94 | theceomagazine.com
The part
and the
purpose
Three generations have worked together to make Kian Hua
Motor one of the largest providers of European car parts.WORDS HOLLY JOHNSON • IMAGES YEW KWANGI
n 1970, one family set out to make authentic car parts more accessible to mechanics in
Singapore. Nestled in the heart of Little India, they began distributing French brand-name
parts – Renault, Peugeot, Citroën and Simca. Windscreen and door glasses were soon added to
the expanding inventories, and SEAT and Rover brands followed in the 80s. Today, Kian Hua
Motor is one of the largest stockists of European brand-name car parts such as Volkswagen,
Audi and Fiat, distributing both authentic and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) items.
Still in the same family, the company is now led by second-generation Managing Director Michael
Ng, who prides himself on delivering quality and variety to his customers.
“I joined the family business to work in operations after I’d finished my education and my time
serving in the army. I have always had a love of cars and a curiosity as to which components can
be used to improve their function, so that’s what drew me to the spare parts business,” says Michael.
“Since becoming managing director in 1995, I have implemented my plan for expanding the
company to reach new markets. As we grew, we were forced to purchase extra warehouses before
deciding to build our own premises in 2012.”
Completed in 2014, the Kallang integrated stocking and distribution centre makes for a faster
response time and more efficient operation. Kian Hua Motor has developed an extensive supply-
chain network and multimodal transportation system to serve the growing needs of its local and
international customers. “Our business is highly dependent on exports,” says Michael. “The motor
spare parts market in Singapore is getting smaller, with the limited car population as Singapore
encourages people to change cars after 10 years of use.
“The size of the island is another key factor,” he adds. “Typically, people live close to work, so
their mileage is much lower than for cars overseas. This drives down the need for spare parts in
Singapore. However, because we operate in an open and duty-free economy, we are competitively
positioned in the overseas market.” »INNOVATE | Interview