theceomagazine.com | 87had when it was founded in 1968. “We help
each other like family,” Allan remarks. Most
important in maintaining the LH family vibe,
according to Allan, is in making every effort
to prevent internal conflict or politics. “If you
have internal conflicts, the company will not
make money. It’s very simple,” he advises.
“We are always meeting up to clear any
issues we might have. The key is speaking
face-to-face and directly rather than keeping
quiet or talking behind their backs.”
As a landmark fiftieth anniversary
approaches, LH wants to cement its place
as Singapore’s one-stop supplier of heavy
machinery. Most recently it was discussing
a second four-year contract to provide
machinery for the Singapore Formula One
Grand Prix and to be one of the sponsors.
“I love cars. They are one of my other
passions,” Allan says. “This is a big
international event. I’m very proud that we
might be involved in a meaningful way.”
Allan knows there are a couple of missing
pieces that need to be filled before the LH
picture is complete. “Over the next couple
of years, we are planning to bring in more
equipment that we currently don’t have.
We are going to bring in new, innovative
machinery for companies that need it.”
Regardless of whether or not Allan’s
children continue their involvement in the
family business, he has two conditions for
whoever ultimately takes over from him. First,
they have to be more capable than him.
Second, they naturally have to fit in with the
LH business family. “The company is not
made up of one person. Every one of us is
putting all our efforts in,” Allan points out.
“The person who will eventually take over
from me will have to understand our culture;
how we do business, and how we take care
of our employees.”50 YEARS OF THE
CHUA FAMILY BUSINESS1968 – Lian Hup Brothers is founded as
a trader and repairer of motorcycles80s – The company begins importing
trucks and machinery, both for local use
and for exporting overseas1980 – It is incorporated as a private
limited company, and is now known as
Lian Hup Brothers Pte Ltd1983 – Poh Soon Seng Credit Pte Ltd
begins a financing loan service for the
hire/purchase of new/used trucks and
heavy equipment1998 – LH Engineering and Equipment
Pte Ltd is incorporated and begins
leasing land2008 – LH Construction and Machinery
Leasing Pte Ltd is incorporated2012 – The fleet of machinery exceeds
2,000, while the number of employees
reaches more than 1502015 – New machinery is introducd:
the JLG1850SJ Ultra Boom Lift;
and the Liebherr All Terrain Crane
LTM 1300-6.2 “LH has always had an appetite for the latest models from JLG and a tenacity to differentiate themselves
by engaging the JLG brand. The synergy forged will
give LH the edge to become one of Singapore’s
major providers of MEWPs.” – David Border, Regional
Director Sales and Market Development SEA, Japan
and Korea, JLG IndustriesFrom left: CEO and Founder of
LH Construction and Machinery
Leasing Pte Ltd Allan Chua;
CFO Seah Siew; Chairman and
Founder Chua Kim Seng; CEO of
Lian Hup Brothers Pte Ltd Alex
Chua; and Director Chua Ah Lee.
Interview | INNOVATE