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“In Singapore, labour is getting very costly. We realised
this, and that’s why we have moved to manufacture in other
countries where labour is cheaper. Our production can
be automated, and it is done faster with fewer issues. Our
machines are running about 100 bottles a minute.”
The Singapore government has “an aggressive export
policy to help local industries”. The Trade Development
Board (TDB) set up its policy in the 1960s to help
companies further their trade fairs and exhibitions.
According to an interview with Pharma Boardroom,
Mun Sum says that “Leung Kai Fook has participated in
diverse TDB missions, which has given us a push to expand
our presence in more than 50 countries. We have also
followed the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce
and the Singapore Manufacturing Federation on a significant
number of overseas missions to expand our Axe Brand
products with favourable results.
“Therefore, we hope that the government continues to
expand these initiatives and help Singaporean companies that
have potential to export to forge new frontiers and reach
new markets. If these companies succeed to export, they
will certainly help to boost the economy of our country.”
Mun Sum says that the Singapore government could
consider giving the pharmaceutical and medical companies
an outstanding award in exports. “Ninety per cent of our
product is exported. We earn a lot of revenue from other
countries because we export so much. I hope one day,
the government will provide a reward to our company for
exporting because these awards encourage companies to
continue to export.”
In his interview with Pharma Boardroom, he says another
element that would benefit the company would be for the
government to work with the Health Science Authority
(HSA) and the National University of Singapore. He believes
they should be working to “assist SMEs in the pharma
industry to upgrade their facilities to GMP standards since
some companies cannot register or sell their products in
other markets due to their lack of GMP certification.”
There are numerous hurdles to overcome in exporting
product internationally. “Lastly, it is very challenging to license
products overseas,” Mun Sum says. “Before a product can be
imported to developed countries such as the UK or the US,
the exporting company must acquire a product licence from
the local health authority, whose regulations are strict.”DO WHAT YOU LOVE
Mun Sum’s drive comes mostly from honouring his father’s
wishes and vision. “In the early days of learning about the
business, government officers would often come to inspect
the factory,” he recalls. “My father was very nervous about“HE HAD FIVE SONS. HE WISHED
ONE OF THEM COULD BECOME
A PHARMACIST TO UPGRADE
AND MODERNISE THE FACTORY
AND EXPAND THE BUSINESS.
I AM VERY PROUD THAT I HAVE
FULFILLED HIS WISHES.”
INNOVATE | Interview