Keeping it in the family: Malaysia’s multi-generation businesses seek growth opportunities abroad

[KUALA LUMPUR] Running a family business is far from easy, given how different people will always have their own views on how a company should be run.

In Malaysia, there is a growing number of family-owned businesses that are now being led by the younger generation. The Business Times sat down with the chieftains of three – snack food manufacturer Mamee Double Decker, cafe chain Secret Recipe and cocoa manufacturer Guan Chong – to get their thoughts on staying competitive and profitable amid a challenging domestic and global environment, as well as their respective growth and expansion plans.

Thinking out of the box to stay relevant

For Mamee Double Decker’s Pierre Pang, one benefit of being part of a family-owned business is that the newer generation of leaders can sometimes be allowed to implement unusual ideas – and get away with doing so.