theceomagazine.com | 97Kian Hua Motor’s global supply-chain
infrastructure is equipped to handle the large,
worldwide consignments of goods. “What sets
us apart is our variety. We give customers the
widest range – from our first-tier products to
our genuine and OEM parts,” says Michael.
“Our greatest turnover is overseas, which has
presented a number of obstacles. Global
business recessions have hit us hard, and we
have had to overcome several fiscal challenges
due to fluctuations against the Singapore
dollar as we import and export to locations
across the world,” explains Michael.
“Nevertheless, we have survived by working
closely with our customers and suppliers in
coming up with a plan of action. These
challenges have brought us closer together.
“The political and economic instability of
our overseas markets means we are currently
exploring the opportunity to branch out to
produce even more European car brands.
We are still in the process of looking at the
different criteria that must be met before
we can launch in the market with a fully
stocked inventory.”
Over the next three to five years, Michael
hopes to increase the company’s turnover by
double digits while improving the efficiency
of its operations team through technological
advancements. “Such innovations are made
possible by my two sons, who joined the
business in 2005 and 2010. Together, we are
working towards our dream of having a
full-scale, functional operations team,” says
Michael. “Although I’m not IT trained, my
sons bring significant IT knowledge to the
company, spanning inventory and processing
to sales and marketing. We hold regular
meetings where specific targets are laid out
and incentives are provided to boost morale
and encourage the team to meet their goals.
“We are in constant, two-way
communications with our suppliers, finding
out about the latest products and at the same
time giving them feedback in terms of
market preferences and price competitiveness
in each market,” says Michael. “This
communication is highly beneficial in giving
our suppliers an understanding of how we
work and in which markets we are
succeeding most.
“In terms of service, we don’t just sell
to our customers; we share our knowledge.
Spare parts are becoming increasingly
complicated with the number of technologies
introduced by car makers. There is more
differentiation than ever before between the
part and the purpose, so we are there to assist
our customers in making the right choice in
terms of procurement and stocks,” explains
Michael. “My father taught me to work hard,
be hands-on, and always aim to improve
myself and my business. Only with that
attitude are you able to lead and become
a competitive force within the industry.”KIAN HUA MOTOR
PROVIDES PARTS TO:Audi
Volkswagen
Renault
Peugeot
ŠKODA
Citroen
Opel
Fiat
SEAT
Porsche
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