For business. For growth. For life. Vol 5

04-09 10-15 16-19 20-25 26-31 Paduan Hebat Sipadan Pom TXMR Sdn. Bhd. Rakan Ternak Dayang Salhah (S) Sdn. Bhd. Pom Resort & Enterprise Food Industries Tours Sdn. Bhd. Sdn. Bhd.

YOUR SUCCESS OUR STORY

Contents 04 Paduan Hebat (S) Sdn. Bhd.

10 Sipadan Pom Pom Resort & Tours Sdn. Bhd.

19 TXMR Sdn. Bhd.

20 Rakan Ternak Enterprise

26 Dayang Salhah Food Industries Sdn. Bhd.

Editorial Team

Advisor Published By www.smebank.com.my Datuk Mohd Radzif Mohd Yunus

Executive Editor Khairil Anuar Mohammad Anuar Small Medium Enterprise Development Editor Bank Berhad (49572-H) Abdul Latiff Puteh Menara SME Bank Jalan Sultan Ismail Photographer 50250 Wan Badaru Sukry Wan Abdullah Tel: +603 2615 2020 Contributors Fax: +603 2698 1748 Saripah Radziah Sayed Hamid Call Centre : 1800 88 3131 Raja Sharizat Raja Redzwa Norsalwa Zakaria 02

We have rolled out a few programmes to propel the SMEs into the global market, improve our service delivery and deepen our customer engagement, in tandem with the Government’s move to make 2017 as the Start-up and SMEs Promotion Year.

Datuk Mohd Radzif Mohd Yunus 03

FOREWORD

As a one-stop financing and business development We reached a new milestone recently when the Bank’s centre for SMEs in the country, SME Bank takes SME initiatives and its unique value proposition of ‘Beyond great pride in its strategic schemes, programmes Financing’ model have been recognised internationally and technology utilisation to accelerate the growth as the Bank became the first Development Financial of the SME sector. Institution in Malaysia and ASEAN to be a member of The Montreal Group or TMG, an exclusive global forum for We have rolled out a few programmes to propel the state-owned development banks focusing on assisting SMEs into the global market, improve our service micro, small and medium-sized enterprises. SME Bank’s delivery and deepen our customer engagement, in membership in TMG will benefit SMEs in Malaysia greatly tandem with the Government’s move to make 2017 as because the Bank now has access to best practices the Start-up and SMEs Promotion Year. on various areas, international standards and TMG’s research databases, as well as greater understanding of We have introduced the i-SMART Programme the international market for SMEs. (SME Bank Upward Migration and Acceleration Programme), with a RM60 million fund allocation to This edition of INFRONT features five home-grown nurture eligible entrepreneurs to go global through SMEs in different sectors that have overcome various effective financial management, capacity building obstacles, built their competitive edge and are utilising and facilitation assistance. IT and social media to reach out to existing and potential customers in a borderless world. We continue to build on our success in digitization of financial services to improve our delivery. We have In the current challenging economic conditions such as launched ‘Book Your Banker’ (BYB) online registration the weakening of the ringgit and the increasing cost of to facilitate financing applications as well as an online doing business, SMEs have to be nimble to keep cost gateway that can determine the eligibility of contractors down, pursue and respond to opportunities, adapt to and vendors interested in the Pan Borneo Project in the changing customer needs and ride out the tough and . These are in addition to our Mobile times. Remember, every cloud has a silver lining and Application introduced in 2015, which currently has over difficult times always lead to better days. 3,600 downloads and 4SME, the customer engagement mobile application that we launched last year. Thank you and wassalam.

Our efforts in supporting SMEs go beyond financing where we conduct customer engagement activities such as XCESS, Outreach Programme and Customer Open Day. These programmes provide opportunities for Datuk Mohd Radzif Mohd Yunus Group Managing Director entrepreneurs to interact directly with us and explore SME Bank Group ways to expand their businesses. 04 PADUANHebat (S) SDN. BHD. 715402-K Customer of SME Bank since 2007

Eliza Goh Giok Yee Director of Paduan Hebat (S) Sdn. Bhd. 05

RIDING THE INTERNET to promote hotels’ services and WAVE FOR BUSINESS packages, while at the same time, it allows guests to share their reviews GROWTH about particular hotels. The Internet and social media like As one of the players in Sabah’s Previously, Zara’s Boutique Hotel, Facebook and hospitality industry, Paduan Hebat which opened its doors in 2011 in (S) Sdn. Bhd. the owner of Zara’s , relied heavily on Instagram are the Boutique Hotel, has benefitted leverage for Zara’s reservations through telephone. The from the advent of information packages offered to hotel guests Boutique Hotel, to technology and social media in were also less attractive. But now grow business and promoting its hotel to customers, Zara’s Boutique Hotel is riding on the attract guests from getting reservations, building its rise of social media, mobile internet Malaysia as well as reputation and strengthening its and proliferation of smartphones position in the industry. The Internet abroad. to reach out to a greater number and social media like Facebook and of potential customers and engage Instagram are the leverage for Zara’s existing customers effectively. The Boutique Hotel, to grow business social media has facilitated the and attract guests from Malaysia hotel management to attract new as well as abroad. Facebook, for customers and maintain repeat instance, is a popular platform customers. 06

Zara’s Boutique Hotel Director, Eliza The hotel also does a lot of charity Goh Giok Yee said the website of work which in turn, generates Zara’s Boutique has been improved, positive publicity to the hotel. Zara’s Boutique thus enabling online booking. Having Nestled in Harbour City Complex Hotel is now an online booking system allows at Sembulan, Zara's Boutique Hotel targeting customers to reserve hotel rooms is located along Jalan Coastal customers from outside the business hours, or at any Highway that leads to Kota Kinabalu various sectors other time. That is why it is essential International Airport. It is within for hotels to have an online booking a 15-minute walk to Sabah State including the service which is well-designed and Plaza Wawasan, and government and mobile-friendly with a simple not far from Stadium, Sutera and corporate interface. To further increase room Harbour and Double Six Monument. sectors as well occupancy at its boutique hotel, It is also near and as travel agents. Zara’s Boutique Hotel has also come Tanjung Aru by car. out with attractive packages for the guests. Zara’s Boutique Hotel is now The hotel offers 118 comfortable targeting customers from various rooms equipped with modern sectors including the government amenities that include air- and corporate sectors as well as conditioning, attached bathrooms travel agents. The packages offered with hot shower, LCD television with by the hotel are tailored to tourism satellite channels and complimentary activities. wifi access. It also has conference 07

facilities, a business centre, tour/ticket assistance as well as express check-in and check-out. There are currently 40 employees working for the company. Eliza said Zara’s Boutique Hotel recognises their hard-work and efforts where every month, an “Employee of the Month” will be announced. To further motivate the staff, the company also gives bonuses to them. There is also a “service point” system, which is a form of reward system that acts as an incentive for the staff to work harder, provide better services and show more initiatives.

Interestingly, all the company’s employees are female. Eliza strongly believes that women should be empowered economically so that they can contribute to the improvement of family lives and provision of good education for the children. Asked to describe her leadership style, Eliza said she practises responsible, trustworthy and honest leadership. For her, a leader should be someone who is willing to sacrifice, cares about the people and is well-liked by the people. Eliza has recently been awarded with the Outstanding Woman Award by the Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah (FCAS) Women Bureau. This is a testimony of her enterprising spirit, innovation and unrelenting efforts in building her hotel business.

Eliza encountered various challenges in building the hotel business, which test one’s strength and ability. Lack of capital or funding is the main challenge faced by entrepreneurs, followed by competition from other hotels. She said capital investment is essential for business sustainability as well as to ensure the smooth running of the business according to the business plan. To overcome these challenges, Eliza said one had to have a strong character and integrity, while at the same time, one needs to acquire knowledge. A great deal of patience and sincerity are also needed in managing a business.

Zara’s Boutique Hotel received financial support from SME Bank in 2007 in terms of business financing facility. The facility was used for renovation, working capital and purchase of building. As an entrepreneur, Eliza has received a string of recognitions. In 2015, she was awarded with an Entrepreneur Excellence Award at the 14th Asia Pacific Entrepreneur Excellence Award. A year earlier in 2014, she received a Sabah Chinese Woman Award, while in 2012, she was accorded with the State Level Excellence Woman Award. In 2000, Eliza received Sabah Young Manager Award.

On her advice to young entrepreneurs, Eliza said, “Young entrepreneurs should be consistent in any business venture. They should be ready to sacrifice and 08 09

In 2015, she was awarded with an Entrepreneur Excellence Award at the 14th Asia Pacific Entrepreneur Excellence Award.

go through trials and tribulations. They should work on building their business and do not give up in their quest to achieve their dreams.”

With stable customer base and financial strength, Zara’s Boutique Hotel is now confident to expand further. Plans in the offing to open a new Zara’s Boutique Hotel outside Kota Kinabalu. Again, the power of social media and the internet will open a whole new world of opportunities for Zara’s Boutique Hotel in its quest to be a key player in the country’s hospitality industry.

“Young entrepreneurs should be consistent in any business venture. They should be ready to sacrifice and go through trials and tribulations. They should work on building their business and do not give up in their quest to achieve their dreams.”

Eliza Goh Giok Yee 10 SIPADAN POM POM Resort Tours SDN. BHD. 690245–V Customer of SME Bank since 2009

Datuk Peter CM Loong & Datin Liong Yun Che Managing Director & Director of Sipadan Pom Pom Resort & Tours Sdn. Bhd. 11

“It was a very bad experience to our company but we prioritised the welfare and safety of our resort guests.” CRUSING AHEAD FOR SUCCESSFUL FUTURE

Pom Pom Island Resort & Spa, located within Pom Pom Island's rich tropical vegetation, has what it takes to attract more tourists and capture a bigger market share in the growing tourism industry in Sabah. The resort offers a luxurious, comfortable and unforgettable retreat amid lush greenery with cooling sea breeze for tourists from all over the world. The resort is the principal business of Sipadan Pom Pom Resort & Tours Sdn. Bhd. (Sipadan Pom Pom), one of the players in Sabah’s tourism industry. 12

Preliminary statistics from showed that there were 3.43 million tourist arrivals (local and international) in Sabah in 2016, which is 7.9 per cent higher than 3.18 million tourist arrivals in 2015.

Sipadan Pom Pom has specially welcome more tourists to the east designed the resort to blend with the coast of Sabah. natural surroundings of Pom Pom Island, which is about 30 minutes Despite various challenges including by speedboat from mainland security threat for the tourists Sabah. The island is surrounded by at the east coast of Sabah, the unspoilt white sandy beaches and resort operator, Sipadan Pom Pom the turquoise waters of the Celebes persevered and kept on investing Sea. Meanwhile, the nearby Sipadan to improve its tourism offerings. Island is a divers’ haven, where Sipadan Pom Pom Managing the coral reef is rich with a wide Director, Datuk Peter Loong recalled variety of marine life, in addition to that the biggest challenge faced the island’s beautiful beaches and by the company was in 2013, when excellent snorkelling sites. From kidnapping for ransom was rampant a modest beginning in 2008 with in the east coast of Sabah. These 18 villas, two vans and four speed incidents had affected all island boats, Pom Pom Island Resort & resort operators. Spa is now on rapid expansion to 13

“It was a very bad experience to first phase of the development our company but we prioritised brought the total number of villas the welfare and safety of our resort at the resort to 49, which include 23 guests,” said Datuk Peter Loong. Beach Villas, 18 Garden Villa, three The first phase of In spite of that challenge, Sipadan Hexa Beach Villas and five Water the development Pom Pom believes that tourism Villas. industry is still viable and lucrative. brought the total It has embarked on an expansion Pom Pom Island Resort & Spa now number of villas at drive to meet the growing number owns four vans and a 40-seater bus the resort to 49, of tourists to Sabah. with an addition of a new 25-seater which include 23 bus soon. The number of its speed Beach Villas, 18 Preliminary statistics from Sabah boats has doubled to eight with Tourism Board showed that there another one under construction. Garden Villa, three were 3.43 million tourist arrivals Not only that, the forward-looking Hexa Beach Villas (local and international) in Sabah resort operator has also built a and five Water Villas. in 2016, which is 7.9 per cent higher brand new “phinisi boat live aboard”, than 3.18 million tourist arrivals in from Sulawesi, Indonesia. This will 2015. With the support from its definitely delight its guests as the banker, SME Bank, Sipadan Pom live aboard offers adventure cruises Pom had upgraded the resort. The for them. 14

Sipadan Pom Pom has constructed a new 70-footer steel barge as a water tanker to ferry fresh water from Semporna to cater to all its guests and workers on the island. These initiatives are set to enhance the company’s competitiveness in the tourism industry. Sipadan Pom Pom, owned by Datuk Peter Loong and Datin Liong Yun Che, employs about 110 employees. Its employees are trained to be multi-tasking, so that they gain various skills.

According to Datuk Peter Loong, from day one, the staff had been taught to be multi-tasking regardless of their roles in the company. The staff are aware that the skills and know-how that they acquire would be beneficial to them in the long-run. To further motivate its employees, the company provides them with allowances and commissions based on their diligence, honesty as well as loyalty to the company.

At Sipadan Pom Pom, there is no place for employees who are lackadaisical and do not meet the management’s expectations. These employees are usually asked to leave or terminated because they are not fit to work for the company that emphasises excellence and prioritises outstanding service. The company’s accomplishments are attributed mainly to Datuk Peter Loong, who is hard- working and very dedicated to his work. A humble man, Datuk Peter Loong sees himself as one of the employees working for the company.

“I am a born workaholic and I do expect diligence, honesty and loyalty from all my employees especially the senior and key people. I am not a perfectionist but I always expect my staff to do things towards perfection,” said Datuk Peter Loong, whose philosophy of life comprises three words, namely, “diligence, honesty and loyalty.”

He strongly believes that all employees should love their job and dedicate 80 per cent of their time and efforts towards the job, while 20 per cent for family and personal matters. The hard-work, commitment and efforts by Datuk Peter Loong and his employees had borne fruits as the Pom Pom Island Resort & Spa has been voted No.1 for five years in a

“I am a born workaholic and I do expect diligence, honesty and loyalty from all my employees especially the senior and key people. I am not a perfectionist but I always expect my staff to do things towards perfection,” said Datuk Peter Loong, whose philosophy of life comprises three words, namely, “diligence, honesty and loyalty.” 15

In January 2017, it was awarded a Certificate of Excellence 2016 by TripAdvisor. Besides that, the resort was also voted by an Italian television station as the most favourite destination for Italians in 2012. row from 2011 to 2015 by TripAdvisor. In 2015, the resort was inducted into TripAdvisor Hall of Fame. In January 2017, it was awarded a Certificate of Excellence 2016 by TripAdvisor. Besides that, the resort was also voted by an Italian television station as the most favourite destination for Italians in 2012.

Asked on his advice to young entrepreneurs today, Datuk Peter Loong said, “There is no short cut in life. If the young entrepreneur adopts my philosophy, I believe he or she will succeed in his or her endeavours. God will reward them one day.”

Sipadan Pom Pom received financing support from SME Bank for the first phase development of the resort. It signed a Facility Agreement with the Bank in June 2009. The resort operator is currently preparing the final development plan for the second phase of its project, which consists of 108 water villas. Datuk Peter Loong anticipates the sea “There is no short cut in life. project to be challenging as it needs to fulfil demands for water villas If the young entrepreneur from tourists from China. The project adopts my philosophy, I will kick off soon and the company hopes to receive the same support believe he or she will succeed from SME Bank. in his or her endeavours. God With a dedicated and tenacious will reward them one day.” leader like Datuk Peter Loong, backed by loyal and skilled employees, Sipadan Pom Pom is expected to sail confidently into the future amid Datuk Peter CM Loong intense competition among island resort operators and challenges in the tourism sector. 16

TXMRSdn.Bhd. 915805-H Customer of SME Bank since 2013

Tengku Mohd Farid Tengku Hassim Managing Director of TXMR Sdn. Bhd. 17

“The company would roll out its innovative and sophisticated industrial products and solutions in a timely manner and by maintaining the highest quality so INNOVATION IS KEY TO According to TXMR Managing that they would SUCCESS Director, Tengku Mohd Farid Tengku create a positive Hassim, the company would roll impact in the TXMR Sdn. Bhd. (TXMR), a provider of out its innovative and sophisticated industrial products and solutions in industry.” end-to-end manufacturing automation engineering solution, has set its sights a timely manner and by maintaining on being the world’s reputable and the highest quality so that they trusted brand. To achieve this, TXMR would create a positive impact in the plans to come out with the latest and industry. To build a credible reputation customised technological innovation, in the industry, a company has to industrial products and solutions. have reliable products, accessible to These will be produced through customers, bring value to clients and intensive & extensive research and maintain consistency in the quality of development (R&D). service. 18

The -based company, which was established in 2010, provides a complete solution of Manufacturing Automation Engineering, right from ideas, design, fabrication, installation and after sales & services. From a small trading business operating from home and with only a few customers, TXMR has grown exponentially. Today, the company operates from a factory lot with in-house manufacturing facilities. It has also attracted international customers.

TXMR has competency in Project Management, Mechanical & Electrical Design, Fabrication & Electrical Wiring, Mechanical & Electrical Installation, Quality Inspection, Project Experience, Design, Fabricate & Installation (Monitoring & Evaluation Project, M&E), Structure Modification & Recovery, Industrial Material Handling System, M&E Factory Equipment Transfer, Electrical Design & Installation, as well as Jig/Fixture Design & Fabrication.

TXMR does not only has expertise in the automotive, marine, oil & gas and aerospace industries but its industrial manufacturing automation products and solutions are applicable to all industries that have manufacturing activities, including small or heavy industries. This has allowed the company to reach out to a bigger market, domestically and abroad. TXMR’s competitive edge lies in its expertise in industrial engineering across all manufacturing sectors. It also provides cross-border product innovation that is compliant with industrial regulations. However, for TXMR, success does not come overnight. “This made us a one-stop solution provider for Tengku Mohd Farid recalled that the greatest challenge manufacturing problems from ideation to mass production faced by the company was financial capability & business and installation,” Tengku Mohd Farid added. capacity, especially in preparing a budget on human resources, machinery, facilities and R&D. TXMR overcame The forward-looking company is confident of achieving these obstacles by drafting a proper business plan and its target of being a renowned brand as it already had strategy as well as acquiring financial and non-financial good international exposure. Currently, about 80 per cent support from SME Bank. Its first engagement with SME of TXMR’s customers come from overseas such as Japan, Bank started in 2013, where the Bank approved financing Germany, Thailand and Indonesia. The remaining 20 per facilities for Working Capital and Machinery under Ijarah cent of its customers are Malaysian companies. TXMR has Thummalbai and Bai’inah. The company utilised the a diverse customer base as its products and solutions are financing for the purchase of raw material, machinery and suitable for all industries with manufacturing activities. equipment. TXMR, which employs 35 people, motivates its staff by sharing its aspiration and future plans with the TXMR’s prowess in the industrial manufacturing staff, where they play a major role and contribute to the automation and its ability to penetrate the export market company’s achievements. has earned itself a 4-star score rating in 2014 by SME Corp Malaysia under SME Corp’s SME Competitiveness Rating Asked to describe his leadership style, Tengku Mohd Farid for Enhancement or SCORE. It is a diagnostic business said he leads by being a role model. He is also highly performance measurement tool that assigns star ratings disciplined and very focus to ensure that the company’s to indicate the performance level of SMEs based on seven operations go smoothly. He also shares knowledge with assessment criteria such as financial strength, business the staff and provides them opportunities to be leaders. performance, human resource, technology acquisition and adoption, certification and market presence. On his advice to young entrepreneurs today, he said, “Always be positive and focus. Always think beyond and being extraordinary.” 19

TXMR’s prowess in the industrial manufacturing automation and its ability to penetrate the export market has earned itself a 4-star score rating in 2014 by SME Corp Malaysia under SME Corp’s SME Competitiveness Rating for Enhancement or SCORE.

Being customer-centric and result- oriented differentiates TXMR from other players in the industry. The company is defined by the skills, “Always be positive and focus. passion and integrity of its people to drive a customer-focused approach Always think beyond and on every project. Its engineering optimises the skills of its hardworking being extraordinary.” craftsmen, who are among the best in the business. Tengku Mohd Farid believes that the path to success for Tengku Mohd Farid Tengku Hassim the company begins with its people. Backed by highly-skilled personnel, deep understanding of clients’ needs, awareness of industry dynamics and the right strategy, TXMR is agile and able to identify local and international opportunities and venture further into the global market. 20 RAKAN TERNAK Enterprise IP0378526-H Customer of SME Bank since 2014

Faizulniza Puzi Owner and Manager of Rakan Ternak Enterprise 21

Faizulniza Puzi Owner and Manager of Rakan Ternak Enterprise

MARKING A TERRITORY However, it was a different story IN FELINE BUSINESS five years ago when the company was established in to supply animal feed. Without innovative Without innovative Syarikat Rakan Ternak Enterprise Sdn. Bhd. (Rakan Ternak) is all strategies, product differentiation strategies, product geared up to make “Geli Geli and market niche, Rakan Ternak differentiation Kucing” a household brand in was competing in the Red Ocean, and market niche, providing cat accommodation, targeting the same customers in the Rakan Ternak supplies and services. The company existing market. Much of the efforts is taking all the necessary steps were channelled towards marketing was competing in and sales, without emphasis on the Red Ocean, to strengthen the professionalism within the organisation and boost management skills. It was not long targeting the same its strategies, management services afterwards that its owner, Faizulniza customers in the and customer service to develop Geli Puzi decided to take a bold step and existing market. Geli Kucing into a chain of one-stop revamp the company’s strategies. hospitality cat centre. Judging from Following that, Rakan Ternak rolled the high demand and overwhelming out a pet store under the brand response from customers, Rakan name Geli Geli Kucing in 2014. It Ternak is definitely heading into the is dedicated for cat lovers to get right direction. everything that their cats need under one roof. 22

The move has proven effective as sense of professionalism within the Geli Geli Kucing now has a network organisation and the improvements of cat hotels in Perak, offering in service quality, management and accommodation, grooming and spa strategy. Rakan Ternak is now run like services for cats as well as supplying a corporate entity because Faizulniza related products such as cat food, as the company’s Manager, practices Today, Geli Geli vitamins, supplements, toys and the skills and knowledge that she Kucing brand has many other products for cat lovers. acquired during various management become well-known Consultancy services and advice on and skill trainings that she attended. in Perak and is various issues related to cats such recognised by cat as nutrition are also provided. The company is expanding the lovers throughout chain of Geli Geli Kucing outside Today, Geli Geli Kucing brand Perak through franchising. This, the country. has become well-known in Perak according to Faizulniza, will provide and is recognised by cat lovers opportunities for new entrepreneurs throughout the country. Faizulniza, to operate Geli Geli Kucing franchise who is an animal lover herself, as a one-stop hospitality cat centre. attributes customer acceptance Her vision is to see the presence towards Geli Geli Kucing to the of Geli Geli Kucing in all districts in 23

Faizulniza said she holds on to the principle of “True leaders don’t create followers, they create more leaders”. Backed by Geli Geli Kucing’s tagline, “It’s all about HAPPINESS”, the management provides a relaxed, stress-free work environment for the employees.

Malaysia, thus making it a trusted and prominent brand in the country.

She also set her sights abroad where she plans to bring Geli Geli Kucing franchise into the international market. Currently, the company has nine employees for its two branches. To motivate the staff, Rakan Ternak creates a friendly working environment, rewards the staff and provides comfortable workspace and facilities for the convenience of everyone. On her leadership style, Faizulniza said she holds on to the principle of “True leaders don’t create followers, they create more leaders.” Backed by Geli Geli Kucing’s tagline, “It’s all about HAPPINESS,” the management provides a relaxed, stress-free work environment for the employees.

“I have always been a good listener and I give the staff my fullest trust to make their own decisions within the limit of their respective expertise in order to enhance leadership skills within the team,” said Faizulniza. 24

Geli Geli Kucing were recognised by Nowasia Sdn. Bhd. which awarded her with Nusantara Outstanding Entrepreneur Award in December 2016.

Faizulniza’s entrepreneurship skills, creativity and The company did come across an obstacle in its innovation in building Rakan Ternak and Geli Geli Kucing expansion path, which is insufficient funding. Funding were recognised by Nowasia Sdn. Bhd. , which awarded constraint, according to Faizulniza, is an impediment for her with Nusantara Outstanding Entrepreneur Award in the company’s expansion plan despite receiving high December 2016. demand.

Asked about her advice to young entrepreneurs today, Thankfully, Rakan Ternak received the financial support Faizulniza said, “Young people must dare to dream big, from SME Bank when it approved a financing facility it doesn’t matter if we start small but begin with the end under the Graduate Entrepreneur Fund in 2014 for the in mind. Don’t fear failure because failure will make us company’s working capital. From there, the company more successful. Young people should always be aware of did not look back and set its sight on a mission to available opportunities because there are various initiatives expand beyond the borders. Going forward, Geli Geli and assistance out there to help new entrepreneurs to Kucing brand is expected to mark its territory within be competitive. Be smart and identify opportunities to Malaysia and abroad, and stake its claim in the cat be explored, in addition to having your own initiatives to hospitality market. With the experience it gained and improve your skills without waiting for the opportunity to obstacles that it had overcome, Rakan Ternak hopes appear before your eyes.” to prevail over future challenges with feline instinct and reflex. In business, challenges come in many forms and in various stages of operations. Having attracted an overwhelming response from customers, Rakan Ternak needs to grow organically to fulfil customers' demand. 25

“Young people must dare to dream big, it doesn’t matter if we start small but begin with the end in mind. Don’t fear failure because failure will make us more successful. Young people should always be aware of available opportunities because there are various initiatives and assistance out there to help new entrepreneurs to be competitive. Be smart and identify opportunities to be explored, in addition to having your own initiatives to improve your skills without waiting for the opportunity to appear before your eyes.”

Faizulniza Puzi 26 DAYANG SALHAH

Food IndustriesSDN. BHD. 901459-D Customer of SME Bank since 2016

Dayang Salhah Awang Weldan Owner & Managing Director of Dayang Salhah Food Industries Sdn. Bhd. 27

KEK LAPIS SARAWAK such as vanilla, chocolate, orange, TO SPREAD ITS WINGS strawberry, blueberry, walnut, cheese, Horlicks, Nescafe, prunes, ABROAD The delicious, Oreo cookies, haw flakes and even durian. modern layered Kek Lapis Sarawak or Sarawak layered cake has become part of cakes with a wide- Making Sarawak layered cakes Sarawak tourism because for most variety of flavours, requires patience, perseverance and Malaysians today, a trip to Sarawak focus; which are synonymous with tastes and colours, is meaningless without bringing some of essential traits of successful come in classic home the famous layered cake. The entrepreneurs. The beautifully horizontal layers delicious, modern layered cakes designed Sarawak layered cakes with a wide-variety of flavours, or multi-flavour have been the core business of a tastes and colours, come in classic patterns and home-grown enterprise, Dayang horizontal layers or multi-flavour motifs. Salhah Food Industries Sdn. Bhd. patterns and motifs. What makes (DSFI) since 2006. DSFI, which Sarawak layered cake special is that specialty is Kek Lapis Sarawak, was each cake is painstakingly baked formerly known as Dayang Salhah layer by layer and interlaced with Enterprise. various ingredients and flavours 28

The customer- base of DSFI has expanded, from Sabah to , Brunei and Singapore. Plans are also in the pipeline to export Dayang Salhah layered cakes to China.

Before the company was established, and Singapore. Plans are also in the its owner, Dayang Salhah Awang pipeline to export Dayang Salhah Weldan started the Sarawak layered layered cakes to China. cake business in late 1990s from her house in Kampung Gersik, Previously, people from other states Kuching. From a small home-based in Malaysia and as far as Brunei family business, Dayang Salhah’s and Singapore got to know about layered cake venture has grown DSFI’s delectable Sarawak layered exponentially to cater for the cakes mainly through words of growing demand. The company mouth. But now, positive reviews now has a showroom for its layered about DSFI’s products have gone cakes at Kampung Gersik, where viral over the social media, making it is thronged with tourists and Dayang Salhah Kek Lapis Sarawak visitors all year round. Here, visitors even more popular. Dayang Salhah, and customers not only have the who is DSFI's Managing Director, luxury of choosing from more than said many customers from other 50 types of Sarawak layered cakes, states travelled to Sarawak to buy they can also taste samples of each the layered cakes. This, she said also of the cakes on sale. The customer- helped in promoting Sarawak as a base of DSFI has expanded, from tourist destination. Sabah to Peninsular Malaysia, Brunei 29

Despite many other entrepreneurs In meeting the capital needs, DSFI in Sarawak venturing into the same received support from SME Bank. business, DSFI is still the preferred Last year, the Bank approved a choice among Kek Lapis Sarawak financing facility for DSFI that was fans, and the number of DSFI’s utilised for the company’s rolling Dayang Salhah loyal customers keep on growing. capital as well as upgrading of its singled out three The company has received a facilities. DSFI, which currently greatest challenges few accolades from the Sarawak employs more than 50 employees, in managing the State Government. These include places a strong emphasis on staff Successful Entrepreneur Award motivation. The employees are business, namely (Manufacturing) which was awarded always inspired to work honestly capital, fulfilling in October 2015 and Anugerah and complete their tasks on time. customers' demand Bintang Sarawak in 2013. Like other and workers’ SMEs, DSFI also experienced road On her leadership style, Dayang absenteeism. bumps along the way. Dayang Salhah said empathy was the utmost Salhah singled out three greatest importance. As an employer, Dayang challenges in managing the business, Salhah always try to understand her namely capital, fulfilling customer staff’s situations. If any of her staff demand and workers’ absenteeism. having a problem, she would try to talk to the person in order to help 30

The company has received a few accolades from the Sarawak State Government. These include Successful Entrepreneur Award (Manufacturing) which was awarded in October 2015 and Anugerah Bintang Sarawak in 2013.

him or her solve the problem. Sometimes, the staff are reluctant to talk about their problems and this could affect their day- to-day job and hence, the productivity. If this happens, Dayang Salhah said she would sit down with the staff concerned and had a slow talk. This is an effective communication method that she uses to resolve matters effectively at workplace so that the staff performance would not be adversely affected by any personal or work-related issues.

Asked on her advice to young entrepreneurs today, Dayang Salhah said, “These days, everyone rushes into setting up a business. Young entrepreneurs shouldn’t be left out and they need to grab every available opportunity. They also need to be flexible and try to handle multiple businesses at a time, so that they would have a back-up should one or two business ventures fail."

“Secondly, never let others look down on you. To last long in business, young entrepreneurs need to have high self- confidence. Confidence is the key for success in business. For instance, entrepreneurs have to have confidence in their products before introducing them to the customers and they also need to be confident in providing answers to all questions." 31

“These days, everyone rushes into setting up a business. Young entrepreneurs shouldn’t be left out and they need to grab every available opportunity.”

Dayang Salhah Awang Weldan

“Dayang Salhah has a mission to show that the Sarawak layered cake industry will make Sarawak well-known in the international arena.”

“Thirdly, one has to have good intentions when starting Dayang Salhah has a mission to show that the Sarawak a business. Most young entrepreneurs today only want layered cake industry will make Sarawak well-known to be rich and they forget the right purpose of building in the international arena. She plans to bring her Kek a business. As for me, my first intention when I started Lapis Sarawak abroad, with China as the first export my business was to have a comfortable life and to create country. At the same time, she would continue to more job opportunities for the society. I hire the villagers strengthen the company’s foothold in Sarawak as the to help me in my production. By doing this, we can help best Kek Lapis maker. the society to increase people’s quality of life.” Small Medium Enterprise Development Bank Malaysia Berhad (49572-H) Menara SME Bank, Jalan Sultan Ismail 50250 Kuala Lumpur Tel: +603 2615 2020 Fax: +603 2698 1748 Customer Service Centre : 1800 88 3131 www.smebank.com.my