Vouch 15 Cover Story – Interview with Mr Keane & Mr Dillon (PUMM)

Johor Bahru Property & Ecominic Outlook in 2016

Adjust Step and Create Value

PUMM which stands for Persatuan Usahawan Maju Malaysia in Bahasa Malaysia or Malaysia Entrepreneurs’ Development Association in English is a multiracial non-profit organization set up in 1993 with the aim to provide a platform for small and medium-sized industries or enterprises to share business expertise, insights and opportunities Since its inception, PUMM has worked closely with government agencies as well as private industries to help young entrepreneurs in realising their business ambitions, contributing towards business development and economic growth in the country. With its headquarter in Kuala Lumpur, PUMM has State Liaison Committees in Johor, Perak, Pahang, Penang, Sabah and Selangor with a current membership of approximately 2,000 members.

The PUMM Johor Liaison Board was set up in 2008 and has enjoyed a steady growth replete with activities for its members. A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed with Southern University College, Johor, Malaysia, to provide a wide range of programmes including friendly exchanges, business internship and an Entrepreneur Club network that helps college students build their dreams and create entrepreneurship opportunities.

In addition to business seminars, courses, corporate visits, charity activities and the like, the Johor team is initiating its own unique Elite Entrepreneurs 30 (EE 30) programme which serves as a platform for learning and networking as well as communication and socialising. The intake is 30 members and each member is encouraged to bring along their business partner for mutual support and motivation. In the long term, the Johor Committee is looking at cooperative and linkage possibilities among Liaison Committees in other states of the country. Having its own office space will help facilitate the programme as it enables more flexibility for learning and training.

Through education, sharing, study groups and other business events the Johor team seeks to empower resources and maximise business potentials by providing young entrepreneurs with the essential tools to succeed. It is the aspiration of the PUMM Johor Committee to develop its own identity by maintaining a professional edge and creating a signature image that stands out.

Mr Keane Lee Keng Yong (Johor State Liaison Chairman (2014 – 2016)

Mr Keane Lee, Chairman of PUMM Johor Board cum Central Committee Member, is a graduate of Ohio State University majoring in Civil Engineering. He is Director of Pro Uniform Sdn Bhd and Pro Sport Apparel Sdn Bhd with outlets locating in the Johor townships of Johor Bahru and Batu Pahat, the capital Kuala Lumpur and across the causeway in Singapore. Mr Lee’s mission is to identify potential entrepreneurs and provide entrepreneurial resources, network, support and advice to help the new comers succeed. He believes that learning from other successful entrepreneurs is key to successful entrepreneurship.

Mr Dillon Yeap (Johor State Liaison Secretary (2014 – 2016)

Graduated in Electronic Engineering, Mr Dillon Yeap has substantial experience in sales and marketing as well as the food and beverage industries. He ventured into the real estate field in 2013 and currently holds the position of Sales and Marketing Manager at Ace Empire Developments Sdn Bhd. As Secretary of the Board and Chairman-to-be, he aspires to contribute by sharing his experiences and insights with young entrepreneurs, specifically in strategic planning and resource integration, in their pursuit of entrepreneurial careers.

What is your view on the economic outlook in Johor Bahru for the coming year from the perspective of PUMM?

Basically, there is a global economic slowdown as the economy goes through its natural cycle of boom and bust. There will be a slower growth for Malaysia as a whole too. However, bad times can be good times. When there is bad news for the market, experienced entrepreneurs who have better opportunities may leave but for positive thinking entrepreneurs, a market downturn is good news as they see it as an opportunity. When big entrepreneurs exit, it is small entrepreneurs’ opportunity given their small overheads and start-up costs.

What challenges does the market face in the coming year and how do you see ways to address these challenges?

 When faced with challenges, we evaluate the overall trend and make appropriate choices – to stay or to exit. To stay, we must create value; a product with no value will be eliminated. Once the choice is made, we evaluate the overall trend and decide on the nature of our business and product. Our challenge could be the choice between a target business audience of B-B (Business to Business) and B-C (Business to Consumer) or between a necessity product and a luxury product. Once the decision is made, we set the direction for the company and adjust our steps to create value.

We should not wait for opportunities but seek opportunities. When faced with challenges, we improve on our processes, increase income and cut back expenditure via new sources of supply and reduce consumption.

There are concerns that too many high-rise apartments and condos are being built in Johor Bahru. What is your view on this?

At the moment it appears that the supply of high-rise properties is greater than the demand and such is the development trend but in due time it will be even out as the Iskandar Development reaches maturity. Nonetheless, it will depend on Government policies. As we know, a township development needs both commercial development and residential housing to complement each other. The development of Iskandar Malaysia is unique in that it starts with the infrastructure first then comes the population. As the Iskandar development is taking shape, the long term prospect for Johor is expected to be positive.