Be humble, and be hardworking
move with the times.
How has mentorship made a difference in your professional life? I do not have a specific mentor. However, in my years of working up from ground zero to where I am now, I have had many seniors and experienced teachers who offer me good advice constantly.
I believe that each and every person goes through a different life route, and I listen to my seniors and teachers who are willing to teach and tell me their stories. I am willing to learn from those more experienced than me.
Even if I know of something, I am still willing to learn and listen, for I will not know what gem of advice or teachings I may come across that will help me along the way.
Before I developed CKTC, Chow Kit’s first major one-stop wholesale mall for cosmetic products, kitchenware and traditional Malay herbs, I worked together with a team of property experts and business individuals who guided and educated me on the market and the business itself. By talking, listening and exchanging ideas with them, it helped me to shape my own thoughts and ideas to something concrete, and I am grateful for those who has helped me to bring CKTC to fruition.
What do you want to accomplish in the next five years? I want to continue with making my current projects a success, or to make them better.
CKTC is our first high-rise wholesale mall development project, right now we want to focus on CKTC to make this a success and our vision come to fruition. When we feel CKTC is running successfully on its own, only then will we identify other potential areas that we can develop to have a wholesale mall.
Our main focus for Hypershoe is to remain at a significant level for our customers: affordable and comfortable shoes that everyone can afford for the middle to lower income groups, and to ensure that each and everyone has good shoes to protect themselves with.
Apart from that, I want to significantly provide great rewards for my staff members. Without their support and hard work, I will not be where I am today, and I am truly thankful for that.
Best piece of advice you ever received on your career. It is much more important to be persistent and to fight your way to what you want – for then your desire to be successful will be stronger compared to those who are super-talented but have no desire to work hard.
Most-admired business leader? Why? Hong Kong business magnate, investor, and philanthropist Li Ka Shing, for his complete focus and intelligent mindset in evaluating what is right or wrong, and his very humble personality in leading a frugal no-frills lifestyle even though he is one of the most powerful tycoons in the world.
How do you stay abreast of issues affecting your industry? I read the business news and, whenever I can, get updated on news around the world daily, as I believe that whatever happens globally can happen at wherever we are now.
If you could have an hour with any thought leader in the world, who would it be and why? Li Ka Shing. It would be such an honour to get to meet him and share his story and his success and life challenges, to be with him for only an hour would be a blessing.
What has been the biggest challenge you have faced? And what did you learn from it? During the 2007 economic crisis, I learned that it is not wise to do something that we are not well prepared to do, and we have to be patient and not expand the business too fast without proper planning. If we are without a solid foundation, whatever goes up too fast, can equally go down fast as well.
What was the most outlandish business proposal you have ever heard of? Have not really seen any thus far.
What man-made innovation confounds you? Why? The iPhone series by Apple. It is amazing to see how a phone as such can be your one-stop service as your camera, your map, your travelling companion, your internet communication device, etc.
Apple iPhone is extraordinarily simple to use for such a fullfeatured phone and media player.
Malaysia’s greatest brand. Shangri-La Hotel. No matter where you go in Malaysia or even in the world, the recognition of the Shangri-La Hotel brand is so strong, it’s remarkable how you can always tell people without explaining what it actually is.
A must-read for every business owner/manager is ... The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey.
How do you expect policies on climate change to impact businesses in the future? There are some companies right now that have recognised the threats, opportunities, and uncertainties of climate change, and companies right now need to think broadly about the external changes and identify climate impacts that directly or indirectly shape business risks and opportunities.
With extensive research, complete preparation and effective collaboration from experts and the government (or associations in charge of these policies), this may helped companies of current and future understand how climate change can shape future products, facilities, supply chains and customer needs.
What are the top three factors you would attribute your success to? I am grateful to have the encouragement of my family members, good employees and colleagues, and my life experiences that have taught me to stand up for myself and work my way up to be where I am today.