Tomei Consolidated Berhad’s story began in 1968 when the late Tan Sri Datuk Dr Ng Teck Fong returned from his studies abroad. His heart and mind were set on being at forefront of the jewellery business. With four years of experience in the gold jewellery business, initial capital of RM5,000 and four employees, Tan Sri Ng embarked on a journey that changed the local jewellery landscape forever. The word ‘Tomei’, translated from Chinese to English, means ‘an abundance of beauty’ — a moniker that is unique in the market. Another translation is ‘very beautiful’, which aptly reflects Tomei’s promise to create beautiful and evergreen jewellery masterpieces. Tan Sri Ng, who set the tone for the brand from the very beginning, ensured that the company would stand apart from others and that it would always be on the cutting-edge. Taking over and continuing his legacy is his son, Datuk Ng Yih Pyng.
“My father is a huge influence on my life. He taught me everything about Tomei and this industry. He never demanded that I joined the family business but the day, after returning home from the US where I competed university, I was up at 7am and ready for work,” says Datuk Ng. “I learnt from my father that to be a true leader, one has to be in the driver’s seat. Mistakes can be made as you steer the company through uncharted waters but do not lose the company. These are among my father’s wise words of advice,” says Datuk Ng.
A moderniser and innovator
From the get-go, Tan Sri Ng modernise the traditional way of jewellery-making. In the 1970’s, goldsmiths and jewellers depended heavily on manual craftsmanship and then, Tan Sri Ng broke boundaries by introducing a carving machine from Japan. As a result, Tomei produced gold jewellery that met stringent international standards. These standards were eventually applied to other goldsmith retailers and this paved the way for the diversification of the Tomei brand into the wholesale business. This illustrates Tomei willingness to do more and to innovate to stay on top of the game. As a result, Tomei established an illustrious and impressive timeline over the years. Having started from refinery before expanding into manufacturing, wholesale and exporting, Tomei also marks history as the first jeweller to branch out into retail by opening an outlet at Malaysia’s first high-rise shopping complex, Campbell Shopping Complex, in 1973.
More new retail outlets followed, first in Pertama Complex and then Sungei Wang Plaza, both prime shopping malls in the 1970s and the 1980s. As Tomei’s retail business expanded, so did its portfolio. New technologies like computerised management systems were implemented, and in time, an Italian refining machine was added to its repertoire of machines. In 2006, Tomei listed on Bursa Malaysia. This event marketed the transformation of a family business into a full-fledged corporate business.
Rising up to challenges
Recently, Tomei has been ramping up its digital transformation to meet changing consumers demand and overcome the challenges brought about by Covid-19. During the pandemic, the company accelerated its ecommerce plan to keep in line with the digital age. Fortunately, Tomei was already promoting its products on social media and selling on several multi-channel platforms before outbreak of the coronavirus. The pandemic served to speed up most of the digital processes that Tomei was working on. In 2021, the brand launched its first e-magazine, www.tomeijewel.com. “Tomei is trusted because we have been here for 50 years. But this is not enough. With social media, a lot of the smaller jewellery players can access to the whole market and promote their brands,” explains Datuk Ng.
“Moving forward, product differentiation is very important and this is why Tomei will continue to invest in new designs and better technology. Of course, we will continue to strengthen our brand,” he adds. Datuk Ng used the time he spent making sales visits to jewellers outside the country to learn about their business and operations. He looked for areas that Tomei can learn from as well as new opportunities for the business. Under his stewardship, Tomei spearheaded many first-in-the industries including being the first jewellery to offer credit card instalment payments.
Partnering for quality
Tomei also stands apart with its approach to partnerships. According to Datuk Ng, by working with partners, the company can focus and maintain the quality of its products. “Tomei is an integrated jeweller business. We have established a very good network regionally as we only work with partners in foreign countries. We are always looking for business opportunities and Tomei is a very good platform for any business partner in this industry to leverage on,” says Datuk Ng.
Tomei’s partnerships include:
A joint venture with Eugen Schofer GmBH & Co, a world-renowned chain manufacturer, in 1997. This development allows Tomei to become the frontrunner in automated chain manufacturers. Together with Eugen Schofer, Tomei produced a gold and silver jewellery series that raised the
standard of design and quality in Malaysia.
- In 2007, Tomei acquired Le Lumiere, the Diamonds of Light. Known for its one-ofa-kind designs, Le Lumiere emphasises a diamond’s ideal proportions, perfect hearts and arrows symmetry. Here, very diamond is meticulously cut with precise angles, symmetry and proportions. This ensures that their facets reflect light, thus exhibiting an extraordinary brilliance and sparkle. Tomei’s Le Lumiere diamonds have a GIA Triple Excellent grading to deliver an optimum display of scintillating brilliance.
- In December 2012, Tomei became an exclusive distributor of De Beers in Malaysia, a great accomplishment for the brand and business.
- Tomei is in partnership with famous brands, such as Prima Gold from Thailand, that employs their own unique style and craftsmanship.
- Tomei has exclusive distribution rights for Xifu Chinese Wedding Collection Jewellery in Malaysia, a product that is endorsed by the World Gold Council.
- The company also holds the license from Sanrio to manufacture and sell gold jewellery based on characters from Hello Kitty and My Melody.
Looking and moving forward
Today, Tomei distributes a wide range of jewellery under four distinguished brands, namely Tomei (with its own range of gold products such as Anastasia, Chomel Charms, Eternal Binding and Icons of Malaysia), Goldheart, Le Lumiere and De Beers. Besides having more than 50 retail outlets throughout Malaysia, Tomei also exports its products to the Asian and European markets. Despite the challenges that may come Tomei’s way, there is no doubt that the company’s beautiful jewellery will continue to be the top choice for celebrations, festivals and special occasions. Tan Sri Ng’s promise to adapt and evolve continues to motivate the team at Tomei to deliver on his vision of being the trusted jeweller of choice. They are committed to providing exemplary customer service and evergreen jewellery designs for generations to come. “This is a second-generation business and our legacy is extremely important. My family, and my father’s commitment and vision to this business, continues to drive me to do more and do better every day,” adds Datuk Ng.
Accolades received by Tomei in recent years:
- Most Outstanding Malaysian Brand Award 2019, awarded by Branding Association of Malaysia.
- National Mark of “Malaysian Brand” by SME Corporation since 2010.
- Tomei is also certified with ISO 9001 in the Quality Management System for its retailing in gold and jewellery products from Lloyd’s Register since 2003.
