VEPRO Group Sdn Bhd “Never stop what has started”. These words of wisdom from his father were etched in the mind of Chu Chee Seng as a boy, and it has become his life-long motto. Chee Seng’s father valued family togetherness and strong family ties. Chee Seng also fondly remembers a wonderful and enjoyable childhood where multi-racial neighbours co-existed harmoniously. “People from all backgrounds genuinely enjoyed each other’s company. Everyone congregated at the coffee shops in the afternoon to chit chat. I remember Chinese New Year and Hari Raya as occasions when we freely visited each other’s house,” Chee Seng reminisces.
Chee Seng carried this “muhibbah” spirit with him when he decided to pursue a mechanical engineering degree at Universiti Malaya (UM), one of the country’s oldest and highest-ranking institution of higher education. It was in the early 1990s at UM when the young Chee Seng met Prof Zahari Taha in a robotics lab where he was first introduced to the world of robots. Chee Seng was inspired and fascinated with the idea that robots could be designed and programmed to follow human commands and instructions. Prof Zahari Taha became his mentor and Chee Seng acknowledged that the professor was the prime mover behind his career choice. After a stint in local companies, Chee Seng joined the German robotic company, Kuka Robotics. There, he discovered that robotics command a niche market that requires high entry level and expertise, which gives it an exceptional competitive advantage. Hence, his passion and journey into robotics grew and culminated with the establishment of VEPRO Group Sdn Bhd in 2003 with his two university mates, Lim Swee Peng and Chin Khai. Since then, the trio has not looked back and continues to spearhead the robotics industrial revolution in Malaysia. Chee Seng stressed that the trio were not from rich families, “Perhaps that was why we were able to withstand the first few years of intense struggle.” he ruminated.
Business vision
VEPRO Group Sdn Bhd has been in the forefront of robotics in Malaysia ever since their inception in 2003. The business focuses on a mix of local companies and MNCs as their clients. As the CEO, Chee Seng explained that the company name VEPRO signifies professionalism and profitability. “In business, it is crucial to develop sound financial planning, cultivate a healthy client base and keep abreast with technology. Taking part in local and international conferences, as well as trade exhibitions are crucial to building our business visibility and reputation.” Chee Seng shares. He further explained, “Having MNCs as customers helped us to ensure that stringent system performance and high safety standards are complied with, and this further strengthens VEPRO’s reliability and reputation. This also helps the company manage their cash-flow efficiently.” Seng hopes that the government would consider the introduction of beneficial policies such as tax rebates to encourage the use of robotics in this era of I4.0. “It has been proven that such policies affect regional and global competition. Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia are moving ahead in robotics by leaps and bounds. It is imperative that Malaysia embraces this reality to remain competitive.” he adds. Since the Covid pandemic began, Chee Seng points out that VEPRO has contributed to create a manufacturing environment that incorporates social distancing as less workers are needed on the production floor.
Technology focused
VEPRO Group Sdn Bhd specialises in Robotic Solutions and Packaging Automation. The company’s core business activities are Robotic Applications, Automatic Filling and Packaging Machineries, Customized Software, Flexible Plant Automation, as well as Quality Control inspection system. Automation and Robotics improve productivity and efficiency, and reduces dependency on production labours. VEPRO’s system design and factory automation solutions are used in a wide range of industries such as food and beverage, pharmaceutical and chemical. The company also supplies Robot Training Kits to colleges to inspire, raise and train the next generation of enthusiasts in robotics.
Recognition
VEPRO Group Sdn Bhd is a member of International Federation of Robotics (IFR), a professional nonprofit organization to promote, strengthen and protect the robotics industry worldwide. IFR directly represents over 70 members from more than 20 countries, Vepro Group Sdn Bhd is the only members origin from South East Asia. Currently VEPRO Group Sdn Bhd represents ABB, FUJI, KUKA and OMRON Robot.
