Career : Media Corporations in Malaysia

In just over a decade, Astro has become a leading cross-media operator with Direct-To-Home (DTH) satellite television services in Malaysia and Brunei. It also leads Malaysia’s commercial radio broadcast industry, is a major publisher of entertainment and lifestyle magazines, and is a top buyer and producer of television content within the nation.

ASTRO ALL ASIA NETWORKS plc is the region's leading cross-media operator with Direct-To-Home (DTH) satellite television services in Malaysia and Brunei. The Astro-branded TV service is also available in Indonesia under a trademark licensing arrangement.

ASTRO is also the leading commercial radio broadcaster in Malaysia, a major publisher of TV guide and lifestyle magazines and the largest buyer and producer of TV content, as well as the country’s premiere Malay film producer.

The ASTRO Entertainment Network produces over 20 television channels of original and aggregated content of various genres in multiple languages.

ASTRO’s subsidiary Celestial Pictures owns the world's largest Chinese Film library and its digitally remastered films are released internationally through theatrical, video, television and new media distribution, and the Celestial Movies channels.

The strength of these complementary brands has extended into interactive and multi-media services, including provision of content for mobile devices.


Incepted in June 1984, TV3 is Malaysia’s first, free-to-air television network that has maintained its leadership position over its 23 years of operations. Reaching over 4.5 million households and 21 million viewers all over Malaysia, TV3 focused on its viewers and advertisers, delivering bold and unique programming.

Incepted in June 1984, TV3 is Malaysia's first private free-to-air television network that has maintained its leadership position in its 23 years of operations. TV3 delivers bold and best-of-breed programming to viewers of all market segments.

The network reaches 4.5 million households and 21 million viewers all over Malaysia. TV3 focuses towards its viewers and advertisers, a strategy that has proven a phenomenal success. Media Prima Berhad, one of the largest media network catalyst in Asia, wholly owns TV3.

Passionate in building local, regional and global reputation throughout every level of its business, TV3 has twice reached 51 percent of audience, the highest audience share ever achieved by a Malaysian television station.

Under Media Prima Berhad, TV3’s financial performance has virtually grown by more than 40% since 2002 and the station is highly profitable.


An effective and relevant newspaper wears many hats. It has to inform, engage and intrigue without becoming sensationalistic. To educate while it entertains, so that what is important to know is also enjoyable to learn about. The Star has achieved most of this with considerable success and done its part to articulate the issues that really matter to the nation.

The Star has grown by leaps and bounds since its inception in 1971 and has become the most widely read English language daily, scoring many firsts and recording many remarkable achievements along the way.

As a leading media organisation that has undergone many changes, its core objective remains the same - to provide fast, accurate and credible news, views and information with relevant depth and breadth, but nowadays, in the most convenient and quickest manner.

Thus, The Star media group also distributes content via a mobile platform (SMS News Alert and mobile news), via The Star Online (3G and video streaming), radio and radio online, as well as print and periodicals. The Star aims to be a meaningful and committed media organisation, and an essential, intrinsic and unique part of our readers’ lives.

As The People’s Paper, The Star will continue to touch the hearts of the people, and play its nation-building role responsibly, sensitively and progressively in a multi-racial, multi-cultural and multi religious community.

Career : Airline Companies in Malaysia

Sometimes love is better the second time around, and this may well be the case for Malaysia Airlines as the national carrier works steadily to rebuild its brand position and reignite the brand’s relationships with customers and other stakeholders.

After years of financial uncertainty, the national carrier has turned the corner and is working steadily to reignite the brand’s relationship with customers and other stakeholders. At the end of 2005, its Business Turnaround Plan was implemented to restore the company to financial health and transform the airline into a strong and vibrant institution, while maintaining its reputation for excellence in efficiency and customer service.

Malaysia Airlines has won many awards, the most recent being the 2007 Award for World’s Best Cabin Staff from Skytrax, United Kingdom, and 5 Star Airline, also from Skytrax. The airline has since then returned to profitability, having reported 4 consecutive quarters of net profit from the third quarter of financial year 2006.

For the full year 2006, MAS recorded a 10% revenue increase to RM13,490 million while its market capitalisation was up 83% at RM5,865 million. The RM246 million net profits posted for the first half of 2007 alone exceeded the airline’s entire target profit for the year 2007. Malaysia Airlines will announce its Business Transformation Plan in 2008 which builds on the Business Turnaround Plan.

The aim is to become a 5 Star Airline @ LCC Cost without compromising safety or quality. The plan will spell out the environment and industry challenges, business strategy, key business activities and priorities, and financial results.




The brand AirAsia made its true arrival when it was reborn in 2001 as a new acquisition by Tune Air Sdn Bhd, a company jointly founded by Dato’ Tony Fernandes, together with founding partners Dato’ Pahamin, Dato’ Kamarudin Meranun, and Abdul Aziz Bin Abu Bakar. The history of AirAsia may have started a few years earlier, but this is where the romance began.

AirAsia is a low-cost airline based here in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It operates scheduled domestic and international flights and is Asia’s leading low fare, no frills airline. It is also the first airline in the region to implement fully ticketless travel and unassigned seats.

AirAsia has been expanding rapidly and is very popular among the travelling public thanks to its frequent low fare deals. The airline was established in 1993 and started operations on 18 November, 1996. It was originally founded by a government-owned conglomerate DRB-Hicom.

On the 2nd December, 2001, the heavily indebted airline was purchased by former Time Warner executive Tony Fernandes’s company Tune Air Sdn Bhd for the token sum of one ringgit. Fernandes proceeded to engineer a remarkable turnaround, turning a profit in 2002 and launching new routes from its hub in Kuala Lumpur International Airport at breakneck speed. AirAsia has grown rapidly from operating only two Boeing 737-300s in 2001 to commanding a fleet of 62 aircraft today.

Recently, it has taken a delivery of 26 A320s and has 124 on order for delivery until 2013. AirAsia currently serves over 86 routes and operates in 10 countries. AirAsia’s financial performance in 2006 includes an increase of 27% in sales while market capitalisation was at RM 3,764 million.

Career : Automotive Companies in Malaysia

As one of the country’s foremost car producers, Perodua has emerged as a key player with its highly successful launch of the MyVi. While the success caught even the brand’s leaders by surprise, it is indeed a key factor in rebuilding Perodua’s position and image with Malaysian car users. Hafiz Syed Abu Bakar, Managing Director of Perodua shares the secret behind the company’s success.

Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd (PERODUA) was established in 1993. The joint venture partners/shareholders of Perodua and their respective shareholding are UMW Corporation Sdn Bhd (38%), Daihatsu Motor Co. Ltd. (20%), MBM Resources Berhad (20%), PNB Equity Resources Corporation Sdn Bhd (10%), Mitsui & Co. Ltd (7%) and Daihatsu (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (5%).

The company’s operations commenced early 1994 and the first vehicle, the ever so popular, Perodua Kancil was introduced to the Malaysian market in August 1994. Up to end of October 2007, Perodua has successfully sold approximately 1,331,455 units of vehicles of various models both locally and abroad.

Perodua car sales gained the highest market share of 38.4% in June 2007. In 2006, the Myvi was named the Supermini Car of the Year by Autocar Asean Magazine and in 2007, it won the Best Model of the Year Award from Frost & Sullivan.

This year, the Viva too, received the Supermini Car of the Year award from Autocar Asean. As indicated by Interbrand’s survey, Perodua’s financial performance in 2006 includes a 58% sales increase with marginally increased operating profit margins at 5% of revenues while market capitalisation rose 58% at RM 5,084 million.





Malaysia’s national car manufacturer, Proton has brought the country forward by leaps and bounds in the automobile industry. From its first ever production, the Proton Saga, to today’s Persona, the brand has indeed grown into success.

PROTON, established in 1983, is Malaysia's largest manufacturer of automobiles. With operations in key market centers from UK and Western Europe to the Middle East, and across South-East Asia and Australasia, PROTON produces cars to suit a range of consumer demands and preferences.

The offerings include versatile and reliable four-door family vehicles, two-door hatchbacks for the young-at-heart, luxurious and stylish executive sedans, as well as the world-renowned sports cars from Lotus.

PROTON’s inception as a key driver of national development has seen the brand accelerate its learning curve through technology transfer with strategic partnerships and technical collaborations.

PROTON cars are now steadily on track to achieving the mission for the future, gearing up to achieve the promise of a marquee which build cars with passion and soul; cars which are a delight to drive and a pleasure to own.

Career : Insurance Companies in Malaysia

In 1991, a failing, insolvent insurer with 56 staff called Industrial and Commercial Insurance was bought over and named Kurnia Insurans by its current owners. Today it employs over 1,800 staff, collects over rm1 billion in annual premiums, and controls over 23 percent of the Malaysian motor insurance market in terms of both gross and net premiums.

Kurnia Insurans (M) Bhd, the largest general insurer in Malaysia in terms of gross premium income, believes that where insurance is concerned, size does matter. When it comes to protecting your needs, you’ll want a company with the resources, expertise and track record to be there for you when you need it most.

Kurnia Insurans' success is founded on fair business practices, which protects the legitimate interests of its policyholders and offers its service providers lucrative and honest income opportunities. It is the reflection of its financial strength and stability that Kurnia Insurans is able to uphold its 16 years track record and crossed the “One Billion Ringgit” gross premium mark in the country and Asean. Since year 1999, Kurnia Insurans has attained the MS 9001:2000 International Quality Standard Certification.

Kurnia Insurans’ continuing business growth and unprecedented achievementwas made possible through the collaborative efforts, teamwork and commitment ofits people, agents, business partners and customers. This historical milestone is a testament to the quality of its people, the diversity of its product portfolio, the soundness of its corporate values as well as the acceptance and confidence in Kurnia as the insurer of choice from its nearly 4 million valued customers.The Kurnia Group has recently embarked on its regional expansion programme, with entry into Thailand in 2001 and into Indonesia in 2007. It aims to become a leading insurance and financial services group in the ASEAN region.




A trusted insurance brand operating in Malaysia, Indonesia and Philippines, Malaysian Assurance Alliance (MAA Assurance) remains one of Malaysia’s top-of-mind-brands when it comes to protecting your family and loved ones.

Malaysian Assurance Alliance Berhad (MAA Assurance) was incorporated in September 2, 1968 and is a subsidiary of MAA Holdings Berhad. MAA Assurance’s strength and success as a leading Malaysian-controlled company is a result of doing what it’s really good at, which is, operating a life and general insurance company, managing innovative and profitable products and actively managing investments. With a bold vision that one day, every Malaysian will be protected by an MAA Assurance insurance policy, MAA have gone about to set new standards for operating efficiency and product innovation which will deliver peace of mind for its customers. MAA core competencies are the introduction of products that help preserve, grow and protect their customer’s wealth supported with efficient, personal and reliable service.

MAA Assurance is a trusted insurance brand operating in Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines, and remains one of Malaysia’s top-of-mind-brands when it comes to protection and investment. The group’s principal activity, Life Insurance, has an average of 19 percent growth per year since 2002. It is one of Malaysia’s largest insurance brands, commanding a 13 percent and 5 percent share of the life insurance and general insurance markets respectively.

MAA Assurance allocates an annual budget of RM9 million for branding, advertisements and sponsorships. Its charitable involvement within Malaysia includes the establishment of 11 dialysis centres nationwide through MAA-Medicare and 8 homes for underprivileged children through The Budimas Charitable Foundation. MAA Assurance’s financial performance in 2006 included a 9% increase in Asset Growth to RM6.5 billion.

Career : Retail Stores in Malaysia

A brand that calls itself “Giant” is anything but modest or coy about its ambitions; the test is in living up to such a moniker. This most ubiquitous name in the local retailing sector has fulfilled that promise and brought mammoth transformations to the Malaysian shopping experience.

In Malaysia, the name Giant has become synonymous with everyday low prices, big variety and great value.

Owned by Dairy Farm International (DFI), Giant is a 60-year old Malaysian brand built on its ability to deliver low prices everyday to consumers.

As its reputation grew, so did its business. DFI, which acquired Giant in 1999, recognised that the key to Giant’s success had been its ability to continuously offer value for money products. It retained this core principle even as it began transforming Giant into a national and international brand.

Giant has supermarkets and hypermarkets in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Vietnam. It is also the largest hypermarket and supermarket retail chain in Malaysia, holding 9% of the market share. Giant’s financial performance in 2006 includes a 10.4% increase in market capitalisation at RM 17,899 million.




With 20 years in the department store business, Parkson is synonymous with these words: quality, service with excellence and a leader in its own right. From its first store opening in 1987, Parkson has over 30 stores nationwide as well as stores in China and Vietnam, making the brand a truly Malaysian icon.

Established in 1987, Parkson Corporation Sdn Bhd - the retailing arm of the Lion Group - has rapidly progressed to be one of the largest retail chains in Malaysia.

A leader in providing shoppers with quality customer service, extensive shopping offerings and innovative marketing programmes, the group focuses on strategic development of business units, acceleration of productivity and cost improvements, enhancements of its core competencies and the penetration of new markets as it progresses in the new millennium.

With 20 years in the department store business, Parkson currently has over 30 stores nationwide.

Today, it is also a triumphant brand name in China and Vietnam, carrying the Malaysian success across borders. An award-winning department store, Parkson clinched the KLCC Retail Awards of Excellence 2004/2005 and Platinum Winner under Department Store of the Year Award at the Retail World Excellence Awards 2006/7. A true Malaysian success, Parkson is indeed flying the country’s flag proud with all its endeavours.

Career : Developers in Malaysia

In 1910, young Scottish adventurer William Sime and middle-aged English banker Henry Darby formed a company to manage the Malaysian plantations of companies based in London. Since then, Sime Darby has become a household name in Malaysia.

Sime Darby Berhad is Malaysia’s leading multinational and one of Southeast Asia’s largest conglomerates. Founded in 1910, the Company has grown from a single company offering a single product and service in one country into a strong and dynamic international Group with a comprehensive range of business activities carried out by more than 30,000 employees in over 300 companies in more than 20 countries.

Known for its financial and management capabilities, Sime Darby is listed on the Main Board of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad with a market capitalisation of RM24 billion as at 29th June 2007.

Today, in addition to plantations, its original core business activity, Sime Darby is also a major player in the motor vehicle, heavy equipment, property, and energy & utilities industries.

While the core businesses are located in Malaysia, the People’s Republic of China (including Hong Kong SAR and Macau SAR), Singapore and Australia, the Group also operates in Negara Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, United Kingdom, New Zealand, the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and New Caledonia.





With humble beginnings, YTL Corporation today has emerged as one of the most pioneering brands in the nation as well as in the international market. What is the secret behind its success? The foresight of its founders and leaders as well as making sure its employees live out the brand philosophy. We speak to the enigmatic Tan Sri Dato’ Dr Francis Yeoh to learn the key to the brand’s success.

YTL Corporation Berhad is one of the largest companies listed on the Bursa Malaysia and together with its five listed subsidiaries has a combined Market Capitalisation of about RM29 billion.

The company was listed in 1985, has also had a secondary listing on the Tokyo Stock Exchange since 1996. YTL was the first Asian non-Japanese company to be listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

The YTL Group's core businesses are ownership and management of regulated utilities and other infrastructure assets, serving 10 million customers in three continents. YTL has built up an excellent track record of building high quality houses, apartments and condominiums with attractive and innovative designs. YTL also owns and manages a collection of internationally renowned, award-winning hotels and resorts throughout Malaysia. The YTL name commands a premium and stands for innovation, impeccable attention to detail, as well as responsible corporate citizenship.

YTL’s financial performance in 2006 included an 11% sales increase with much higher operating profit, while market capitalization increased 1.7% at RM 14,950 million.





As one of Malaysia’s foremost, well-diversified conglomerates, the Sunway Group stands out as a leader in several industries. It has created waves continuously, achieving excellence in every field of its operations. Touching lives on the home front and internationally, the Sunway Group is an example of excellence, as it reaches out for the stars of success.

The Sunway Group stands as one of Malaysia’s foremost well-diversified conglomerates in leading position in several industries. Since its foundation in 1974 as a tin mining company, The Sunway Group has continuously aimed at excellence in every field of its operations as it diversifies and grows in tandem with national progress.

This, the Group has made possible through strategic alliances with the government and private sector both on the home front and internationally. To date, the total shareholders' fund for the Group is around RM1.5 billion.

The group’s flagship Bandar Sunway development has received awards and international recognition as a tourism landmark that it is today.

Sunway was awarded “Builder of the Year 2005”, one of the most prestigious titles in the Malaysian Construction Industry Excellence Awards. Its financial performance in 2006 includes a 5% increase of operating profits while market capitalisation was up by 40% at RM 351 million.

Career : Food Companies in Malaysia

Decades after their introduction to the market, Dutch Lady products continue to be a hit with Malaysians. Few brands are as trusted as this long-time milk product manufacturer, and it is this confidence that keeps the customers coming back time and again, generation after generation.

Dutch Lady Milk Industries Berhad is a leader in the quality branded dairy business in Malaysia. It was incorporated in 1963, and was the first milk company in Malaysia to be listed on Bursa Malaysia, the local Stock Exchange in 1968.

Its holding company is Royal Friesland Foods, a Dutch multinational corporation and one of the largest milk companies in the world.

The Company constantly strives to improve its processes in order to deliver nutritious products of high quality to its consumers. Since it commenced manufacturing in 1963, DLMI has steadily expanded its operations in Malaysia.

Today, Dutch Lady is the undisputed leader in growing-up milk, sterilised milk, UHT milk and yoghurt drinks. Dutch Lady Milk Industries’ financial performance in 2006 includes a 9% sales increase with stable operating margins at 8% of revenues while market capitalisation was up by 54% at RM 762 million.




If there is one thing Malaysians love doing ‘round the clock, it’s eating and for years, they have grown up nibbling on Mamee-Double Decker snacks and convenience foods. The company’s brands continue to stand strong today, attracting new consumers throughout the nation and beyond.

MAMEE-DOUBLE DECKER'S unique brand of good quality and taste underscores the success they enjoyed today.

The company, which incorporated in year 1971, and product commenced in year 1972; which is currently listed on the Main Board of the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange. They began with a single product but have consistently grown to our current range of round 50, and it's one that's still growing.

MAMEE DOUBLE-DECKER received the Melaka Industry Award 2003 of “Promising Local Company Award” and was featured in the “Top 100 Listed Companies Year 2005”.

MAMEE’s sales increased 11.4% to RM 340 million in 2006 where as its market capitalization increased 72% at RM 202 million.