Malaysia

As managing director of one of the country's leading paint manufacturers, Lee Buck Siang attributes the achievements of Nippon Paint - Malaysia (NPM) to the productivity and hard work of his employees. "One hundred percent of the people who work for us are Malaysians, excluding our three Japanese technical advisers," says Lee. "So maybe it has something to do with the Malaysian touch in a Japanese company."

Incorporated in Malaysia in 1967, Nippon Paint is now recognized as a major brand, producing over 4,000 formulations of coatings for architectural, automotive, industrial and special applications.

The company's focus on people extends well beyond its employees and deep into its customer base. NPM operates a network of branches to provide close contact and service to each community in which it is present.

"We have about 14 branches throughout the whole of Malaysia allowing us to be close to our customers and dealers," he explains. "This means that we can provide better services in terms of delivery and inquiries."

Lee Buck Siang, managing director of Nippon Paint Malaysia

In a market he describes as highly competitive and made up of players ranging from larger international companies to smaller home-grown ones, NPM welcomes the challenges of competition - be it in terms of product features, benefits, reliability, price or services.

"We definitely have to compete. Competition is healthy and keeps us on our toes." adds Lee. "We are in a very competitive environment, not only in the paint business but for Malaysia as a whole. My goal is to help my people develop this mindset: without the people there is no company. For my colleagues - meaning everyone from senior managers to production - there is a need for a change in this aspect. The people are already very good but we have to keep moving."

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