Tag Archives: FEATURED

EZ61 - Captains & Legends

TOI-ING with fashion

ZANG TOI
International Fashion Designer

ZANG TOI is a renowned Fashion Designer who has built a tradition of elegance for over 20 years. Zang was born and raised in Kuala Krai, Kelantan, Malaysia. He landed in New York City at the age of 20 where he studied at the distinguished Parsons School of Design. Zang is one of the first Asian designers championed by the U.S Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour. 

Since then, Zang’s work has been featured in many major publications such as Vogue, Vanity Fair etc. Not only has he dressed Hollywood celebrities such as Fergie (Black Eyed Peas) and many others, he has also created luxurious wardrobe for philanthropists and royalty including Melinda Gates and Saudi Princess Haifa Bandar Al Saud.

Today, after 28 years of being in business, the designer opens his first flagship boutique at 1046 Lexington Avenue, New York City. The world continues to recognize Zang’s passion for timeless beauty as he builds on a strong tradition of elegance.

Who is Zang Toi in your own words? Zang Toi is a free thinker who leads his own creative path.

Have you ever thought of becoming a fashion designer in your younger days? No, I have always thought that I might become a fine artist, architect, or an interior designer.

If you were to choose again, what career would you choose and why? I would choose interior design, as I am obsessed and passionate about historical interior designs and recreating them in my own modern way.

What does it take to be a fashion designer? Formal Fashion design training, dedication, and hard work.

The fashion industry is among the greatly affected industries because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Were you affected and how did you manage 2020? I was affected like the rest of the fashion industry. Fortunately, with perseverance and extreme hard work, I managed to stay above the water.

Would you encourage the new generation to take up fashion design? Why? Absolutely, one must not only have the talent and passion, he or she must also be willing to put in hours of hard work to be successful in this, or any industry. It is a 24/7 job.

How do you see today’s fashion industry, including the designers and creatives, compared to the good old days? Today’s fashion industry is more about fast fashion and instant gratification. The new generation are less concerned about the quality and craftsmanship.

How do you find the Malaysian fashion industry compared to the fashion industry in the USA? I am unable to comment on this since I have been away and abroad for the last 42 years.

Many say that fashion designers make good money and fame, what are your thoughts on this? I agree, but remember what I said earlier about putting in hard work and that it is a 24/7 job?

How do you judge success? Success is in the eye of the beholder. It has never occurred to me to judge success.

Has Zang Toi achieved the goals he set when stepping into the fashion world? I think I am fortunate enough to receive attention and great press for my work while maintaining the love and support from my loyal clients.

What is the secret of being Zang Toi? The secret is being my happy self and treating people the way I want to be treated.

Is there anything else you would like to add? Be happy, be kind and be generous.  

EZ61 - Captains & Legends

A Timid Boy turned Corporate Leader and International Speaker

Coach K
Founder of Wisdom Woods®

Born to a modest family, Coach K was a timid boy and today he is the founder of Wisdom Woods®, a company that offers learning and coaching programs for all ages. Prior to that, he accumulated years of leadership experience in the corporate world, having been a Group CEO, COO, GM, managing and setting up businesses in multiple industries, including logistics, property development, software engineering, business consulting and education. Other than having Masters of Science, Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Commerce (Hons), he is an internationally certified Trainer and Coach by several International Boards. Due to his diverse background, he has been invited to speak in areas including leadership, business, logistics, economics, IT, mental health and education. He is active in community service, currently serving as the President of the Penang Symphony Society, the Vice President of The Society of the Logisticians, Malaysia, the Penang State Staff Officer (Training) of St John Ambulance of Malaysia and many others. He has also created many learning programs. Amongst the bigger ones include 5P Self-Leadership, 5R Leadership Framework and even a full set of Children’s Leadership Program. 

What’s the story about you being a timid boy?
When I was a boy, I feared many things, especially loud noises and being around people. That’s why, even until I was 10, I didn’t like Chinese New Year because there were too many people around. Whilst most children would be having fun, I would hide away in my Grandma’s room every night due to the noise of the firecrackers and fireworks. 

Oh… but today you are in a profession that talks to many people. What happened?
I was in Kwang Hwa Standard 5, when Cikgu Tan suddenly asked me to memorise an Essay. Memorising was easy for me but she then asked me to recite in front of the class. My whole body was shaking and sweating! I got through it with great relief until she added, “You’re joining the Malay Speech Contest.” Immediately, I stood there frozen for a while! I had no choice because I had no courage to even say ‘no’.

How did that change you?
Being an obedient student, I just followed every single instruction to prepare for the contest. Contest day came and I ‘accidentally’ won. What I won was not only a contest but an important pivot in life, where I started to believe in myself. Since then, I started taking part in speech contests for all languages and continued even through Secondary School, having won Zone and State Championships. I continued to be vocal when I received a scholarship to study in Australia. Being the National Convenor of NLC, a national union for about 200,000 international students in Australia, I spoke in Conferences including Australian Vice-Chancellors’ Committee, IDP Australia, ISANA and even invited to speak in the Australian Senate Committee Hearing about a new Bill. 

You obviously had great perks in Corporate. What made you start Wisdom Woods®?
I am thankful that throughout my career, I discovered I like helping people grow. When I was involved in setting up an international school, that was the final confirmation for me that I really enjoy growing talents. I believe strongly that everyone has talents and Everyone Can Learn. Therefore, just like the mysterious forest, I hope that Wisdom Woods® can be a place for everyone to keep learning, uncover talents and grow wisdoms.   

EZ61 - Captains & Legends

The Successful & Passionate Scion of the Aidid Family

SYED AIDID SYED MOHAMAD
Managing Director of EGLOW SDN. BHD.

The history of the notable Aidid family is intertwined with the founding of Penang in 1786, 

when Sir Captain Francis Light invited Tengku Syed Hussein Aidid, a wealthy Yemeni merchant prince from Acheh to help establish a colony in the then, backwater island of Penang. More than 200 years have passed since the founding of Penang and the Aidid family continues to contribute to the transformation of the island. Penang today has transformed it is very much into a major hub for tourism and manufacturing in Asia and the Aidid family are very much in the forefront of these industries. 

“Penang today has transformed itself into a major hub for tourism and manufacturing in Asia and the Aidid family is very much in the forefront of these industries。”

Syed Aidid, the scion of the Aidid family, continues to contribute to the artistic landscape of Penang by being actively involved in the growing F&B scene in Penang as well as the manufacturing of LED lights. Born and bred in Penang, Syed Aidid Bin Datuk Syed Mohamad is the only son of Penang’s favourite son, Datuk Syed Mohamad Aidid, a very successful businessman and a prominent leader of the society. Educated in Penang Free School in his early years, Syed Aidid Bin Datuk Syed Mohamad then pursued his studies in the UK for 8 years, in Arts & Design and subsequently in Business & Management. Rather than returning home to helm the sprawling business empire of the family, Syed Aidid followed the rites of passage of his predecessors by building his own business ventures. Today, Eglow Sdn. Bhd., a successful LED lights manufacturing firm, Mindcraft Production & Inspiraz Events, an event and production firm, as well as a chain of restaurants under the Proud & Loud Group, notably the Safe Room and other business ventures are the results of the resilience and determination as well as hard work that were put in by Syed Aidid over the years. 

Striving to add to the family legacy, Syed Aidid hopes that he can further grow his plethora of businesses as well as contribute to the growth and everchanging landscape of Penang. Syed Aidid also hopes to contribute back to the community and to the state of Penang that has been kind to both his family and himself by being actively involved in various organisations and associations. Such roles include   being the Deputy Commander of St John Ambulance, Southwest District- Penang, Committee Member of The Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce’s Property Development Management Committee (PDCMC), a director of Penang Tourist Centre Berhad, to name a few. Syed Aidid, representing the youth voice of Penang as well as the Bumiputera community, and look forward to earnestly contribute towards the transformation of Penang into the future.  

“Syed Aidid hopes that he can further grow his plethora of businesses as well as contribute to the growth and everchanging landscape of Penang.”

EZ 60 – Cover Story

BUILDING HOMES FOR TOMORROW

Tan Wei Xin

Director of ZNEN Group

Developers and designers have to understand that the olden ways of just building four walls with basics are not applicable in this ‘New Normal’ era.”

Malaysia has had its fair share of key players in the property market, whom are either highly respected seniors or are next-in-line to succeed their parents’ empires. However, a new group of young and successful individuals have emerged and made a name for themselves. They may not be as well known and experienced as the former, but they are definitely a force to be reckoned with in the near future.  

ZNEN Group Director Tan Wei Xin is among the emerging that has shown significant results in the Penang property scene. This small yet mighty property company led by Tan has propelled through the current COVID-19 crisis and even sold the Metropol development achieving 95% of secured sales. Metropol is a 30-storey development with 326 units serviced apartments and shops which is expected to be completed in 2021. Moreover, Tan has also started another project – Grains Residences, which is scheduled to be officially launched in 2021. Grains Residences will be the tallest building in Bukit Mertajam with an astonishing 45 storeys consisting of 401 units serviced apartments and shop lots. Remarkably, all shop units have already been booked.

During these few months, Tan has expanded his property development portfolio by investing in Hectarworld Group and eBox Group. “Collaborating with Hectarworld is an important strategy to create a customer and client centric platform where property developer, agents, buyers and investors can come together in an effective block chain synergy,” said Tan. He further added that joining eBox Group is another strategic move coinciding with today’s technology world. “Investing in PropTech or property technology does not only allow individuals and companies to conduct efficient research, buy, sell and manage real estates through data analysis, but this digital innovation also helps connect SMEs and start-ups to new potentials.” 

Tan Wei Xin, Penang Chief Minister YAB Chow Kon Yeow and CHT

Having a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and a Master‘s Degree in Applied Finance from Australia, Tan applies modern concepts with an emphasis on creating a lifestyle instead of just constructing a building. His perspectives stem from studying at Monash University in Melbourne, which was also where he met his wife Yan Chen. Tan believes that by living in the world’s most liveable city, Melbourne, he has gained valuable insight on how Australians strike balance between work and life. “I am grateful that my parents sent me to Melbourne, but I felt on top of the world when Yan Chen agreed to come back to Malaysia with me,” Tan explained with a big smile on his face. They have now been married for six years and have two beautiful children. 

Tan and Yan Chen always wanted to share their experiences and happiness back in Penang. “We want to create a contemporary yet artistic lifestyle feel once the residents enter the main gate. A place they can look forward coming back to after a long day. A place to rest, recharge and spend quality time with their loved ones. Not only in their apartments but also being able to enjoy the facilities, environment, and artworks around,” said this loving couple. When asked about the new expectations of consumers moving forward, the young entrepreneur answered: “Developers and designers have to understand that the olden ways of just building four walls with basics are not applicable in this ‘New Normal’ era.” Lastly, Tan stressed that “We need to make Penang the next world’s most liveable place.” 

EZ 60 – Captains & Legends

THE PERFECT WORK-LIFE BALANCE

Datin Yap Shin Siang

CEO of YYC

Be ambitious and have courage when chasing your dreams! It is not easy to strike a balance between chasing dreams and family, but I believe we should go all out and live life!”

Beautiful, Inspiring, Bold, and Ambitious are probably the four best words to describe Datin Yap Shin Siang or Shin, CEO of YYC. Kids commonly do not fancy following in their parents’ footsteps because they have spent so much time with their mums and dads while growing up and have their own dreams. On the contrary, Shin’s ultimate ambition since she was young was to take over her dad’s accounting firm. When asked why this was her biggest ambition, she laughed and said: “Dad told us that accounting is a very glamorous, respected, and high paid job. I later only found out that none of that is true.” 

A graduate of Melbourne University, Shin spent 2 years in the Big Four before entering her dad’s accounting firm. “I felt like the Chinese character Mulan, who in the ancient times took the place of her father and went to war. Initially I was very excited to join the firm, but after some time I got bored.” Her dad told her that there was a Chinese saying that goes: “The first generation creates the business whilst the second generation defends it.” Shin started off strong, but it was short lived because the Chinese saying really affected her and she believed that she had to strongly defend the business. 

Soon she realised that it was not her mindset that was the issue but rather working for someone and not owning the business. She decided to step up her game and started playing both defensive and offensive. This was not the only hurdle as good old thrifty dad was not all that flexible to changes. “There were many disagreements and I got very upset. I eventually became emotional and cried which made Dad give in,” she said, revealing her secret weapon. Her younger brother, Chau, joined the company immediately after his graduation. “I thought that we will be making changes smoothly together, but we ended up arguing a lot. Chau had a few side businesses, and we did not have a clear direction for the company. I was also going through post-natal depression after having my first child at that time,” said Shin. 

2010 was the turning point for the company, Chau discovered a strategic business programme from abroad that increased YYC’s performance from 30% to 4000%. 2019 was yet another milestone for Shin and Chau as OCBC became a partner of YYC. Shin told EZ Malaysia: “OCBC invested in us because of our past achievements and they have faith in our dreams to become an international homegrown accounting firm.” Since then, YYC has been searching and investing in good accounting firms both locally and internationally. 

Today, Shin is probably better known as the face of YYC and an inspiration to many young successful and emerging women entrepreneurs. “Be ambitious and have courage when chasing your dreams! It is not easy to strike a balance between chasing dreams and family, but I believe we should go all out and live life! I was afraid of public speaking before, but today I enjoy it as I can share my journey and advice to so many individuals in the business industry. Being a female entrepreneur does have its advantages as we sometimes stand out among the men,” Shin explained. 

When it comes to what she thinks success is all about, her answers were very well defined. According to her… 

Success is doing better every day and every time. 

Success is being able to empower entrepreneurial success. 

Success is positively impacting 100 million lives. 

Success is being able to inspire everyone to overcome their odds, unleash their potential and find fulfilment in life. 

When Shin was asked about her brother Chau, she acknowledged that they both did struggle initially but then managed to work brilliantly together by utilizing each other’s strengths. She said: “My brother is very good at mapping and strategizing whereas I am good at executing the strategies. It is a perfect business partnership.” Shin also expressed that she is very blessed to have a husband who support her unconditionally and two beautiful children, Megan and Cristian,  This very busy lady makes it a point to exercise daily, love to read biographies of successful entrepreneurs especially on topics how they overcome challenges in life and watches Korean dramas to release stress if any. 

EZ 60 – Captains & Legends

Journey Of Chef Nette

Annette Isaac ‘Chef Nette’

Chef Nette has worked with a wide range of companies to introduce innovative local flavours to diverse audiences, not only  Malaysians.

In the time-honoured tradition of apprenticeship, Annette Isaac, better known as ‘Chef Nette’, learned early at the kitchen tables of cherished Aunts whose culinary arts hail from across Malaysia and the world. While studying in England, she became an avid traveller, picking up flavours and developing recipes from Southampton to South America. Upon returning home, it wasn’t long before Chef Nette set up a restaurant that became famous for its classic specials, Ayam Masak Merah, Roast Beef, and even Lancashire Hot Pot. 

After nearly a decade, Chef Nette has focused on being an entrepreneur and today, she is one of the country’s most sought after food stylists, providing culinary consultancy services in Recipe Development, Culinary Lessons, and Catering under the brand ‘Nette’s Nosh’. 

Chef Nette creates new recipes and styling for international brands including Nestlé, Unilever, Quaker, Hellman’s, ABC Indonesia, Care Food (Asian Meals), MAS, and Air Asia, among other favourites. She has also travelled again, although this time as a professional chef, attending food exhibitions and often promoting Malaysian food in countries in Europe,America and Asia .With a fervent belief that cooking is a vital part of heritage, as important as art and music, Chef Nette has worked with a wide range of companies to introduce innovative local flavours to diverse audiences, not only Malaysians.

Chef Nette has an exclusive book series with publisher MPH, which will see her tastes, talents, and creativity become even better known.

EZ 60 – Captains & Legends

Turning a crisis into an opportunity

Datuk Wan Latiff Wan Musa

CEO of Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE)

“The crisis is real for a lot of businesses, but we’ve seen it as an opportunity where digital operations are the new norm, even for MATRADE.”

While he’s affectionately called “Mr Nice Guy” by some, Datuk Wan Latiff Wan Musa prefers to be recognised for his strong principals in honesty and integrity.

As CEO of Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), he firmly believes in treating everyone equally, to give them a fair go. In addition, he constantly strives for transparency and accountability in order to create a successful organisational culture. 

“I didn’t know that I’m ‘Mr Nice Guy,” he chuckles. “There could be a number of reasons for that, but when it comes to running this organisation, I follow the traditional Japanese management style which is to ensure that everything is planned carefully, implemented and followed through with comprehensive measured outcomes. This applies to the entire organisation because everyone must be on the same page with the same end-goal to achieve.”

Wan Latiff is likely referring to ‘Kaizen” – a Japanese philosophy that means operations to facilitate “change for the better” or “continuous improvement” that involves all employees.

He’s been heavily influenced by this practice after spending more than seven years working in Japan and quietly admits that he can speak some Japanese.

Wan Latiff’s appointment as CEO of Malaysia’s national trade promotion agency in January 2019 was a natural progression in his 36-year career in export, trade and tourism. 

“I’ve always worked in these sectors from the time after I graduated to now. I started with Tourism Malaysia after graduating and stayed there for 13 years (that time it was a tourism development cooperation at that time). In my time there, I had the opportunity to serve abroad for more than five years. I joined Matrade 12 years ago and my last post before CEO was the deputy CEO. 

“I won’t say I have a big job. Everyone who works for MATRADE has key responsibilities to meet the same goal- Help Malaysian businesses become and remain competitive on a global scale.”

Putting Malaysian companies on the global map

While many admire him for his top role in this agency under the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), he carries with him overwhelming responsibilities that have little margin for error.  

MATRADE is a fully integrated organisation, whereby it is the coordinating agency for all export activities in the nation undertaken by various ministries and agencies. With over 46 members operating in 37 countries, it’s no doubt a challenging appointment to ensure that the entire organisation stays aligned and clear to its mission. 

“I won’t say I have a big job. Everyone who works for MATRADE has key responsibilities to meet the same goal – help Malaysian businesses become and remain competitive on a global scale. “

“Realistically, we can’t cover all bases so we collaborate closely with ministries from other countries who have funds to promote specific sectors that will feature imported goods (from Malaysia) into their country, whilst our network of officers promote our products worldwide,” explains Wan Latiff.  

Getting to the top

Currently, Malaysia ranks as the 25th trading nation in the world out of 160 members in the World Trade Organisation. While that’s certainly something to be proud of, Wan Latiff says that Malaysia can further improve its position. 

“98% of entities registered in Malaysia are SMEs, yet their export contribution is only 17-18%. The larger contributors (82%) are from MNCs and foreign investors. We want to assist SMEs to contribute more to exports and create more job opportunities, especially during and post Covid19 because this sector has been hit hard. 

We are helping them revisit the need to export to sustain their business and to operate, then later to create jobs. We do this by working with other ministries and agencies who are responsible and critical for SME development. We hope SMEs will leverage on our provision to help them on their entire journey of their export value chain.

A pandemic that turned into an opportunity

While 2020 has been a turbulent and distressing year for many due to the coronavirus pandemic (Covid 19), Wan Latiff observes that technology companies are thriving from the event.

“The crisis is real for a lot of businesses, but we’ve seen it as an opportunity where digital operations are the new norm, even for MATRADE. We physically can’t bring Malaysian companies abroad so our online business matching activities have been key to continue our mission.

The agency’s programme, E-Biz Match (E-Business Matching) is like its trade matching services but for online platforms including webinars and business pitching for trade related enquiries and activities. 

He remains optimistic for the rest of the year and 2021, despite exports falling by 20% when the Movement Control Order (MCO) was put in place in late March 2020. “COVID 19 has actually brought new opportunities to totally leverage digital platforms,” says Wan Latiff.  

by Karina Foo

EZ 59 - Cover Story

Master of the Elements

David Xuan  

Master of feng shui and metaphysics

by Billie Ooi-Ng Lean Gaik

Applied 

“Correctly and practised honourably, feng shui can change the course of one’s life, avert disasters and pitfalls.  When the yin and yang is in perfect harmony, then one can have the best of everything.”

Sporting his signature pencil beard, beret and scarf, David Xuan looks like a worldly French artist, but most people know behind that renaissance look is a highly intelligent, sensitive and intuitive artist, a master craftsman of Chinese geomancy or feng shui – the art of energy flow, orientation of designs and environment.  A mind so attuned to the universe, he probably might have a special preview into the next dimension.  Light-hearted and bubbly in personality he is intensely serious, analytical and astute when it comes to the realm of feng shui and metaphysics.     

On the right side of 50, the world-renowned Xuan is based in Penang and has achieved recognition within corporate organisations and private clients.  His disciples and students are in far-reaching countries like Russia, America, Australia, Indonesia, Hong Kong and Singapore.  Besides being an advisor to numerous companies, he has been invited to do consultative and investigative works in the geographical study of feng shui and to give talks in China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand and Taiwan.

Interestingly Xuan started as a businessman but soon grew weary of the material world.  Devoting his life to spirituality, he joined the monastery as a monk.  Amidst deep meditation, oil-lighting and flower-bathing duties, Xuan heard a guiding voice.  A few days later one feng shui master walked into his monastery.  Xuan implored him to share his knowledge.  Hence his professional journey into the science of feng shui and traditional Chinese metaphysics began in 1991.

The protégé dived into the study of the I-Ching Divination, Eight Trigrams, Eight Mansions, I-Symbol feng shui, San Yuan San He, Water Dragon, Xuan Kong Da Qua, Four Pillars of Destiny (Bazi), Zi Wei Dou Shu, Flying Stars, Eight Gates (Qi Men Dun Jia), Plum Blossom Oracle, Yin and Yang Yang feng shui, Meteor and Mountain Methods. 

Constantly improving himself, Xuan incorporates modern technical devices in feng shui with science and logic.  “Feng shui is not a religion but closely related to science and geography.  It is a study on spatial arrangement, natural elements and energy flow.  I’m always studying, researching and consulting with science professors and lecturers in universities about the diversion of chi flow on surfaces.  Most of them fully agree with me.  My techniques are compliant with science.” 

Xuan’s mission is to share the authentic and organic knowledge of feng shui and Chinese metaphysics to create meaningful spaces within environments, improve professional and personal relationships, provide better health, lifestyle and happiness besides increasing wealth and success for other people.

Some say David Xuan is arrogant.  His famous quote “If I cannot achieve a certain feng shui task, then most of my peers would not be able to accomplish it either” did not go down without criticism and smirks.  “I’m not arrogant.  For the last 20 years, most of my waking moments have been spent on compiling, studying and researching feng shui principles extensively.  I scoured all the books in depth as well as laterally and I’ve gone through all the lineages of the art.  My comprehensive system and approach can support a one-stop feng shui establishment.  If I come across a stumbling block or problem, you can be sure that I’ll persevere to the ends of the universe to solve it.  I never give up.  If I can’t do it, then it simply cannot be done.”

Besides tenacity, being ethical is paramount to him.  “My aim is to give all my clients effective and realistic audits.  I do not hold anything back, not even with my students and disciples.  I am open and I teach them everything, reveal every secret and weapon in my arsenal, in the hope that they will be better than me.  I’d feel proud if they are.” 

In this information and technology, Elon Musk-era, would feng shui ever be obsolete?  Not according to Xuan.  “Everyone and every living thing need feng shui.  It is the basic building block of equilibrium and balance.  The right feng shui can harness and propel you to unbridled success, boost your energy and life force.  Everyone needs this supply, this awareness.”

Sadly, there is a dark side to feng shui.  “Some people manipulate the principles of feng shui to do hocus pocus, to equate it with religion or to run scams.  However, applied correctly and practised honourably, feng shui can change the course of one’s life, avert disasters and pitfalls.  When the yin and yang is in perfect harmony, then one can have the best of everything.”

Success to Xuan has never been about materialism.  “My ultimate goal is to see the world in peace, harmony and prosperity, to see a happy, healthy and better world.”  

EZ 59 - Captains & Legends

From a home computer to a global technology company

Datuk Kenny Goh

Co-Founder and Group CEO of MACROKIOSK

by Karina Foo

The formula that enabled a hobby to become a successful business is simply one based on passion, hard work and inquisitiveness.
Such attributes belong to Datuk Kenny Goh who found that his fond love and interest in computers would one day pave a lucrative way together with his two brothers to start their business, MACROKIOSK, a digital communications company.

“Electronics have always been a part of our lives since we were young. Our father had always been very supportive of our interest in electronics, particularly in the area of computerisation. Computers were still a niche thing and were considered quite costly back then, but our father bought us one computer to share amongst ourselves and it just sparked and grew our interest in technology,” said Goh who co-founded the business in his early 20’s.

Goh and his brothers, Datuk Henry Goh and Datuk CS Goh, established MACROKIOSK in 2000 boasting an impressive range of products and services to efficiently and securely bridge the gap between businesses and their digital audiences.

Goh is the company’s group CEO and with his strategic vision, perseverance, determination and a sharp business acumen, he has been the driving force to build MACROKIOSK into a leading digital technology company across Asia and beyond.

Innovation at its core and more
The company is at the forefront of delivering innovative digital products and solutions to enable businesses and individuals to embrace the digital economy. It has a presence in 14 countries and regions, supported by more than 250 multinational employees, and powers over 3,000 clients in 37 countries across 24 industries.

These impressive accolades are the results of the humble when Goh and his brothers would play and experiment with computers as children.

“When our father’s business attained the master distributorship of a Japanese-brand mobile phone in Malaysia, we were further exposed to the world of communications and we realised the importance of communication and the prospects of it. Our entrepreneurial journey actually started out as a hobby but has now become our careers and mission in our lives,” recounts Goh.

They say that when you work together with close relatives, the business could either steer your relationship for the better or worse. For Goh and his brothers, they’ve forged a strong and admirable bond that is reflected in the evolution of their business throughout the last 20 years.

“MACROKIOSK is a collective effort between my brothers and I who bring different capabilities, strengths and knowledge to the business. Being the eldest brother, my initial contribution involved strategic-based approach in steering the company’s direction. For example, I was the only one who was eligible at the time to register a company at the age of 21,” recounts Goh who’s current hobby involves constructing Legos and solving mechanistic puzzles.

The business has evolved substantially over the years as it was initially set up to provide computerisation and internet technology services, then to paging and mobile technology. Today, it encompasses key digital technologies focusing on digital usages for all industries. It is evident that this business has evolved and innovated through ever-changing consumer and market demands.

Turning Crisis to Opportunity
With the Covid19 pandemic that has inadvertently affected many businesses globally, Goh has been able to mitigate the effects for his business by structuring a strategic Business Continuity Plan (BCP) even before the pandemic.

“We are very fortunate during these unprecedented times because we’re an ISO27001-certified company which has protected us from the effects of the crisis. Our ever-evolving business model combined with the dynamic mindset of the people within our organisation has enabled us to turn crisis into opportunity.

Now when it comes to opportunity, Goh advises that it is vital for budding entrepreneurs to identify their unique opportunities and market gaps.

“Starting a business out of necessity alone (because everyone else is doing it), will not make you survive; you will only survive and thrive when you’ve discovered your opportunity and how to take advantage of it.”

Despite the dire repercussions for many from the worldly events in 2020, Goh remains optimistic and even opportunistic for his business and outlook in life.

“Everything has a cycle and we need to strike a balance in everything we do. I believe we should not sacrifice our health for wealth at the beginning of our lives in order to sacrifice our wealth for health at the tail end of our lives.

As for the business, we’re proudly Malaysian and therefore have always championed ‘Ciptaan Malaysia’ (Malaysian creation) – which is a good testament to our faith in the prospects of doing and growing business in Malaysia.”

EZ 58 - Cover Story

Tapestry of Medicine

Dr Jenny Goh 

Founder of Doux Visage, Dr Goh Cosmeceutical, PhD in TCM  

by Billie Ooi-Ng Lean Gaik

“I want to research, study and improve because my patients deserve more accurate and comprehensive answers.”

Aristotle once said, ‘Personal beauty is a greater recommendation than any letter of reference’.  Dr Jenny Goh is the epitome of that quote in all manner of interpretation.  If we can package beauty, health and wellbeing in a universe, Dr Goh would be the master of that universe.

A child of hardship many years ago, she was one of four siblings that helped her parents run their family coffee shop in Sri Petaling, Malaysia, at the age of seven.  At a crossroad, after high school, she was torn between pursuing a career in the travel or beauty industry.    

She became a beauty therapist but  yearned to learn more. “When I flicked through my beauty course books I realised that this was what I liked – learning about anatomy, skin structure and its treatments. I Told myself – if I cannot be a doctor then I can be a skin doctor.”


CHT Pursuit of Excellence National Awards 2020 Traditional Chinese Medicine & Medical Aesthetic :
Doux Visage Sdn Bhd

A qualified acupuncturist and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner today, Dr Goh has garnered over 25 years of experience in the beauty industry since 1996 and 17 years in the field of TCM since 2003.  She received her PhD in TCM (Acupuncture) from Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine with a focus on hormones, stroke, cancer, cardiovascular and skin disease in 2017 and is currently undertaking her second PhD in TCM (Chinese Medicine) with emphasis on cancer, dietetics and cardiovascular issues. “I firmly believe in addressing health issues internally and externally. To treat a person adequately, I must address the fundamentals behind each problem and not just treat the symptoms. That was how I conceived the idea of combining the best of both worlds, eastern and western therapies – to include TCM into regular facial, slimming and total body wellness. My clinical treatment Doux Visage® stemmed from this belief – the combination of eastern acupuncture with western modern technology for total body wellness.” .

An advocate of natural and self-healing, Dr Goh highly recommends acupuncture and chi balancing to achieve true beauty and wellness.  “I don’t believe in injections nor invasive surgery.  I believe in TCM because it is my heritage and I’ve studied and researched the subject extensively.  More than 5000 years of treatment cannot be wrong.  Now some western doctors are also endorsing acupuncture, chi and energy flow as alternative treatments.”  

Besides being published in the Shanghai Journal of Acupuncture Moxibution in 2015, Dr Goh also won the Star Outstanding Business Awards (SOBA) in 2016.  With all that success buzzing around her, she manages to stay grounded.  “I was very happy and excited but tried to remain calm and not be distracted from my work.”

Dr Goh is the SOBA AWARD WINNER 2016 (Most Promising Award for Doux Visage Sdn Bhd), 2017 (Female Entrepreneur of the Year)  and 2019 (Female Entrepreneur of the Year and Most Promising Award for Dr. Goh Cosmeceutical Sdn Bhd).

Her philosophy in life is simple and effective.  “Do things right.  Keep on learning.  Stay happy.  Don’t set impossible goals.  Go with the flow and more importantly – adjust and balance your chi before you have to seek treatment.”