All posts by EZ Malaysia

EZ 38, EZ 61 (2), People Culture, Vol 38

The Game Of Kings

Leave a comment

Cartier International Dubai Polo Challenge 2015

After four fast-paced chukkas, HRH Princess Haya presented the impressive Cartier trophy to the winning team. HRH Princess Haya, accompanied by the Marquess of Blandford, then awarded Amr Zedan of the Guards team with the La Martina Most Valuable Player of the Tournament Award. The La Martina Best Playing Pony Rug was won by Ali Albwardy’s Castora, who was played by Desert Palm’s Diego Cavanagh.

VIPs and guests also had an invitation to view Cartier’s latest collection, Clé de Cartier, in the beautifully styled Villa Layali.

Captains & Legends, EZ 38, EZ 38, EZ 61 (2), Vol 38

POWERHOUSE with PANACHE

Leave a comment

Malaysia’s Pocket Dynamite, Prema Yin, is an entertainer with more passion and punch than a Flaming Lamborghini on New Year’s Eve. Deborah Joy Peter activates her all-access backstage pass for an exclusive tell-all with the spectacularly seasoned singing sensation.

At a time when her peers were either out chasing butterflies, having tea with Barbie or building towering sandcastles by the sea, then four-year-old songbird, Prema Yin, remembers laughing in the face of stage fright while belting out notes from a set of pipes whose origins often eluded many. Over two decades in, the wondering has stopped and the applause continues on in uproarious aplomb.

SELF-MADE SONGSTRESS

Then chasing the dream professionally at sixteen, the indie instrumentalist describes her immersion as an avenue for creative expression. Yin shares: “When I pour my emotions into the songs I sing, it feels like a weight is lifted off my shoulder, and more so when the lyrics hit home.” On a less sentimental note, her sense of fulfilment isn’t yet complete since career-wise, she insists the journey is only half-travelled. Still, she’s grateful to have been afforded the opportunity to develop as a musician.

DECORATED DIVA

One to keep the show going, as an artiste, she enjoys setting out in search of new landmarks to attain. It’s the very attitude which saw her go from snagging four prestigious nominations at the 17th Anugerah Industri Muzik showcase in 2010 to another at LA’s Hollywood Music in Media Awards under the Best Pop Song category only a year later. Following that, the rock diva was commissioned to perform at the 2013 Guinness Arthur’s Day Festival at the Sepang International Circuit.

Here, she opened for All American Rejects, The Wanted, and Five for Fighting. She’s also shared the stage with R&B icon Taio Cruz and done backup for soul sensation Colbie Caillat at least once. More than that, the effervescent entertainer made her mark taking on international tours across multiple countries including the US, Germany, China, Indonesia, Japan, and Singapore. Just as impressive are her vast airtime exposures on local and Indonesian radio as well as stellar chart successes across a period dating back to 2009.

EVOLVED EXECUTANT

“Besides luminaries like Sarah McLachlan, Aerosmith, and Janis Joplin, my inspiration comes from those who’ve left a mark on my life—past lovers, family, and friends.” Triumphs aside, Yin is constantly reminded of the debilitating hardships once endured. One such challenge was finance. “I invested my savings into my first EP hoping the investment would prove worthwhile. That pocket-emptying sacrifice coupled with not knowing where to start and what to do back then didn’t help.”

Rubbing salt into the wound, there were many who mocked her efforts and when put-downs were done in bad taste, the bitter pill became extremely hard to swallow. Luckily, with guidance and strength from a nurturing handful, her single Eyo Eyo went on to bag several noteworthy nominations and a feature in Hollywood film, A Novel Romance. Other originals such as Bleed, Superstar, and Prove It To Me, to name a few, still today serve as unforgettable markers of her mastery.

FUN-LOVING FEMME

Two years ago, in taking her crooning chronicles further, the star refined her stage identity from rolling rocker to cultural troubadour. The transformation allowed her to regain full autonomy of her creations and incorporate variety into her act by tapping into her Chinese and Indian cultural heritage. “It has helped me be me. I no longer feel the compulsion to fall into step with any particular persona or become someone I’m not, never mind turning into a mirror image of the symbol others want to see.”

The long-time singer-songwriter recently added to her repertoire video-making using stop motion animation and vocal coaching; she sees students weekly and makes house calls. Her first self-made lyric video was released in 2014 for Ring My Bell. More importantly, the 28-year-old visited Santorini in Greece last June—her dream destination. But when she isn’t away travelling, she has the age-old Chinese art of Wing Chun and the classical comfort of the veena to keep her occupied, both of which are her current top interests.

Captains & Legends, EZ 38, EZ 61 (2), EZ38, Vol 38

Fully Invested in Art

Leave a comment

A successful artist …..”must be passionate about art, have some friends with the same interest, be familiar with the backgrounds of other artists and with the market value of their works.”

INTEREST in artworks as a form of investment is growing throughout the region, thanks to the wealth of indigenous talent, and the burgeoning ranks of eager collectors. But though many see it as having relatively low risk, it still helps to be knowledgeable about the industry.

Masterpiece Auction House Managing Director Dato’ Oon Pheng Khoon believes it is vital that one is passionate about art, have some friends with the same interest, be familiar with the backgrounds of various artists, as well as the market value of their works.

Those eager to start collecting should also regularly attend art exhibitions, previews and auctions – as they provide ample lessons about the buying and selling of art, and which artists or artworks, are in demand or otherwise. And best of all, they are mostly free to attend.

“Prices of art are always fluctuating, so it helps to be familiar with the bidding process, and understand the value behind each piece. Serious collectors track artists’ backgrounds, career progression and standing within the art scene, as it influences the value of their works,” said Oon in a recent interview.

Senior artists tend to be in favour, as are those with positions in art-related fields and institutions, as they often end up painting for life. Some collectors also favour works done in certain mediums, for they last longer and degrade less over time, hence representing a more solid investment.

“Good works may be pricey, but its value appreciates. Artists who are regularly featured in auctions are a good bet, as it shows their works are constantly in demand. If you buy a piece today, and there’s someone else willing to acquire it from you immediately, then you know you’ve got a gem.

“Collecting art is as good a investment compared to traditional options like stocks, properties or commodities. It is mobile, and you can buy or sell it anywhere. Art is also a finite thing, each piece is truly one-of-a-kind, and their availability gets less and less over time.

“You hardly see the best works from prominent names on the market, because they have all been snapped up by collectors once they become available. But besides the monetary value, collecting art also means you have excellent treasures to look at everyday,” he added.

Oon, who was born in Alor Setar, Kedah, fell into art almost by chance. Educated at Keat Hwa Secondary School, he worked in the construction, shipping and transportation industries during the 1980s, followed by real estate in the 1990s.

Around that time, many in Kedah started collecting Chinese ink paintings as a hobby. Oon  followed suit and never looked back. After China opened its doors to the world in 1993, he would regularly venture there to meet renowned artists, and buy their works.

“We would read a lot of art magazines and find out who the good artists were, and then approach them. At that time it was hard for them to sell their works, so they very receptive towards our interest,” he recalled of the time when he developed a passion in buying and selling art.

Also in the 1990s, art auctions started in Singapore, and he would regularly attend to broaden his knowledge. Indonesian artists were all the rage back then, but once art auctions started in Malaysia in the 2000s, local artists soon found a great platform to promote their works and excel.

In 2005, Oon relinquished all his directorial positions at his former companies, to concentrate on the buying and selling of art. He was roped in by Masterpiece Auction House when it established its Kuala Lumpur branch in 2012, with the company holding its first auction a year later.

Five auctions later and the company had sold over 800 pieces of art worth approximately RM15million, with a take-up rate averaging close to 90%. Other auction houses are enjoying similar results, and Oon believes the industry can only get better and better.

“It has grown steadily, and the number of art collectors today has increased four or five-fold, compared to a decade ago. Many lesser known Malaysian artists have now become prominent names, as the buying power and interest amongst collectors increase.

“I feel it is my responsibility to help promote Malaysian artists, and I’m now enjoying my life doing just that,” he sums it up succinctly.

Captains & Legends, EZ 38, EZ 38, EZ 61 (2), Vol 38

WUNDERKIND of IRON WILL

Leave a comment

Responsible for spearheading the Victorian chapter of the Australia Malaysia Business Council and leading a landscape poised for change, Joe Perri is the face of the campaign championing bilateral trade and relations with Malaysia. Deborah Joy Peter tells his story.

The story begins over six decades ago. An obscure immigrant couple of Italian descent, whose only real chance at survival at the time, was to pick up what was left of their mangled existence after the second World War, exit their motherland, and start over in a whole new world—the forever home they would soon recognise as Australia. The man goes ahead, slogs to save a few coins, and sends them back for the woman. She then joins him in Sydney where they exchange vows before settling down in Melbourne.

PREMIUM PEDIGREE

The pair’s labours haven’t fallen on futile ground. The testament of their triumphs and tribulations are captured through a single fruit of their union—a male offspring who’d go on to become a walking legend. That human treasure is who the world today celebrates as Joe Perri, the president of the Australia Malaysia Business Council’s (AMBC) Victorian chapter. A master of ship who directs with heart and depth, his origins mark a set of footprints indelibly printed on the sands of a past bent on making history.

Holding dear beliefs, lessons, and strength of character passed down from parents who dared to dream, his remarkable trail, according to the man himself, is the sum total of a heritage rooted in sheer perseverance. “Their love, care, and guidance have stayed with me always and continue to provide me with a beacon and are the values and morals which sit at the core of my character when relating to my own wife, family, friends, and clients, and so on,” Perri notes.

DYNAMIC DOER

Although well into his fifties, he continues to look to his exemplary guardians as his ultimate source of inner zest. Smiling on the path already trodden, he’s anxious to plot the voyage that remains. It’s been 10 years since his immersion in international trade relations began. He was propositioned to use his wealth of marketing and communications expertise to assist the newly appointed national president of the AMBC at the time. Eagerly accepting, he then proceeded to join the organisation in his home base as member.

“The activities of the council, friendly nature of its members, their diverse backgrounds, and business interests in Malaysia motivated me to go beyond just being a member and led to my joining the Victorian executive team.”

Here, his skills in marketing, public relations, communications, and more were put to good use. As a result, the appointment followed his election to VP and subsequently president, three years ago. Nine years before his first AMBC commission, the marketer founded his personal venture, Joe Perri & Associates.

Picking up on that last point, his duties are divided into two streams—a commercial side where he helps businesses achieve goals through marketing and PR processes as well as a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) side which he commits to in a voluntary capacity as president.

CONSCIENTIOUS COMMANDER

He adds cultural understanding and appreciation are feats to tackle, and that the way forward is to have the Asian and Western ways of conducting business adjust accordingly so the best of both worlds is the ultimate outcome. Facing these hurdles won’t be a cinch, but the implications on leadership and prospect of having to flex his captain of industry is justification enough for a heightened sense of exhilaration on his part. “What an exciting time to be in business. International trade is quite frankly in overdrive,” the AMBC head quips.

It’s become increasingly clear to Perri that no country or economy can operate in isolation; every nation is now part of the global ecosystem. To maintain success and strengthen mutually-beneficial trade and investments between countries, alliances are a necessity—and more so, since Malaysia is Australia’s eighth largest trading partner. “The Malaysia-Australia Free Trade Agreement enforced in 2013 was a significant step forward and will continue to be a platform to build on with more trade between the two nations.”

Needless to say, the unified body’s greatest asset is its members; they comprise business owners with commercial operations in Malaysia and Malaysian-born expatriates in Victoria. For the reasons above, the values of AMBC Victoria, especially those CSR-related, reflect that of Perri’s own, such as service to community and country and giving back to a nation that has aided those seeking to expand their businesses and in so doing, had created jobs for countless Australian and Malaysian families.

HAPPY CAMPER

On family, Perri’s consists of his wife, Luigina, two children, Danielle and Matthew, a goldfish as well as a “spoilt cat”. The latest to join that lineage is his son’s fiancée, Juliet. Their wedding takes place in October—the festivities for which the entire household is keenly anticipating. For senior, coming home to a loving family is one of the truest blessings in life. He may be a trade specialist, but the people mentioned above aren’t anyone he’d exchange for anything else.

Adding to that list, he is just as proud to have seen the world. Speaking of going places, the wanderlust-lover recently spent a weekend away with loved ones at a small township called Metung in the beautiful Gippsland Lakes area, a four-hour drive from Melbourne. “It was literally divine.  No tourist attractions, McDonalds, theme parks, cable TV or even a decent cell phone signal. Each morning, we woke to the sound of dolphins, seals, and pelicans in the water.” Now, he can’t wait to get back in a month.

Cover Story, EZ 38, EZ 61 (2), Vol 38

From Beads to Engines

Leave a comment

Datin Sri Joanna Lim, proudly Penang born, bred, dispatched and came back to stay, strikes one as “le femme petite”, but it doesn’t just stop there. Instead one can’t help but wonder how from dealing with beads, crystals and costume jewellery, she now is in the midst of setting up an automobile business dealing with the selling of cars and car accessories.

She made time for Essenze recently and over coffee shared some of her experiences and life lessons.

Coming from a small family, Joanna reassured her father that the family business of Syarikat Lean would continue and duly set off to enjoy what the world had to offer. Having completed her basic education she went on to Melbourne for business studies. This was a chapter in her life she had been waiting for, to savour the experience of living independently away from home.

“Perhaps it is that children always want they cannot get and in that sense we were never in want for anything” says Joanna. Her parents had set ideas as to the proper etiquette for girls. This by no means curtailed the close knit bond the family had for each other, maintained till the present.

It was during her undergraduate days in Melbourne that she met her husband , “but I only knew him as an acquaintance then and we probably only met like maybe three times while I was in Melbourne” she explains. Later when she was back in Penang they were re-introduced by mutual friends. Romance soon blossomed and they dated for nine years with the occasional “chaperoning” from Mom.

“When the fun was over and the studies completed, it was easy enough to pack and come back home and get to work”, she states. The first task at hand was to hang her father’s original business signboard – “Syarikat Lean” prominently overshadowing her own signboard – “Jo’s Accessories”.

“It all started from a little corner in Dad’s shop which had the crystal display”

That little corner has transformed into a whole store known as “Jo’s Accessories” in Beach Street, Penang, Malaysia.  Jo’s Accessories specialises in a huge range of beads, crystals and various costume jewelry accessories, not forgetting the Swarovski collections as well. One can purchase custom-made accessories or just buy the various essentials to put their own ideas of costume jewellery together.

Currently Jo’s Accessories is a successful “clicks and bricks” business, combining the best of the traditional “shop premises with a doorbell”, to a presence on the World Wide Web. Joanna creates her own jewellery label for sale online.

What astonishes even more is what Joanna has in mind as part of her business expansion plans. From beads to engines! This spritely businesswoman is now laying the foundations for starting up her next business venture which takes her into the automobile industry, specifically with the selling of cars and its accessories. In the near future one can expect to see another “Jo” signboard hanging somewhere  soon!

On being a mom…

“A mom must enable her children to develop their own identity. As mothers we should ensure that the environment they grow up in is a good one. Their nutrition is a priority and we must ensure they are given healthy food and I believe that education is important. Beyond this, the character the child develops and grows into is their doing. I don’t feel that parents should take credit for it or for that matter be blamed for it either.”

She emphasises that teaching children compassion is crucial. Her face beams as she tells of how compassionate and giving her elder son is. (Her eldest son is 2 years while the second son is 11 months) “I don’t take credit for the fact at all. He was born with kindness in his genes. He is so generous with his toys and freely gives his toys away to other children he meets”

“Of what use is luxury when one can’t even sit with a peace of mind to enjoy a cup of good coffee?”

“Joanna treasures all the travels that she and her family enjoyed throughout their growing up years. “We would do so much of travelling that at times we would be travelling to three different countries within a month. There were times when I woke up and had to recall which part of the world I was in”

The most valuable lesson that all these travel experiences has taught her? “That home in Malaysia is best”

“When all is said and done, what matters the most is what you do in that moment and not where you are….. choose to be kind and compassionate and this will create a vibrations of a life well lived.”

EZ 37, EZ 61 (2), Mind Philosophy, Vol 37

ART TAIPEI

Leave a comment

Art Taipei, formerly known as Taipei Art Fair International, has been the longest running art fair in Asia for the past 21 years. This year, Art Taipei 2014 was a success, in that, 145 galleries from 115 countries and more than 500 artists with over 3,000 quality works participated in this momentous art event.

Some of the world’s names in art such as Picasso, Dali, Chagall, Zao Wou-ki, Yayoi Kusama, Ai Wei-Wei, Liu Kuo-sung and many more were present along with other up-and-coming artists from around the world.

MALAYSIA in Taipei

Malaysian art received an encouraging reception at the Art Taipei 2014. Meanwhile, Khairudin Zainul’s works represented by G13 were sold out, thanks to Richard Koh’s group who never disappoints. Also, Ch’ng Huck Theng’s ‘Dragon l’ bronze sculpture was sold by Taiwan representing gallery, ArtDoor.

Breathing Space, EZ 37, EZ 61 (2), Vol 37

LIVING COLOURS

Leave a comment

This year sees the reinvention of the living areas with exotic motifs, ethnic patterns, artistic details and blends of textures

The living area in your home serves many functions; a formal sitting area for entertaining guests, a family room or a personal space for reading and relaxing. Determining the use of the room often helps when deciding how to decorate it.

Because the living room is used for various purposes it’s best to incorporate furnishings such as bookshelves, cabinets, sofa sets, side tables and built-in entertainments centres. These may just be the basics but you can amp up the atmosphere by simply experimenting with colours, accessories and ornaments. Picture frames, rugs, throw pillows and curtains are all great for adding colour and textures, while mirrors, table lamps and ceiling lights can add dimensions throughout the space.

Mixing old and new interior designs and fusing it with a touch of individuality, creativity and innovation, Splendid Interior Décor is dedicated to transforming your living room into a comfortable and inspired space that brings together family and friends. Spearheaded by aesthetic whizz, Darren Tan, the team at Splendid have always delivered on their promise of bringing to life the space that you call home.

For further information, email splendidinteriordecor@gmail.com

Breathing Space, EZ 37, EZ 61 (2), Vol 37

QUALITY COMES FIRST AT MAPLE PALACE

Leave a comment

Catering to an elite clientele, Maple Palace Restaurant delivers on its promise of best food, service and ambience.

When it comes to quality of food and service, the award-winning Maple Palace Restaurant is setting the bar for the F&B industry in Penang. “Food and service are equally important nowadays,” says Tan Loy Sin, the restaurants proprietor-cum-chef. “The main speciality of Maple Palace is the good food and beautiful environment. We continuously strive to provide the best to our customers, accepting positive and negative comments to help us improve.”

Maple Palace Restaurant specialises in Cantonese and Szechuan cuisines made from the freshest and finest ingredients. The elaborate dishes are prepared with unique interpretations that pay homage to various Asian cooking styles. Famous for their commitment to the purity of the food, no MSG is used in the preparations of the food nor is the freshness of the ingredients ever compromised.

Widely acclaimed as one of the best places to dine and be seen in, Maple Palace attracts the upper echelons of society for various dining events. Despite its fine dining status, Loy believes that his prices are reasonable for the level of quality, service and ambience that is provided. Having high expectations to meet, Loy maintains standards and consistency by only hiring skilled and experienced staff without succumbing to the economical option of settling for foreign workers.

Together with his team of kitchen mavericks, Loy relentlessly works to design a completely new menu every six months, whilst the restaurant interior is upgraded every year with new furnishings and tableware. To maintain a positive and inspiring work environment, Loy remains hands-on with the operations and in managing the 70 odd workers.

The restaurant was honoured last year at the inaugural Pinnacle International Excellence (PIE) Awards 2014 when they received an Emerging Class trophy for the Fine Dining (Chinese) category.

For more information or to make reservations, please call                         +604 227 9690 / +604 227 4542 or visit http://www.maplepalace.com.

Captains & Legends, EZ 37, EZ 61 (2), Vol 37

MUSE ON A MISSION

Leave a comment

Jill Morgan

CEO of Multicultural Arts Victoria (Australia)

An advocate of freedom of expression through the arts, Jill Morgan is the face of the campaign promoting unity in diversity. Deborah Joy Peter tunes in as Victoria’s leading lady in multiculturalism paints a perfect picture of Australia’s creative landscape.

A once-upon-a-time blank canvas seated at the tip of the unrelenting strokes of a career dipped in artistic ambition, 25-year veteran and Multicultural Arts Victoria (MAV) chief executive officer, Jill Morgan, is today the focal point of an illustrious gallery which remains the spectacle of many. Positioned at the helm of Australia’s glistening multiculturalism movement, the prominent head of industry charts a well-seeded legacy dedicated towards championing the continuity and relevance of cultural cohesion amidst ethnic diversity specifically through the arts.

Relying on the said platform as a conduit for social change and altered perceptions, her active engagement in the scene has through the years, garnered results nothing short of triumphant. Inarguably, her contributions have aided in the progressive propagation of creative expression as a combative measure against racial demonisation as well as the challenges of migration. Aimed at driving attention towards the significance of breaking barriers beyond a mere tolerance of the other, her call-to-action stems from an earnest conviction to breed a perpetual state of non-prejudice and community-centredness.

While the journey down this road has been no walk in the park, her life’s story, sprinkled with unending tenacity and founded upon sincerity in its most basic form, is truly telling when deciphered through her mind’s eye. “The arts bring people together and can enhance cultural pride and well-being within communities. Cultural diversity can be at the heart of new contemporary works and innovation,” Morgan, the once Executive Director of Kulcha, Multicultural Arts of Western Australia, candidly shares.

Commenting on the arena’s role as a sustainable support system for both the present and future generations, the MAV lead explains how as a double-pronged tool, the arts serve as a fresh, creative, and inspiring voice which bridges the gap between colour and creed whilst making room for cultural dialogue and a shared understanding with and through youth. Having once herself been a vibrant, young lady whose immersion into the world of arts and culture was sparked by a genuine love of drama and theatre alongside a fascination towards literature and history, it’s no wonder her passion for education rings true to this day.

In her fight to preserve the sanctity of a universe where old meets new, the well-traversed Morgan has been indefatigable in her efforts to translate into activity, her underlying message which speaks of enriching individuals and society in general as well as carving from struggle, innovation, redefined identities, and newfound economic and social prowess for a healthier morrow. In defining her vision, she notes: “Culture and identity is central to the well-being of people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Art programmes are an active and tangible way to connect cultures and to educate others about difference.”

For the reasons above, part of MAV’s process and programmes for social inclusion comprise collaborations with the Arts Centre Melbourne, Recital Centre, Melbourne Theatre Company, and Melbourne Festival, among others, to actively promote diversity through the arts whilst protecting the rights, values, and beliefs of refugees and migrants. According to the visionary, arts projects that present positive non-stereotyped images and stories of indigenous groups and artists play a pivotal role in ensuing equity, raising awareness, building self-worth, encouraging community pride, stimulating long-term growth, and formulating respect.

Determined to walk a mile in the footsteps of the late great Nelson Mandela, Morgan is quick to echo the sentiments found in the hugely celebrated political icon’s book, Long Walk to Freedom, when probed on her source of inspiration: “No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.”

More than just a virtuous messenger, the MAV frontrunner whose non-profit organisation was recognised for its notable initiatives with the Pinnacle International Excellence Award in the International League (Art & Culture) category during the recent 2014 ceremony, is a highly-decorated servant of the cause. Her contributions include but are not limited to national-level multicultural arts policy and strategy development as well as overseeing the incubation and expansion of Kultour; the advocacy body for multicultural arts in Australia.

“To be even more effective change-makers, we need organisations such as CHTNetwork who share in our passion and commitment, to support and acknowledge the organisation and the importance of multiculturalism, as we grow to meet the increasing needs of our diverse artistic community including our connection with Southeast Asia,” Morgan tells Essenze.

While the aforementioned accolade was accepted on behalf of Multicultural Arts Victoria, she herself was voted in as a Member of the Order of Australia in 2013 while having been newly called upon to receive the Facilitators Prize at this year’s Sidney Myer Performing Arts Awards. Joining an elite list of industry movers and shakers, her sense of fulfilment comes from seeing young people celebrate their cultural heritage as proud Australians. For Morgan, that alone is the ultimate reward and true motivation behind her wanting to press on.

So much so, even when afforded the luxury of time to pursue her personal passions, the family-friendly cat-lover and creative curator is hardly one to wander far from the warm embrace of artistic endeavour. It is safe to conclude that the very essence of her being best finds solace in offerings that capture beauty in naturalness be it through the arts, film, photography, travel, or simply gardening. By her own admission, she enjoys growing organic herbs and vegetables.

An avid traveller not spared the pleasure of exploring multiple global heritage sites like Hampi, Borobudur, The Great Wall, Angor Temple Complex, Bagan, Luang Prabang, Ha Long Bay, Melaka, and Georgetown, her round-the-world adventures are only just beginning. “I like to travel to Asia and am keen to visit Jaipur Rajasthan and other parts of India by train to experience the music, food, culture, and dance of that region. I wish also to travel to specific parts of Africa; Ethiopia, Senegal, and Mali. Then, there is Mexico, Sri Lanka, and Colombia.”

As to what the future holds for Jill Morgan, she plans on spending the next five years still discovering what she calls amazing world culture and the arts and the five years after that, doing precisely the same thing. Truly, to be able to devote one’s existence to doing what she loves the most and then finding fun ways to embed her interests into her everyday living is testament that dreams do come true when pursued with the purest of intentions, and without leaving a single stone unturned.

Captains & Legends, EZ 37, EZ 61 (2), Vol 37

MOBILE MATADOR WITH MILEAGE

Leave a comment

Gary Xu

Country Director, Huawei Consumer Business Group, Malaysia

True to his Chinaman roots, country director for Huawei’s consumer business group, Gary Xu, has business built into his DNA. Deborah Joy Peter dials in for a chat with the Malaysian-based head, to talk tech and discuss the brand’s direction.

Slightly over a decade ago, sometime in 2004, China-based multi-national networking and telecommunications equipment and services behemoth, Huawei Technologies, braved the unknown when it went ahead and appointed Nanjing-hailing Gary Xu to oversee global sales of the brand’s niche offerings across multiple regions. Fast-forward to 2014, the decision has proven to be one of the most prudent hires in the history of the company by far. Fresh out of Shanghai at the time, the only tools under his belt were two years’ worth of field experience and a glorified degree from the prestigious Tongji University.

TECHNOLOGY TYCOON

However, a marketing maverick in his own right, the Jiangsu native although positioned at the peak of his youth, did nothing to shy away from the demands attached to such a commanding title. Instead, in an effort to showcase the full effect of the stock from which he was bred, he took the bull by the horns, only to trot far and wide, to pave the way for a name which would go on to become a world-renowned trademark across the smartphone arena. Today, he remains seated at the helm of the mobile giant’s Malaysian operations as country director of Huawei’s consumer business group.

A corporate-inspired commission afforded upon request by the man himself, the aforementioned re-assignment marks Xu’s second call of duty to the bustling yet exotic industrial district of Kuala Lumpur. Part of a dedicated South Pacific tour to manage sales for the home devices segment worldwide, his initial stint served back in 2007, albeit brief, rendered him an instant fan of the urban scape’s beyond-touristic trappings. Back then, Malaysia hadn’t yet become part of China’s open retail market but he made that happen. Hence, the enthusiastic envoy’s desire to return in 2013 to continue what he had started six years prior.

‘Lah’-vingly Asian

Essentially, what could have alternatively played out as a maiden European (Germany) or North American (USA) expedition, ended up being a deliberate but well thought-out re-journey instead, to the tropics. In his own words, he says while reminiscent of his previous visit, “It is possible that my comeback is skewed towards personal reasons. Admittedly, I understand the market, know the country well, appreciate Malaysia’s immensely international business potential, and fancy her vast education opportunities as well as multi-lingual (specifically English and Chinese) landscape for my son.”

Elaborating further, he notes: “Had it been Europe, it would’ve taken the family much longer to adapt. Other options were available to me but we really like it here; a nation with mixed cultures, fantastic food, and heart-warming weather.” Incidentally, throughout his tenure with the company, the duly driven trend-setter has clocked time not just in Asia—to include China, Malaysia, and Singapore before spending two years in Mumbai promoting various Huawei products under the branding of Tata Indicom and subsequently, Vodafone—but also the Middle East where he led business dealings out of Bahrain, the birthplace of his now four-year-old boy.

Influential enforcer

The core functions of Xu’s current capacity dictate that the mobile marketer engage in the strengthening of Huawei’s products and branding in a manner which translates to support of its recent re-alignment from a business-to-business to business-to-consumer focus. The said transition is indicative of a redefinition of the manufacturer’s long-term strategic goals. “Huawei is a technology-based company specialised in networking but since three years ago, we’ve started sinking our teeth into the consumer market. Although we’ve been involved with consumer devices for more than a decade now, we have begun actively beefing up our B2C segment.”

Since its inception in 1988, Huawei has over a 26-year period, expanded its offerings so that its three main extensions encompass networking, enterprise, and consumer. While networking is still the brand’s leading channel, the need arose to develop technology which was compatible with the products it rolled out. “As such, we improved our business model in 2011 to include the open market strategy and began leveraging our own branding. With the advent of the smartphone, the move in this direction hasn’t been in vain. Advancements in technology and economic growth have contributed to our success.”

Mover and shaker

Literally speaking, ‘success’ is an over-simplification of what the multi-billion dollar empire truly represents. Xu recalls how founder Ren Zhengfei started the company with only 20,000 RMB back in the day. Presently, Huawei not only enjoys a global revenue share in the region of USD 39.2 billion but also a global market share of 6.9 per cent and 5.2 per cent in Malaysia, making it the third largest smartphone manufacturer in the world, just behind Samsung and Apple. Ranked 94th, the Chinese brand is one of five new entrants to make it into Interbrand’s Best Global Brands ranking this year.

Meanwhile, 65 per cent of its revenue comes from outside of China while its earnings continue to climb both domestically and across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. At the Malaysian level, Huawei went from 11 to 13 new smartphone models since 2013 and from zero Huawei-branded store identity outlets two years ago to a staggering 72 retail shops and 400 device touch-points by 2014. Despite its stellar performance amidst an exceedingly competitive arena, Xu’s work isn’t yet done as his dream is to increase Huawei’s market share even further, improve on product quality, and make the brand even more ‘international’.

Huawei patrol

Speaking to the challenges which remain, he confesses: “Even with these milestones, the need to explain how Huawei is different still persists. Although we have achieved widespread acclaim, in people’s minds, we are still Chinese. Consumer confidence, brand value, and media exposure must be enhanced if we are to showcase that our product is good. Technology-wise, Huawei is the best. Therefore, driving awareness is pivotal to ensure longevity.” To achieve all of the above, the technology provider plans on leveraging its speciality branches and using fully-integrated marketing campaigns to refine product introduction in the marketplace.

Evidently, he has his work cut out for him. Fortunately, he is one to welcome a good challenge and thrive in an ever-evolving and fast-paced environment. For exactly this reason, the larger popularity of Western brands does little to rattle his cage. The fact that all phones are manufactured in its backyard—that is China—has caused Huawei to subscribe to even more stringent protocols where its offerings are concerned, giving the brand an edge when it comes to quality control and assurance. That coupled with its extensive 4G-patented capabilities (dual SIM being one) and latest Huawei Mate 7 invention, places the juggernaut at the forefront of this added advantage.

MASTER JUGGLER

So how does this one gung-ho gentleman who is the Gary Xu whom the world has come to know, get it all done with precision intact and still manage to retain his very distinct sense of humour? It’s simple; he is in every sense of the word, ‘married’ to his job and quite literally in more ways than one. He is wedded to the once-upon-a-time secretary of his superior whom he met at Huawei in 2006, dated discreetly, and walked down the aisle with two years later.

But much has changed on that front, because six years in and one child later, her title has been upgraded from colleague to boss—not an unnatural progression for most wives. “I like to joke that at Huawei, I have the wife, the fun, the car, the money, and the house,” Xu kids without holding back tiny laughter. Interestingly enough, although the missus had resigned from the company directly after the awesome-twosome tied the knot, in 2010 she re-joined her husband as his leading lady to grow the business in India and the Middle East.

Following the birth of their son in Bahrain, the couple returned to China to prepare their teeny tot for kindergarten. Says the industrial mogul to Essenze when queried on his secret to triumph: “My family always comes first and to me, to flourish is to live by honesty, integrity, and sincerity. Treating people with respect is something I take seriously as I expect the same from others.” Plainly, being family-man and fierce frontrunner is how Xu stays productive.