MRCA NEWS - Retailing : Franchising : Branding - Vol.2 No.2

LETTER

RETAILING | FRANCHISING | BRANDING VOL 2 NO 2∣ WM RM8 / EM RM10

THE LIFE AND PASSION

of Founder & Chairman of Sunway Group, Tan Sri Dr. Jeffrey Cheah, AO

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HELLO MR PRESIDENT! Introducing MRCA’s new President Dato’ Liaw Choon Liang JP

A RETREAT IN THE CITY

Megan Tan, Managing Director, Sompoton Spa

A CUPPA OF SUCCESS

Adli Wong, Managing Director, Coffeeland

C O N T E N TS 10 CREDIT PAGE

MRCA Board Members & MPH

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Message from President of MRCA, Dato’ C.L Liaw

MRCA MEMBER’S LOGO PAGE

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ON THE COVER

THE LIFE AND PASSION OF FOUNDER AND CHAIRMAN OF SUNWAY GROUP TAN SRI DR. JEFFREY CHEAH AO FOCUS

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HELLO MR PRESIDENT!

Dato’ C.L Liaw is MRCA’s new President for 2014 - 2016

FRANCHISING TOWARDS 2020

Dato’ Syed Kamarulzaman shares his own vision for the furure of franchising in Malaysia

THE BLUE OCEAN

Give your business a head start ahead of your competition

A RETREAT IN THE CITY

Megan Tan from Sompoton Spa shares her peaceful escape from the city

HOW FAR WILL YOU GO TO REACH THE TOP Ravichandran Tharumalingam will take MRCA members a mountaineering adventure

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE A GOOD FRANCHISE MANAGER?

Challenging yourself and pushing your limits will encourage self-developed says Ravichandran Tharumalingam, Global Expedition Club

A CUPPA OF SUCCESS

Adli Wong, Coffeeland Sdn Bhd tells us why his brand leaves coffee lovers craving for more

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ADT Services Brew & Bread CLEVER DF Pharmacy Food Artist Zeal Systems

GALLERY

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The Branding Education Charity Foundation Study tour down south Guinness World Book of Records Congratulatory Message Happy Feet Installation Ball 2014

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LAUNCHPAD

• GST Seminar • How to make good people stay put!

• Grooming good leaders

FOR THE RECORD

THANK YOU

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COURTESY VISIT Nanyang Sin Chew Media China Press The Star Utusan Melayu Karangkraf

TALKING POINT

MRCA NEWSLETTER | VOL 2 NO 2

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LETTER

RETAILING | FRANCHISING | BRANDING MRCA IS PUBLISHED BY

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MALAYSIA RETAIL CHAIN ASSOCIATION Patron Tun Dr. Mahathir Bin Mohamad Former Prime Minister Malaysia

President Dato’ C.L Liaw JP Focus Point Holdings Bhd

Board of Advisors YB Dato’ Sri Liow Tiong Lai President of the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA)

Immediate Past President Dato’ Nelson Kwok Teng Tong JP Nelson’s Franchise (M) Sdn Bhd

YB Dato’ Sri Mustapa Mohamad Minister of International Trade & Industry Malaysia YB Tan Sri Datuk Tee Hock Seng JP Group Managing Director of Bina Puri Holdings Bhd

Deputy President Ms Valerie Choo Grand Surf Sdn Bhd (Red Box) Vice Presidents Dato’ Dr KK Chai KK Supermart & Superstore Sdn Bhd Dato’ Garry Chua Rotol Food-Chain (M) Sdn Bhd

YB Tan Sri Barry Goh Ming Choon Chairman of MCT Consortium Bhd Founder President Dato’ Eddie Choon Poh Kong Holdings Bhd Life Time Honorary President Datuk Albert Chiang Bonia Corporation Bhd Mr Lee Hwa Cheng Sinma Jewellery Centre Sdn Bhd Dato’ Tay Sim Kim OSIM (M) Sdn Bhd

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FROM THE PRESIDENT

Greetings!

Very quickly we have reached the mid-point of 2014.

I hope this finds you all well and that all your business endeavours for the year are on track and moving full-throttle ahead.

It gives me great pleasure to write to you as your new President for the first time in the June issue of our quarterly MRCA Magazine. This magazine is a showcase of our members’ success stories as well as a vault of information on branding, retail and franchise for our members as well as for budding entrepreneurs and students as well as the public.

I thank you for your continued support in making the magazine a success each and every issue.

On the 3 July 2014 we will gather as members and business comrades to attend one of our most prestigious events of the year – CEO Night 2014. It is my honour to present on the cover this issue, our keynote speaker for CEO Night 2014, Tan Sri Dr. Jeffrey Cheah, AO. Tan Sri Dr. Jeffrey Cheah, founder and chairman of the Sunway Group of companies, defines a successful and visionary entrepreneur. Proudly a Malaysian success story, his accomplishments are admired

by Malaysians from all walks of life. I, personally as I’m sure all of our members as well are looking forward to hearing about Tan Sri’s climb to success as he shares his experience and his advice with all of us. It will indeed be a night of learning and sharing of valuable business knowledge.

As I take on this new term as your President, MRCA will move toward ‘Keeping an eye on the future’. By focusing on the future it is my belief that we will be able to grow and mature together as one big entity. Members, your active participation in MRCA activities is a testimony to the strength of our association that is over 250 members and still growing. I thank you for your continuous support in making our association one of the most active associations in the country.

Before I end, a very special thank you to Tan Sri Dr. Jeffrey Cheah for gracing us with your presence and for being our honourable CEO this year.

Lastly, I would like to extend my appreciation to the MPH team as well as the MRCA Secretariat who have done another outstanding job compiling editorials and association news and information for this issue. This magazine will not be possible without your hard work and dedication.

We have a lot to be proud of, while we anticipate even more successes to come our way.

I look forward to seeing all of you at CEO Night 2014!

Dato’ C.L Liaw JP

President, Malaysia Retail Chain Association

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Tan Sri Dr. Jeffrey Cheah, AO Founder and Chairman of Sunway Group 10

VOL 2 NO 2 | MRCA NEWSLETTER

Tan Sri Dr. Jeffrey Cheah,

AO

| COVER STORY

THE LIFE AND PASSION of Founder & Chairman of

Sunway Group, Tan Sri Dr. Jeffrey Cheah,

AO

Sunway is celebrating its 40th year anniversary this year and MRCA takes great pride to invite the Founder and Chairman of Sunway Group, Tan Sri Dr. Jeffrey Cheah, as the keynote speaker at the seventh (7th) MRCA CEO night on 3 July 2014. His keynote speech is titled “Sustainable Growth that Lasts for Generations”.

Jeffrey Cheah Foundation Scholarship Presentation Ceremony witnessed by Tun Dr. Mahathir (centre).

MRCA NEWSLETTER | VOL 2 NO 2

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COVER STORY |

Tan Sri Dr. Jeffrey Cheah, AO

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ailing from a small town of Pusing in Perak, Tan Sri Cheah furthered his tertiary education in accountancy and business at Victoria University in Australia.

Passionate to be an enterprising businessman since young, Tan Sri Cheah left his accountancy job and started off a tin mining company, The Sungei Way Enterprise in 1974. After years of strong perseverance, great tenacity and resilience built from the experience of two economic crises, Tan Sri Cheah has built two successful townships.

He has turned a mined out 800-acre wasteland into wonderland, today known as Sunway Resort City, Bandar Sunway, and has converted a sleepy hollow in

Sunway Resort City - Malaysia’s First Green Township awarded by Malaysia’s Green Building Index, and an international destination where communities live, learn, work, play; and be healthy and safe.

Tambun into Sunway City Ipoh. With its comprehensive facilities and amenities, Sunway Resort City truly promotes a place where one can “Live, Learn, Work, Play, Be Healthy and Safe.”

A widely respectable visionary, Tan Sri Cheah has realised his dream not only as a successful entrepreneur but he has also built the largest education-focused social enterprise in Malaysia.

Sunway Group today is a huge conglomerate with core businesses in property and construction. Its 12 business divisions span across over 40 locations worldwide with 13,000 strong employees.

Sunway Group today is a huge conglomerate with core businesses in property and construction. Its 12 business divisions span across over 40 locations worldwide with 13,000 strong employees Sunway Pyramid, one of the largest shopping malls in the world with a net lettable area of 1.8 million sqf.

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The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat at Sunway City Ipoh.

Tan Sri Cheah and Sunway have achieved many firsts in accolades and prestigious awards from around the world due to its unwavering commitment to deliver quality products and services.

Tan Sri Cheah attributes his success to three (3) core values; 1.

Integrity We believe in doing the right thing at all times

2.

Humility We believe in being humble, polite and respectful

3.

Excellence We take pride in all that we do

Tan Sri Cheah also believes in confronting the issue at hand and not running away from it, and he values the best brains around which speaks of his beliefs in being “colour” blind and “religion” blind.

Tan Sri Cheah still holds close to his heart an unflinching passion to carry out regular site walk around the resort city, frequently encouraging rehabilitation of wasteland, planting and replanting

Jeff’s Cellar at The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat - one of the world’s most unique wine cellars built within a 260-million-year-old limestone cave.

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COVER STORY |

Tan Sri Dr. Jeffrey Cheah,

AO

Integrity We believe in doing the right thing at all times Humility We believe in being humble, polite and respectful Excellence We take pride in all that we do

of greens, recycling of water, improving seamless connectivity and accessibility, and constant investment in upgrading infrastructures. He has restored the ecosystem into his two townships.

Tan Sri Cheah strongly believes education is powerful as the late Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”.

Education has the power to eradicate prejudices, correct biases and move nations. Education has the power to change people, transform communities and shift paradigms.

Today Sunway Education Group comprises 12 learning institutions including Sunway University, Monash University Malaysia, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sunway College, Sunway TES and

Sunway Velocity is a 23-acre integrated development and a new landmark of Kuala Lumpur featuring residential and commercial elements including a 1.4 million sqf shopping mall.

Sunway International School. In his vision to build the “Harvard of the East”, Tan Sri Cheah has endowed all his equity across the institutions of Sunway Education Group, valued in excess of RM720 million to the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation (JCF) in perpetuity.

JCF has to-date awarded more than RM165 million in scholarships to over 19,500 students since 1997.

honest, be ambitious to succeed and to achieve greater heights in life. To him, entrepreneurship lies not only in the mere making of money, it lies in the thrill of creative effort and the satisfaction of achievement. He hopes his burning passion for philanthropy will inspire other rich Malaysians to give back to society like what he has done, and will continue to contribute to society.

Tan Sri Cheah hopes he is able to inspire the future generations to be

“I aspire to inspire before I expire” – Tan Sri Dr. Jeffrey Cheah, AO. MN

I aspire to inspire before I expire” – Tan Sri Dr. Jeffrey Cheah, AO.

Malaysia’s First Elevated Bus Rapid Transit- Sunway Line (BRT) in Sunway Resort City connecting Setia Jaya KTM and the upcoming USJ6 LRT stations promising absolute accessibility and connectivity.

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2014 SUNWAY RESORT CITY, BANDAR SUNWAY An engineering tour de force and a thriving megapolis receiving an annual visitations of 40 million.

MALAYSIA’S FIRST GREEN TOWNSHIP Awarded by Malaysia’s Green Building Index.

Malaysia’s first elevated Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Mohd. Najib Tun Razak during his visit to Sunway Resort City for the inauguration ceremony of the elevated BRT-Sunway Line.

“From wasteland to wonderland” Lee Kuan Yew, former Prime Minister of Singapore, during his visit to Sunway Resort City.

1986 BANDAR SUNWAY, ONCE A TIN MINING WASTELAND

FOCUS |

New President

Hello, Mr President!

MRCA welcomes Dato’ Liaw Choon Liang from Focus Point Holdings Berhad, MRCA President, 2014 - 2016.

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aking over the reigns from Dato’ Nelson Kwok, Dato’ Liaw has his eye set on the future of the association. “As President, I am committed to providing the kind of leadership the association requires to achieve its objectives, implement its strategies and work as a team to meet our vision,” says Dato’ Liaw. Since 1992, MRCA has provided a platform for

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members to share experiences, expand networking, organize educational trainings and programs to enhance their members’ potential so they will be ready to expand their market domestically and globally. Going into its 22 year, MRCA has come a long way since its inception. Their members who comprise 250 leading retail chain store operators as well as franchisors

JP

covering more than throughout Malaysia.

10,000

outlets

Dato’ Liaw plans on taking the association to the next level with his theme ‘Keeping an eye on the future’. He believes that as retailers one shouldn’t be complacent and that trailing behind the competition isn’t an option. Dato’ Liaw explains that the future of the business world especially the

retail industry is filled with opportunities and challenges. “We need to be ahead, we need to be ready,” says Dato’ Liaw. “We need to do everything it takes to make the retail industry vibrant, exciting and profitable,” he adds.

Having identified the 5 Keys Of Success to make his theme a reality, Dato’ Liaw is confident that being able to consistently adapt and be ahead of the competition is up to the determination of the retailer.

“I plan to follow these 5 Keys Of Success, in this way I can ensure we are ahead of our competition and will have taken the necessary steps to successfully keep an eye out for the future”: 1.

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Members’ improvement MRCA Academy will continue playing an important role by organising professional tutorials and workshops on franchising, financing and human resource management.

From time to time, up-to-date information on the analysis of the current economy, business plan, product invention and lifestyle.

A chance to constantly improve and benefit from the MRCA Academy.

The healthy expansion of the retail industry

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MRCA will work closely with various government departments especially the Ministry of Domestic Trade, Co-operative and Consumerism.

To seek further collaborations in order to resolve the issues related to human resource, business plans, import and export processes and taxation.

Update members on the latest policies from the regulatory bodies, and to ensure that members are getting the right and accurate information.

and gusto into MRCA. More aggressive publicity and marketing on the new membership programme will be implemented for attracting more potential and quality entities.

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To foster good relationship and team building within members Organise Family Days, Marathon and Sports Day to foster a lasting relationship among members and also promote a healthier lifestyle.

Mount Kota Kinabalu Climb 3.0 in July 2014. Because of the overwhelming response from members the number of participants was increased from the initial 28 persons to 40 persons.

Raise awareness on welfare and social responsibility Never forgetting the less fortunate in our society. Dato’ Liaw’s personal philosophy is, the more success we achieve, the greater the responsibility to give back to the society.

In the coming years, MRCA will be more actively involved in anti-poverty campaigns by giving financial aid and scholarships to the less fortunate.

Dato’ Liaw attributes the tremendous success of the association to all the past presidents before him. “Today, our members are powerful economic contributors, offering more than 1,000,000 job opportunities,” says Dato’ Liaw.

Opening the door to new members Inviting new members so the association continues to grow.

New members are also able to inject new perspectives, new ideas

“Now is the time for me to continue with this mission by giving my dedication to continuously lead MRCA to achieve the highest level of excellence,” he concludes. MN

MRCA NEWSLETTER | VOL 2 NO 2

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FOCUS |

PNS

Franchising towards 2020 Dato’ Syed Kamarulzaman of PNS shares his own vision of the future of franchising in Malaysia.

By Azzura Soraya Hassan

A

s an agency under the Ministry of Finance aimed at providing complete franchise solutions, Perbadanan Nasional Berhad (PNS) makes its entry into the Malaysian Retailer-Chains Association (MRCA), with Managing Director Dato’ Syed Kamarulzaman Bin Dato’ Syed Khodki Shahabudin serving as a committee member for the term of 2014 - 16.

“We have been given a mandate to manage the franchise industry in Malaysia; only several organisations in the country have been entrusted with grooming members of the retail industry, with MRCA of course being one of them. PNS is a member of various and associations and organisations, as I believe it is important that we don’t assume we know everything, and continue learning from others in the industry,” explained Dato’ Syed of the decision to join as a member of MRCA. Impressed with the extensive network MRCA has built, the MD himself is glad to be able to give a personal touch in the collaboration: “MRCA has connections with industry giants, and while usually I don’t get involved and assign a PNS representative for other associations, as an MRCA committee member I hope to contribute towards the growth of the franchising industry by understanding and interconnecting members of our networks,” he said.

As an inter-organisation collaboration, Dato’ Syed hopes PNS and MRCA joining forces will continue to encourage the widening of networks: “While it may

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sound a bit like wishful thinking, I would like to see us sharing, connecting and linking up with other associations.

Not with the intention to make everyone into one large organisation, but since everyone has the same vision, we could appoint different captains to achieve our targets and move towards that collective vision.”

businesses into franchises, or those in what we call the ‘pre-franchise’ stage.”

PNS is eager to contribute towards helping members realise their potential: “In order for franchising to be successful, there must be collaboration throughout the industry.

PNS has the manpower and resources to conduct trainings, and we would be happy to invite MRCA members to attend our sessions and enjoy different views,” said Dato’ Syed.

Commending the association’s efforts in keeping members busy and informed, Dato’ Syed believes MRCA is serving its members well: “I see MRCA keeping busy with monthly meetings and activities such as trade missions, while also keeping everyone updated via published material. There are plenty of opportunities for members to tap into the organisation’s network, as the committee has and continues to build rapport. The all-important practice of knowledge sharing goes a long way, and members are exposed to an ongoing education and are made known of available opportunities. Overall, there are lots of activities for members’ enjoyment – which I think is great!”

PNS also hopes to be able to fill in the gaps where the agency possesses advantage: “As an association, MRCA doesn’t have financing yet, whereas PNS has the Ringgit and sen to assist people in realising dreams. For example, some potential business owners might not know about accessing financial assistance, and MRCA members who meet the criteria can actually apply to PNS for funding support to be franchisees,” said Dato’ Syed, adding: “We also have rapport with some ministries, and connections with investment banks.

Besides sharing information, we can also act as a bridge in connecting people in our industry.”

What PNS brings to the table While MRCA covers a larger spectrum and PNS specialises in franchising, Dato’ Syed hopes to bring more awareness to MRCA members regarding franchise opportunities: “While MRCA manages to keep members abreast of opportunities locally and overseas, PNS looks at developing franchise businesses where our services include encouraging those with ‘intention’ to turn their

Also in future plans, PNS is developing ways in which it can help franchisors and franchisees acquire business locations: “With many franchises in locations such as shopping malls and increasing rentals every year, businesses end up working for the landlords. PNS is hoping to offer support for location and premises, whereby we plan to acquire buildings and spaces that franchisees can rent directly from us,” he explained.

showcased to go beyond our country’s borders. “We ought to be proud to see Malaysian brands all over the world. And I don’t just mean F&B, as even our other categories of retail franchise have the potential to penetrate foreign markets.”

The main barrier in getting Malaysian businesses to franchise overseas is, in Dato’ Syed’s opinion, a lack of mindset to explore: “We are relatively comfortable in Malaysia, and we are satisfied with what we have. Businesses aren’t too competitive with each other, and too many are satisfied being ‘jaguh kampung’. But what we want is to open their minds to dare to be successful.

Why focus on just the Malaysian population of around 30 million people when there are billions out there? There needs to be desire and will power,” he said.

Using a Malaysian franchise success story as an example, Dato’ Syed comments on how the right attitude can ensure longevity: “There needs to be motivation to go the franchise route – if you have a model for it, then agencies such as PNS can help you do business. Businesses can sometimes disappear with the people who set them up, but with franchising a system and sets of standards are put in place that will ensure its continuity, and it becomes a legacy. Look at people like Dato’ Nelson Kwok [of Malaysian franchise Nelson’s] for example, he has around 800 outlets overseas, and he’s still very active in the scene, attending franchise conferences whenever he can. Visionaries like him can see where the money is, and he wants to leave his trademark.”

Vision of the future If there’s one thing Dato’ Syed seeks to remind others of, it is of what’s to come.

“We have our International Franchise Seminar coming up this year, and currently we are busy preparing ourselves for GST in April 2015, and how we can get our members ready for it while removing the fear of its implementation,” he shared.

knowledge and returns. With a strong structure, a franchise can sustain itself for a long period and can be as successful as foreign brands. Currently, around 55 Malaysian brands have ventured overseas to over 50 countries; with around 1,900 Malaysian businesses out there globally.

And while that’s a good number, it could still be better.”

However, while current affairs help to keep PNS busy, Dato’ Syed is still very much focused on the agency’s main mission: “Franchising is about sharing wealth,

In building more successful homegrown brands, Dato’ Syed hopes that by networking with other organisations, more Malaysian businesses can be

Moving towards Vision 2020, Dato’ Syed is hopeful of seeing a mindset change whereby more business owners consider the country’s growth as part of their motivation: “We have six years to go before our goal of becoming a developed nation; time is running short and those not yet on board have a lot of catching up to do.

I would like to see people put self-interest behind, for 2020 to materialise it won’t be due to the government’s action, as it is us, the citizens who can make it happen.

I truly hope to see more businesses working towards helping the country achieve its vision of a developed nation by the year 2020.” MN

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FOCUS |

Branding

THE BLUE OCEAN GIVES YOUR BUSINESS A HEAD START AHEAD OF YOUR COMPETITION

By Dr. Meysam Safari, SEGi University and Associate Professor Dr. Shaheen Mansori, Berjaya University College of Hospitality

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any businesses are stocked in handling day-to-day work, hoping to make ends meet. Those who are highly capable in managing their businesses are fighting for their share of the market against their similar minded competitors. Only a handful of people try to think out of the box, which is the reason every now and then we hear about a new billionaire making a fortune from a simple, but revolutionary idea. In the US airline industry, competition was as fierce as always in the 1960s and different carriers were fighting for passengers to the teeth. This was the business scenario until 1971 when Southwest Airlines came up with a revolutionary idea in the industry that made them one of the most

reputable leaders in the industry: “Low Cost Carriers”. The fact is it wasn’t because they invented something amazing. So the questions is why didn’t anyone else think of this amazing idea before and how do we come up with mind-blowing ideas like these ourselves?

Creating an uncontested market space, making competition irrelevant Various researchers have tried to answer this question. A few approaches have been developed over the course of time however one of the most popular strategic methods is the Blue Ocean Strategy, developed

by Kim and Mauborgne in 2005. They suggested that there is a systematic way of thinking and approaches towards business competition that may result into developing a competitive advantage over others. Blue Ocean suggests that we need to go back to the basics, and think again.

We need to look at the core values of the products or services that we are offering

to our customers and ask a few simple but fundamentally important questions.

Answers to these questions may lead us to a ground-breaking idea to revolutionize the industry in which we are competing to the best of our ability. However before raising the questions, we need to deeply think about the values, important features and factors that shape our offers.

if customers do not require eating while flying? Or having a luxurious environment when they just want to have a cup of coffee and a nice chat with friends at a decent but comfortable place? In general, we should ask ourselves; what if we eliminate some

Which factors should we eliminate from our offer?

There are always some complementary products or services that were not originally a part of the offer, but over time we (or some of peers in the industry) started to offer them as a part of the package; and now, we assume that it must be there. Due to this assumption, we may try to provide fancy services to our customers which subsequently can increase the amount of money, resources, or time that are spent on them. What if our customers do not need these services? For example, what

If we look into our business process, we may be surprised to know that we are spending a lot on things that do not contribute much to our offer.

BLUE OCEAN ACTIONS FRAMEWORK Strategically Reduce Cost

ELIMINATE Which of the factors that industry takes for granted should be eliminated?

REDUCE Which factors should be reduced well below the industry’s standard?

NEW VALUE CURVE

RAISE Which factors should be raised well above the industries?

CREATE Which factors should be created that the industry has never offered?

Strategically Invest In

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FOCUS |

Branding

of these features that don’t do any good to our customers but which they will have to pay for anyway?

Which factors should we reduce from our offer?

If we look into our business process, we may be surprised to know that we are spending a lot on things that do not contribute much to our offer. To make things worse, our customers do not care, or require, those particular features. They would be equally satisfied with just the product alone, even if we reduce these features. For example, do our customers really need fancy packaging, or would they prefer to receive it in a regular package, but at an affordable price? In the airline industry, budget airlines reduced the comfort features of airline travel to the same level as trains and buses by reducing the leg-space or seat comfort, but at the same time, still offering the same quality of product but at a lower cost to their customers. This strategy converted many non-air travelers to potential customers or simply increased the market size of travelers who opted to pay less and receive the same product.

Which factors should we raise in our offer?

Sometimes we assume that the quality of one particular feature of our offer is to the best and optimum level. However, it may not be the case from the customers’ point of view. In the service and particularly

We need to look at things from the customers’ point of view and find the needs that have never been satisfied before.

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retail industry, some small actions like adding a small option to make our service more convenient may have a crucial impact on customers. In the case of budget airlines they increase the number of direct flights (points of sales) which make their service more accessible to a wider range of customers. In addition, by implementing more frequent periodical maintenance system, they could reduce the number of flight cancelations and delays, raising safety and reliability.

Which factors should we create in our offer?

There is always room for something new in our business, and there are always new things coming to the market. We need to look at things from the customers’ point of view and find the needs that have never been satisfied before. Creating new value for customers does not necessarily always lead to a higher price or perhaps more complications in the business process. Implementation of new approaches such as online booking or usage of e-money can reduce the cost of business on one hand but at the same time create more convenience for customers at the retail stores.

The Only Way to Beat the Competition Is to Stop Trying to Beat the Competition.

Overall, there are many of our competitors who dare to ask the same questions, and some, even find the golden answer. However, not many people dare to go for it, as they are concerned about risks. If all people are like them, we wouldn’t have as much progress as we have today. So, try to think out of the box and always remember that “The Only Way to Beat the Competition Is to Stop Trying to Beat the Competition” (Mauborgne). MN

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Sompoton Spa

A Retreat in the City Megan Tan, Managing Director of Sompoton Spa speaks about her spa business that offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

M

ention the word ‘SPA’ and it brings about feelings of utter bliss for women and even men across all cultures.

The word in Latin is acronym of “salus per aquam” or “health from water.” It is also the name of a small village in Belgium where hot mineral springs were used by soldiers of the Roman Empire to treat aching muscles and wounds from a battle.

For Megan Tan, a spa lover herself, going into the spa business comes as second nature to her. “I love spas and massages and I saw a business potential for it in Malaysia.”

Tan, who hails from Muar, Johor, started her career in the travel industry. “I’m just a small town girl who was shy, but my time in the travel industry as a tour guide helped me come out of my shell.”

She spent nine years as a tour guide for tourists from different countries and different walks of life and that opened her eyes to the world around her. “I handled politicians and even military personnel and a lot of very well to do foreigners. It was through meeting people that I gained my self-confidence.”

Her experience in the travel industry brought to light the lack of spas available in Malaysia for the tourist market. “I went to Bangkok and Bali in 2003 where I spent some time learning all I could about massages and spas.” Getting into a business for the first time wasn’t easy especially with limited funds. She, however, found a business partner and together they opened up a day spa in KL Plaza that today stands as the newly refurbished Fahrenheit. “We had a simple 3,000 square feet of space set up offering quick spa services to tourists.”

Tan’s travel industry connections helped with the business as they tied up with several travel

….I believe that employee satisfaction is very important to ensure loyalty.

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agencies to include spa treatment as part of the travel itinerary while in Kuala Lumpur.

“Business was good, we were busy everyday,” confirms Tan. However, one of the biggest challenges she faced was that manpower was an issue and the turnover of her spa employees were extremely high.

Then, in 2006, Tan decided to take it up a notch and venture into exclusive and luxurious spas by bringing it into urban 4-5 star hotels. It was then that Sompoton Spa was born catering to upmarket tourists, expatriates and locals. “The first Sompoton Spa is located at Istana Hotel,” she says.

Providing unique treatments designed to enhance well-being, Sompoton Spa’s signature massages use traditional Malay techniques as well as a combination of Shiatsu, Swedish and Balinese techniques.

“The name Sompoton is derived from an ethnic Kadazan musical instrument I wanted the spa to have a Malaysian name,” explains Tan. Employees at the Sompoton Spa come from East Malaysia as well as Bali. “Some of our therapists have been with us since day one, I believe that employee satisfaction is very important to ensure loyalty,” she says. As part of their efforts to grow the business even further and elevate the brand, the Sompoton Spa has launched their own brand name while carrying the Organic Spa brand with ESSE ORGANIC SKINCARE AND BODY CARE from South Africa, certified by Ecocert (France) and Vegan International as part of their spa menu.

“The Sompoton Spa brand focuses on quality spa treatments in an exclusive environment.”

The Sompoton Spa has won a few accolades which include the Best Customer Service Award in 2006 and the Best Spa Ambience Award in 2011 by Malaysia’s Spa & Wellness. Currently, Sompoton Spa has six outlets in Kuala Lumpur with a new outlet set to open in One City Skypark.

“Our future plans include franchise expansion overseas,“ Tan shares. Currently, Sompoton Spa is an active participant in MATRADE exhibitions. “Most recently we went with MATRADE to Chengdu, China, and the response for our franchise was very good.” “I am confident that the

The Sompoton Spa brand focuses on quality spa treatments in an exclusive environment. franchise will do well overseas as there is a demand for tropical spa experiences in countries such as China.”

Tan is an active member and Vice President of the Association of Malaysian Spas, as well as a member of the Malaysia Retail Chain Association and Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce. She says that being a member of various associations has helped her build her network and cultivate her business acumen. “I occasionally do some consulting work for entrepreneurs who intend to venture into the spa business.” She also encourages entrepreneurs to look into spas as a business possibility. “It is a business that will bring good returns but my advice to first timers is to try a franchise because it is a safer business model.”

One of the pioneers in the spa industry in Malaysia, Tan’s entrepreneurial journey has been one of vast experience built over the years. However, she says that

the journey is far from over and that she plans on aggressively working on her Sompoton Spa franchise expanding locally and internationally.

Tan says that success comes to those who believe that learning is a lifelong process.

“I’m still learning and I will continue to keep learning in the years to come.”

Please visit www.sompotonspa.com MN

MRCA NEWSLETTER | VOL 2 NO 2

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Self-Development

How far will you go to reach the top?

common in our business environment.

Mountaineering will eventually build selfdiscipline in every participant especially in preparation, planning, doing research and going through the training which is physically and mentally challenging.

Self-development through mountaineering adventures pushes your limits and challenges you to attain success shares Ravichandran Tharumalingam, Mountaineer, Global Expedition Club.

Persevering through the challenges – Mount Kinabalu 3.0 “During the Mount Kinabalu climb, MRCA members will be subjected to extreme and harsh conditions that will test their perseverance and determination,” says Ravi.

“Resources are very limited during extreme

M

ountaineering or mountain climbing is all about facing challenges and perseverance.

It is about putting your hands and feet onto rocks and ice and snow and finally reaching the summit. It’s a sport of attaining, or attempting to attain, high points in mountainous regions, mainly for the pleasure of the climb. No matter where you want to go, the mountains, the woods or the river, you will experience amazement like you’ve never experienced before.

Malaysian Mount Everest Solo Climber and Lead Mountaineer for MRCA’s July climb to reach the Mount Kinabalu summit, Ravichandran Tharumalingam describes hiking as a passion where people explore and face many outdoor challenges that will instill a successful attitude and character that will ultimately help self development, self confidence and team building.

The enhancement of inner perceptual and spiritual life may also be experienced through mountaineering adventures such as nature studies, aesthetic contemplation, meditation, painting, photography, archaeology or historical research, and indigenous culture among others. These activities may also be physically rewarding and may also be pursued for the purposes of finding peace in nature, enjoying life, and relaxing. Mountaineering adventures are also frequently used as a medium in education and teambuilding.

Global Expedition Club’s leadership development through mountaineering is a set of free active learning opportunities focused on 1 - 20 days of outdoor workshops that highlight alternative

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leadership education methodology or specific leadership skills with a minimal time of commitment. The focus here is dedicated to advancing experiential learning. They are committed to helping build effective leadership both in the next generation of managers and throughout the organization today.

Reaching the top and staying there The intensifying competition for resources and demand for high performance are pressing firms to become more flexible, more results focused, and more fastacting. Companies are finding that such initiatives require able leadership, and the challenge for organizations and business schools alike is to help build effective leadership both in the next generation of managers and throughout the organization today. There is an immense need to help the community hone their leadership skills.

Some of the leadership skills that participants will face during mountaineering trips are something

conditions. As such members are trained to be very efficient in managing their resources,” he adds. He explains that many difficulties and challenges will come a mountaineers way therefore problem solving skills will be required and tested through these extreme conditions in very limited time spans.

“I believe that through the journey, members will start to build a positive mind set as we are getting closer to our target,” explains Ravi. He confirms that the feeling of success and accomplishment felt when members have reached the peak will elevate their selfconfidence as well as cultivate a positive mind-set that will help in their daily life and business challenges.

Traveling in a group will give them an opportunity to improve their communication, understanding and teamwork skills.

40 MRCA members will climb Mount Kinabalu for charity from 20-23 July 2014 led by their new President Dato’ Liaw. MN

Franchise

What does it take to be a good Franchise Manager?

Sahar Sahad and Lydia Jominin from Smart Franchise Partner explores the criteria of a good franchise manager.

W

hen a prospective franchisee would like to know more about any particular franchise brand and its offering, the right person that he/ she should be in contact is the franchise manager. When there is any clarification needed on any terms related to the franchise program, an instant image that comes to any prospective franchisees’ mind is surely the franchise manager. It is safe to say that the franchise manager is the face of any franchise brand when it comes to dealing with prospective franchisees.

A franchise manager is someone who act as a liaison for the prospective and the existing franchisees as well.

Below are some general guidelines on criteria of a good franchise manager:

manager have a bachelor’s degree in business management or marketing. Any experience in management, or hands on experience in a related business would be an added advantage. A franchise manager is expected to have good verbal and written communication skills. This is a pre-requisite criteria as he/ she will be in active communication with new franchisees conveying the business strategy, policies, procedures and operations updates. Furthermore, strong leadership skills are also important in managing franchise owners expectations.

Communication skills Communication comes in many forms while speaking and writing using good language and tonality will open up good possibilities. It is wise to select

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those who can speak and write well to sit in a position of a franchise manager.

Being trustworthy and giving accurate information A great salesman will be able to sell a regular pen worth RM2.50 for RM100.00. We definitely do not want that! We pitched ‘sales’ during the presentation of the franchise package, but only selling accurate facts and figures. During the recruitment process, it is important to manage both party’s expectations. Misleading information may lead to misunderstandings and ugly conflicts in a future.

Franchise Knowledge Franchise managers should be someone who knows the franchise philosophy and its best practices in and out. In Malaysia, a decent level of knowledge of the Franchise Act 1998 and its application to a business is crucial for franchise managers. This is to ensure that organizations are being advised and led appropriately by franchise managers during its course running a franchise program.

Unlike other professions, the franchise manager’s position has yet to be a well-known position in the workforce. Nevertheless, the franchise manager cannot be a missing link in any franchise organization. Therefore, picking the right candidate to fill up the post is crucial even before the franchise program is launched. MN

The ability to multitask Franchise Managers organize and plan the franchise division of an organization.

It is the franchise managers’ duties to spearhead franchisees recruitment activities, promote franchise programs, clarify terms and conditions, supervise new selected franchisees, provides training, upkeep information on business policies and procedures as well as monitor franchisees’ progress in the business. In brief, franchise managers are responsible for selecting, recruiting and developing new franchisees for the business. Therefore time management skills are a highly sought after skill.

Possess high business acumen It is recommended that a franchise

MRCA NEWSLETTER | VOL 2 NO 2

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Coffeeland

A Cuppa Of Success Coffeeland leaves coffee lovers craving for more, shares Adli Wong, Managing Director of Coffeeland Sdn Bhd.

W

hat makes a perfect cup of coffee?

“For a coffee lover, the coffee experience is satisfaction in every sip,” says Adli Wong, Managing Director, Coffeeland Sdn Bhd. A perfect cup of coffee, he says, is a combination of the taste and aroma, and the adrenaline that accompanies that perfect brew. Following the popularity of ice blended coffee beverages, Coffeeland’s speciality is their ice-blended premix variety.

However, before conjuring up perfect cups of coffee, Wong experienced some trying times in his early 20s. “I worked and put myself through college and graduated with a marketing degree,” he shares. He began his first marketing job working from his own home at the Imbi Flats and drawing a salary of RM2,000. “I bought a fax machine, delivered the goods and even did the accounts. It was literally a one-man show. But I learnt a lot during this time.”

Having built a foundation on hard work and perseverance, Wong’s business acumen started to stir so he began exploring possibilities in business. He started to explore the ‘hang out’ culture before the

days of Coffee Bean and Starbucks, and saw a potential in a simple ‘good cup of coffee’. “The younger generation then was just starting the culture of liking to be ‘seen’ and to feel good and look good. They were adventurous and of course, they were willing to spend,” he states.

Leveraging on coffee being a lifestyle product, Wong pursued the idea of going into the coffee business. “It all began in 1998 when we created the iced crushed cappuccino that became an instant favourite,” Wong explains. “We knew there was potential to go further and so we continued to develop our range of ice blended beverages.

“Our established brand products include Java Blenz® Ice-Blended Premix, Tropicaland® Real Smoothies, Teazane® range and our new Jacque Trevinci Topping Sauce,” shares Wong. With passion and innovation close to his heart, he opened his flagship coffee store selling his coffee creations. “We called it Coffeeland Café and we ran it for five years from 2000 to 2005.” He believes that his experience, did indeed grow with the business.

“I believe that every business decision and direction we took was guided

by God.”

Soon, Wong became a coffee entrepreneur, and began conducting training on how

to appreciate coffee. Coffeeland, he states, provides a variety of coffee that’s affordable and yet oozes quality in every cup.

By 2007, Coffeeland went full scale into manufacturing ‘Ice-Blended Bevetages.’ The distribution channels were opened and growing fast for both the local and overseas market. “We followed MATRADE on a trade fair to Hong Kong where we secured our first distributor abroad.” Subsequently,

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We have benefitted greatly from MATRADE’s assistance in helping us with our footing abroad.”

and I were just young entrepreneurs but Dato’ Nelson encouraged us by giving us sound advise. It was he that invited us to be a part of MRCA,” he says. As active members of the association, Wong says it has helped to widen their network as well as broaden their business experience.

Wong’s advice to entrepreneurs is that hard work pays off. “Also, the energy that younger people have should be used positively to climb the ladder of success.” He also stresses the importance of humility. “If you are humble, you will find it easier to learn from others.”

Honesty and integrity are two values very close to Wong’s heart. “It’s important for entrepreneurs to keep their companies corruption free. Transparency is very important in business.” He admits it is easier said than done but he believes that encouraging suppliers and customers to have a value system is a good start. they travelled with MATRADE to other shows that took them to Dubai, Singapore and Japan, among others.

“We have benefitted greatly from MATRADE’s assistance in helping us with our footing abroad,” says Wong.

He encourages more entrepreneurs, especially those starting out, to explore what assistance might be available for them from the government to help them grow their business. “The truth is, help is available, but you will need to explore what the government has to offer.”

His partner in the business and at home is his wife Jacqueline Lim whom he fondly refers to as his ‘lady boss’. She has been part of the sweat and tears of Coffeeland. “Together we have achieved more than we ever dreamed we could.”

Apart from their own hard work and dedication, Wong attributes the success of Coffeeland to God. “I believe that every business decision and direction we took was guided by God,” says Wong. A man of immense faith, Wong names MRCA’s immediate past President Dato’ Nelson Kwok as his mentor. “My wife

Currently, Coffeeland supplies its coffee range to over 800 outlets nationwide and exports to various countries in the Asia Pacific region.

“We have, in the pipeline, plans to create a healthy beverage range seeing that people are now becoming more health conscious.”

As far as coffee entrepreneurs go, we can safely say, Wong takes the cake and the cuppa!

Visit us at www.coffeeland.com.my MN

MRCA NEWSLETTER | VOL 2 NO 2

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Managing Knee Pain

By Dr. Edmund Lee, Renonwed Orthotic Consultant in Malaysia

D

id you know your knees are the most easily injured part of the body?

The largest and most complicated joint, the knee is used for everything from standing up, sitting to walking, running, etc. It’s a weight-bearing joint that straightens, bends, twists and rotates. All these motions increases your risk of acute or overused knee injuries.

Acute knee injuries (including torn ligaments and torn cartilage) are often caused by twisting the knee or falling.

Sports that involve running, jumping and sudden stopping and turning, such as soccer, basketball, volleyball, tennis, and baseball, as well as contact sports such as football, wrestling and hockey increase the risk of an acute knee injury. But more common than sudden knee injuries are injuries caused by overuse.

Overusing your knee Knee injuries caused by overuse (including muscle strain, tendonitis and bursitis) may develop gradually over days or weeks.

Pain is often mild and intermittent in the beginning and worsens over time.

When muscles and tendons are stressed even slightly beyond their capabilities, microscopic tears occur. (Inflammation, which is part of the healing process, is what causes the pain). These tears must be given a chance to heal before subjected to the same activity to avoid overuse injury.

Treat overuse injuries early to prevent chronic problems.

Knee pain is commonly caused by doing too much too soon when you haven’t exercised for a long period of time especially high-impact aerobics; walking, running or jumping on hard surfaces or uneven ground; excessive running up and down stairs (When you walk upstairs you are putting pressure on your knees that is equivalent to four times your body weight, when running up the stairs it can be eight times your body weight).

Osteoarthritis Knee osteoarthritis is a common cause of knee pain. The risk increases with age.

Osteoarthritis is a form of arthritis involving degeneration of the cartilage. Exercise is vital to maintain strength and flexibility of muscles supporting the knee, which reduces the stress on the knee joint.

The runner’s knee Runners knee (also called patellofemoral pain or anterior knee pain) is a common cause of knee pain in young people (not just in runners). The pain is usually diffused pain behind the kneecap. Symptoms often worsen after climbing stairs, jumping, running, or after a period of sitting. Caused by poor tracking of the kneecap, appropriate exercises

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prescribed by a doctor or physical therapist is the main treatment in correcting runners knee. Stay away from high-impact activity if you have this condition.

Managing knee pain Prevent knee pain by keeping the muscles that support your knees strong and flexible.

Start out slowly. Walk before you run - before you engage in strenuous high impact activity such as jogging or running, try walking for a week. If walking causes knee pain, you shouldn’t be running. Warm up before working out. Give your body a chance to recover from exercise. If you do high impact activities take every other day off. Avoid running up and down stairs and full squats.

Doing knee exercises to strengthen and stretch the muscles that support the knee are vital for knee pain and injury prevention.

Proper footwear & Orthotic Insoles is also important, especially if walking or running on hard surfaces. Keep your weight under control. Reducing one’s weight reduces stress upon the knee.

Most knee pain is treated conservatively such as Knee Braces, but there are situations in which surgery is required. Athletes are at an elevated risk for sudden injuries that may require surgery, such as torn ligaments in the center of the knee or certain types of fractures. People with advanced knee osteoarthritis may need knee replacement surgery if they are severely limited in day-today activities because of their condition. This is optional surgery and is a last resort.

Most knee conditions respond to a combination of non-invasive treatments such as applying heat or cold, temporarily restraining from activities that aggravate pain, and medications that target pain and inflammation. Exercises to strengthen the muscles that support the knee help reduce stress on the knee joint and prevent re-injury.

Cheras

No.13, Jalan Midah Timur, Taman Midah, Cheras, 56000 Kuala Lumpur T: 03-9131 4988 F: 03-9133 8955 Petaling Jaya

A-G-7, Block Allamanda, 10 Boulevard, PJU 6A, Lebuhraya Sprint, 47400, Petaling Jaya, Selangor T: 03-7727 9989 F: 03-7727 7989 Kota Kinabalu

Lot 8, Ground Floor, Block G, Lintas Jaya, Uptownship Jalan Lintas Kepayan, 88200 Kota Kinabalu T: 088 727 131

NEW MEMBERS |

ADT Services

Keeping retailers Safe and Sound Share your brand’s inception and growth In 1985 we began as Sensormatic Malaysia Sdn Bhd supporting retailers in Malaysia with anti-theft solutions. Acquired by Tyco in 1992, we’re a global security solutions company and today positioned as one of the key strategic brands serving the retail vertical globally. Aside from improvement in Sensormatic products, our TrueVUE solution has started implementations in Malaysia for the Traffic Intelligence feature. This allows retailers to have better visibility on their store conversion rates and using data points to make better marketing and staffing decisions. We’re a one-stop shop that offers two major categories of solutions – electronics article surveillance (EAS), video surveillance, access control, burglar alarm for Security & Loss Prevention; and traffic intelligence, inventory intelligence applications for Store Performance.

What is your current presence in Malaysia?

Apart from our headquarters in Kuala

NEW MEMBERS |

Lumpur we have a presence in all 13 states across west and east Malaysia, Our solutions are deployed by major retailers in Malaysia – helping thousands of stores in their loss prevention initiatives. Sensormatic’s comprehensive tagging solution is able to protect merchandise in wide ranges of retail formats such as luxury, fashion, department stores, hypermarket, electronics, health & beauty, bookshop, etc.

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

Providing good post-sales support to our retail customers is key priority. All customers would benefit from a 3-pronged approach: 1. All customers would receive a Welcome Kit that contains useful and vital information on how to get maximum benefit from the Tyco Retail solution.

2. Onsite training will be conducted on product features and also include customer engagement skills.

3. Integration with customer’s Standard Operating Procedures to ensure seamless efficiency of retail operations.

We also offer a different Service Level Agreements (SLA) and product warranty to give Tyco customers complete peace of mind.

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

Our Security and Loss Prevention solutions will continue to help retailers minimise shrink for better bottom-line. Omni-channel retailing is a big trend and in order to achieve that, retailers need to have high inventory accuracy and integration across their various channels. Sharing global practices while “localizing” the solutions to meet the different needs of retailers in Malaysia means Tyco remains committed to being Malaysia‘s trusted retail solutions provider, delivering proven services and building long term relationships with the industry. MN

Brew & Bread

A Brewing Success roasting facility is in the development stage and soon we will be offering a wide range of specialty grade coffees from all well-known coffee producing countries.

Skills, Brewing, Grinding, to Roasting. Our founder was appointed to participate in Food &Hospitality Asia 2014 Barista Competition as a Sensory Judge. We also provide adequate training for our employees from the bottom up and a full range of support is available.

We discovered that the lifestyle of having coffee and sandwich is a common daily pleasure and is treated as a proper meal in the Western culture but not seen in Malaysia, hence we wanted to bring this culinary enjoyment to the mother land.

What is your current presence in Malaysia?

We are currently running two outlets as of May 2014. We’re looking at another flagship outlet featuring a complete brewing showcase and a bakery gallery.

So far we have been featured on various main stream media and social media such as food & lifestyle blogs.

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

The specialty coffee market is growing at an exponential rate. In the pipeline we are establishing a full spectrum of roasting facilities. We are vying to be the pioneer provider of specialty coffee to cater for the growing demand by cafes and restaurants in Malaysia. MN

We started off as a specialty coffee bar in 2011. Having steered through the hardship when specialty coffee wasn’t widely accepted we are now recognized for serving quality specialty grade coffees. Our

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

Our management possesses professional certifications from the Specialty Coffee Association of Europe ranging from Barista

Share your brand’s inception and growth Brew & Bread is definitely the place for COFFEE LOVERS! We are coffee enthusiasts and fine food lovers dedicated to promoting a Coffee and Sandwich culture to our fellow Malaysians.

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 Customer Careline: 016 2112 119

NEW MEMBERS |

CLEVER

The CLEVER choice in education Share your brand’s inception and growth CLEVER Learning Programme (CLEVER) is owned by ATC Education Group (Alliance Titans Corporation Sdn Bhd). We offer an array of quality educational programmes and services to serve students of different age groups and with different needs. Our services range from pre-school education, primary and secondary tutoring classes, creative and critical mind training under several well recognised brands, namely “CLEVER Learning Programme”, “JuMeng Academy” and “Dakids Mandarin Programme”. Founded and established in 2006, we are a professional learning centre staffed with competent trained tutors with well-designed training programmes. Our motto “The Right Education, In The Right Hands” has been our philosophy toward excellency in education. Our objective is to provide a comfortable and ideal environment to enhance the enthusiasm and interest of

NEW MEMBERS |

the students in their study and personal growth through education.

What is your current presence in Malaysia?

With the exclusive systematic training programmes, coupled with our professionalism and philosophy, CLEVER has expanded its centres rapidly in the recent years. Currently, we have 10 centres with more than a thousand students in Klang Valley and many more to come. CLEVER has been a trusted brand and students as well as parents have contributed to the rapid growth of our group with the present flagship.

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

We provide comprehensive in-house training. Besides teaching techniques, the management flow system and most importantly in the area of our culture in education which forms an integral role

DF Pharmacy

The HEALTHY business Share your brand’s inception and growth Kedai Ubat Dong Foong was founded in 1978 with the aim of being a ONESTOP Traditional Chinese Medicine provider which would help our customers achieve optimal health and well being. In 2001, DF Pharmacy was founded to provide customers with the highest level of customer service and care. DF Dietetics Division was established in 2013 to further broaden our founder’s vision to empower the community in managing their health.

What is your current presence in Malaysia?

Our headquarters is in Kajang and we have two new branches opening in the second half of 2014. These two branches are designed as concept stores to showcase our founder’s vision in ‘Delivering Health’.

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

As part of DF corporate social responsibility, we firmly believe in nurturing talented young professionals for the future of Pharmacy, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Dietetics profession. We have a good track record of providing internship opportunities to pharmacy, dietetics and nutrition students. In addition, we have established a structured and free ‘Fresh Graduate Training Program’ for Nutrition and Dietetics fresh graduates.

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

We foresee ourselves to be a key player in Malaysia’s healthcare industry providing a holistic approach to health. MN

in building our outstanding brand in the education industry.

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

CLEVER will continue our professionalism and philosophy in promoting quality training programmes with our branding for the benefits of our students as a whole for now and years ahead. We foresee a bright future for our group, besides our expansion of our flagship in the Klang Valley and other parts of the country in the next 5 years, ATC Education Group is planning to explore a larger scale in the arena of the education industry such as the publication of teaching materials, audio visual teaching aids, children learning disorder program, on-line learning and other related fields. MN

www.clever.com.my

Food Artists

Spreading happiness

great training and marketing support by the company, the franchisee entrepreneur skills will definitely be upgraded.

through good food

Share your brand’s inception and growth Incorporated on 12 April 2010, Food Artists (M) Sdn Bhd focuses on manufacturing happiness via art and science for the greater good of mankind. Our famous ‘Burger Bakar Abang Burn’ business started with the first outlet at Dagang Avenue foodcourt, Ampang on 26 February 2012. The success of the Ampang outlet was phenomenal and became an instant sensation.

Four months later, the second outlet started its operation at Ramal Junction food court, Kajang and within 4 months of operations the investment was regained.

What is your current presence in Malaysia?

We own several prominent food brands in Malaysia. Apart from the 21 outlets of ‘Burger Bakar Abang Burn’, FASB also owns a successful steak house joint, the

| NEW MEMBERS

‘Toowoomba Deli & Meats’ in Setapak.

‘Burger Bakar Abang Burn’ serves “delicious, big and worthy” burgers while ‘Toowoomba Deli & Meats’ focuses more on delivering “happy steaks to make your heart smile”.

Apart from that, we also have a new business called, “Pop-a-corn”. The brand specializes in unique gourmet popcorn with a view to “create new beautiful memories”.

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

Food Artists (M) Sdn Bhd takes pride on our purpose of manufacturing happiness, through art and science for the greater good of mankind. Therefore, it is necessary to attend a training session whenever a new franchisee signs up. FASB also provides major marketing support through our Facebook Fanpage (nearly 527,000 likes) and other great marketing channels and activities. With

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

In the next 5 years, we plan on spreading happiness through all of the brands for all Malaysians. Apart from spreading happiness through business and making people succeed in their entrepreneurship, FASB will also focus on touching a person’s heart and at the same time, being a part of their lives filled with happy memories. FASB’s determination to touch people’s hearts is evident by their active charity programs making it part of the FASB DNA. MN

Zeal Systems

| NEW MEMBERS

Your Total POS Solutions Share your brand’s inception and growth Zeal Systems (M) Sdn Bhd was first established in February 2003 and has grown from a distribution entity to a one -stop complete solution centre in the past 10 years.

Today it is one of the top solution providers for the retail industry.

In 2009, myZSM Sdn Bhd was incorporated to provide the relevant support and services to Zeal Systems (M) Sdn Bhd. This is the Smart Contact Centre which offers Project Implementation resources as well as remote and field support coverage. The overall

business volumes at Zeal Systems (M) Sdn Bhd has grown to a level where there is now a need to have an extended “arm” specializing in providing such field services and support.

What is your current presence in Malaysia?

With more than 10,000 installation bases nationwide, and a strong network of business partners, we have the capability to cover a wide variety of clients, from SMEs to mediumsized chains and onto some large public listed organizations as well. Our business provides the platform upon which they can operate comfortably and we are able to adapt quickly to their ever-changing needs in the pace of the market.

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

We have a long term strategy to be the “Most Preferred ESP (Enterprise Solutions Provider)”. We are geared to be THE ONE-

STOP centre that provides the widest range of POS Solutions, from service support to solutions consulting, including the development of integrated strategic business partnerships.

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

We envision positioning our brand as a representative icon for entrepreneurial success, a symbolic recognition where many other aspiring businesses would be attracted to be our partners. We believe we can be and will be, a brand that extends a credible business affiliation potential and a “Windowof-Opportunity” for our existing as well as prospective clients and offer a promise that there is at the end of the day, a value in their partnerships with Zeal Systems (M) Sdn Bhd. Currently only in Malaysia and Singapore, we are ready to spread our wings to the other economies in Southeast Asia and beyond. MN

MRCA NEWSLETTER | VOL 2 NO 2

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GALLERY |

Branding Education Charity Foundation

The Branding Education Charity Foundation Rewards Hard Work

C

lose to the heart of all MRCA members is the Branding Education Charity Foundation that awards members’ children on a job well done for their UPSR, PMR, SPM and STPM results. On the 20 March 2014, during MRCA’s 17 AGM, students who performed exceptionally for their UPSR and PMR examinations were present to collect their award cheques that were awarded to them by Dato’ Tay Sim Kim, Past President and founder of the Branding Education Charity Foundation. MRCA and all its members would like to take this opportunity to congratulate these students on a job well done while wishing them continued success in their educational endeavours.

Charity and giving back to society is part of MRCA’s mission to make a difference in Malaysian society. Other activities that have been carried out under this foundation include visits to orphanages, old folks home as well as bringing cheer to the needy during the festive period with donations in cash and kind.

The objectives of the MRCA Branding Education Charity Foundation are:• To receive and administer funds for medical, education and charitable purposes.

• To provide medical and surgical facilities and services.

• To organize, carry out and support schemes for the relief of human suffering and treatment of sickness and diseases.

• To assist, aid and give relief and to render financial assistance to the poor, distress and needy.

• To provide education assistance to the needy and the most deserving students. MN

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VOL 2 NO 2 | MRCA NEWSLETTER

UPSR 2013 Company

No

MRCA Member

Relationship

Applicant Name

1

Bonia Corporation Berhad

Lim Eng Boh

Father

Ms Lim Zhi Ying

Result 7A

2

Tashima Development Sdn Bhd

Goh Kim Yong

Father

Ms Goh Hui Pin

6A 1B

3

City-Link Express (M) Sdn Bhd

Thilagavathy a/p Raju

Mother

Ms Lashiny a/p Thamarai Selvan

7A

4

City-Link Express (M) Sdn Bhd

Hung Nyok Hwa

Mother

Ms Koo Jia En

6A 1B

5

City-Link Express (M) Sdn Bhd

Soo Wey Lin

Mother

Ms Goh Shu Qing

5A 2B

6

Clara International Beauty Group

Woo Wee Kang

Father

Mr Woo Jian Jin

6A 1B

7

Coffeeland Sdn Bhd

Chuah Bee Leng

Mother

Mr Lim Qing Ren

6A 1B

8

Fella Design Sdn Bhd

Tanggaraju A/L Renganathan

Father

Ms Sakthy Linggeswari

5A 1B 1C

9

PCQ Hair & Beauty Products Sdn Bhd

Velu A/L Nadarajan

Father

Ms Monisha A/P Velu

5A 2B

10 SEG International Bhd

Hew Ling Sze

Mother

Mr Dexter Woo Teng Koon

7A

11 SEGI College KL

Fazilah Binti Mohamed

Mother

Mr Ridwan bin Muhammad Shah Khuzar 5A

12 SEGi Holdings Sdn Bhd

Lee Siew Peng

Mother

Mr Wong De Lorn

6A 1C

13 Sunsuria Development Sdn Bhd

Rosnani Binti Hasan

Mother

Nor Nazirah Afiqah

5A

14 Vern's Holding Sdn Bhd

Ng Chuan Hoo

Father

Ms Yvern Ng Ee Vern

5A 1B 1C

PMR 2013 Company

MRCA Member

Company No 1 Bonia Corporation Berhad

MRCA Lee Swee Heng Member

No

Applicant Name

Result

Relationship Ms CarmenApplicant Name Father Lee Jia Wen

Relationship

Result 7A

2

Bonia Corporation Berhad

Lee Yee Mun

Mother

Mr Ma Zhung Khoon

7A 1B

3

City-Link Express (M) Sdn Bhd

Cindy Lau May Ih

Mother

Ms Marissa Chong Shu Min

7A 1B 8A

4

Clara International Beauty Group Sdn Bhd Chong Tsuey Yoong

Mother

Mr Wong Khai Jian

5

De' Western Rangers Sdn Bhd

Kok Fong Siew

Mother

Ms Lee Ghai Xin

8A

6

Fella Design Sdn Bhd

Ruby Lai Seow Mei

Mother

Ms Pearl Loong Wei Xian

8A

7

Golden Scoop Sdn Bhd

Nor Hisham bin Abdul Rahim

Father

Ms Nurul Syahirah Binti Nor Hisham

8A

8

Hai-O Raya Bhd

Yeoh Ah Booi

Mother

Ms Ong Lay Xuan

7A 1B

9

Malaysian Healthcare Sdn Bhd

Ching Jia Wei

Father

Ms Carmen Ching Hui Yee

7A 1B

10 Ninetology Marketing Sdn Bhd

Ramanathan A/L Letchumanan

Father

Ms Ghayathri A/P Ramanathan

8A

11 Ninetology Marketing Sdn Bhd

Ng Siew Yuea

Mother

Ms Gan Yi En

8A

12 PCQ Hair & Beauty Products Sdn Bhd

Chan Mei Wan

Mother

Mr Chen Yu Xiang

7A

13 SEGi College KL

Antoney Cross A/L Aloysius Cross Father

Mr Nigel Ian Cross

7A

14 SEGi University

Gan Mee Hong

Mother

Ms Jillian Chiam Shen Lin

7A

15 SEGi University

Chen Lai Fun

Mother

Ms Leong Kah Kei

8A

16 SEGi University

Nurhayati Yeoh Abdullah

Mother

Mr Muhammad Hafizuddin bin Mahdir

8A

17 Shins Corporation Sdn Bhd

Teh Yu Gen

Mother

Mr Hui Zhi Yan

8A

18 Sunrider International (M) Sdn Bhd

Jerry Lim Lian Sek

Father

Ms Krystle Lim Mae Kuan

7A

19 Tangible Aim Sdn Bhd

RickyThye Kok Lam

Father

Mr Thye Ze Yu

7A 1B

Johor Study Tour

| GALLERY

Study Tour Down South As one of his first activities as the new President, Dato’ Liaw led a group of MRCA members on a study tour to Johor from the 22 – 23 May 2014.

P

articipating members gathered at Sky Park, One City early on 22 May 2014 to begin their study tour to Johor. The first stop on the way to Johor was The Shore at Melaka River. In Johor, members made various site visits which included Country Garden at Danga Bay, Marrybrown Headquarters and Eco World Developer. Apart from fostering a closer relationship between MRCA members, study tours are part of MRCA’s range of activities offered to their members to expand their business network and explore possibilities. MN

MRCA NEWSLETTER | VOL 2 NO 2

41

GALLERY |

Guinness Awards

RETAIL CHAIN GIANTS WIN BIG AT THE MALAYSIAN GUINNESS WORLD BOOK OF RECORDS

MRCA members proudly bag a series of awards from the Guinness World Book Of Records ceremony held on the 30 April 2014 at One World Hotel, Petaling Jaya.

COMPANY

T

he Prime Minister, Yang Amat Berhormat Dato’ Sri Mohammad Najib Abdul Razak presented MRCA members with a series of awards at the Guinness World Book of Records Awards ceremony under the retail chain category. MRCA members are made up of the movers and shakers of the retail industry in Malaysia and are brand owners of some of the most popular and well-known brands in the country.

And the winners are:

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VOL 2 NO 2 | MRCA NEWSLETTER

RECORD TITLE

1

7-Eleven Malaysia Sdn Bhd

Largest Convenience Chain Store

2

Bonia Corporation Bhd

Largest Leather Store Chain

3

Clara International

Largest Beauty Centre

4

Fitness Concept Specialist Chain Sdn Bhd

Largest Fitness Specialist Chain Store

5

Focus Point Holdings Berhad

Largest Optical Chain Store

6

Golden Scoop Sdn Bhd

Largest Ice Cream Speciality Chain Store

7

King’s Confectionery Sdn Bhd

Largest Confectionery Chain Store

8

Kopitiam Asia Pacific Sdn Bhd

Largest Kopitiam Chain

9

Modern Mum Sdn Bhd

Largest Maternity Boutique Chain

10

Nelson’s Franchise (M) Sdn Bhd

Largest Corn In A Cup Franchise Outlet

11

OSIM (M) Sdn Bhd

Largest Healthcheck & Care Equipment Chain

12

Pets More Sdn Bhd

Largest Pets Chain Store

13

Poh Kong Holdings Berhad

Largest Jewellery Retail Chain

14

Popular Book Co (M) Sdn Bhd

Largest Bookstore Chain

15

Secret Recipe Cakes & Café Sdn Bhd

Largest Café Chain

16

Senheng Electric (KL) Sdn Bhd

Largest Electrical Outlet Chain

17

Sinma Jewellery Centre Sdn Bhd

Largest Costume Jewellery Retail Chain

18

Sushi Kin Sdn Bhd

Largest Sushi Restaurant Chain

19

Thai Odyssey Sdn Bhd

Largest Thai Spa Operator

20

Urban Idea Sdn Bhd

Largest Sandwich Chain

21

Chatime

Largest Pearl Milk Tea Beverage Chain

22

BMS Organic

Largest Organic Retail Chain

23

Eu Yan Sang Sdn Bhd

Largest Herbs & Healthcare Retail Chain

Congratulatory Message

| GALLERY

MRCA MEMBERS RECEIVE HONOURS Congratulations to MRCA members Dato’ Law Ban Seng and Dato’ Loh Yuen Tuck.

D

ato’ Law Ban Seng, Group Managing Director of LBS Logistics Sdn Bhd has been conferred the Darjah Indera Mahkota Pahang ( D I M P ) which carries the title Dato’ during the Istiadat Pengurniaan Darjah Darjah Kebesaran Negeri Pahang, 1 May 2014 by Duli Yang Maha Mulia Sultan Pahang​.

Dato’ Loh Yuen Tuck, Managing Director of eTRS GTF SYSTEMS has been conferred the Darjah Indera Mahkota Pahang ( D I M P ) which carries the title Dato’ at the Istana Pahang Kuala Lumpur in conjunction with the Sultan’s 40 years reign on 20 May 2014 by Duli Yang Maha Mulia Sultan Pahang​. MN Dato’ Law Ban Seng

Dato’ Loh Yuen Tuck

LOOKING FOR A NEW INVESTOR FOR PROFITABLE FRANCHISE OUTLET

MRCA NEWSLETTER | VOL 2 NO 2

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GALLERY |

Healthy Feet & Health Solutions Carnival

HAPPY FEET! Healthy Feet and Health Solutions Carnival was held on the 30 May – 1 June in conjunction with World Foot Awareness month.

O

ur feet take us everywhere we want to go, but do you know that they are one of the most neglected parts of our body?

Optimum foot health is more important than many of us think.

The Healthy Feet & Health Solutions Carnival In Conjunction World Foot Health Awareness Month took place from 30 May to 1 June 2014 targeted to educate people not only about the importance of healthy feet but general health as a whole. With activities for all ages and walks of life, it was a fun filled three-day event which educated and entertained all at the same time.

The two day event featured a Healthy Feet Talk by The Director of MyORTHO Dr. Edmund Lee and Chui Ling where they touched on everything you need to know about foot care. The public were educated on what it takes to keep your feet healthy.

The audience was also given an insight as to how foot problems may lead to knee and back pain as well as how to choose the right orthotics for your child.

The public were treated to demos and free tests carried out by Focus Point, Zell-V, Dr. Kong, Seaways Bamboo Salt and a free foot screening session from MyORTHO. Apart from that, the crowd was entertained by a Zumba Fitness Dance Performance, Cooking Demo and health talk. There were also fun contests and activities for the children. The event was a wholesome combination of a family day out and cash donations were made to the Tiratana Orphanage Charity to encourage charitable values among those present.

The public enjoyed a fun filled carnival and some even went home with vouchers and lucky draw prizes. MN

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VOL 2 NO 2 | MRCA NEWSLETTER

Installation Ball

| GALLERY

Thank you Dato’ Nelson, Congratulations Dato’ Liaw The 2014 Installation Ball was held at the Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur on 17 April 2014.

I

t was an emotional night as MRCA members bid adieu to their outgoing President Dato’ Nelson Kwok and gave their incoming President Dato’ Liaw Choon Liang a warm and exciting welcome into office. The celebration was held on 17 April 2014 where 19 newly elected council members were sworn in during a grand celebration at The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur. The Guest of Honour for the night was YB Dato’ Sri Hasan Bin Malek, the Minister of Domestic Trade, Cooperative and Consumerism.

1

In his inaugural speech to MRCA members, Dato’ Liaw stressed the importance of keeping ahead of their competitors. “We, as

2

retailers, cannot just catch up. We need to be ahead, we need to be ready. With the theme of “Keeping an eye on the future”, we can all do what it takes to make the retail industry vibrant, exciting and profitable so that MRCA can be taken to the next level,” he said. Dato’ Liaw is also the President / CEO of Focus Point Holdings Berhad, one of the leading optometry outlets in Malaysia.

YB Dato’ Sri Hasan Bin Malek said in his speech, “The retail business is a key part of the modern Malaysian economy, and an integral part of our country’s economic future through mutual support and working hand in hand, I believe that this

MRCA NEWSLETTER | VOL 2 NO 2

45

GALLERY |

Installation Ball

3

4

7 5

will guarantee the growth and success of the retail industry even further. For this reason, I am glad for the establishment of MRCA.” A night filled with music and good food, it was indeed a grand send-off for the former committee members and a rousing welcome for the new office bearers for 2014 - 2016. MRCA is all set to reach even greater heights under Dato’ Liaw’s Presidency while keeping an eye on the future. MN 1.

From Left: MRCA Immediate Past President Dato’ Nelson Kwok & MRCA President Dato’ CL Liaw.

2.

Sitting From Left: MRCA Life Time Honorary President Dato’ Tay Sim Kim, Datuk Albert Chiang, MRCA founder Dato’ Eddie Choon, MRCA President Dato’ CL Liaw, Guest of honor YB Dato’ Sri Hasan Bin Malek, Malaysian Minister of Domestic Trade, Cooperative and Consumerism, MRCA Immediate Past President Dato’ Nelson Kwok, MRCA Board of advisor YB Tan Sri Barry Goh, MRCA Deputy President Ms. Valerie Choo, MRCA Life Time Honorary President Mr. Lee Hwa Cheng & MRCA Vice President Mr. SY Cheah.

Standing From Left: MRCA Vice President Dato’ Garry Chua, MRCA Council Member Dato’ Syed Kamarulzaman, Mr. Brian Tham, MRCA Treasurer Datuk Henry Yip, MRCA Council Member Mr. Ricky Thye, Dr. Edmund Lee, Mr. Seak Thean Pow, MRCA

6

46

Secretary General Ms. Shirley Tay, MRCA

VOL 2 NO 2 | MRCA NEWSLETTER

8

Deputy Secretary General Dato’ Bruce Lim, MRCA Council Member

of Domestic Trade, Cooperative and

9

Consumerism and MRCA Immediate

Ms. Grace Chia, Ms. Choi Wei Yee,

Past President Dato’ Nelson Kwok.

MRCA Vice President Dato’ Dr. KK Chai,

3.

Manjit Singh, MRCA Council Member Mr.

Cheong, Mr. Liew Bin & Dr. Afendi.

Ricky Thye, MRCA Treasurer Datuk Henry

From Left: MRCA Life Time Honorary

Yip, MRCA Council Member Mr. Ching Kok

President Dato’ Tay Sim Kim, MRCA

Cheong, MRCA Vice President Dato’ Garry

Goh, MRCA President Dato’ CL Liaw, YB Dato’ Sri Hasan Bin Malek, Malaysian

Chua, MRCA Deputy President Ms. Valerie

10

Choo, MRCA Life Time Honorary President Dato’ Tay Sim Kim, MRCA Founder

Minister of Domestic Trade, Cooperative

President Dato’ Eddie Choon, MRCA

and Consumerism, MRCA Immediate

President’s Advisor Dato’ Dr Jennifer Low,

Past President Dato’ Nelson Kwok, Datin

MRCA President Advisor Dato’ Sri Low Jee

Caro Ooi, MRCA Life Time Honorary

Keong, MRCA President Dato’ CL Liaw,

President Datuk Albert Chiang & MRCA

YB Dato’ Sri Hasan Bin Malek, Malaysian

Life Time Honorary President

Minister of Domestic Trade, Cooperative

Mr. Lee Hwa Cheng.

and Consumerism, MRCA Board of

From Left: MRCA Life Time Honorary

advisor YB Tan Sri Barry Goh, and MRCA

President Dato’ Tay Sim Kim, Datin

Immediate Past President Dato’ Nelson

Joyce Goh, MRCA founder Dato’ Eddie

Kwok, MRCA Life Time Honorary President

Choon, MRCA President Dato CL Liaw,

Datuk Albert Chiang, MRCA Life Time

YB Dato’Sri Hasan Bin Malek, Malaysian

Honorary President Mr. Lee Hwa Cheng,

Minister of Domestic Trade, Cooperative

MRCA Vice President Mr. SY Cheah,

and Consumerism, MRCA Immediate

MRCA Vice President Dato’ Dr. KK Chai,

Past President Dato’ Nelson Kwok, Datin

MRCA Secretary General Ms. Shirley Tay,

Caro Ooi, MRCA Life Time Honorary President Datuk Albert Chiang & MRCA Life Time Honorary President From Left: MRCA Deputy Secretary General, Dato’ Bruce Lim, MRCA Board of advisor YB Tan Sri Barry Goh, YB Dato’ Sri Hasan Bin Malek, Malaysian Minister of Domestic Trade, Cooperative and Consumerism, MRCA Immediate Past President Dato’ Nelson Kwok &

MRCA Deputy Secretary General Dato’

11

Mr. Lee Hwa Cheng.

5.

From Left: MRCA Legal Advisor Dato’

MRCA Council Member Mr. Ching Kok

founder Dato’ Eddie Choon, Datin Joyce

4.

8.

Bruce Lim, MRCA Council Member Mr. Seak Thean Pow, Ms. Choi Wei Yee, Mr. Brian Tham, Dr. Afendi, Ms. Grace

MRCA President Dato’ CL Liaw.

6.

VVIP & VIP of the night.

7.

From Left: Guest, MRCA Life Time Honorary President Datuk Albert Chiang, MRCA Members Mr. Andy Goh, MRCA Board of advisor YB Tan Sri Barry Goh, YB Dato’ Sri Hasan Bin Malek, Malaysian Minister

Chia, Dr. Edmund Lee & Mr. Liew Bin. 9.

YB Dato’ Sri Hasan Bin Malek, Malaysian Minister of Domestic Trade, Cooperative and Consumerism.

10. MRCA President Dato’ CL Liaw.

11. MRCA Immediate Past President Dato’ Nelson Kwok.

MRCA NEWSLETTER | VOL 2 NO 2

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LAUNCHPAD |

GST

Let's stay ahead of GST Retailers want to know all they can about the GST before it goes into implementation on 1 April 2015, YYC Consultant is at hand to help.

M

alaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak announced on 25 October 2013 that Malaysia is ready to introduce the Goods and Services Tax (GST) at six percent on 1 April 2015. On 7 April 2014, the GST Bill 2014 was passed in the Dewan Rakyat.

What is GST? Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a multistage consumption tax on goods and services whereby each point of supply in a production chain is potentially taxable up to the retail stage of distribution. At the same time suppliers are entitled to refunds of GST incurred on business inputs. The basic fundamental of GST Malaysia is its self-policing features which allow the businesses to claim their Input tax credit by way of automatic deduction in their accounting system.There are a lot of changes by implementing GST and these changes will have an immense impact especially on businesses. Just to name a few major challenges that business companies will face if they are not ready for GST. • •

48

Does your staff know how to offset input tax against output tax?

Are you aware of the heavy penalties and fines for late filing, late submission and mistakes made in preparing GST returns?

VOL 2 NO 2 | MRCA NEWSLETTER

•

•

•

What are the effects of your existing contracts when GST is implemented?

Does your company have sufficient cash flow when GST is implemented?

Does your staff know what transactions are subject to GST and how to raise a tax invoice?

With the GST registration already starting on 1 June 2014 and a rather brief lead start that business companies still have, you will need to act fast and wise to take the vital steps to ensure your company is GST compliant by 1 April 2015.

The GST seminar was held at the MRCA Secretariat on 24 April 2014 from 9am.

With over 40 years of experience in accounting and being the few accounting companies in town that have experience on the GST, YYC will guide you to stay ahead by mastering the ins and outs in order for a smooth transition into GST. At YYC GST Consultant, we had specially designed a

6 month course that includes 6 modules, to help you get geared up.

Malaysia is all ready to go full on GST on 1 April 2015; the question now is, are you?

YYC GST Consultant is always here to serve. For more information on any GST related matters, you are very much welcome to contact our marketing manager Ms. Hycintha at 016 - 2201963 or Ms. Gwen at 012 - 2469988. MN

Managing People In The Retail Industry

| LAUNCHPAD

How to make good people stay put!

Managing people in the retail industry seminar was held on the 21 May 2014.

H

eld on the 21 May 2014 and attended by 40 MRCA members, this workshop ‘Managing People In The Retail Industry’ dealt with one of the most biggest challenges of the retail industry – your human resource. The speaker Mr Lim Siew Loon took members through the art of trying to reduce employee turnover which was and is a common problem in the retailing industry. Mr Lim explains that some retailers are facing a turnover rate exceeding 30 per cent per year making it an incredibly “expensive” affair. The workshop successfully covered some basic strategies to reduce this problem. Based on applicable motivation theories, Mr Lim

specifically applied the Alderfer’s concept of motivation which stresses on “Existence, Relateness and Growth”. Upon completion of the workshop, members who attended understood the importance of providing their employees a sense of belonging to the company and also opportunities to advance in their career. MN

Leadership Seminar

| LAUNCHPAD

Grooming good leaders The leadership seminar for human resources was held at the MRCA secretariat on 9 April 2014.

O

n the 9 April 2014, over 50 MRCA members attended a leadership seminar for human resources at the MRCA Secretariat from 9.00am – 5.30pm.

Participants were briefed on how to groom good leaders from their outlook to retaining good talent. The list of speakers that day were experienced industry specialist : Dato’ Michael Wong who spoke about Talent Retention, Ms Evelyn Ching who touched on grooming your brand and frontliners,

Dato’ Lawrence Chan on the importance and benefits of training your people and Dato’ Bruce Lee spoke about the role of MRCA as a sectoral training committee in developing training programmes.

Members who participated benefited greatly from the seminar which covered a wide range of topics on human resource issues and as well as advancement. Human resources is one of the biggest challenges facing Malaysian retailers today. MN

MRCA NEWSLETTER | VOL 2 NO 2

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FOR THE RECORD |

May Meeting

networking in May

T

he first monthly meeting under the new Presidency of Dato’ Liaw was held at the MRCA Secretariat on 15 May 2014 at 4pm. In his welcoming speech, Dato’ Liaw welcomed all members and thanked them for their attendance at the installation ball at the Majestic Hotel on 17 April 2014. He encouraged the sentiment of being one big MRCA family, a family that shared knowledge and experience and looked out for one another. He encouraged all members to strive and keep their eye on

FOR THE RECORD |

the future, staying true to his theme for his presidency.

He also briefed members on the upcoming MRCA CEO Night 2014 which will be held in July at the Grand Ballroom, Sunway Resort Hotel & SPA. Dato’ Liaw was pleased to announce that the prestigious keynote speaker would be Tan Sri Dr. Jeffrey Cheah, Founder & Chairman of Sunway Group. The meeting ended with dinner and networking among members. MN

June Meeting

members come together in June

M

RCA members got together on the 19 June 2014 for the June monthly meeting. Vice President Ms Valarie Choo chaired the meeting in Dato’ Liaw’s absence.

At the meeting, students who exceled in the recent STPM 2013, SPM 2013,

50

VOL 2 NO 2 | MRCA NEWSLETTER

PMR 2013 received their encouragement fund. The fund rewards members’ children who perform outstandingly in their examinations. Ms. Valarie reminded members about MRCA’s biggest night of the year – CEO Night 2014 who will have Sunway Group’s Founder and Chairman, Tan Sri Dr. Jeffrey Cheah as this year’s CEO. The meeting ended with three business presentations from Raymond Woo (Arori Sdn Bhd), Melissa Ng (Star Publication) and Peter Marley (Worldcard Services) and dinner as well as time for members to network. MN

Dato’ Nelson Kwok

| THANK YOU

Our journey with MRCA's Immediate Past President Dato' Nelson Kwok, 2012 - 2014

M

RCA’s new President Dato’ Liaw, committee members, MRCA secretariat and members would like to say a very special THANK YOU to our charismatic and visionary immediate Past President Dato’ Nelson Kwok. Indeed ‘We Did It’! Let’s take a look back at our two year journey together ................. MN

MRCA NEWSLETTER | VOL 2 NO 2

51

COURTESY VISIT |

Media Visit

Strengthening Media Ties I

n a bid to strengthen media ties and introduce MRCA to the Malaysian mass media, MRCA council members had a series of meet and greets with members of the media from various news agencies. The media were briefed on the vision and mission of MRCA as well as their past and future activities. As one of his first tasks as MRCA’s newly appointed President, Dato’ Liaw said that all the meetings were a success and that MRCA was pleased to forge a good and lasting relationship with the media that will benefit both parties simultaneously. MN

COURTESY VISIT |

Nanyang

Introducing MRCA to Nanyang

M COURTESY VISIT |

RCA called on Nanyang on the 5 May 2014 at their premises at No 1, Jalan SS7/2, Petaling Jaya, Selangor at 3pm. MN

Sin Chew

Getting to know Sin Chew Media

L

ocated at 19, Jalan Semangat in Petaling Jaya, MRCA council members paid Sin Chew Media a courtesy call on 2 May 2014

at 3pm. MN

52

VOL 2 NO 2 | MRCA NEWSLETTER

COURTESY VISIT |

China Press

The China Press Visit

O

n another media visit on the 9 May 2014, MRCA spent time with The China Press at their office at  80 Jalan Riong, Off Jalan Bangsar Kuala Lumpur at 3pm. MN

COURTESY VISIT |

The Star

The Star welcomes MRCA

M

RCA visited The Star on 15 May 2014 at 10am at Menara Star, 15 Jalan 16/11, Pusat Dagangan Phileo Damansara II, Petaling Jaya. MN

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VOL 2 NO 2 | MRCA NEWSLETTER

Utusan Melayu

| COURTESY VISIT

Visiting Utusan Melayu

O

n another media courtesy visit, MRCA council members led by new MRCA President Dato’ Liaw visited Utusan Melayu (Malaysia) Bhd. 44 Jalan Utusan, Off Jalan Chan Sow Lin, Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday, 20 May 2014 at 2.30pm. MN

Karangkraf

| COURTESY VISIT

Saying Hello To Karangkraf

O

n Monday, 9 June 2014 as part of the series of media courtesy visits by MRCA, they visited Karangkraf at Lot 1, Jalan Renggam 15/5, Off Persiaran Selangor, Seksyen 15, Shah Alam. MN

MRCA NEWSLETTER | VOL 2 NO 2

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TALKING POINT

In today’s world of hyper-change, in your opinion, how important is innovation and creativity in retail today?

I

nnovation and creativity is definitely very important in today’s retail world. However, it is not pertaining to the look and feel of the retail shop but more towards the way to engage with customers in the shop as well as outside. Customers require more than loyalty programmes to stay engaged and relevant. Timely product information disseminated through various channels is imperative.

Danny Leong, CEO E-PAY (M) SDN BHD

D

ifferentiation from one brand to another is important in this competitive market. It is creativity without compromising on quality that will make your brand stand out from the rest. When everyone is doing the same thing, as entrepreneurs we must dare to be different. I believe that creativity and innovation can turn our brand and our business into a legacy that is passed down from generation to generation.

Liew Bin, CEO

BAGMAN CORPORATION SDN BHD

Inspiration for the ENTREPRENEUR'S soul Corporate executives and business owners need to realize that there can be no compromise when it comes to ethics, and there are no easy shortcuts to success.

Ethics need to be carefully sown into the fabric of their companies.

-Vivek Wadhwa 56

VOL 2 NO 2 | MRCA NEWSLETTER

You must either modify your dreams or magnify your skills.

– Jim Rohn

You are not your resume, you are your work.

- Seth Godin

Business opportunities are like buses, there’s always another one coming.

– Richard Branson

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