january-april 2015

MAL AYSIA NE WS
MASTERING
JANUARY - APRIL 2015
Published by
Private advisory boards for CEOs,
executives and business owners.
Vistage Malaysia Sdn Bhd (296405-U)
Suite B-19-2, Wisma Pantai,
No 5, Jalan 4/83A,
Off Jalan Pantai Baru,
59200 Kuala Lumpur
Phone :
Fax :
E-mail :
Website :
(603) 2284 2126 / 2127
(603) 2284 2100 / 2139
[email protected]
www.vistage.com.my/
LEADER
• Mastering Change
1Q 2015
CONFIDENCE SINKS TO LOWEST IN ALMOST FIVE YEARS
Softer economic growth is clouding CEOs’ optimism and their
outlook for their firms in the short term.
Vistage-MIER CEO Confidence Index
and Year-to-Year Changes in GDP
CCI
GDP
130
7
120
6
5
110
4
100
3
90
2
4
3
2
4
3
2
2015: 1Q
4
3
2014:1Q
2
4
3
2013:1Q
2
0
2012:1Q
1
70
2011:1Q
80
Across-the board declines were recorded in all six components of
the Index this time, led by the expected economic conditions
index which dipped to its six-year low of only 28, followed by the
current economic conditions index which, at 34, is also the lowest
since 2Q2009. While a six-year low of 2% of the CEOs believed that
economic conditions have improved lately, 68% felt otherwise, the
largest proportion polled since 2Q2009. And more CEOs in the
latest survey are bracing for worse economic times ahead, with a
six-year high of 75% saying so.
Fixed investment expenditure is likely to be subdued, as majority
of the CEOs are planning to maintain their capital investment for
now, although 34% will be pumping in more of such investment in
the coming months. Hirings are also expected to pause in
2Q2015, with 53% stating that there will be no change in their
employee headcount in the near term. 34% are, however,
expecting more employees to join them soon, while 11% have
retrenchment on their agendas instead.
CHALLENGES IN GST IMPLEMENTATION
Although most of the CEOs have, by now, registered for the Goods
and Services Tax (GST), they still face challenges in the process of
its implementation. Of the many challenges cited by respondents,
the most common ones include: the lack of clarity, consistency
and uniformity of information, policies and guidelines from the
government; compliance and implementation of the GST
accounting software which is complex due to the complicated tax
codes; and the readiness of the system, employees, suppliers,
users/customers and business partners. While some claim that
some grey areas still exist and the final list from the Customs
Department is still pending at this point in time, many also find it
challenging to deal with the high cost of implementation and
documentation, as well as cash flow management.
REVENUE AND PROFIT
Revenues of CEOs’ companies trended higher for calendar year
2014 vis-à-vis calendar year 2013, with 53% of the respondents
receiving higher revenues in 2014. In terms of profits, 40% earned
more in 2014 compared to 2013, while another 39% earned less
and 20% saw no change in both their revenue and profits. This
suggests that profitability, on the whole, has remained generally
stable.
AWARDS
• The BrandLaureate
SMEs Brand Leader
Awards 2014
UPDATES
• Welcome New
VISTAGE Members
• Long Tenure Members
• New Chairs
• New Vistage Group
- VCE-30
EVENTS
• Vistage CEO Tea Talk
2015
• 1st Quarter Chair Meet
• Adizes Workshops
Mar 2015 Malaysia
38%
of CEOs projected higher profits,
down from 39% in 4Q2014 and 45% in
1Q2014.
44%
of CEOs expected higher revenues,
down from 49% in 4Q2014 and 61% in
1Q2014.
53%
of CEOs reported higher revenues
in 2014 vis-à-vis 2013.
44%
of CEOs do not employ foreign
labour.
47%
of CEOs believed that oil prices at
USD50-60/barrel would impact them positively but moderately.
44%
of CEOs opined that USD1:RM3.5
would have neutral impact on them.
61%
VISTAGE-MIER
CEO
51%
47%
CONFIDENCE45%
INDEX
Business expectations are consonantly tame and cautious. The
latest expected profitability index (110) has moderated somewhat
from last quarter’s 111, with 38% looking forward to better profits
in the coming months, the lowest since 4Q2011. The expected
revenue index, however, fell for the fourth consecutive quarter to
123 in 1Q2015, with 44% being hopeful of procuring higher sales
revenue soon, the lowest since 2Q2009.
CEO ACHIEVEMENTS
• Master Marketeer
of CEOs planned to focus on their
cash flow management in 2015.
of CEOs prioritised communication
and problem-solving skills in their
recruitment.
of CEOs felt they are overweight.
have high blood pressure.
40%
of CEOs planned to invest in fixed
deposits in the next 6 months.
CEO CONFIDENCE INDEX 1Q2013-1Q2015
99.7
104.4
110
100.9
92.2
87.3
85.6
100
89.4
90
80.6
70.6
80
70
60
1Q13 2Q13 3Q13 4Q13 1Q14 2Q14 3Q14 4Q14 1Q15
The Vistage-MIER CEO Confidence Index fell for the third
quarter in a row to 70.6 in 1Q2015, its lowest reading since
2Q2009. Its descent further below the 100-point threshold of
confidence suggests pessimism and a more uncertain outlook
for the first half of 2015.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
• Vistage Awareness
Events 2015
• New Vistage Website
• 2015 Golf Challenge
NEWSROOM
• Sheila Majid Steals the
Show
• E & O Express
Experience
• Peter Wee Moves Up
• VEE-21 Turns One
• Historical Retreat
• Gadis Manis
• Sun & Sea for VEE-20
LEADER
MASTERING CHANGE
‘Opporthreat’, ‘democraship’ & ‘capi’
Richard Wong flanked by Harpreet Bhan and Sherine Cheng
Why is mastering change in organisations, even in our personal lives, not easy? Well, firstly the speed of change
is increasingly becoming faster by the day, if not by the hour or minute! Secondly, human beings by nature resist
change! So expect resistance from your people when proposing major changes in your organisations.
How can we, as leaders, influence our people to welcome or embrace change more readily? Reflecting on the
takeaways from the recent ‘Mastering Change’ workshops co-organised by Vistage Asia and Adizes Institute, consider
the following practical management options:
i) Help your people to see problems using a different mental frame i.e. to see problem or threat also as an
opportunity. The Chinese call it ‘wei ji’ (危机). Dr Ichak Adizes coined the English word ‘opporthreat’, more
than 40 years ago, for ‘wej ji’. During the recent Adizes workshops, Harpreet Bhan (VP of Adizes India Office),
as the instructor, asked each attendee to list five problems they perceived as confronting them and/or their
companies. He then asked them to see these problems as opportunities. Surprisingly or not surprisingly,
most of them could see opportunities in the problems they had written!
VISTAGE MALAYSIA NEWS • JANUARY - APRIL 2015
2
LEADER
ii) To manage the problems/opportunities caused by change, we need to make good decisions and implement
them efficiently. In Dr Adizes’ management map, he advocates that organizations should make decisions
democratically (involve the diversity of styles of people with respect) but implement them dictatorially
(once decided, to implement without further discussions or delay) to be effective and efficient to meet the
needs of the customer for short and long term sustainable profitability. This is called ‘democraship’.
iii) To assure success of implementation, we need ‘capi’ - coalesce authority (right given by the position of the
job), power (co-operation needed to get the task done) and influence (expert knowledge needed) by aligning
the common interest of the people involved. This will overcome the diversity of interests of the individuals
concerned as they now have the common interest in getting the assigned task done. Dr Adizes said with ‘capi’,
we could predict the level of success of the implementation of any good decision by the people assigned to
the task!
Is your organisation making decisions democratically and implementing them dictatorially for short and long
term sustainable profitability?
Reminiscing my Nylex days when I first introduced the Adizes methodology in the mid-1980s to Nylex and later
to its subsidiaries, it helped to make a difference. With collaborative responsibility, empowerment, mutual trust
and respect that prevailed in the SBUs, the performance leaped from below par to ‘birdies’ and ‘eagles’ (using golf
parlance) exceeding industry norms – Nylex Polymer Operation achieved EBIT/Sales of 27.9% (vs industry average of
10-12% and its sister companies in Australia, New Zealand and Taiwan) and Tamco Switchgears at 23% (vs industry
average of 10%) in 1990-1991. Nylex was listed in December 1990 and in 1991, the counter was traded at a PER of
29.8 times whilst the industry was at 17 times! The same year, it won the country’s 1991 Quality Management Award
from MITI. It was ranked 5th in the top ten best managed listed companies in Malaysia by Asia Money & Finance in July/
August 1992.
I would like to close with this mantra: If the rate of change outside is faster than the rate of change inside our
organisation, then the end will surely be in sight.
Happy ‘opporthreat-ing’, democraship-ing and ‘capi-ing’.
Richard CM Wong,
Chairman & Chief Listener
VISTAGE MALAYSIA NEWS • JANUARY - APRIL 2015
3
UPDATES
Welcome New VISTAGE Members
Vistage extends a warm welcome to CEOs, entrepreneurs and key staff who joined us to improve their leadership and
management skills.
VCE VISTAGE CHIEF EXECUTIVE MEMBERS
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Alexis Choo, Director,
Kekwa Indah Sdn Bhd
Charmaine Cheah, Vice President,
Golden Scoop Sdn Bhd
Clinton Morrison,
Country Managing Director,
Panalpina Transport (M) Sdn Bhd
Danny Goh Meng Keong, Executive Director,
B&G Capital Resources Bhd
Hafidh Busaidy, General Manager,
Intercontinental Kuala Lumpur
Jason Tham, Managing Director,
Powerwell Sdn Bhd
Jonathan Cheah,
General Manager/Vice President,
TFP Solutions Berhad
Lee Chee Liang, Director,
Manjuku Baby Mall
Lim Chee Chuan, Managing Director,
Chuan Seng Hin Sdn Bhd
Mohan K, Managing Director,
Adastra IP (M) Sdn Bhd
Ong Choo Seong, Director,
Chop Seng Hock Electrical Sdn Bhd
Ong Ewe Hock, Managing Director,
Du Pont Malaysia Sdn Bhd
Steven Shim, Group Managing Director,
Wawasan Group of Companies
Tan Boon Huat, Managing Director,
Allied Foam Insulation Sdn Bhd
Teoh Kok Lin,Founder,
Singular Asset Management Sdn Bhd
Vincent Peh, Managing Director,
VKV Capital Sdn Bhd
VISTAGE MALAYSIA NEWS • JANUARY - APRIL 2015
VEE VISTAGE EMERGING ENTREPRENEUR MEMBERS
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Albert Tan, General Manager,
Khind Mistral (M) Sdn Bhd
Bill Siah, Managing Director,
Resta Enterprise Sdn Bhd
Cassandra Chong, General Manager,
Klinik Holistic Healthcare
Eugene Tan, General Manager,
Park Games Equipment (M) Sdn Bhd
Gerald Gan, Director,
GA Sales & Services Sdn Bhd
Jason Chung, General Manager,
Bigera Alliance Sdn Bhd
Jason Tee, Manager,
Benih Merdeka Sdn Bhd
John Yeoh Peng Seong, Director,
Best Envision Sdn Bhd
Lee Cho Seong, Managing Director,
AutoPistA Holding Sdn Bhd
Lim Hang Chern, Director,
Asia Pacific Special Nutrients Sdn Bhd
Lu Soak Hoon, Accounts Director,
The Label Ads Sdn Bhd
Mark Kenny Douglas, Executive Director,
Mark’s Food Solutions Sdn Bhd
Nabil Abdullah, CEO,
Dapat Vista Sdn Bhd
Nicholas Gan, Director,
EGAN Equipment & Parts Sdn Bhd
Sean Chew, CEO,
Nexus Professional Sdn Bhd
Tan Chen Min, Senior Manager,
Khind Alliances Sdn Bhd
Tee Chiou Yan, Techno Commercial Manager,
Rhone Ma Malaysia Sdn Bhd
4
UPDATES
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Yuen Kam Mon, General Manager,
Hua Yang Berhad
Yuen Mei Yim, Creative Head,
The Label Ads Sdn Bhd
Long Tenure Members
Congratulations to our loyal VISTAGE members!!
KEY VISTAGE KEY MEMBERS
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Abd Ghani Bakri, Production Manager,
Kumpulan Jebco (M) Sdn Bhd
Anne Lourdes, Partner,
Nextdor Property Communications Sdn Bhd
Charlyn Lee, Speaker Program Manager,
Vistage Malaysia Sdn Bhd
Cheong Tuck Ming,
Factory Operation Manager,
Swift Energy Sdn Bhd
Claudine Lau, Managing Director,
Tokai Engineering (M) Sdn Bhd
Edward Kon, General Manager,
World Travellers DMC Sdn Bhd
Jenson Heng, Assistant Sales Manager,
Mapo Industries Sdn Bhd
Ling Siew Pei, Global Operation Manager,
Cranberry (M) Sdn Bhd
Ooi Chee Han, Assistant to CEO,
Cleanroom Industries Sdn Bhd
Roszilaiyaty Yusof, Financial Controller,
Synergy Oil & Gas Consultants Sdn Bhd
Saw Kylie, Business Development Manager, Golden Fresh Sdn Bhd
Suzana A Bakar, Admin Manager,
Swift Energy Sdn Bhd
Tan Kian Peng, Divisional Manager,
Swift Energy Sdn Bhd
Wong Meng Wah, General Manager,
NRS Process Systems Sdn Bhd
Yaw Kok Keong, Project Manager,
Interlinx Automation Sdn Bhd
VISTAGE MALAYSIA NEWS • JANUARY - APRIL 2015
15 YEARS
●● Rosedy Issa, Managing Director,
Gamat Emas Sdn Bhd
10 YEARS
●● Chin Jit Sin, Managing Director,
Auto Global Parts Industries Sdn Bhd
●● Pang Tse Ming, Managing Director,
EP Plus Group Sdn Bhd
5 YEARS
●● Adrian Lim, Sales Director,
Hargrave Corporation Sdn Bhd
●● Datuk Mohd Hisham Ab Halim,
Managing Director,
Tenaga Switchgear Sdn Bhd
●● Charles Chan, Chief Executive Officer,
MSM Metal Industries Sdn Bhd
●● Khew Kok Chin, Senior Sales Manager,
Nam Lee Cheong Sdn Bhd
●● Francis Ng, Warehouse Manager,
Megapower Manufacturing (M) Sdn Bhd
●● Mohd Rosdi Che Hasan, Sales Manager,
One Gasmaster Sdn Bhd
5
UPDATES
NEW CHAIRS
Bernard Leong, Derek Oh,
Jeffrey Khor and William Tay
were accredited as Vistage
Chairs in Februar y 2015.
Bernard and Derek will be
starting their Vistage groups
in English while Jeffrey will be
chairing a Vistage Mandarin
group. William will start a
Vistage group in Singapore.
L-R: William Tay, Jeffrey Khor, Lim Kah Hooi, Derek Oh & Bernard Leong
NEW VISTAGE GROUP
- VCE-30
Dr Law HN kicked off VCE-30, the
fourth Vistage Group in Mandarin
on 25 March 2015 with a total of
nine members. The new Group is
supported by VIM Mentor Chair PK
Cheng.
See Dr Law’s profile at
http://vistage.com.my/dr-hn-lawvistage-chair-profile/
Standing L – R : Ong Choo Seong, Lim See Tat, Roger Ang, Lim Chee Chuan, Jason
Tham, Lee Chee Liang. Sitting L- R: Tan Boon Huat, Dr Law HN, PK Cheng, Alexis
Choo. Absent: Steven Shim
VISTAGE MALAYSIA NEWS • JANUARY - APRIL 2015
6
CEO ACHIEVEMENTS
MASTER MARKETEER
Group Managing Director Pang Tse-Ming and his
team at EP Plus Group have mastered the art and
science of marketing pharmaceutical products.
Smart strategies and innovative ideas come into
play.
IN the RM6 billion Malaysian pharmaceutical industry,
only a handful of companies specialise solely in sales and
marketing. With thousands of prescription and over-thecounter products, competition is very tough. But one
home-grown company, EP Plus Group, has tasted sweet
success selling millions of doses of various products.
Turnover has grown from RM10 million in 2005 to
RM20m in 2009 and expected to reach RM60m in 2015.
What is the secret recipe? Founder and Group Managing
Director, Pang Tse-Ming (VCE-16 member) is not telling
all, but says that strategic marketing, unwavering focus
and a huge dose of innovation are the ingredients.
Established in 1997, the EP Plus Group is a marketeer
specialising in marketing pharmaceutical products from
Europe in Southeast Asia. The group consists of two
companies, i.e. EP Plus which focuses on pharmaceuticals
and Parvus which focuses on aesthetics medicine. Among
its principals are Ipsen from France, Vitrolife from Sweden
and Alfa Wassermann from Italy. For pharmaceuticals, the
company focuses in only five therapeutic areas – neuro,
diabetic, respiratory, gastro and women’s health – so as
to derive synergy in cross-selling. To concentrate only
on sales and marketing, EP Plus outsources warehousing
and distribution to Zuellig Pharma.
“From zero to millions (in sales)” - that is the sales
pitch that EP Plus pushes to brand owners, and the
company has proven track records to show success.
The company’s expertise starts with getting the
pharmaceutical products registered with the regulatory
authorities and approved for sale. Then it develops
strategic marketing plans to build the brand by creating
demand and carving a niche. Tse-Ming says the company
VISTAGE MALAYSIA NEWS • JANUARY - APRIL 2015
Pang Tse-Ming
uses “neuro marketing” strategies and unique customer
value propositions to sell to medical specialists, general
practitioners, pharmacists and hospitals.
Tse-Ming elaborates that strategy is not enough.
What is required is “flawless execution of strategy and
aligning of the whole company to achieve objectives”.
He stresses that patience and flexibility are needed for
success, “If you don’t see results, don’t change the goal
post, change the way you execute and align.”
The company’s marketing activities involve a lot of
innovative ideas and challenges to the status quo in.
For instance, instead of staid brochures with charts and
7
CEO ACHIEVEMENTS
EP Plus staff at a marketing event
Innovative marketing event
men in white coats, it employs “visual dramatization” in
product detailing that are attractive in colour, design and
messages. To engage medical practitioners, the company
creates what is called “medical edutainment”, meaning to
educate in a fun and non boring manner. Instead of just
serious scientific talks and seminars, the company spices
up events with performances and lifestyle activities. On
allegations that pharmaceutical companies use lavish
gifts and all-expenses paid holidays to entice doctors,
Tse-Ming steadfastly declares that EP Plus does not resort
to bribes to get a product approved or sold. He points
out that integrity is one of the company’s core values and
everyone abides by a EP Plus Corporate Integrity System
which outlines the do’s and don’ts to avoid corruption.
What have been the major challenges to the
company’s growth? Tse-Ming singles out recruiting
and retaining talent. “When we first started, we could
not be choosy. Now that we are no longer a SME and
have developed a brand, it is a bit easier. We want to
attract people with entrepreneurial spirit, innovative
and believe in the company’s core values,” he explains.
With offices in Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Indonesia,
the company has staff strength of close to 100. To keep
staff motivated, Tse-Ming states that EP Plus follows a
VISTAGE MALAYSIA NEWS • JANUARY - APRIL 2015
four-point “Employer Brand Promise” to its employees.
Besides remuneration, this includes adding value to the
staff’s lives, giving training opportunities and providing a
conducive workplace to learn and grow. This has worked
well, leading the company to the Star Business Awards
(SOBA) Employer of the Year Award in 2012.
Being a Vistage member for 10 years has helped
Tse-Ming to grow the business. He has learnt valuable
lessons from his Vistage Chair, Richard Wong. “The most
significant thing that Richard told me is not to focus just
on growing the business, but focus on the people in the
organisation… the people who look after the customers,
then the customers will bring in the business”, he recalls.
Tse-Ming adds that he has become a better leader, one
that is more confident and effective, plus pays more
attention to “work-life balance”.
Peer pressure also played a positive part. He reveals
that he felt ‘small’ when he first joined because many of
the members were CEOs from big, listed companies. But
his Vistage group members constantly challenge and
mentor each other to transform their businesses. This
extra motivation has pushed him to grow his company
by leaps and bounds.
Looking ahead, the self-driven Tse-Ming wants to
reach greater heights. He is a strong believer in setting
high targets because it excites him and spurs innovation.
“I don’t have all the answers, but I announce it first and
the answers will come,” he says.
Up next is the target to double the company’s
turnover to RM120 million by 2020. He is not alone in
this quest as he works with a six-member key leadership
team to chart growth strategies. By 2020, Tse-Ming
wants EP Plus to be the most desired and innovative
pharmaceutical marketeer in Southeast Asia. ~ Inforeach
8
AWARDS
The BrandLaureate SMEs Brand
Leader Awards 2014
Two Vistage members were honoured at the prestigious
BrandLaureate SMEs Brand Leader Award 2014 held at
the Majestic Hotel, Kuala Lumpur.
CC Ngei (VCE-22 Member), Managing Director of
Feruni Ceramiche Sdn Bhd, coveted two awards. One
was for leadership which named him “SME Man of the
Year” and the other for corporate branding in the “
Building Materials – Tiles” category.
Jason Tan (VCE-26 Member), Managing Director of
Innovar Floor Sdn Bhd received the the Brand Leader of
the Year Award 2014 as well as Brand Excellence Award
for floor covering.
CC Ngei and his company staff giving the
thumbs for the awards
L-R: YBhg Tan Sri James Foong Cheng Yuen, Former Judge of Federal Court, Malaysia, Jason Tan, YBhg Tan Sri Dato’
Seri (Dr) Aseh bin Haji Che Mat, Chairman of Asia Pacific Brands Foundation & Dr KK Johan, the President of Asia
Pacific Brands Foundation.
VISTAGE MALAYSIA NEWS • JANUARY - APRIL 2015
9
ANNOUNCEMENTS
VISTAGE MALAYSIA
AWARENESS EVENT & CEO LUNCHEON
VISTAGE AWARENESS EVENTS 2015
Mth KL PG Apr -­‐15 18th 29th 10th, 22nd May-­‐15 16th 27th 19th, 27th June-­‐15 13th 25th 3rd, 9th July-­‐15 11th 22nd 9th, 22nd Venue SDCC SDCC / Pullman The CEO Time 9.30am 11.30am 3.30pm Vistage Awareness Events are held in Kuala Lumpur and
Penang. Call Bee Lay/Kareena/Anne @ 03 22842176 or
click here for online registration:
http://www.vistage.com.my/vistage-awareness-event-2-0/
NEW VISTAGE WEBSITE
VISTAGE Malaysia’s website has been made-over with a
new look which is attractive and mobile friendly. To have
full view, please click www.vistage.com.my.
To follow us on Facebook, please like us at
www.facebook.com/VistageMalaysia.
To read the Blog articles, please go to
www.vistage.com.my/blog.
If any of your CEO business associates would like to know
more about Vistage, you can direct them to the website
or get them to send us their details using this link:
http://vistage.com.my/membership-interest-form/
2015 GOLF CHALLENGE
Vistage Malaysia will be hosting the Vistage Golf
Challenge 2015 at the Glenmarie Golf & Country Club on
6 August 2015. Get ready for golf, networking and plenty
of lucky draw and prizes.
More details will be announced later. For early
registration, please call Kareena @ 03-22842176 or email:
[email protected]
VISTAGE MALAYSIA NEWS • JANUARY - APRIL 2015
11
EVENTS
Vistage CEO Tea Talk 2015
Sani Hamid, Director of Economy &
Market Research, Financial Alliance Pte
Ltd from Singapore and Fung Mei Lin,
Senior Executive Director, PwC Malaysia
were guest speakers at the CEO Tea Talk.
They touched on the 2015 economic
outlook and challenges of a family
business respectively. Close to 100 CEOs
and business associates attended the
talk held at the Sime Darby Convention
Centre, Kuala Lumpur on 10 March 2015.
Speakers Sani Hamid (R) and Fung Mei Lin (second R) with Richard Wong (Centre)
at the Tea Talk
1st Quarter Chair Meet
On 27 March 2015 Vistage Chairs came together for the
Quarterly Chair Meet facilitated by Master Mentor Chair,
Heah Kok Soon. The meeting started with the theme
“Noblesse Oblige” and had sessions called Defreeze “It’s
Only Words..?” followed by “Start with Why?” and “ Want
to Be Likeable?”
Richard Wong , Chairman & Chief Listener and Sherine
relation to “How a Good Chair Does Good?” A session on
“I am…I Do” based on PAEI was presented by Heah. The
meeting ended with a powerful song “You Raise Me Up”
by Josh Groban.
Vistage Chairs at the Quarterly Meet
VISTAGE MALAYSIA NEWS • JANUARY - APRIL 2015
12
EVENTS
ADIZES WORKSHOPS
Vistage Malaysia invited Adizes Associate Harpreet Bhan from India to conduct several Adizes workshops. The
workshop on “Mastering Change for Organisational Excellence” had two versions I and II. They were held at
various venues and catered to different groups.
24 March 2015 – Combined Vistage Members
Venue: Ricoh Malaysia Office
Workshop: Mastering Change for Organisational
Excellence I
Harpreet conducting the workshop
25 March 2015 – In-house workshop for VCE-16
Group Members
Venue: Pullman Hotel Bangsar
Workshop: Mastering Change for Organisational
Excellence II
VCE-16 group members group discussion during the Adizes
Workshop
VISTAGE MALAYSIA NEWS • JANUARY - APRIL 2015
Participants: L-R: Robert Ooi, Irene Tay, Simon Soh,
Heah Kok Soon & Doris Tham
27 March 2015 – In-house workshop for EP Plus
Venue: EP Plus office
Workshop: Mastering Change for Organisational
Excellence I
EP Plus participants at the in-house workshop
13
NEWSROOM
SHEILA MAJID STEALS THE SHOW
VCE-1 Group Members and Guest Speaker, Datuk Sheila Majid
VCE-1’s Resource Speaker at its monthly meeting in
March, Datuk Sheila Majid enthralled members with
many nuggets of wisdom. She spoke about how she
overcame adversities in her career and her personal life,
plus gave advice on not dwelling on failure, and working
on one’s strengths. Indeed, there were many learning
points gleaned from her – e.g. whatever you do, do it the
best way you can; never be ill-prepared; do the things
you excel in, and with passion, amongst many others.
The iconic singer, parent and CEO also fielded a variety of
questions with great aplomb.
Datuk Sheila Majid
Leadership books presented to Datuk Sheila as mementoes and
in appreciation for her gracing the VCE-1 Group Meeting.
VISTAGE MALAYSIA NEWS • JANUARY - APRIL 2015
During the resource session
14
NEWSROOM
E & O EXPRESS EXPERIENCE
The VCE-1 Group, led by
its Chair Heah Kok Soon,
held its April 2015 Group
Meeting cum Spousal
Retreat in Bangkok from
19 to 21 April 2015. A The E&O Express on the River
Kwai Bridge
total of 42 participants,
made up of members and their spouses, plus
VCE-1 Alumni and their partners took the journey via the
luxurious Eastern & Oriental Express. Sponsor and Host
Alan Lim was singularly instrumental in making the E&O
Express journey a memorable experience for the whole
group.
Before arriving at Bangkok, the group disembarked
at Kanchanaburi for a two-hour excursion that included
viewing the infamous “Bridge on the River Kwai”, a cruise
on the River Kwai itself, and a visit to the Thailand-Burma
Railway Centre.
In Bangkok, members and alumni, with their partners,
participated in the monthly VCE-1 Group Meeting (with
Inclusion Exercises) at the Ibis Bangkok Siam Hotel.
Members and spouses at the Ibis Bangkok Siam Hotel
Relaxing at Colonial Cafe, Hotel Majestic before boarding the
E&O Express
Members and spouses at River Kwai Bridge, Kanchanaburi
PETER WEE MOVES UP
Peter Wee, a four-year old member of VCE-1 Group led
by Chair Heah Kok Soon, was promoted to Managing
Director of Ricoh (Malaysia) on 1 April 2015. Peter, a Tax
Consultant formerly at PricewaterhouseCooper’s, joined
Ricoh (Malaysia) as General Manager in 2011, and had
been its Chief Operating Officer (COO) for two years.
VISTAGE MALAYSIA NEWS • JANUARY - APRIL 2015
Peter Wee, Managing Director of Ricoh Malaysia
15
NEWSROOM
VEE-21 TURNS
ONE
VEE-21 celebrated its first
year anniversary. Starting
with eight members in
March 2014, it has grown to
12 persons. Members have
bonded well and become
an “ex tended family ”.
Besides monthly group
meetings, they also have
makan, makan outings and
contribute to community
service.
Standing: L-R: William Chin, Moon Chong, Chong Mee Yoong, Yuen Mei Yim
Sitting L-R: Calvin, Robbin Khoo, Tan Meng Teik, Satish, Kamal Hadany, Peter Cheong
HISTORICAL RETREAT
VEE-19 members had a memorable first retreat at
historical sites in Penang. On 7 April 2015, the Vistage
Team from Johor Bahru walked into 120 Armenian
Street - the headquarters of Dr Sun Yat Sun's Tung Meng
Hooi. After exploring the Peranakan Mansion and Fort
Cornwallis, they appreciated the Wall Paintings; tasted
the iconic Teochew Cendol, Nasi Kandar as well as other
delights.
Not forgetting business interests, the group visited
a factory manufacturing refrigeration cabinets in Alor
Setar, Kedah. Host Johnny Lim of Zun Utara and Chair
Woo Khye Thye co-ordinated the visit.
At the Dr Sun Yat Sen Museum
VISTAGE
MALAYSIA
NEWS JANUARY
- APRIL
2015
(R
to L) Jas
Teo, Aida
Mok,• Joy
Tuw, KM
Tan, YL
Liu, KL Lee
Director Johnny Lim briefing VEE 19 on visit to ZUN UTARA –
manufacturer of refrigeration cabinets
Aida & Joy ~ VEE 19 Nyonas @ Peranakan Mansion, Penang
16
NEWSROOM
GADIS MANIS
V EE -10
member
Florence Lambert Lee,
a French woman who
has settled down here,
was commissioned to
do the interior of the
Intercontinental Hotel
Lounge. Her trademark
brand features Gadis Manis
which depicts the three Florence Lambert Lee
icons of three major races
in Malaysia.
Gadis Manis décor at the Intercontinental Hotel (source: The
Star)
SUN & SEA FOR VEE-20
VEE-20 members travelled to Kota Kinabalu for their April
Group Meeting hosted by Alex Chee of SabaConcrete.
Members visited a ready mix concrete plant and learnt a
lot about the production of concrete. They were treated
to a sumptuous sea food dinner and walked around the
local market stores. Several members took the white
water rafting challenge while some enjoyed a morning
walk along the bay.
Members visiting the SabaConcrete ready-mix concrete plant in
Kota Kinabalu
Enjoying white water rafting in Papar, Sabah
VISTAGE MALAYSIA NEWS • JANUARY - APRIL 2015
17
SPOTLIGHT
CC Ngei, Managing Director,
Feruni Ceramiche Sdn Bhd
(VCE-22 Member since 2009)
Kenny Lim, Deputy General Manager,
Chuan Sin Sdn Bhd (VCE-22 Member since 2007)
Spritzer Bags World Branding Award
Anu Venugopal
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
Business, Featured
222
Spritzer was recently recognised at the World Branding Awards with a Brand of the Year 2015
National Award in the Water category.
The event recognises some of the best global and national brands for their work and
achievements. The National Award is presented to the very top brands in each participating
country brands that are household names in their home country that have been judged to be
truly exceptional.
The Spritzer Group is the most integrated and largest bottled water producer in Malaysia
and comprises six subsidiaries which are involved in the manufacturing and distribution of
natural mineral water, sparkling natural mineral water, distilled drinking water, carbonated fruitflavoured drinks, non-carbonated fruit-flavoured drinks, functional drinks, toothbrushes,
preforms and packaging bottles.
The ceremony held in Paris saw 50 brands from 22 countries awarded, selected from over 2,500
brands from 35 countries that were nominated for the Awards. Award winners were judged
through four streams: brand valuation, consumer market research, public online voting, as well
voting by the World Branding Forum Advisory Council, which is made up of luminaries from
the world of branding.
our brand promise to provide Malaysians with pure and safe natural mineral water that they can
enjoy. This shows that consumers find the Spritzer brand trustworthy and deserves their brand
Ioyalty. It is a great inspiration and motivation to all those who have worked tirelessly in
Director of Spritzer.
The World Branding Awards is organised by the World Branding Forum, a global non-profit
organisation dedicated to advancing branding standards for the good of the branding community
as well as consumers. It organises and sponsors a range of educational programmes, including
collaborations with leading universities and museums.
Kenny Lim,
Deputy General Manager,
Spritzer Bhd
(VCE-22 Member since 2007)
Lim Peng Jin, Managing Director,
Scientex Berhad
(VCE-16 Member since 2004)
Ho Wen Yan, CEO, Hua Yang Berhad
(VCE-26 Member since 2011)
Lau Bik Soon, CEO, REDtone
Telecommunications Sdn Bhd
(VCE-16 Member since 2008)
VISTAGE MALAYSIA NEWS • JANUARY - APRIL 2015
19
VISTAGE-MIER CEO
CONFIDENCE INDEX
1Q 2015
BRACING FOR BAD TIMES AHEAD
1Q 2015
CONFIDENCE SINKS TO LOWEST IN ALMOST FIVE YEARS
Softer economic growth is clouding CEOs’ optimism and their
outlook for their firms in the short term.
Vistage-MIER CEO Confidence Index
and Year-to-Year Changes in GDP
CCI
GDP
130
7
120
6
5
110
4
100
3
90
2
4
2015: 1Q
3
2
4
2014:1Q
3
2
4
2013:1Q
3
2
4
2012:1Q
0
3
1
70
2
80
2011:1Q
Across-the-board declines were
recorded in all six components of
the Vistage-Mier CEO Confidence
Index led by the economic
conditions index which dipped
to a six-year low of only 28,
followed by the current economic
conditions index which, at 34, was
also the lowest since 2Q2009. A
high 75% of CEOs polled were
bracing for worse economic times
ahead.
Business expectations were
cautious. The latest expected
pro­
fitability index (110) has
moderated somewhat from last
quarter’s 111, with only 38%
looking forward to better profits
in the coming months, the lowest
since 4Q2011.
Fixed investment expenditure
is likely to be subdued, as the
majority of CEOs were planning to
maintain their capital investment
for now. Staff recruitment is also
expected to pause in 2Q2015, with
53% of CEOs stating that there will
be no change in their employee
headcount in the near term.
For the full report, please visit
the link http://www.vistage.com.
my/ceo-confidence-index/
Across-the board declines were recorded in all six components of
the Index this time, led by the expected economic conditions
index which dipped to its six-year low of only 28, followed by the
current economic conditions index which, at 34, is also the lowest
since 2Q2009. While a six-year low of 2% of the CEOs believed that
economic conditions have improved lately, 68% felt otherwise, the
largest proportion polled since 2Q2009. And more CEOs in the
latest survey are bracing for worse economic times ahead, with a
six-year high of 75% saying so.
Business expectations are consonantly tame and cautious. The
latest expected profitability index (110) has moderated somewhat
from last quarter’s 111, with 38% looking forward to better profits
in the coming months, the lowest since 4Q2011. The expected
revenue index, however, fell for the fourth consecutive quarter to
123 in 1Q2015, with 44% being hopeful of procuring higher sales
revenue soon, the lowest since 2Q2009.
Fixed investment expenditure is likely to be subdued, as majority
of the CEOs are planning to maintain their capital investment for
now, although 34% will be pumping in more of such investment in
the coming months. Hirings are also expected to pause in
2Q2015, with 53% stating that there will be no change in their
employee headcount in the near term. 34% are, however,
expecting more employees to join them soon, while 11% have
retrenchment on their agendas instead.
CHALLENGES IN GST IMPLEMENTATION
Although most of the CEOs have, by now, registered for the Goods
and Services Tax (GST), they still face challenges in the process of
its implementation. Of the many challenges cited by respondents,
the most common ones include: the lack of clarity, consistency
and uniformity of information, policies and guidelines from the
government; compliance and implementation of the GST
accounting software which is complex due to the complicated tax
codes; and the readiness of the system, employees, suppliers,
users/customers and business partners. While some claim that
some grey areas still exist and the final list from the Customs
Department is still pending at this point in time, many also find it
challenging to deal with the high cost of implementation and
documentation, as well as cash flow management.
REVENUE AND PROFIT
Revenues of CEOs’ companies trended higher for calendar year
2014 vis-à-vis calendar year 2013, with 53% of the respondents
receiving higher revenues in 2014. In terms of profits, 40% earned
more in 2014 compared to 2013, while another 39% earned less
and 20% saw no change in both their revenue and profits. This
suggests that profitability, on the whole, has remained generally
stable.
VISTAGE MALAYSIA NEWS • JANUARY - APRIL 2015
Mar 2015 Malaysia
38%
of CEOs projected higher profits,
down from 39% in 4Q2014 and 45% in
1Q2014.
44%
of CEOs expected higher revenues,
down from 49% in 4Q2014 and 61% in
1Q2014.
53%
of CEOs reported higher revenues
in 2014 vis-à-vis 2013.
44%
labour.
of CEOs do not employ foreign
47%
of CEOs believed that oil prices at
USD50-60/barrel would impact them positively but moderately.
44%
of CEOs opined that USD1:RM3.5
would have neutral impact on them.
61%
of CEOs planned to focus on their
cash flow management in 2015.
51%
of CEOs prioritised communication
and problem-solving skills in their
recruitment.
47% of CEOs felt they are overweight.
45% have high blood pressure.
40%
of CEOs planned to invest in fixed
deposits in the next 6 months.
CEO CONFIDENCE INDEX 1Q2013-1Q2015
99.7
104.4
110
100.9
92.2
87.3
85.6
100
89.4
90
80.6
70.6
80
70
60
1Q13 2Q13 3Q13 4Q13 1Q14 2Q14 3Q14 4Q14 1Q15
The Vistage-MIER CEO Confidence Index fell for the third
quarter in a row to 70.6 in 1Q2015, its lowest reading since
2Q2009. Its descent further below the 100-point threshold of
confidence suggests pessimism and a more uncertain outlook
for the first half of 2015.
20