Hokkiens told to change their mindset when doing business
KOTA KINABALU: The Hokkien people must change their mindset and think out of the box when it comes to doing business in this digital era, said the Federation of Sabah and Labuan Hokkien Associations president, Tan Sri Dr T.C. Goh.
“In the past, many Hokkiens had successful businesses in trading, import and as distributors. Now business is getting more difficult because everything can be bought online,” Goh said.
As such, Goh said businesses must change their mindset and think out of the box, adding that it was also important to have a good product that could sell.
He also stressed the need for businesses to persevere and be prudent before the new government could bring new changes to the country.
Goh said this during the Fulian Night on Saturday, a welcoming dinner for delegates before they attend the Federation of Sabah and Labuan Hokkien Associations’ conference the next day.
Meanwhile, the federation’s life honorary president, Hou Kian Kok, who was the guest of honour at the event, urged Hokkiens to put aside their differences and unite to ensure the development of SM Kian Kok.
“There are not many Chinese in Sabah and the Hokkiens are considered a minority. We cannot afford any infighting,” he advised.
He stressed that education did not allow for any mistakes because the wrong decision could hurt the next generation.
Hou also urged the Hokkien people to utilize the federation as a platform to consolidate their resources under the blue ocean strategy in this technological era for a brighter future.
He said gone were the days where businesses could operate solo amid the information technology (IT) era.
“I urge the Hokkien people in Sabah and Labuan to unite under the federation led by Tan Sri Dr. T.C. Goh. We should work as a team and consolidate our resources under the blue ocean strategy in search for a better future,” he said.
Meanwhile, Goh urged the member associations to participate in the events and activities organized by the federation. He also called on the member associations to recruit more members to join the federation as well.
“Many of the associations are facing the problem where no one wants to succeed the president’s post,” he said.
Goh also urged the Hokkien people to unite and hoped that the federation could achieve greater heights and acquire more assets in the future.