Dr Gregory Hii

Hii is the executive chairman of Delta Leasing Sdn Bhd (DLSB) while currently serving as the President of the Sibu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCCI) and Vice President of Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Sarawak (ACCCIS).

DLSB is a Sarawak based lending institution acquired through management buyout. A niche player, DLSB has steadily expanded its business coverage in Sarawak with four branches notably in Sibu, Bintulu, Miri and Kuching.

Born and raised in Sibu, Hii began his journey by completing his studies with a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in 1972 before graduating with a PhD (New Zealand) in 1976. A successful entrepreneur and business owner, Hii started his career in the Asean timber industry.

This led him to undertake various Senior Management positions in different industries. It was these experiences that led him to build the confidence that was essential in starting his own business.

DLSB is a niche player in financial industries offering auto loans, mortgage loans and insurance to SMEs and individuals. It aims to cater to the financial needs of those who have problems securing borrowings and services from banks. Under Hii’s leadership, DLSB has built up networks of car dealers in Sarawak to offer secondhand car loans and mortgage loans.

This has helped many families and farmers with low income to own their first vehicles to meet their respective personal and business needs. Implementing a ‘zero-mistake’ culture and requiring all staff to sign an ‘Integrity Pledge’, the company ensures efficient, friendly and trustworthy services to operate successfully.

Hii, as the chief executive officer (CEO), works closely with his management team of two executive directors and four branch managers who are former bankers. They have the tough task to meet the demands of a Board of Directors that implement Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for each branch determining Return on Equity (ROE) targets to exceed 14 per cent. This is even before taking into account Hii’s personal vision of achieving a 10 per cent profit growth.

Honest, practical, customer centric and result oriented, DLSB’s staff are involved in companywide annual meetings and determination of new KPIs’ targets as they continuously explore other opportunities through expansion.

As a mid-sized SME with shareholders’ funds of RM16.7 million, it has a limited impact on the state economy but nevertheless provides good paying jobs to 17 Sarawakians with an average annual income of RM57,000. DLSB currently services 2,200 clients and in the last 3 years.

Hii identifies that the company’s most notable long-term success factor would rely on being aware of the operating environment and having the ability to adjust to it. He has found it toughest to develop practical lending policies and effective cost controls whilst employing honest and dedicated staff.

Hii believes that ‘People’ is the most important factor in a successful company. With DLSB, he encourages a culture of friendly, efficient and trustworthy services in order to instill integrity and teamwork amongst his employees. He has never failed to reward his staff who themselves have become shareholders, with annual salary increment, bonuses and dividends.

In 2015, he gave a total of 53,000 free shares to all employees. It is of little surprise then that in 2016, DLSB was awarded the SME Association of Malaysia’s ‘Employer Excellence Award’.

Looking beyond the company, Hii also believes that DLSB should share some of the success with the society that has allowed and supported his business. This has led to the firm belief that Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a crucial opportunity to give back to the society. DLSB is currently organising a two years state-wide campaign ‘Fight Obesity for a Better Quality of Life.’

Hii however does not feel much has changed since his sporting days to now owning and running a successful business. He does point out that it has taught him to be more responsible and better at making good decisions. Over 40 years into his career, Hii remains just as charged up for success with the adamant belief that one should enjoy every moment of our involvement whilst neutralising stress with sufficient exercise and relaxing activities.

Success depends on more than mere good qualification. Sports is for everybody as it helps to shape characters and nurture discipline, qualities Hii believes are essential for entrepreneurs to be efficient, friendly and trustworthy to achieve success and contribute back to the society.