Premier Engineering Design Consultant

MMC Oil & Gas Engineering Sdn. Bhd. (MMCOG), established in 1984, is a multidisciplinary engineering design consultant providing comprehensive technical services for various industries such as Oil & Gas, Petrochemical and Energy. MMCOG covers a broad range of clients, including major Oil & Gas Operators, EPCC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Commissioning) contractors and other related clients. With offices located in Kuala Lumpur and Kertih, Terengganu, MMCOG offers flexibility to meet the project’s requirements. Since inception, MMCOG has enjoyed steady growth, with total manpower of over 400 people, comprising experienced engineers, draughtspersons and support personnel. MMCOG have set the highest standards for the quality of service we provide and in our operations. The company was accredited to ISO 9001 Quality System since 1993.

 

Complete Engineering Solutions

With the combined expertise of our team, MMCOG can provide the complete range of engineering lifecycle services from Conceptual Design through to Detailed Engineering. MMCOG’s services extend beyond conventional multi-discipline engineering, with in-house specialist skills unique to the group.

1. Process and Mechanical Engineering
2. Structural and Naval Engineering
3. Electrical and Instrument Engineering
4. Pipeline and Subsea Engineering
5. Safety Engineering
6. Project Management
7. Computing and Drafting Facilities

 

Our Services

With 40 years of experience in the industry, MMCOG has designed over 60 Fixed Offshore Platforms, 10 Floating Structures and 5 Central Processing Platforms (CPP). Our services cover primarily design engineering of offshore Oil & Gas production facilities, as well as onshore receiving facilities and petrochemical plants.

Services provided:

1. Concept Select
2. Feasibility Study
3. Basic Engineering Design
4. Front End Engineering Design (FEED)
5. Detailed Engineering Design
6. Onshore & Plant Engineering
7. Project Management

 

Looking to the future

MMCOG has established a joint venture with DORIS Engineering (France) to provide quality engineering services at highly competitive rates for global Oil & Gas projects, as well as state of the art engineering services for low carbon and new energy projects, including for Emission Reductions, Hydrogen, CCS, Biogas, Offshore Floating Wind and Substations projects. DORIS MMC, is based in Kuala Lumpur and functions as a global engineering centre, representing DORIS and MMCOG’s long-term commitment to the Asia Pacific region and a new value proposition to the global energy industry.

MMCOG is also spearheading the transformation of Malaysia’s engineering landscape by implementing a unified, data-centric environment where data will be stored in the cloud. Our staff has completed comprehensive training to become proficient in utilizing these advanced tools. By embracing this data-driven approach, MMCOG is positioned to become Malaysia’s first engineering firm to deliver a truly unified engineering solution for our clients.

 

www.mmcog.com

Security seals would hardly come to mind when considering the many moving parts in the supply chain ecosystem. These diminutive devices play a simple but crucial role as a security measure, a physical barrier and deterrent to minimise the risk of pilferage, tampering and contamination of goods in transit. Not only that, security seals also provide a layer of control and accountability within the supply chain such that in the event of a security breach e.g. tampering or pilferage, there is enough information for corrective measures and to prevent future recurrence. Many businesses understand that failure to control such breaches would risk damage not only to the product, but to the brand and reputation of a business, which may result in severe financial loss. Mega Fortris Group supplies security seals for various applications, like the crate of premium Scotch whiskey, our Amazon.com orders, and the imported raw materials during transit.

Founded in 1996 by brothers Dato’ Nick Ng, Non-Independent Non-Executive Chairman and Datuk Adrian Ng, Group Managing Director cum Group Chief Executive Officer, Mega Fortris Group is headquartered in Kota Kemuning, Selangor. This is also the location of its ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 Quality Management Systems certified, purpose-built manufacturing plant. Mega Fortris’ security seals are utilised in various sectors over land, sea, rail and air and in a wide range of industries such as chemicals, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, ICT, F&B, hospitality and manufacturing. With its focus on product quality, competitive pricing and exemplary customer service, the group is the preferred supplier of security seals to many leading companies around the world. 

What distinguishes Mega Fortris Group from other seal manufacturers is their innovative approach to design. Their commitment to design innovation keeps them leagues ahead of the competition, a principle they have maintained since launching their flagship bolt seal, the Klicker. Despite the Klicker becoming one of the most replicated bolt seals in the security seals market, Mega Fortris continued to innovate, introducing the Klicker 2K – the first bolt seal to feature a dual-colour mould. This relentless pursuit of innovation is how they ensure the continued security and integrity of their customers’ supply chains.

With more than 90% of its revenue from export markets, the inspiring group has over 700 employees in a network of production facilities and offices spanning over 20 countries across six continents to better serve its international clientele. It is currently one of the largest designers and manufacturers of security seals in the world with turnover volume of half a billion security seals and revenue exceeding RM100 million per annum.

Additionally, Mega Fortris Group is planning to go public with a listing towards the end of 2024, marking another milestone in their growth and commitment to excellence.

 

Yin and Yang

Mega Fortris’ impressive achievements boil down to the harmonious meeting of the minds of two brothers who, at 15 years apart (Dato’ Nick being the elder), could not be more different even down to their dress sense and working styles. “You could say we are like Yin and Yang,” remarks Datuk Adrian. “Embracing our differences and then learning to apply our individual strengths to our greatest advantage is the key.” The brothers have always been close growing up in Penang among a large family of 14 siblings. Datuk Adrian knew that his older brother Nick, who had more business experience, would be a great source of guidance and valuable insights on how to get the ball rolling. “Nick proved to be a savvy business strategist and became an important mentor to me. The hardest part was convincing him that this was a viable business in the first place!” Dato Nick was quick to agree, “I would never have imagined that selling security seals and making a mere few sen profit on each would end up being great success. It is also thanks to Adrian’s sales and customer relationship skills that we were able to bring the business to where it is today,” he adds.

 

A customer-centric focus

Indeed, Datuk Adrian has always been a firm believer in the power of personal touch in business. “I once drove 400km into an oil palm plantation in the middle of nowhere to meet a potential customer, and finally convinced them to place an order for 2,000 seals,” he says. “Back then, this order was huge and it turned out to be an early turning point for the company.” Thereafter, they were able to acquire new customers through references from existing customers who were pleased with the way they operated. Even today, Datuk Adrian spends a significant amount of time overseas, connecting with clients and keeping tabs on things. In doing so, he is constantly on the ball and can respond quickly to situations, find new ways to provide better value to existing customers or seize new business opportunities. Even Mega Fortris’ move into manufacturing was a response to an incident involving a large customer. “We received an order for 20,000 seals from a chemical company,” Dato’ Nick recalls.

“Obviously, it was a big deal, so we really made sure our supplier delivered the seals to the customer on time and in good condition. It then came as a rude shock when the customer informed us that the seals were defective and could not be locked!” That experience prompted the brothers to look more closely into how seals were fabricated, and it eventually dawned on them that they should develop their own. “It was a risky decision at the time, but we wanted to provide top-notch quality to our customers,” he adds. “Being bold and taking risks are how we learn the most important lessons in life,” he advises. “My brother and I told ourselves with one seal, we would conquer the world.” Since then, the company has clearly moved on from that ‘one seal’ and is now equipped to produce an array of products to suit customers’ needs. “I’ve always been a proponent of automation,” says Datuk Adrian. “In 2017, we scrutinised our production process and identified areas that were repetitive and could be easily replicated by machines.” As a result, their manufacturing plant now employs the use of precision machinery based on cutting-edge technology which enables it to increase capacity, reduce waste and most importantly, meet customer requirements consistently, efficiently and at the lowest possible cost. On the design and engineering front, the company has also invested in 3D printing technology to aid the process. This allows them to design and build prototypes which can then be analysed, tested, and reiterated very quickly.

 

Evolution and Innovation

Taking evolution one step further, Mega Fortris Group, who has always been committed to developing products that support a sustainable environment and contribute to a better future, leads the way in offering eco-friendly products to their customers, partnering with them to minimise plastic waste. Their commitment to sustainability is evident in the installation of solar panels for renewable energy, as well as the practice of recycling raw materials, surplus items, runners, and recycled plastics in their manufacturing processes.

By incorporating bio-additives, Mega Fortris is not just differentiating themselves from the competition; they are setting a new standard for responsible business conduct. Their journey towards sustainability is evolutionary, driven by innovation and social responsibility.

In addition, Mega Fortris has established an ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) working group to develop policies and strategies that align with their business objectives. This initiative is integral to their operations moving forward, ensuring that sustainability remains central to their business practices.

To provide eco-conscious solutions for a wide array of applications, all Mega Fortris security seal product lines with plastic content will include the BioSphere bio-additive from 13 May 2024, comprehensively securing the global supply chain while reducing their footprint.

Just like his own transition from employee to successful entrepreneur, Fu Wing Hoong is a man on a mission. This time he is out to transform his company EITA Resources from a local company in to a key regional player. Fu began his career as a sales Engineer with a local company dealing in power distribution and control equipment. He slowly climbed the ranks to become group general manager and directorship within several subsidiaries. In 1996 when this company was acquired, Fu made a bold move to strike out on his own. Fu says he had been exposed to entrepreneurship while in school when he used to help sell food in the school canteen. In Form 3, he worked as a technician to earn his own pocket money. “I come from a family that did not have much. Since young, I have been aware that we have to create value and build assets as well as things that we can hold on to. Looking back, I think that I have always prepared myself to be an entrepreneur,” says Fu. Fu took a slightly different path to enter the world of entrepreneurship. He acquired a shell company to start his business. Soon after, he acquired two more shell companies and another company with a two-year track record.

He also asked some of his enterprising colleagues with expertise in electrical components and control systems to grow his company together. Several months down the road, his vision for his company became clearer and he renamed the group, Eita Holdings Sdn Bhd. EITA stands for “Electrical, IT and Automation”. Fu harboured dreams of listing his company and one of the main requirements to list is for a company to have its own unique product. In 1998, despite challenging times caused by the Asian Financial Crisis, EITA acquired a ballast manufacturer and formed another subsidiary to offer elevator supply and installation services.

As the economy improved, EITA began to thrive. This was supported by good practises that were put into place from the early days such as having regular quarterly board meetings and operating at a high level of professionalism. “EITA’s dedicated and competent team have propelled the company to what it is today. I’m indeed very proud of them. EITA employees are constantly encouraged to be independent in their work and expand their abilities,” he says. Fu places importance on staff participation in company activities to develop a strong bond of camaraderie. He also encourages EITA’s employees to undertake Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects to help better the wider community. To date the company have made charitable contributions to underprivileged homes, places of worship, schools, artificial limbs centre, NGOs and many others.

 

At the forefront of technology

EITA achieved a major milestone on April 2012 when it became a listed company. Today the company stands proudly as the country’s only home-grown elevator manufacturer. EITA core business segments encompass Manufacturing, Marketing & Distribution, Services and High-Voltage System. “Being a relatively new player in the Lift and Excalator market, it was difficult for us to compete in terms of branding even if we have better equipment” Fu says. To overcome this, EITA looks to compete in areas that it does extremely well such as incorporating new technologies in its elevators. Leveraging on technologies such as moving a lift with a few taps on a smartphone or with facial recognition or artificial intelligence (AI) are an added convenience for people. It also gives assurances of hygiene and infection prevention. EITA is also working on remote monitoring of elevators in real time for better service response. With this, they can dispatch technicians to fix or maintain the elevators before a problem occurs. “These are not new technologies but we would like to be at the forefront in terms of application,” says Fu.

This is in line with one of his business philosophies which is “continuous innovation and improvement”. He is a keen advocate on EITA investing in R&D to drive product innovation, improvement and quality. The company’s R&D efforts are also geared towards developing more sustainable, eco-friendly products through an improved design which reduces the use of material, incorporates power saving features and generates cost-savings. These efforts have supported EITA in attaining international accreditation, product certifications and awards. Now EITA is fast-gaining recognition and competing effectively against global players. EITA also incorporated a subsidiary, EITA Training Centre Sdn Bhd to provide industrial-based training focussed on the elevator sector. Starting off with only four employees in 1996, EITA has grown to be a leading supplier to electrical contractors, switchboard fabricators and OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) as well as an accomplished manufacturer of elevator systems and busduct systems. EITA has also expanded its business operations to Asian countries. With dedication to customer service, development of innovative solutions and creation of new products and services, EITA is well poised for greater participation in foreign markets and in Malaysia’s development in the coming years.

Britz Networks Sdn Bhd can trace its roots to the early 1990s. Initially operations focused on plantations and eventually transitioned to oleochemical distributions in the late 1990s. The company’s founder, YN Tan, a serial entrepreneur, has been trading in oleochemicals since 1998. YN Tan started by supplying stearic acids to tire manufacturers in China and subsequently established a sales and marketing office in Xiamen in 1999. Over time, he started to investigate the use of palm oleochemicals, an eco-friendly substitute to paraffin wax, as an ingredient for candle wax and eventually, approached candle manufacturers in China. In 2007, he set up a joint venture with Natural Oleochemicals to produce palm wax. Not one to rest on his laurels, YN entered another joint venture to establish a facility in Indonesia to produce palm wax and animal feed additives in 2014. Soon after, in 2017, the ambitious entrepreneur started a factory in Pasir Gudang, Johor. Now, Britz Networks processes and produces products across three key industries that the group is involved in, namely, oleochemicals, wax and animal nutrition. Naturally sourced chemicals, oleochemicals are fast gaining significance over petrochemicals for their versatility, performance, and sustainability. Oleochemicals is the foundation of the company and comprises the primary bulk of their business.

YN’s son, Tan Loon Yee, CEO of the company, points out that palm wax and animal feed additives are derivatives from the oleochemical business. Oleochemicals are essentially the main raw materials for these two business segments. Britz Networks current focus markets are oleochemicals, waxes, oils and fats, and animal nutrition additives. The company advocates for sustainable living, technical excellence, reliability, and innovation. Headquartered in Malaysia, Britz Networks proximity to raw materials allows the company to operate a smooth supply chain and serve a global network of clients and suppliers across 50 countries. “Britz Networks works as a partner to our customers and suppliers. We strive to add value to their businesses through continuous innovations in terms of products, applications and service delivery,” says Loon Yee.

 

Supplying the world

Britz Networks proudly exports 100% of its products to companies around the world. Oleochemicals have been the core of Britz Networks business for over 20 years and remain so today. Their products include distilled and
fractionated fatty acids, fatty alcohols, esters, methyl esters and glycerine. Britz Networks markets these products under both original manufacturers’ brands and Britz Oleochemicals. Their factory in Pasir Gudang, Malaysia possesses multiple granulation production lines to process fatty acids and fatty alcohols into beads or pastilles.

Although an SMEs, Britz Networks has invested significantly in research and development from inception. As a result, the company has many palm wax formulations, using different production methods, to meet different needs. “We’re putting a lot of effort into research and development to create value added, environmentfriendly products. Our goal is to find new uses for oleochemicals and progressively replace fossilbased materials, ” adds Loon Yee. The company’s future direction is to move towards more value-added downstream production and formulation in chemical derivatives.

 

Learning from his father

Loon Yee joined the company in 2006 when he graduated with a degree in chemical engineering. It was a subject that he picked out of interest as a student. However, when he graduated, it felt completely natural to join the family business and work for his father. Even before graduating, Loon Yee would accompany YN to business meetings. “He would attend to his meeting while I would eat,” recalls Loon Yee, with a laugh. In 2006, Britz Networks was located next to the Tan family house in Melaka. This meant that Loon Yee and his father only had to go next door to start work.

“During the early days, when I first joined the company, my dad would guide me on how to be a better person and on how do better at work. Dad is quite vocal. He knows my weak points i.e., what I’m not good at. Meanwhile, I know what he wants and his style. Things between us always work because our style is to sit down and discuss problems and issues,” says Loon Yee. Britz Networks grew organically over the years. YN only started hiring when he could not keep up with the paperwork. Now, the company has been in business for 20 years and has established a strong and credible reputation in its industry. Under his stewardship, Loon Yee managed to grow global demand for Britz Networks’ oleochemicals distribution, palm wax and animal feed additives. “If not for the Covid-19 pandemic, we would be travelling around the world and meeting our clients. However, this pandemic provided us with time to rest and think about our next steps,” says Loon Yee.

 

Britz Networks’ main product lines:

 

• Oleochemicals distribution is its core business. The company offers a whole range of products including distilled and fractionated fatty acids, fatty alcohols, methyl esters, fatty esters, crude and refined glycerines. Britz Networks is able to offer custom blends to meet the requirements of specific applications. The company has delivered oleochemicals to customers all over the world for more than 20 years.
• Animal nutrition focuses on production and distribution of PolyFAT® nutritional supplements. PolyFAT® nutritional supplements are the ultimate energy solutions for animals. PolyFAT® series of energy boosters enhance caloric intake, improve the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and boost the productivity of cattle, swine and poultry. Britz Networks’ products help to improve the well-being and performance of animals.
• Various kinds of waxes – palm wax and others – for candle-making, and for applications in hot melt adhesives and plastics. Britz Networks produces and supplies palm waxes from facilities in Malaysia and Indonesia. The company’s facilities and access to materials enable them to work with customers to codevelop customised formulations to meet specific technical requirements of different production processes and product types.

 

Their palm wax brand, Britz Wax, is well-known among the manufacturers in these regions. They have developed many wax formulations that are popular with their customers and are proud to be able to provide customised blends of palm wax and animal feed additives as well as other value-added services for their customers. Britz Networks, a member of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), is also renowned for its Polyfat animal feed additives and Krème cosmetic or Krème Britz food-grade emulsifiers. The main product of Britz Networks’ animal feed additives range are supplements for lactating dairy cows to improve the yield of their milk.

It all began on the first day of April in 1990 when Lim Chun Yow, Tan See Khim and Hey Shiow Hoe pooled their resources to set up a plastic bag manufacturing partnership called Lam Guan Plastic Industries in the small town of Batu Pahat. Later in 1991, BP Plastics Sdn Bhd was incorporated in response to the government’s Reinvestment Allowance incentive under the industrialisation policy. The name BP was selected simply as an abbreviation of Batu Pahat, in recognition of the town. From the start, the three lifelong friends have passion and dedication and humble hopes in their hearts as they envisioned that their modest project would supply polyethylene (PE) plastic bags to the garment and textile industries in town.

Due to the limited resources, BP’s plastic production was initially set up in a small rented factory located in a residential area. At the start, the power consumption of their machinery, at times, disrupted the power supply of the whole area. On top of that, the machine chugged, roared and rumbled whenever it was operating and this contributed to the noise level in the otherwise peaceful neighbourhood. Yet, production was able to continue with great efforts to minimise the disturbance and inconvenience caused, as well as kind understanding from residents and neighbours. As the business partners explained, to grow a small-scale business, they took the steady path or persevering rather than taking on a major shift or a plunge that may jeopardise sustainability of the company as they navigate the treacherous tightrope of balancing capital, cash flow and human resources. Along with expansion of the business, 1994, a decision was made to move and expand the operations to an industrial park.

Since then, the three business partners have not looked back. After 15 years of persistent hard work backed by strong support from its customers, employees, business partners, stakeholders, shareholders, families and friends, BP Plastics Holding Berhad (BPPLAS) was incorporated on 9th March 2004 as the holding company. It successfully listed on the Industrial Sector of the Main Board of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad on 23rd February 2005, signifying the company’s commitment towards continuous growth and expansion.

 

A plastic powerhouse

Since its public listing, the company’s turnover has grown steadily over the years and today, BPPLAS is one of the largest PE film and bag manufacturers in Asia. The company supplies cast stretch films and blown PE packaging films and bags to both domestic and overseas markets. BPPLAS has presence in more than 54 countries and exports about 75% of its products to customers worldwide including Asia, Australasia, the Middle East, Europe and North America. Located in the Sri Gading Industrial Estate of Batu Pahat in Johor, BPPLAS has a combined land size of 15.5 acres, and operates at two manufacturing locations within the same vicinity with a total built-up area of 360,000 square feet. At the end of 2021, BPPLAS currently has a combined nameplate production capacity of 10,000 metric tons per month and is capable of producing a diversified range of PE film products to meet worldwide demands every single day, with room to grow.

By converging the world’s best machinery and equipment with the finest raw materials selection, and supported by its own in-house research and innovative capabilities, BPPLAS specialises in producing high quality cast stretch film and blown PE film products, and also has their own brands “Infinity”, “Clarity”, “Priority”, “Hill Plus” and “R-Edge” to cater to a wide spectrum of their customers’ needs and requirements. In addition to ISO9001 (quality management), BPPLAS is also an ISO14001 (environmental management), ISO45001 (occupational health and safety) and ISO22000 (food safety management) certified PE film manufacturer, embracing the 5Ss and 3Rs at its core operations. This entails the principles of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle in its daily operations to extend and preserve natural resources for future generations. At BPPLAS, economic, social and environmental sustainability is an integral part of its growth and strategies. With the continuous efforts to innovate and produce more high quality and sustainable packaging products for its customers worldwide, BPPLAS also seeks business opportunities to further expand and strengthen its market position as the key plastics packaging supplier of choice in the Asian region, and to deliver enhanced stakeholder values over the long term.

Ban Seng Lee Industries Sdn Bhd was established in 1978 to meet the growing demands for metal components from Japanese companies. Their first client was Matsushita Air-conditioner and they gradually expanded to include audio, automotive, computer, camcorder and various home appliances. Today, their clients come from the electrical, automotive, industrial, data storage, agricultural, construction, furniture, and office equipment sectors. Their next target sector will be semiconductor segment. As part of their growth, Unique Forging & Components was established in 1989 to spearhead forging operations while Crestronics (M) was incepted in 1999 to cover PCB assembly operations. All these manufacturing companies were parked under BSL Corporation Berhad, which listed on Bursa Malaysia in 2005. Post listing, BSL Corporation Berhad established a joint venture in tube manufacturing under Hongze Yiyang Steel Tube Co. and a solar-related business under BSL Eco Energy Sdn Bhd. BSL engages in the stamping and manufacturing of precision metal parts and the fabrication of tools and dies. It also offers metal components and assembly services for various products including audio and audio mechanism, LED TVs and other consumer electronic products.

 

Getting to know Richard Ngiam

Richard Ngiam is the adopted son of BSL’s founder, Ngiam Tong Kwan. Richard started his career in 1993 as the factory manager of Unique,
a subsidiary of BSL. In 1995, he was transferred to BSL Industries as the operations manager. In 1998, a year after he completed his ISO 9000
lead assessor training, Richard led BSL Industries to ISO 9002 certification. He was promoted to general manager in 2000 and currently serves as the managing director of BSL Industries and the CEO of BSL Corporation Berhad. “I had wanted to work elsewhere for a few years but I always knew I’d be back in the family business one day. However, my father had advised me not to waste time outside but to start immediately at his company,” says Richard. He was also appointed to the Board of BSL Corporation Berhad on 28 April 2005. He is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Group, business development and the implementation of corporate strategies.

Richard recounts, “For the first three years, we only we had one customer Panasonic, which used to be called Matsushita. We wanted to be resilient and so, we diversified into air-conditioners, VCR camcorders and televisions. Malaysia was the biggest producer of VCR camcorders in the world in the late 80s and 90s. We were really good at it and did quite well. We also did computer components and were involved in the automotive industry.” “Besides diversifying our customers and products into different segments, we also shifted our focus from Japanese customers to Korean and European customers. It was part of our strategy to explore new market segments which are more profitable and have a better future. With over forty odd years of business experience, we have been through all kinds of crisis but we have learnt to be resilient.” “We have also gone through many technological advancements and changes. Our business was initially dependent on VCR, but that soon changed to the CD player, VCD, DVD and Blu-ray. We were able to adapt to all these technological changes because we were prepared and will continue to be so moving forward.” Richard shares.

 

The journey towards contract manufacturing

On the company’s future business plans, Richard says: “It’s to our advantage that we are moving from a component-based manufacturer to contract manufacturing. We’ve made a lot of improvements to serve various industries over the years. Therefore, we understand the importance of component quality to the final product. If the quality is not up to par, the final product assembly will be affected and efficiency will be decreased as the component needs to be reworked.” “As we transition to contract manufacturing, we are able to adapt well as we’ve been in the component industry for ages. Some clients are using our contract manufacturing services to complete their products and we manage everything for them. Whatever we can produce in-house, we will do so as the processes are already in place and that gives us the competitive edge. We are also reaching out to new customers because in the current market, most people know us as a component or service provider. Not many know us as a finished goods or contract manufacturer but this is what we want to be. This is our direction,” adds Richard.

As BSL gains traction in contract manufacturing, a successful transition would signify their biggest achievement to date. “We have all the necessary ingredients to be successful in contract manufacturing but we just lack exposure in this field. We have done very well so far but it’s time to take it to the next level,” says Richard. Richard also observed that most multinationals outsource their manufacturing segment due to cost factors and BSL’s new strategy seeks to tap into these business opportunities.

 

Up close with Ngiam Tong Kwan

The senior Ngiam began his career as an apprentice tool maker in 1966 at Perusahaan Winco Sdn Bhd. Five years later, he was promoted to production supervisor where he supervised employees in the production department and was involved in production and material planning. He was later promoted to Sales Manager. In 1978, he ventured out on his own to set up Ban Seng Lee Industries Sdn Bhd and guided it through steady growth over the years. He is also the director and co-founder of Unique Forging & Components Sdn Bhd and Crestronics (M) Sdn Bhd. He was appointed to the Board of BSL Corporation Bhd on 28 April 2005.

Ngiam always knew that he would be a businessman. When he was ready to take the plunge, he approached a Japanese client of his employer and proposed to start a business with client’s support. The idea was well received as there was already a foundation of trust based on Ngiam’s track record. “Nowadays, I depend on my children as I want them to take care of the company. But I do still come to the office as I enjoy my work,” says Ngiam. Looking back, Ngiam says: “I have a worker who was with me for forty years, right from the very first factory until BSL became a public-listed company. And what a journey it was! Hard work and commitment are keys to success for me. I was aware of my own weaknesses as I was formally educated until Standard Six. We are where we are today because of hard work and this is why our clients trust us. Through our business relationship with Matsushita, we were introduced to many other Japanese clients.”

 

The heart of BSL

BSL’s contract manufacturing model consists of utilising in-house produced components, purchased components and/or consigned components to assemble the end product, followed by packing, warehousing and delivery. The company is equally adept at both high volume and high mix low volume (HMLV) manufacturing. Their engineering team liaises with the client on product requirements, obtains product and process approvals and certifications, including the set-up of the final assembly line.

 

BSL offers 3 core processes for metal fabrication works:

1. Low volume – sheet metal (laser cutting, turret punching and CNC bending)
2. Mid volume – metal stamping (progressive, robot and manual stamping)
3. High volume – roll forming processes

 

These processes are supported by many inhouse secondary processes such as powder coat, silk screen, tapping, rivet, welding, hairline, CNC machining, sub-assembly, etc. BSL also owns eight lines of Surface Mount Technology (SMT) machines, fifteen units of AV, RH and JVK insertion machines and eight Manual Insertion lines. All the SMT lines are equipped with Automated Optical Inspection machines.

In the 1980s, Spritzer’s founder, Dato Lim Kok Boon was inspired to start the bottled water business in Malaysia after observing on his foreign travels that bottled water offers a convenient and hygienic choice. He also realised that good quality drinking water would be harder to find in a rapidly- developing world. However, in Malaysia at that time, it was not common practise to buy bottled water. Everyone would boil their own water at home and no one was willing to pay for something they can easily obtain at home. An opportunity in advertising came during the 1992 Thomas Cup, won by the Malaysian badminton team. Amidst all the excitement, our bottles could be seen around the arena and many were seen drinking from our bottles as we were one of the sponsors. That sole event put Spritzer on the map by generating great awareness of the product. Fast forward to today, the Spritzer Group is the largest and most integrated bottled water producer in Malaysia with a commanding market share of more than 40%. With their annual turnover exceeding RM300 million, the company has 16 bottling lines with annual production capacity of about 750 million litres of bottled water.

Spritzer is listed in the Malaysia Book of Records as the “Largest Bottled Water Producer”. Helmed by Kenny Lim, the Group CEO, the Spritzer Group of companies comprise of eight subsidiaries that specialize in the manufacturing and distribution of natural mineral water, sparkling natural mineral water, distilled drinking water, carbonated and noncarbonated fruit flavoured drinks. Their manufacturing operations are concentrated in Malaysia. In China, Hong Kong and 14 countries around the world, a combination of sales offices, distributors and their agents manage the sales of their products.

 

Special qualities of our water

Many people are still not aware of the difference of drinking normal or distilled water versus a natural mineral water. To begin with, Spritzer’s vast 330 acre site of natural mineral water sources in Taiping, Perak lie deep within a 220 million year old tropical Malaysian rainforest. The water is extracted from pure natural water sources which explains its rich mineral content. Sweet to the taste, the water is also naturally high in silicon content. This is great news for consumers as research has shown that silicon has a multitude of benefits; it has bone-strengthening qualities, improves collagen production, improves heart health and immune system, helps to lubricate joints, strengthens hair follicles and nails whilst also reducing the appearance of wrinkles! Another superpower of silicon is its ability to reduce traces of aluminium from human bodies. All of us are living in a world filled with toxins including aluminium. Independent clinical trials conducted by the esteemed Professor Exley, formerly of Keele University, United Kingdom, have found that silicon is a powerful antagonist to aluminium. When a person drinks silicon-rich natural mineral water, the water-soluble form of silicon is able to remove aluminium toxins from the body through urine. In addition, analysis conducted back home by the Standard and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia ( SIRIM ) found that Spritzer’s Natural Mineral Water contains zero microplastics. This makes it completely safe for consumption. Indeed, who knew that a bottle of Spritzer could be so good for you?

 

The passionate green practises

Many people avoid drinking bottled water as they feel that it is bad for the environment. The truth is, Group CEO Kenny Lim is a passionate advocate for going green. Throughout the entire production and maintenance process, the company goes to great lengths to be as kind as possible to Mother Earth. The Spritzer Natural Mineral Water bottle is made with 35% less plastic. The bottle, cap and even labels can be fully recycled. After drinking, people can give the bottle an easy twist, crumple it up and pop it into a recycling bin. This ‘twist to recycle’ feature saves up to 57% of recycling space. Meanwhile, Acilis by Spritzer is a plant-based bottle made from up to 30% plant-based materials including agricultural waste. The result? A reduction in carbon emissions to make a healthy beverage that is sold in ‘green’ packaging. 

 

100% recyclable materials by 2030

A big proponent of the circular economy, Kenny has pledged that come 2030, it is Spritzer’s intention that all products will be made of 100% rPET. This follows in the footsteps of Spritzer Natural Mineral Water and Acilis. Intensive efforts are continuously being put into the company’s R&D on recycling materials and plastics. Under Kenny’s leadership, Spritzer is taking green practises to a whole new level. Spritzer is one of the key players in the establishment of the Malaysia Recycling Alliance (MAREA), a group of 10 companies, set up to communicate with government agencies and private sectors on how to advocate recycling collection rate and increase green practises in Malaysia. With packaging waste escalating in recent times, environmental concerns are at an all-time high. MAREA aims to promote sustainable end-of-life disposal of post-consumer plastic packaging waste through higher recyclability and recycled content.

 

A green and better future

Spritzer has indeed come a long way since 1989 where the first bottle of Spritzer Natural Mineral Water was “born” in Tupai, Taiping, Perak at a smallscale bottling plant. In 1994, the Spritzer bottling plant was moved to Air Kuning in Taiping, Perak where today it is a beautiful, vast environment with pristine tropical rainforests serving as a backdrop. A proud testament to their goals to preserve Mother Earth, Spritzer has started to renovate their buildings in order to achieve international-standard green building status, with installed solar panels to generate solar energy. Spritzer employs a team of professionals who maintain and protect the plant, in order to ensure that the water source continues to hold pure and clean water at all times. Once the water is extracted, it is hygienically filtered before being transferred to the all-familiar, iconic green Spritzer bottle. The team use automated and advanced bottling technology throughout the entire process to ensure that each and every bottle of Spritzer Natural Mineral Water maintains its pristine quality. It is this pristine and exceptional quality that has led Spritzer to gain international certifications and win numerous awards.

The company’s belief in giving back and contributing to society means that CSR projects are a regular activity and include Blood Donation drives, donation drives for pandemic front-liners and flood victims, Feed the Poor Projects, Coral Replanting, Active at Work challenges and many more. These days, the founder, Dato Lim Kok Boon has a new labour of love; the Spritzer Eco-Park. The park was opened in mid 2015 with the intention to educate their visitors of the importance of taking care of Mother Earth as well as how the brand’s mineral water comes from a pristine and natural source. The beautiful green eco-park next to the Spritzer factory has a Discovery Tunnel, 18-hole mini-golf course, café, and various other interesting features for their visitors. Spritzer Eco-Park is where friends and family can come together and have fun, and enjoy an interesting visit to the manufacturing plant to see how Spritzer products are packed from source to bottle, and continue to provide the highest quality drinking water whilst protecting Mother Earth.

Founded in 1997, Secret Recipe is renowned for its extensive range of fine quality gourmet cakes and variety of contemporary cuisine. The Malaysian brand has since evolved to become one of the fastest growing lifestyle cakes and café chain with over 400 café outlets worldwide to date. In 2016, the group successfully launched a new brand Hokkaido Baked Cheese Tart that took the market by storm and has become one of the top dessert brands in the region with over 140 stores today. Secret Recipe and Hokkaido Baked Cheese Tart can be found in prime urban locations and shopping malls in major cities around the world including Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Brunei, Maldives, Vietnam, Australia and United States. The company offers a friendly and personalised full-service dining experience for customers and incorporates a modern contemporary and vibrant interior concept with comfort ambience, and great food. In terms of brand value, Secret Recipe promises a value lifestyle proposition of great variety and quality food at affordable prices. The uncompromising quality of food and desserts using quality ingredients, coupled with moderate pricing, has created a loyal base of food and cake lovers.

Besides that, the Group has diversified its revenue streams and upgraded its capabilities as a manufacturer by supplying to world renowned brands such as McDonalds, Ikea and Starbucks. Their production facilities are in compliance with stringent supplier requirements such as quality control, halal and environmental, social and governance (ESG) international standards. By partnering with Secret Recipe, they have been able to boost the performance of their own stores through our quality products, innovative ideation and strong branding.

 

The secret behind Secret Recipe

Secret Recipe’s success is built upon many things but the main ingredient is its people. Throughout the years, the company has built a strong culture of adaptability, which is driven by hard work, passion and a compelling mission – to continously surpass its commitments through innovations and continual improvements. “Secret Recipe is proud of our ability to craft and commercialise high quality products and concepts into the market in a short period. Furthermore, our existing commissary business model enabled us to scale to where we are today. Even with hundreds of outlets, we are able to maintain a high level of consistency for our products. This is the main challenge faced by food and beverage brands when they start to expand,” says Patrick Sim, the Group Business Development Director. Innovation and passion is very important for the business and Secret Recipe does not limit innovation to new product creation but also looks to innovate processes, branding and restaurant designs.

Patrick says, “As a team, we always make it a point to always learn and be better. Ideas can come internally or externally from our competitors, business partners, suppliers, market trends and our own customers.” He adds that it is vital to have the passion to turn ideas into reality. True innovation comes when Secret Recipe is able to lead the next trend or find a new gap in the market.

 

Digital transformation

Online shopping doesn’t provide the tangible experience of enjoying cake and coffee with friends and family. “We believe this is a core part of the human experience and we are embracing technology to enhance it. Malaysia’s eCommerce industry has recorded momentous growth within these few years. As the F&B industry is becoming increasingly competitive online and offline, we had a presence on famed e-marketplaces such as Shopee and Lazada, which sells Secret Recipe’s Ipoh Coffee Packets and e vouchers,” explains Patrick. “We (the next generation) want to make the organization more efficient. We have an app that allows our franchisees and restaurant managers to check up on operational matters, latest updates and standard operating procedures. If they want to be sure of how certain items are made, they can refer to the app. If our people need to be updated on new SOPs or recipes, we can reach them through our app. Such technological innovation improves operations,” says Patrick.

Secret Recipe has also been constantly reimagining and rethinking how profits are made, how brandcustomer relationships are created and managed and how their business can lead the entire F&B industry. Years before the current pandemic, the company saw the potential of online delivery and started offering a service known as Cakes-OnWheels in 2010. This has currently evolved to be a feature and part of our latest own membership app where besides offering delivery and pick up options with a click of the button, we also reward our fans for their loyalty. On the backend, we are able to track the purchasing habits of our customers to an individual level and offer a customised marketing approach to them based on their personal preferences and buying habits to drive better customer engagement and increase frequency of purchase.

 

Expansion and staying relevant

Secret Recipe’s success shows that it is really important to have a solid core brand concept and scalable business model before expanding out of
the country. The company’s strategy has been to find a strong, reliable local partner with that shares the same passion. “There may also be a need for some level of customisation of products or even brand positioning to suit the market needs. But we always remain true to our core promises of provided high quality products to our customers,” explains Patrick. The company plans to further expand its brand within Malaysia and internationally to other regions such the Middle East, South Asia, North America and even Europe and Africa. “We need be constantly evolving as a brand to be relevant with the changing times and younger generation. Currently we are putting in many initiatives to be more technology forward, upgrading our store ambience, crafting “Instaworthy” products improving the workplace culture. People today want to associated with a brand that takes environmental, sustainability and social aspects seriously and thus we have been actively reducing single use plastics, food waste and energy consumption plus helping the needy within the community, which culminated in us winning awards for CSR and Green Initiative,” says Patrick.

Most of us equate snacks with comfort. Ever craved for puffy green pea snacks or cuttlefish-flavoured crackers with the brand “Miaow Miaow” and a cute logo complete with cats on its packaging? The Miaow Miaow Group’s popular classic puffed snacks series comprises of Prawn Crackers, Green Pea Snacks, Cuttlefish Crackers and Cheese Rings are firm local favourites and bound to elicit a smile and fond childhood memories.

The name “Miaow Miaow” is adorable, memorable and meaningful. ‘Miaow Miaow’ is not only synonymous with the meaning ‘Wonderful’ in Mandarin, it also means “excellent” in Chinese. Excellence is the perfect embodiment of what this homegrown family business strives to achieve. Over the years, the Miaow Miaow Food Products Sdn Bhd has not only managed to prove its mettle by becoming one of the leading snack food manufacturers in Malaysia, their snacks have also reached the hearts of people in more than 40 countries around the world. Their steady rise to global recognition is clearly evident as currently, more than 60% of the company’s revenue stems from their exports to countries in the Middle East, Asia Pacific and Southeast Asia.

 

Growing through grit and ambition

Miaow Miaow’s success story began in the small town of Batu Pahat, Johor. Brothers and founders of the Miaow Miaow Group of companies, Chuang Poh Lim and Chink Poh Cheng, started a small trading distribution business in 1975 with a secondhand van to trade household products that they could get their hands on. In 1980, the brothers started to produce a variety of snacks and biscuits and in 1989, the company, Miaow Miaow, was incorporated to focus on manufacturing snacks. Poh Cheng has always exemplified the value of working hard. Living with in an impoverished but close family comprising of his parents, six brothers, two sisters and a grandmother, he realised from a young age that he wanted to lighten the financial burden of the family. Poh Cheng recalls that his father, a man of integrity, did not have much success as a businessman. To help support the family, Poh Cheng’s grandmother, set up a small stall in front of their house in Batu Pahat selling sundry goods.

As a young man, Poh Cheng wore many hats. He made and sold traditional cakes in front of their house and at times, delivering these cakes personally. To earn 50 cents, he would help his eldest sister deliver and collect the clothes that she would wash for families for RM5 a month. Knowing that he could not afford to go to university, he continued to diligently make bread at home and deliver newspapers. He even dabbled in vegetable farming, which unfortunately, did not take off. Eventually, his tenacity and abilities which he credits his secondary school experience earned him a clerical position in a broker firm. Poh Cheng admitted that when he first started his own business, he was inexperienced in company management. However, the knowledge gained from the work experience of his eldest brother, Poh Lim, then the factory manager of Lee Rubber, established the roots for a strong foundation. Without the technical knowledge and resources to set up their own manufacturing facility, the brothers initially relied on other factories to manufacture their snacks. In the mid-1980s, Poh Cheng’s younger brother, Mr. Ch’ng Poh Tee joined the family business and helmed the company into producing their own snacks. In 1989, the family was ready to venture on their brand and Miaow Miaow Food Products Sdn Bhd was established. Their first snack production facility spanned over an acre of land in Jalan Kluang, Batu Pahat.

 

Expanding across borders

When the Asean financial crisis hit Malaysia in 1997, the family’s prudent financial management style paid off as the company held its ground and weathered the storm. Miaow Miaow continued to grow and had managed to hit several big milestones over the next five years. For instance, the company’s management had the foresight to venture into international exports and found great success exporting to the Middle East in 1999. Reaping the rewards of their successful venture, the company upgraded to a 99,910 sq. feet production facility in 2001. This improved their operating systems and advanced their snack manufacturing process.

In 2002, Miaow Miaow Food Products Sdn Bhd was accredited with ISO 9001:2000 and HACCP certification for their business operating system, food safety and their quality management system. Their hard work also earned them local recognition and the company clinched several key Malaysian awards including Top 100 SME, National Mark of Malaysian Brand and the prestigious E50 Awards between 2009 to 2013. Riding this high and observing the growing demands of the export market, the company constructed a new factory plant of 42,000 sq feet in 2015 to facilitate expansion and growth for our pellet based snacks.

 

Growing and succeeding

Despite steady growth for over 40 years in Malaysia, the Miaow Miaow Group does not believe in resting in their laurels. Miaow Miaow Group line of products is continuously evolving as the company constantly innovates to meet market demands. Aside from existing Miaow Miaow’s snacks including healthier roasted snacks, puffed snacks, extruded snacks, deep fried pillow snacks and potato chips. Over the years, this family business had also progressively diversified into complimentary food businesses such as food repackaging namely for preserved fruits, nut and candies under Desa Southern Food Products S/B, manufacturing of both baked and frozen curry puffs, pastries, cakes and pies under Sydney Cake House S/B, online health food stores Ogenki as well as its food trading & distribution business under Desa Southern Agency Sdn Bhd which has been operating since 1975. Even with the ever-changing landscape and growing competition, the company has their eyes firmly on the goal of being internationally recognised. So armed with a refreshed brand image of “Heart Miaowting Taste” in 2019, the company is determined to further extend its export presence in ASEAN, as a Made in Malaysia brand and poised to position ourselves as a leading family snacks food company from Malaysia. In a true cat-like fashion, “Miaow Miaow” sure is the Cat that got the Cream.

Marrybrown Franchise is Malaysia’s largest halal fast food chain with 40 years of long history of success and innovation. We are an organisation that is owned and managed by Malaysians. Marrybrown Global Headquarters is based in Johor Bahru, Malaysia with regional support offices in Dubai and China. Marrybrown, winner of numerous international awards, year after year, has achieved worldwide success by delivering great value and exceptional quality product and services to our customers as well as outstanding support to our franchise partners.

Marrybrown’s first restaurant started in Johor Bahru, Johor some 40 years ago. The restaurant’s concept was a unique, first-time invention – a concept that offered great food at affordable pricing in a fun, friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Today, Marrybrown is one of the largest and most successful fast-food chains in the country and beyond – boasting a multi award winning franchise system that is recognised and endorsed by the Malaysian government. Now, there are more than 500 locations worldwide serving millions of customers from Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Thailand, Myanmar, India, Maldives, China, Africa, Middle East, Nepal and Sweden.

 

Good taste across the world

Marrybrown is a name that is well accepted and recognised by Malaysians and overseas customers alike. It is also a trusted brand for its Halal standards and certification in all the restaurants. For over 40 years Marrybrown has been providing customers fresh, quality, flavoursome something different meals using only the finest ingredients from renowned suppliers. The Halal menu features a wide variety of tasty meals including crispy fried chicken, delicious burgers, specialty wraps, fabulous seafood, rice delicacies, finger food, salads, fun fries and a range of hot and cold beverages and dessert.

 

Join the award-winning franchise

Marrybrown was founded by husband-and-wifeteam Dato’ Lawrence Liew and Datin Nancy Liew. The couple created the first made in Malaysia fast
food brand, Marrybrown, and developed it into a franchise system that provides foodservice to the world. Marrybrown expands and grows the business through the franchise model. Since the beginning of our franchise program, we have setup a complete structure to support the system. The company has a highly experienced team of franchise consultants, kitchen equipment specialists, engineers, interior designers, chefs, trainers, operations personnel, technology experts, branding and marketing professionals that work together to create a more efficient, intelligent and lasting system to ensure a better dining experience for all customers. Our company has also advanced into e-commerce, digital and omnichannel capabilities, making our infrastructure even more efficient and responsive, creating greater reach to our customers wherever they are. You will find Marrybrown a complete business format incorporating the goodwill and solid proven franchise model. Marrybrown’s success stems from its commitment to their franchisees in ensuring they have full support and service from inception to restaurant establishment and ongoing business advisory.

Marrybrown is the best restaurant franchise investment as it is a sustainable and timeless concept with strong systems and processes to support growth. Our team is spearheading to conquer new international markets. Over the past 40 years Marrybrown has secured and maintained its position as Malaysia’s No.1 fast food restaurant chain. We deliver operational excellence to our customers in every one of our restaurants worldwide. We run great restaurants by continuously focusing on delivering fresh, great tasting food with outstanding Quality, Service, Cleanliness and Value. Marrybrown is the story of a Malaysian business success. The remarkable story of people and strategies, successful franchise system, with innovation and technology that turned Marrybrown to become one of the greatest Malaysian business stories. The brand that touches everyone, every day and everywhere that we do business. We are proud to have put a homegrown brand and local delights on a global pedestal.