PSKB Industrial (M) Sdn Bhd is a successful waste management company that has rapidly expanded its operations despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. In an interview with Top 10 of Malaysia, Teeban Suppumaniam and Dato Seri Dr. Poochandran, the directors of PSKB shed light on the formation of the company, their vision for the future and the importance of a strong and supportive team. Their inspiring journey showcases the significance of hard work, adaptability and a relentless pursuit of innovation.
Dato Seri Poochandran began his career in various fields, including chicken farming, security work and being a driver before venturing into the waste management business. Teeban Suppumaniam came from a financial background and worked as an audit associate before transitioning into the transportation business. He also ventured into scrap metal, waste disposal and finally the waste management business. Their diverse experiences provided them with a well-rounded perspective and valuable skills that became instrumental in establishing PSKB Industrial (M) Sdn Bhd.
“During the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, my company, TSA Transport & Trading and Dato Seri Poochandran’s business, SKB Services, merged to form PSKB,” shares Teeban. “PSKB is a prominent player in the scrap metal recycling and waste management industry. We handle scrap metal from the purchasing to the recycling phases of the metals efficiently. Our waste management bins play a crucial role in ensuring proper disposal with a strong emphasis on segregation based on recyclability. We record the type of waste generated, which includes construction debris, and distinguish between materials suitable for recycling and those that require disposal. We have also recently secured a contract from Majlis Perbandaran Shah Alam (MBSA) to operate in its Pusat Kitar Semula.”
Teeban highlights the significant challenge of talent shortage within their industry. “It could be difficult to rely on workers who are constantly dependent on your guidance for every step of the work process. Hence, it is very important in building the right team and working with the right people to foster business growth.”
“We recognise the pivotal role that workers play in the success and survival of a business. Our approach is to manage and interact with workers as family members. This includes encouraging a learning environment, fostering progress by providing guidance and support to our workers,” says Teeban. “We focus on teaching and helping our workers improve. We also offer flexibility in terms of work timings and this approach trains our workers to take ownership of their work.”
Dato Poochandran adds that it is vital to understand that everyone has his or her own unique strengths and approaches. “We believe in giving our workers the freedom to perform in their own style as this can lead to outstanding results.” He also stresses on the importance of accountability and learning from mistakes. “Employees are provided the opportunity for growth and we expect employees to rectify their mistakes and not repeat them.”
“We recognise the shortage of dumping areas as a significant challenge in our business and we aim to find innovative solutions and transform waste into usable resources. Working in collaboration with MBSA, we discovered a composite machine that could convert daily waste into a valuable asset. We are actively exploring various ways to convert waste into usable products and we are preparing presentations to encourage partnerships with like-minded individuals,” says Teeban. “We also have plans to start a bistro, which is currently in the planning phase. Our vision for the future involves establishing three or four additional companies, which will be autonomously managed by our dedicated employees.”
“For young entrepreneurs who are interested in starting a business, self-reliance and not trusting others with their ideas and plans is crucial,” says Teeban. “Youngsters should pursue their startup ideas without fear of failure. Failure is a valuable learning experience. Self-reflection, identifying faults, analysing problems, and continuously testing and adapting are also important. Failure is a stepping stone to success so never be afraid of trying. Family is essential to business growth and development. When you have the right individual by your side, you can confidently move forward. Surround yourself with people who encourage you, rather than those who demotivate you.” He also states the need to take risks and embrace challenges in order to grow. “Caution and care should also be exercised when taking the next steps in business. It would be good for young entrepreneurs to venture into various businesses to gain valuable experience,” advises Dato Poochandran.
