The Malaysian franchise industry is a vibrant one and continues to achieve healthy growth over the years. Close to 900 registered franchises in the country with market sectors ranging from food and beverage and clothing and accessories to education and beauty, have contributed more than RM25 billion to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product or GDP last year. In this issue, Top 10 of Malaysia takes a look at its list of the top 10 inspiring Malaysian franchise brands, among which are also award winners of the Malaysia Franchise Awards 2018.
Global Art
Founded by Mahair Goh in 1999, Global Art & Creative Sdn Bhd has since expanded its brand franchise, Global Art into a multinational art education business with more than 600 centres worldwide over 18 countries with more than a million registered students. Its learning method is comprehensive, systematic and innovative and is specifically designed for children 3 years old and above. Goh also generated interest in the ‘Children’s Art Enrichment Program’ sector, a business plan of innovative, technical and marketing support and services to both franchisees and international partners. Global Art is also a winner of several prestigious awards and was recently recognized by the Malaysian Franchise Association in 2018 as Franchise of the Year, International Franchise of the Year (Asia Pacific) and Franchisor of the Year.
Marrybrown
Founded in 1981 by Datin Nancy Liew, Marrybrown Sdn Bhd has now become a unique fast food company with outlets opened in Malaysia, China, Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Africa, the Middle East and Myanmar. Well known for its most successful franchise system locally and also internationally, it has successfully made it into the Malaysian Book of Records as the first Malaysian fast food franchise. Until today, Marrybrown has been serving halal fast food to Muslim customers in 15 countries. In addition, it has also won several awards such as Best Franchise Innovation, Best Franchise CSR and also a Special Appreciation Award.
Senheng
Founded by Lim Kim Heng and his two brothers in 1989, Senheng Electric (KL) Sdn. Bhd. is a leading consumer retail electronics chain store consisting of 120 stores throughout Malaysia and also at Vietnam. It has two retail channel brands which are Senheng and SenQ. Senheng has won several awards such as the Franchise Employer of the Year 2015, The Putra Most Enterprising Award Brands of The Year 2015, The Putra Brand Awards, The People Choice Home Improvement 2015 (Silver), Retail Excellence Award in Sin Chew Excellence Awards 2014 and Best Companies to Work for in Asia 2014 from HR Asia.
Morganfield’s
Founded by Dr Jeffrey Goh Sim Ik, Morganfield’s Holdings Sdn Bhd has spread its presence locally and to countries such as Singapore, China and Philippines with a collective number of 25 outlets. Its great tasting pork ribs such as its famous “Sticky Bones” dish make customers come back for more. Its franchises are also decorated with unpolished red bricks equipped with recycled, aged wood with a vintage vibe which is timeless and homely. Morganfield’s has won the Best Brands in Food & Beverages under the Mid-Western Casual Dining category conferred by The BrandLaureate BestBrands Award 2014-2015 and 2015-2016.
Clara International
Clara International Beauty Group Sdn. Bhd has been in the skincare industry for more than four decades. Founded by Datin Dr Clara Chee, it has now more than 50 beauty centres throughout Malaysia and thousands more in different business models worldwide. Clara International has also achieved the Superbrands’ status for possessing a proven track record for more than 40 years in the beauty field in addition to being internationally recognised for its unmatched quality and high market acceptability. It also has its own R&D facilities (ISO/HALAL Certified), manufacturing plant (GMP/ISO/HALAL Certified), product formulations (HALAL Certified), beauty centers (ISO Certified), academy (ISO Certified) and is also a distributor of beauty equipment.
Big Apple
Malaysia’s famous Big Apple Donuts and Coffee was founded and established in 2007 by Mike Chan at The Curve and by 2008, it became one of the quickest expanding food chain with a total number of 23 stores nationwide. Big Apple offers a wide variety of donuts with its attractive packing and even beverages for its customers. Its tagline “Every Piece is a Masterpiece”, Big Apple strives to offer special fried donuts with unique selections of garnishing to Malaysians and people overseas who love donuts.
Focus Point
Focus Point Holdings Bhd is Malaysia’s largest eyewear chain with 144 professional eye-care centres which are Focus Point, Focus Point Optical City, Opulence, Zania, Eyefont, ExcelView and Solariz. Founded by Datuk Liaw Choon Liang and Datin Joyce Goh Poi Eong in Muar, Johor in 1989, Focus Point is currently a leading eyewear retail industry with 70 franchise outlets all over Malaysia. Focus Point has also won numerous awards including the Best Homegrown Franchise title from the Malaysian Franchise Association in 2009.
Nelson’s
Nelson’s is a locally and internationally well-known sweetcorn brand established by Datuk Seri Nelson Kwok. With more than 80 outlets throughout Malaysia, Nelson’s Franchise (M) Sdn Bhd has now expanded to more than 800 outlets in a total of 16 countries. Nelson’s specialises in its very own N28 corn processed by its HALAL and HACCP certified processing plant in Chemor Perak which produces extremely sweet succulent kernels for customers’ satisfaction. Nelson’s has also won Most Highest Sales per Square Feet of Year 2010 by Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Bronze Award for Industry Excellence for Franchisors 2008, Global Growth Award 2008 – Gold Award, The BrandLaureate – SMEs Chapter Award 2006 for Excellent in the Food & Beverage Category-Corn & Snackfood And Global Growth Award – Platinum Award of Year 2006.
Juice Works
Juice Works Sdn Bhd was founded by pharmacist-turn-entrepreneur Ling Mooi Li in 2004 and currently has some 31 outlets. Juice Works creates homemade fresh fruit juices and smoothies with the freshest ingredients. Its juices and smoothies encompass around 30 flavours such as the Power Meal Smoothie, Mango Shake, Detox & Fiber Juices Tropical & Fruity Blends, Corn Shake, Durian Shake and Banana Shake. Its customers are also allowed to make their own special and tasty combo juice. Juice Works aims to introduce a healthy lifestyle to the people.
Krista
Krista Education Sdn Bhd operates Malaysia’s largest kindergarten chain and was established more than two decades ago. Its early childhood education and development centres under the Krista brand, numbering in excess of one hundred centres throughout the country, offer high quality services and programmes for young children from all walks of life. It has also made a name for itself by garnering 9 national records in the Malaysia Book of Records, among which include ‘The Biggest Hand-Made Nursery Rhyme Book’, ‘The Longest Painting by Children’, ‘The Longest Recycled Colour Pencil Replica’ and ‘The Largest Musical Performance by Special Children’. It also received the World English Language League Award, the SMI & SME Worldwide Network Business of the Year Award and the BabyTalk Readers’ Choice Award for 4 consecutive years.