MKA BROTHERHOOD STORY emerged as the cover story in Malaysia SME newspaper pullout
Since the “Pillars” pullout was launched on 22 October 2011 by the Malaysia’s leading SME newspaper, it is published fortnightly along with the Malaysia SME publication. PILLARS is a vibrant pullout featuring the lifestyle of the SME entrepreneurs who are driving the Malaysian SME sector forward. The main segment in Pillars is the cover story, which is about the award winning thriving SME owners. Mid of April 2012, Meng Kah Auto Parts Trading Sdn Bhd has been chosen by the publisher to feature the spirit of their family business as the cover story in “Pillars” pullout.
(Extract News from Pillars April 21 – May 4)
Blood is thicker than water as many would have said before. But sometimes, money proves to be the ultimatum that shatters family run businesses.
It has to be said that meeting a close knit yet jovial group of people who share more than just DNA, dispel any preconceived notions of sibling rivalry in business.
Behind the walls of Meng Kah Auto Parts Trading Sdn. Bhd. in Puchong, there is a story of a band of brothers who sought more from life, and ambition takes centrestage in this tale of entrepreneurship.
What grew from a small setup in Bukit Mertajam has evolved leaps and bounds beyond Meng Tek’s imagination. And now at the helm of the business is his son Bruce Lee.
Despite being only in his 20s, Bruce is indeed a young face in the company, but his life experiences more than makes up for his youth. Changes were made since taking over from his father in 2010, and they were for the betterment of the company.
Working from the bottom up, Bruce left his job as a car mechanic to learn the ropes of the family business. His exposure to the company wasn’t new according to his uncle who recalls how Bruce used to frequent the office during his school holidays; helping out as a store boy.
Bruce is aware that his age may draw scrutiny from certain parties. “I know that I am still young, but I always remember not to be big headed or stubborn with the seniors of the business. I have so much to learn from them.”
The pressure is definitely on for him to perform; with the guidance of his father and his uncles, supporting him every step of the journey.
As part of his effort to take the company to the 21st century, he has implemented many systems and procedural changes such as the incorporation of enterprise resource planning and technology in stock, sales, accounting and financial control.
Not many people would have the chance to take over their family’s business and I always believe that it is our time to shine and show them what we are capable of when given the opportunity.
Truth is, there are some things in life like family and trust that are more important than all the money in the world. Nothing’s more rewarding than building something from scratch together, while watching the second generation of the family take it to the new frontier.
