members to have business matching sessions and offer employment opportunities.

The list of business presentations from members included: Nelson’s Franchise, Focus Point, MyOrtho, Hai-O, Redbox, Mr.Clean, KK Supermart & Superstore, MBG, Baskin Robbins and Fitness Concept.

It was a successful trip for MRCA and a stepping stone for more opportunity in East Malaysia in the future. MN

After the welcome speeches, the day began with a presentation from PNS on the Franchise Skim. Then, Saharudin Sahad from Smart Franchise took the stage to educate those present on the franchise business. As the day progressed,

! w o n s u n i o j tiada cas pemasangan no installation fees

meningkatkan trafik pelanggan improved Customer Traffic

terminal mudah guna user-friendly terminal

tidak perlu menyimpan stok zero stock holding

64 ∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣Vol 1 No 4

Launch Pad І Explore Business and Exployment Opportunities

MRCA spends a day to explore

Business and Employment Opportunities in Kuching, Sarawak

O

n 29 November 2013, MRCA and the Kuching Chinese General Chamber of Commerce and Industry coorganised the Business and Employment Opportunity in Kuching, Sarawak. The event was held at the Dewan Bandaraya Kuching Selatan Auditorium.

The purpose of this event was to explore opportunities for MRCA members to expand their business to East Malaysia.

Also, it was an ideal opportunity for members to look for interested franchisees.

there was opportunity for members to have business matching sessions and offer employment opportunities.

The list of business presentations from members included: Nelson’s Franchise, Focus Point, MyOrtho, Hai-O, Redbox, Mr.Clean, KK Supermart & Superstore, MBG, Baskin Robbins and Fitness Concept.

It was a successful trip for MRCA and a stepping stone for more opportunity in East Malaysia in the future. MN

After the welcome speeches, the day began with a presentation from PNS on the Franchise Skim. Then, Saharudin Sahad from Smart Franchise took the stage to educate those present on the franchise business. As the day progressed,

! w o n s u n i o j tiada cas pemasangan no installation fees

meningkatkan trafik pelanggan improved Customer Traffic

terminal mudah guna user-friendly terminal

tidak perlu menyimpan stok zero stock holding

64 ∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣Vol 1 No 4

Reaching Out І Deepavali Visit

MRCA brightened the lives of 80 families this Festival of Lights MRCA donated more than RM16, 000 worth of goods and products as well as a RM1, 000 donation to the temple, in conjunction with the upcoming Deepavali celebration. MRCA members who pulled their resources together to make a sizeable product donation included 99speedmart, Econsave, Fella Design, Kluang Station F&B, Mr. Clean, PJ Uniform (Professor),

I

n a bid to do something a little different this Deepavali, MRCA’s Branding Education Charity Foundation worked in collaboration with the committee of the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple Dhevasthaman, Batu Caves to grant the wish list of 80 needy families.

More than 25 members and trustees of MRCA foundation – Dato’ Tay Sim Kim, Mr. Lee Hwa Cheng, Mr. Albert Chiang and Dato’ Nelson Kwok, President of MRCA visited Almighty Lord Murugan Temple, Batu Caves for some time of fellowship and to personally deliver the goods to the families.

Chairman of Sri Maha Mariamman Temple Dhevasthaman board of management, YBhg Tan Sri Datuk R. Nadaraja was also present.

66 ∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣Vol 1 No 4

Rand Asia, Shellys Marketing (XES shoes), Sunlight Taxi, Urban Idea (Subway), Maycare, Xeersoft and Datin Jennifer Hon. Some of the goods sponsored included rice cookers, wheelchairs, school uniforms, transportation and other basic necessities to the families. These families consists of senior citizens, single parents, disabled, abused and poor families.

Giving back to society regardless of stature, race and religion is very close to the heart of MRCA and all its members.

Through this Branding Education Charity Fund, MRCA hopes to help many more individuals in the years to come. MN

Reaching Out І Deepavali Visit

MRCA brightened the lives of 80 families this Festival of Lights MRCA donated more than RM16, 000 worth of goods and products as well as a RM1, 000 donation to the temple, in conjunction with the upcoming Deepavali celebration. MRCA members who pulled their resources together to make a sizeable product donation included 99speedmart, Econsave, Fella Design, Kluang Station F&B, Mr. Clean, PJ Uniform (Professor),

I

n a bid to do something a little different this Deepavali, MRCA’s Branding Education Charity Foundation worked in collaboration with the committee of the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple Dhevasthaman, Batu Caves to grant the wish list of 80 needy families.

More than 25 members and trustees of MRCA foundation – Dato’ Tay Sim Kim, Mr. Lee Hwa Cheng, Mr. Albert Chiang and Dato’ Nelson Kwok, President of MRCA visited Almighty Lord Murugan Temple, Batu Caves for some time of fellowship and to personally deliver the goods to the families.

Chairman of Sri Maha Mariamman Temple Dhevasthaman board of management, YBhg Tan Sri Datuk R. Nadaraja was also present.

66 ∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣Vol 1 No 4

Rand Asia, Shellys Marketing (XES shoes), Sunlight Taxi, Urban Idea (Subway), Maycare, Xeersoft and Datin Jennifer Hon. Some of the goods sponsored included rice cookers, wheelchairs, school uniforms, transportation and other basic necessities to the families. These families consists of senior citizens, single parents, disabled, abused and poor families.

Giving back to society regardless of stature, race and religion is very close to the heart of MRCA and all its members.

Through this Branding Education Charity Fund, MRCA hopes to help many more individuals in the years to come. MN

Talkingpoint

It is believed that the implementation of GST will ultimately reduce business costs. How will the GST impact your

business?

A

fter attending the GST workshop conducted by the Malaysian Royal Customs, I believe that GST can help reduce business costs provided his company is registered.

On the other hand, we have to invest resources to train our financial department to gain knowledge on GST collection and submission to avoid human error, in the end ‘Receipt is money’.

Jason Teh

CEO, SAWKS AVENUE

I

t is not true for my business.

Nevertheless, we have to respect and accept the implementation accordingly.

And we will do the necessary and continue to focus on our business.

Kelwin Lim

Managing Director, MIRCOZ COSMETICS

Inspiration for the

ENTREPRENEUR'S soul A business has to be involving, it has to be fun, and it has to exercise your creative instincts.

- RICHARD BRANSON

People are definitely a company’s greatest asset. It doesn’t make any difference whether the product is cars or cosmetics. A company is only as good as the people it keeps.

- MARY KAY ASH

Statistics suggest that when customers complain, business owners and managers ought to get excited about it.

The complaining customer represents a huge opportunity for more business.

- ZIG ZIGLAR 68 ∣MRCA NEWSLETTER∣Vol 1 No 4

"Everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve success if they are dedicated to and passionate about what they do.

- NELSON MANDELA

LETTER

LETTER

RETAILING | FRANCHISING | BRANDING VOL 1 NO 4∣ WM RM8 / EM RM10

Vol 1 NO 4 RM8.00

“We believe that creativity and innovation have made us a trendsetter and market leader ....”

--------------------------------------------------------------Albert Chiang, Group MD, Bonia Corporation Berhad

BONIA ISSN:2289-3377

A brand built on product quality and innovation

KDN NO:PP13818/02/2013(031900)

GST ON MALAYSIAN BUSINESSES How will GST affect your business?

NEVER TOO OLD FOR AN EDUCATION

Emeritus Professor Dr. Muhamad Awang, Vice Chancellor, SEGI University

MRCA’S YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS WHO ROCK! T.Y Ooi, Executive Manager, PJ Uniform Roys Tan, CEO, Occubite Resources