mastering · latest survey are bracing for worse economic times ahead, with a six-year high of 75%...

MAL AYSIA NE WS

1Q 2015 Mar 2015 Malaysia

CONFIDENCE SINKS TO LOWEST IN ALMOST FIVE YEARSSofter economic growth is clouding CEOs’ optimism and their outlook for their �rms in the short term.

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 pro�tability index (110) has moderated somewhat from last quarter’s 111, with 38% looking forward to better pro�ts 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 IMPLEMENTATIONAlthough 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 �nal list from the Customs Department is still pending at this point in time, many also �nd it challenging to deal with the high cost of implementation and documentation, as well as cash �ow 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 pro�ts, 40% earned more in 2014 compared to 2013, while another 39% earned less and 20% saw no change in both their revenue and pro�ts. This suggests that pro�tability, on the whole, has remained generally stable.

The Vistage-MIER CEO Con�dence 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 con�dence suggests pessimism and a more uncertain outlook for the �rst half of 2015.

38% of CEOs projected higher pro�ts, 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 posi-tively 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 �ow management in 2015.

51% of CEOs prioritised communication and problem-solving skills in their recruitment.

47% of CEOs felt they are overweight.

40% of CEOs planned to invest in �xed deposits in the next 6 months.

45% have high blood pressure.

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Vistage-MIER CEO Confidence Indexand Year-to-Year Changes in GDP CCI GDP

UPDATES• Welcome New

VISTAGE Members• Long Tenure Members• New Chairs• New Vistage Group

- VCE-30

LEADER• Mastering Change

VISTAGE-MIER CEO CONFIDENCE INDEX

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS• Vistage Awareness

Events 2015• New Vistage Website • 2015 Golf Challenge

EVENTS• Vistage CEO Tea Talk

2015• 1st Quarter Chair Meet • Adizes Workshops

CEO ACHIEVEMENTS• Master Marketeer

AWARDS• The BrandLaureate

SMEs Brand Leader Awards 2014

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 : (603) 2284 2126 / 2127 Fax : (603) 2284 2100 / 2139 E-mail : [email protected] Website : www.vistage.com.my/

Published by

JANUARY - APRIL 2015

Private advisory boards for CEOs,executives and business owners.

MASTERING

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.vistage.com.my/

2VISTAGE MALAYSIA NEWS • JANUARY - APRIL 2015

LEADER

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!

MASTERING CHANGE ‘Opporthreat’, ‘democraship’ & ‘capi’

Richard Wong flanked by Harpreet Bhan and Sherine Cheng


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

LEADER


VCE VISTAGE CHIEF EXECUTIVE MEMBERS

●● 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

UPDATES

Welcome New VISTAGE MembersVistage extends a warm welcome to CEOs, entrepreneurs and key staff who joined us to improve their leadership and management skills.

VEE VISTAGE EMERGING ENTREPRENEUR MEMBERS

●● 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


UPDATES

●● Yuen Kam Mon, General Manager, Hua Yang Berhad

●● Yuen Mei Yim, Creative Head, The Label Ads Sdn Bhd

KEY VISTAGE KEY MEMBERS

●● 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

Long Tenure MembersCongratulations to our loyal VISTAGE members!!

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


NEW CHAIRSBernard 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.

UPDATES

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-law-vistage-chair-profile/

L-R: William Tay, Jeffrey Khor, Lim Kah Hooi, Derek Oh & Bernard Leong

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

http://vistage.com.my/dr-hn-law-vistage-chair-profile/

http://vistage.com.my/dr-hn-law-vistage-chair-profile/


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-the-counter 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

CEO ACHIEVEMENTS

MASTER MARKETEER

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


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

CEO ACHIEVEMENTS

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

Innovative marketing event

EP Plus staff at a marketing event


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.

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.

CC Ngei and his company staff giving the thumbs for the awards


ANNOUNCEMENTS

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/

VISTAGE AWARENESS EVENTS 2015Mth 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 MALAYSIA AWARENESS EVENT & CEO LUNCHEON

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]

http://www.vistage.com.my/vistage-awareness-event-2-0/

http://www.vistage.com.my

http://www.facebook.com/VistageMalaysia

http://www.vistage.com.my/blog

http://vistage.com.my/membership-interest-form/


EVENTS

Vistage CEO Tea Talk 2015Sani 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.

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

Speakers Sani Hamid (R) and Fung Mei Lin (second R) with Richard Wong (Centre) at the Tea Talk

1st Quarter Chair Meet


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 MembersVenue: Ricoh Malaysia OfficeWorkshop: Mastering Change for Organisational

Excellence I

25 March 2015 – In-house workshop for VCE-16 Group MembersVenue: Pullman Hotel BangsarWorkshop: Mastering Change for Organisational

Excellence II

27 March 2015 – In-house workshop for EP PlusVenue: EP Plus officeWorkshop: Mastering Change for Organisational

Excellence I

Harpreet conducting the workshop

Participants: L-R: Robert Ooi, Irene Tay, Simon Soh, Heah Kok Soon & Doris Tham

VCE-16 group members group discussion during the Adizes Workshop

EP Plus participants at the in-house workshop


NEWSROOM

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.

SHEILA MAJID STEALS THE SHOW

VCE-1 Group Members and Guest Speaker, Datuk Sheila Majid

During the resource session

Datuk Sheila Majid

Leadership books presented to Datuk Sheila as mementoes and in appreciation for her gracing the VCE-1 Group Meeting.


E & O EXPRESS EXPERIENCE

NEWSROOM

PETER WEE MOVES UPPeter 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.

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 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.

Relaxing at Colonial Cafe, Hotel Majestic before boarding the E&O Express

The E&O Express on the River Kwai Bridge

Members and spouses at the Ibis Bangkok Siam Hotel

Members and spouses at River Kwai Bridge, Kanchanaburi

Peter Wee, Managing Director of Ricoh Malaysia


HISTORICAL RETREATVEE-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.

NEWSROOM

Standing: L-R: William Chin, Moon Chong, Chong Mee Yoong, Yuen Mei YimSitting L-R: Calvin, Robbin Khoo, Tan Meng Teik, Satish, Kamal Hadany, Peter Cheong

VEE-21 TURNS ONEVEE-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.

Director Johnny Lim briefing VEE 19 on visit to ZUN UTARA –manufacturer of refrigeration cabinets

At the Dr Sun Yat Sen Museum(R to L) Jas Teo, Aida Mok, Joy Tuw, KM Tan, YL Liu, KL Lee

Aida & Joy ~ VEE 19 Nyonas @ Peranakan Mansion, Penang


SUN & SEA FOR VEE-20VEE-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.

NEWSROOM

GADIS MANISV E E - 1 0 m e m b e r 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 icons of three major races in Malaysia.

Gadis Manis décor at the Intercontinental Hotel (source: The Star)

Florence Lambert Lee

Members visiting the SabaConcrete ready-mix concrete plant in Kota Kinabalu

Enjoying white water rafting in Papar, Sabah


SPOTLIGHT

CC Ngei, Managing Director, Feruni Ceramiche Sdn Bhd (VCE-22 Member since 2009)

Kenny Lim, Deputy General Manager,Spritzer Bhd (VCE-22 Member since 2007)

Ho Wen Yan, CEO, Hua Yang Berhad (VCE-26 Member since 2011)

Lim Peng Jin, Managing Director, Scientex Berhad (VCE-16 Member since 2004)

Lau Bik Soon, CEO, REDtone Telecommunications Sdn Bhd (VCE-16 Member since 2008)

K e n n y L i m , D e p u t y G e n e r a l M a n a g e r , C h u a n S i n S d n B h d ( V C E - 2 2 M e m b e r s i n c e 2 0 0 7 )

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 fruit-flavoured 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.


VISTAGE-MIER CEO CONFIDENCE INDEX

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/

1Q 2015 Mar 2015 Malaysia

CONFIDENCE SINKS TO LOWEST IN ALMOST FIVE YEARSSofter economic growth is clouding CEOs’ optimism and their outlook for their �rms in the short term.

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 pro�tability index (110) has moderated somewhat from last quarter’s 111, with 38% looking forward to better pro�ts 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 IMPLEMENTATIONAlthough 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 �nal list from the Customs Department is still pending at this point in time, many also �nd it challenging to deal with the high cost of implementation and documentation, as well as cash �ow 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 pro�ts, 40% earned more in 2014 compared to 2013, while another 39% earned less and 20% saw no change in both their revenue and pro�ts. This suggests that pro�tability, on the whole, has remained generally stable.

The Vistage-MIER CEO Con�dence 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 con�dence suggests pessimism and a more uncertain outlook for the �rst half of 2015.

38% of CEOs projected higher pro�ts, 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 posi-tively 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 �ow management in 2015.

51% of CEOs prioritised communication and problem-solving skills in their recruitment.

47% of CEOs felt they are overweight.

40% of CEOs planned to invest in �xed deposits in the next 6 months.

45% have high blood pressure.

99.7104.4

100.9

87.3 85.6

92.289.4

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110

1Q13 2Q13 3Q13 4Q13 1Q14 2Q14 3Q14 4Q14 1Q15

C E O C O N F I D E N C E I N D E X 1 Q 2 0 1 3 - 1 Q 2 0 1 5

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2011

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2015

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Vistage-MIER CEO Confidence Indexand Year-to-Year Changes in GDP CCI GDP

1Q 2015

BRACING FOR BAD TIMES AHEAD

http://vistage.com.my/ceo-confidence-index/

mastering · latest survey are bracing for worse economic times ahead, with a six-year high of 75%...

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