Marrybrown Fried Chicken ... a successful Malaysian fast food chain

Marrybrown chain prospering after many trials and tribulations

 

Zazali Musa | The Star ( Malaysia ), ANN | Thu Mar 29 2012

Today Marrybrown is flooded with requests from investors wanting to take up their fastfood franchise.

Malaysia, March 28, 2012

Thirty-one years ago, Lawrence Liew and Nancy Chan had dreams of investing in a fast food business but found it difficult to secure a loan for the purpose.

Bank officials were quite sarcastic as they flipped through the couple's business proposal and refused to approve a loan as they believed the plan was not feasible.

Even the suppliers the couple approached doubted the viability of their plan and were only willing to supply goods on a cash-on-delivery basis.

To make matters worse, owners of shoplots were reluctant to lease their premises to the pair.

Today, the couple are laughing all the way to the bank.

"Back then, we were treated like second-class citizens, they didn't even look at you," Marrybrown Sdn Bhd co-founder and managing director Chan told The Star.

Now, banks are knocking on their doors while mall operators and landlords are courting them to lease their units.

She said, in the past, the sceptics were brutal with their remarks.

"I can still remember their words until today, 'You can open a shop today and close tomorrow'," said Liew.

They have proven them wrong as Marrybrown is now flooded with requests from Malaysian and foreign investors wanting to take up the franchise.

Humble beginnings
Back in 1981, the couple took a gamble and started their business with capital of RM120,000 from their life savings and contributions from family members and close friends.

They opened Marrybrown's first restaurant serving burgers and fried chicken at a small rented shoplot along Jalan Wong Ah Fook in downtown Johor Baru.

Chan said when they started their fast-food business, Kentucky Fried Chicken, a US-based quick-service restaurant (QSR) chain offering fried chicken, was already a household name in Malaysia.

Chan said their venture into the QSR business at the time, was like David fighting Goliath.
With no business experience, they slogged day and night to build their business.

"The first five years were the toughest for us as we had to work hard to prove to our critics that we were going to make it," she said.

The company has grown over the years from a small rented shoplot to its own premises in Taman Pelangi.

Two months ago, the new RM6mil corporate headquarters in the Dewani industrial estate was opened.

Nurse turned entrepreneur
Chan, 56, left her job as a nurse and started the business at the age of 25 with her husband who is seven years her senior.

The former student of Sultan Ibrahim Girls School Johor Baru, completed her Malaysian Certificate Examinations and worked as a nurse for six years.

Hard work is not new to her as she had helped supplement her family's income from the age of 16 by giving English tuition after school and on weekends.

Chan remembered the money she earned from giving tuition was not much but it taught her to be more prudent in managing her finances.

The down-to-earth businesswoman said, although today she might have money to spend lavishly, she does not see the need to be extravagant.

Coming from a poor family, she missed out on a university education despite being one of the top students in school and opted for nursing instead. "Being a nurse helped me a lot in my business.

"As a nurse you have to have patience and be compassionate towards your patients and the same goes in running a business," she said.

A truly Malaysian brand, Marrybrown is now the largest home-grown QSR chain with over 300 restaurants in Malaysia, Azerbaijan, China, Bahrain, India, Indonesia, Iran, Kuwait, Maldives, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Tanzania and the United Arab Emirates.

Twenty per cent of its restaurants in Malaysia are company-owned while 80% are franchised, while its overseas outlets are developed by its master franchisees.

The local and overseas restaurants are located at shopping malls, hypermarkets, theme parks, hospitals, universities, airports and neighbourhood estates.

When asked how she came up with the brand Marrybrown, Chan said the name popped into her mind when she decided to start the fast-food business.

"It is simple to pronounce, easy to remember and has an international appeal, as shown when we market the brand overseas," said Chan. She said it was important in the fast food business to adopt a name that was easy to pronounce.

Liew said most of the international fast food brands had three-syllable names such as Burger King, KFC and McDonalds, and so does Marrybrown.

The brand is so successful and the Government has decided to include it under the Malaysian Kitchen Programme to encourage Malaysians to open restaurants overseas.

Franchise model works
The couple realised that franchising was the way for them to expand their business locally and internationally, but back in 1986 it was something new in Malaysia and Singapore.

They looked at several franchising models from the US, UK and Japan and adopted the best to suit their business concept.

The company started its franchising system in 1986 for Malaysia and in 1992 in China, the first country outside Malaysia to adopt the Marrybrown business.

Marrybrown's franchising fee is priced at RM100,000 per outlet in Malaysia and the fee differs for international franchisees depending on the country's population size and market prospects for QSRs.

It was also the first international fast food restaurant to open in Tanzania and Maldives and the first Malaysian fast-food operator to open in Urumqi, in China's autonomous Xinjiang region.

Again, in the early days of franchising, they were turned down by locals when they proposed the system as many did not have confidence in the couple.

But this has not hampered them from working even harder. Today, the majority of its franchised outlets in the country are owned by the same franchise holders.

"Among the words uttered by them were how on earth can a local company like ours compete with the big boys from the US," recalled Chan.

Stand out from the rest
"We had to be different. Instead of fried chicken and burgers, we also offer local favourites such as nasi goreng, nasi lemak, rice porridge and satay," she said
.
Chan said the Malaysian dishes are not only the main attractions among its local customers, but also popular at its overseas shops.

She said even her competitors in the QSR business from the US started copying the business model, to include rice dishes and other local foods on the menu list at their restaurants in Malaysia.

Chan said apart from promoting Malaysian dishes at its overseas stores, the company's franchised businesses also offer local dishes from the respective countries in which they operate.

Going forward, she said the Middle East is the most promising for the franchising business, aside from emerging economies in Asean, China and India.

Chan said being a local brand serving halal food is a bonus especially with the master franchisees in the Middle East.

She added that for years, customers in these Middle Eastern countries only knew of fast-food products and brands from Europe and the US.

"Feedback from our master franchisees there shows they are more comfortable dealing with Malaysian companies as we are trustworthy and reliable," said Chan.

She said the next market for Marrybrown is the African continent as many big boys in the fast-food business are not keen to go there.

Chan said having set foot in Tanzania, the company sees the long-term growth prospects in African countries as tremendous.

"To us, the African continent is like a diamond in the rough waiting to be cut and polished for the shine and sparkle to emerge," she said.

Accountant, 27, shares her wealth strategy

		Saturday, Mar 24, 2012 The Star (Malaysia ) Asia News Network
Accountant, 27, shares her wealth strategy  -  Pooling resources in property investment
By Daniel Sim Singapore-based accountant Melissa Low, 27, wants more than just a fixed salary in her working life and property investment offers a way to financial security. While many professionals in her age-group are enjoying life, Low spends her weekends visiting showrooms, properties for re-sale and seminars to enhance her knowledge. Growing up in Malaysia, Low has always been a go-getter. She was a scholar, an avid chess player and also a valedictorian in school. Despite being employed full time, she still finds time to follow in her father's footsteps in business ventures and property investment. Melissa graduated with a degree in accounting and finance from Nilai International College with the help of a scholarship from the Star Education Fund in 2003. One of her latest property purchases is a 37sq m (400sq ft) studio apartment in Johor Baru. Her investment acumen has been honed by previous business ventures. "I started with selling bags online but the market was too competitive. I also started a bubble tea business with a partner that I met online. But things didn't work out, so we closed it after six months," recalls Melissa. " I began reading property investment books by Milan Doshi and Ho Chin Soon. I was attracted to the idea of earning passive income from investing in property. "What's more interesting, is the fact that it offers me flexibility and time to focus on my work in Singapore while enjoying good rental returns with my properties in Malaysia," points out Melissa. Landlady The young landlady bought her first property two years ago. It was a 115sq m (1,200sq ft) condominium unit in Mont' Kiara in Kuala Lumpur. The property value has since appreciated more than 20%. Stock vs property "When I explored the possibility of investing in something that would give me a stable rate of returns over the long run, many people told me to invest in the stock market. I did that once but it was not my cup of tea," says Melissa. "Unlike the stock market where shares are traded through a piece of paper and prices fluctuate - and hard to predict - property is tangible and would not suddenly lose its value overnight. If the company goes bust, the shares would be worthless. On the other hand, if you can't sell your property, you can always rent it out while waiting for the property price to appreciate. "Buying property allows you to leverage on money borrowed from the bank where you can borrow up to 90% of the purchase price. This multiplies the buying power of your investment and makes your money work harder. Investing in shares usually involves little or no leverage at all, hence, it is more difficult for your capital to grow. "Investing in property is more focused on location. Based on your budget, you can choose to invest in high-end property or mid-range property. Then zoom in on the location with the property type you want, either with the help of a real estate agent or, in my case, I would Google property portals, such as www.starproperty.my. "But investing in property has its downside too, as it is not as liquid when compared to shares. A property buyer needs to be able to hold the property to generate a profit on a greater scale before selling it. "This is particularly true in times of an economic downturn and there is an oversupply in a particular location that you have invested." Calculated risk It is generally hard for some people to take the first step in property investment because they lack practical guidance and the willingness to take a calculated risk. "The difference between successful people and average people is that besides having ideas that are larger than life, successful people make things happen." For example, one investor would take up personal loans to invest in four units of a particular property development, if he thought the project was a good buy, reveals Melissa. "It is true that you can learn a lot on property investment through books and seminars. But it is different to have someone who not only recommends good properties but also invests with you. "Fortunately, I met Roy Teo who became not only my mortgage broker, real estate agent but also my mentor," says Melissa. According to her, Roy who has five years experience in property investment, changed her perception about studio apartments. Through Roy, she realised how profitable it was if she chose the right studio apartment to invest. To date, she has invested in four properties, one of which, is a commercial unit located near the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC). MISS Club Besides being an accountant and property investor, Melissa has also ventured into event management. In 2010, she started a club called Malaysia Investors in Singapore (MISS). She uses the social media such as Facebook to network with other Malaysians working in Singapore. They all share a common interest in property investment. MISS was formed by Melissa to leverage on group investment power where members can share their knowledge and pool their resources to get better deals. Currently, the group has about 260 online members who meet every three to four months. Millionaire property investors such as Juanita Chin and map-maker Ho Chin Soon are among the personalities invited to share their insight with MISS members.

8 tips for staying healthy while travelling

Monday, Aug 15, 2011
AsiaOne

It's the little things that matter when you travel.

Some of these travel tips will ensure you eat and stay healthy while travelling overseas, while also ensure that you maintain a hygienic environment so that you don't fall sick or have an allergic reaction.

Whether you travel for leisure or business, you'd be surprised how far some of these will practices go to ensure a healthy, comfortable trip.

1. Opt for the non-smoking floor

The non-smoking floor of a hotel room would have better air quality, and you won't have the smell of cigarette smoke lingering in the room or on the carpet and sheets.

2. Don't touch the mini bar

Refrain from snacking and drinking from the mini bar. It's expensive, and you should save the cash (and avoid the calories).

3. Set aside the bed cover

Hotel bedspreads are known to have dust mites and more. Stash it in the corner of the room or in the cupboard.

4. Disinfect

Wipe the TV remote control and telephone with an anti-bacterial wipes before using.

5. Avoid reuseable glasses

Avoid using the glasses in the hotel room - you can't tell whether they were properly cleaned before your check-in. Stick to drinking bottled water. If you must use the glasses, wash them thoroughly before use.

6. Bring your own snacks

Keep fruit, bottled water and healthy snacks such as nuts, raisins and muesli bars in your room. It'll ensure a balanced diet, especially if you're eating out often. If you take vitamins and health supplements on a regular basis, remember to bring these along when you travel.

7. Create your own fitness centre

If your hotel doesn't have a gym or pool, bring your yoga mat and do simple yoga routines to destress.

8. Renovation check

Renovations are disruptive, and will bring out dust and dirt. Call ahead or read recent reviews on travel websites to ensure that parts of the hotel you're staying at aren't under construction. You don't want construction noise depriving you of sleep, or having to deal with unpleasant surroundings.

If you've already made a booking, ask for a room further away from the construction if possible.

Technology affecting Singaporeans' work-life balance

		Tuesday, Mar 06, 2012 AsiaOne ( Singapore )
Technology affecting Singaporeans' work-life balance
Whether you're holding an iPhone, a BlackBerry, an Android or any other kind of smartphone, chances are that your gadget is letting your work life creep into your personal time. According to the Randstad Workmonitor Report for Q1 2012 released today, majority of employees in Singapore struggle to achieve a work-life balance as technology permeates daily lives. Of 405 employees surveyed in Singapore, around seven in ten (71 per cent) receive calls or emails outside regular office hours, and 67 per cent when they are on annual leave. Nearly half (45 per cent), say their employers expect them to be available 24/7, with the figure rising for people aged 45-54 (50 per cent) and for people aged 25-34 (49 per cent). Randstad Regional Director, Singapore & Malaysia, Ms Karin Clarke says that modern technology is having a significant impact on the way we work. Sixty per cent of workers say they feel they fall short of their own expectation if they don't respond to an email or phone call immediately. "The increasing popularity of smartphones means more and more people are connected to the internet on the go. This accessibility has a knock-on effect where workers feel obliged to answer emails and calls outside of work hours," said Ms Clarke. Conversely, close to 2/3 of respondents are bothered by people who answer their phone or respond to emails during a meeting, yet about a third admit to doing so. At the same time, however, more than half who replied to the survey prefer face-to-face contact rather than phone or email. The same proportion also feels that they receive more information on a daily basis than they can process. Said Ms Clarke: "Business leaders should be clear in their expectations for how 'switched on' they expect their staff to be. For example, for people in a client-facing role there may be a need to respond instantly around the clock but for others, replying on Monday morning is soon enough. "At the same time, employees should set their own boundaries and ensure they spend uninterrupted time with friends and family and allow themselves the chance to relax," she continued. The survey also showed that employee mobility remains high, with one-in-five (22 per cent) people having changed roles in the past six months, despite 44 per cent having been in their previous role for less than two years. This is mainly due to better employment conditions, which include higher pay or better work-life balance. The Workmonitor Mobility Index, which tracks employee confidence and captures expectations surrounding the likelihood of changing employers within a six month time frame, provides a comprehensive understanding of job market sentiments and employee trends. In addition to measuring mobility, it provides insights into employee satisfaction and personal motivation, as well as explores sentiments around key trends shaping the world of work for employees each quarter.

Report from AFP dated 5 March 2012 :-

Website lets people shine light on dark secrets

TELLING TALES: Some of the postings on PostSecret.com, which posts confessions from people around the world. Warren launched the site as a diversion from his 'lucrative but unsatisfying' document delivery company.

CALIFORNIA: People around the world share their deep secrets with Frank Warren and he, in turn, reveals them to all.

Confessions drawn, pasted or written on postcards flow relentlessly into his mailbox and Warren provides as many as possible with time in the spotlight at his website, PostSecret.com.

"I've never been a person growing up that people told their secrets to," Warren told AFP after a presentation at the prestigious TED conference that wrapped in southern California on Friday.

"In my life now, people don't walk up to me and tell me secrets, but I never get tired of getting postcards. I still go to the post box early."

The Maryland man described himself as a typical suburban dad and small business owner whose life was turned around by a project launched in 2004 as a diversion from his "lucrative but unsatisfying" document delivery company.

Warren began by printing 3,000 postcards and handing them out in the Washington DC area, asking people to anonymously share a heartfelt secret they had never told anyone.

The idea spread virally, with people making or buying their own postcards and sending them to PostSecret from countries around the world.

Warren showed a postcard made from half of a Starbuck's coffee paper cup and bearing the message "I give decaf to customers who are rude to me."

Another postcard was from someone who confided "I used to work with a bunch of uptight religious people so sometimes I didn't wear panties and just smiled and chuckled to myself."

One confession arrived in the form of a sealed envelope bearing a message that inside were the torn bits of a suicide note "I didn't use - I feel like the happiest man on Earth now."

A postcard bearing a collage of pictures of Hollywood actors bore a message that one of them was "the father of my son, he pays me a lot to keep his secret."

Many secrets sent to the website involve loneliness, self-harm, or eating disorders, according to its creator.

"One of the biggest surprises is that when we find the strength to share a deep secret, instead of making us weird it connects us to our deepest humanity," Warren said. "Everyone has a secret that could break your heart."

Warren displayed a picture of him next to a pyramid of a half million postcards bearing secrets. He updates PostSecret.com every Sunday, trying to create a theme with the confessions.

"I tapped into something full of mystery and wonder," Warren said. "Secrets can remind us of the countless human dramas playing out in the lives of people around us."

PostSecret claims the distinction of being the most visited advertising-free blog on the Internet and is credited with inspiring a student in Canada to launch IFoundYourCamera.net website that connects people with lost pictures.

Warren supports the website with money from his document shipping business, and successful books featuring collections of confessions. Some PostSecret postcards have made it to the Museum of Modern Art.

How to buy and sell safely online

How to buy and sell safely onlineOnline shopping is a hot trend but is it everyone’s ideal way to shop?

By Tengku Sofiah Aishah,
New Straits Times ( Malaysia ) | 02-03-12      

THESE days, window shopping is no longer just about looking at window displays but LCD screens. You don't need a pair of comfortable shoes to trawl the shops, just a notebook or tablet.

Welcome to the world of speed shopping where every transaction is just a click away.

Virtual shopping used to be an exclusively eBay domain but with online businesses rapidly evolving, the choices have become massive.

"Since I've had my twins, it's inconvenient for me to go out but with so many online stores, I can shop while cooking for them!" says Rohana Jalil, 27, mother of two.

EVERYONE CAN SELL
With Blogger and Facebook, everyone can set up his or her own shop and that means business opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Online business can be financially rewarding. Some owners even quit their jobs to focus on their businesses. Estee Chong, co-owner of Whitesoot, is very passionate about fashion. "My boyfriend, Bryan Lim, and I saw the opportunity when online shopping became popular, so we started Whitesoot."

Previously, Lim and Chong were a financial analyst and a marketing executive respectively. Online businesses benefit both sellers and customers. Shop owners do not have to go through the legal hassle of setting up a business and it is also not location specific.

"Having a virtual store means you're reaching out to an unlimited market, not just the people in your location," says Vivy Yusof who is currently eyeing the Indonesian market as part of her online venture Fashion Valet's business expansion.

On the other hand, customers save a lot of time and energy through online shopping. In addition to customers browsing at their own convenience and in comfort, online shops are technically open 24 hours a day.

EASY DOES IT
Browsing online is easy. "I have no time to spend hours at the mall looking for the right design and colour but I can easily specify my search with a click on the Internet," says banker Joanne Tan.

The best part is not having to walk around with heavy shopping bags but having them delivered to our doorsteps. Law student Subana Keris, 21, finds online shopping more convenient. "There is no need to drive, park, walk to the store or queue to pay. "Plus, there is the added security of not having to walk around with bundles of cash. The shipping costs cancels out the cost of petrol, toll and parking tickets. And don't forget the heavy traffic."

NOT JUST CLOTHES
Online business platforms are dominated by, but not limited to fashion lines. They are slowly expanding to include fragrance, gadget accessories, DIY products, textiles, or even made-to-order foodstuff such as festive cookies and cakes. Items sold online range from fresh-from-the-factory goods to secondhand items in excellent condition.

The online community is so large now it even has its own networks where members can connect and advertise. Online shop review blogs such as www.yourshoppingkaki.blogspot.com and shoppers-network.blogspot.com are recognised by online shoppers and being reviewed by them is like getting the Superbrands Malaysia's choice stamp.

OLD SCHOOL
Online shopping, admittedly, takes away the novelty of conventional shopping. Arina Azhar, 20, an engineering student believes that seeing is believing. "If I'm going to pay for it, I want to be sure an item fits me well and online shopping cannot offer that." The quality time we would otherwise spend with our families is also lost through online shopping. "My mother used to pick out my clothes when we go on a shopping spree but we hardly do that anymore," says business student Shella Stepanie, 20. There's also the possibility of getting conned by scheming opportunists, so think before you click!

Tips for virtual shoppers
1. Check for credibility. This can be done via customers' testimonials and feedback. Before making a payment, ensure that the seller has a valid contact person and number.

2. Ask for measurements (for clothing items). As most online shops do not adopt an exchange policy and fitting is not possible, ask for the exact measurements instead of the size.

3. Details, details, details. Always ask for every detail you want to know. This is important to avoid impulse purchases and regrets in the future. You can't touch or feel the item. The colours, models, materials and sizes may look different than on the screen.

4. Double-check the authenticity. This is for purchases of branded items, new or pre-loved. Be careful to not fall victim to Grade A imitation products when they claim to be authentic.

5. Request for postal tracking number. This is to ensure that your purchase is really on its way when the vendor says so. It's also for you to track the movement of your parcel.

6. Do not overspend. Youngsters especially, tend to get carried away with online shopping. Remember, do not spend money you don't have.

7. Be wary. Never, under any circumstance, divulge your personal information, such as your bank account password to anyone.

From 0 to $ 65 million in 10 years

From 0 to $ 65 million in 10 years  -  Pastamania's recipe for success

		Monday, Feb 27, 2012 The Business Times ( Singapore )
By Leslie Teoh FOR Pastamania's managing director, Andrew Kwan, quality people form the backbone of every successful company. Mr Kwan's experience at the casual restaurant chain proves this. Despite being unfamiliar with the food and beverage (F&B) business, the gutsy man made the decision to invest in Pastamania in 2002, four years after it was set up. Then, the company had two food court operations, one at Scotts Picnic and another at Lau Pa Sat. Things were 'tough going', which spurred Mr Kwan to reinvent the brand's image. 'Food courts generally don't allow you to brand . . . and we felt that we should go after the younger crowd, the working executives, the women folk in particular,' he says. He fondly recalls how a devoted team of employees played a vital role in Pastamania's early days. 'We had a young team of management staff who, without an extra cent, would have to work at night. It was our due to them that we were prepared to put money behind developing a new concept.' Changes that were made to Pastamania's concept include the colour of the brand logo - from green and black to a more eye-catching bright red and yellow. It also positioned itself as a brand that provides affordable and authentic Italian cuisine. The hard work paid off. Today, Pastamania has 28 outlets in Singapore and 17 outlets spread across Asia and the Middle East. And to Mr Kwan, this shows that what's important in running a business is the people behind it. 'Many people focus on the product and if you have the wrong people doing it, your product will never truly be unique, never truly be breathtaking, so finding good people is key,' he says. Mr Kwan was previously part of Globamatrix Holdings, where he oversaw operations in the solar control window film business. On his decision to enter the vastly different food and beverage (F&B) industry, Mr Kwan noted that it was purely coincidental. 'It wasn't by design, it was by providence really. A mutual friend put me in touch with the former founder of Pastamania . . . In January 2002, we consummated the deal and got into F&B,' he recalls. While being relatively unfamiliar with the industry could be perceived as a major hurdle in penetrating such a competitive sector, Mr Kwan believes that this inexperience may have been an unseen advantage. He says: 'When we walked into this, we had no experience whatsoever and maybe that was a plus because we didn't carry any preconceptions of how a F&B (company) should be run.' According to Mr Kwan, Pastamania managed to see a 24.8 per cent revenue compound annual growth rate from FY2002 to FY2011, despite crises like the Sars outbreak in 2003 and the financial meltdown of 2008. He believes that its resilience is due to its positioning in the market. The cost of a meal at Pastamania can be 'as little as a third of a sit-down fine-dining Italian restaurant', says Mr Kwan. In an uncertain economic climate, conservative consumers would tend to shy away from spending an extra $50-80 on a meal, making Pastamania attractive to them. Mr Kwan believes that Pastamania can fill this niche market for affordable Italian dining. Although a wide array of affordable Asian cuisine is available, the market for affordable and authentic Western fare is relatively untapped, he notes. 'I think there is a market for that, so long as we continue to deliver good quality ingredients, well-prepared, and quick service all together at an affordable price,' he says. In remaining true to the fundamentals of the brand - using good quality ingredients to create authentic Italian food at affordable prices - Mr Kwan staunchly believes in sourcing high-quality produce. He says that it was a common misconception that cheap food is synonymous with low quality. He emphasises that Pastamania imports most of its ingredients from Europe and the United States. Its costs, however, are kept down by buying in volume and economies of scale. Besides this, Pastamania's success is also the result of Mr Kwan surrounding himself with trustworthy and capable staff. 'I think it's people who will drive programmes that will create winning products. When you find the right people, everything else falls into place, the programmes and the plans will all come out and then from there you get really great products.' It is clear from the way he speaks of his business relationships that trust, chemistry, and people played a key role in his decision to acquire Bakematrix - Pastamania has a 60 per cent stake in Bakematrix - which in turn owns the bakery chains Swissbake and Swisstreats. When asked what the rationale behind this move was, he says that it did not begin with a rationale, but was a result of him 'clicking' with Swissbake's managing director Xavier Baumgartner, who was introduced to him by a mutual friend. 'I found him to be very likeable and I think the make- up is quite similar. We may look different but I think our business thinking is quite aligned. Above all else, the people running the business must have chemistry. Otherwise they will always be looking behind (each other's) backs as a partner thinking if he is doing anything that is crooked, or we're constantly fighting over fundamental ways of doing business and that's very unproductive,' he says. The acquisition - which is expected to generate a combined revenue of $65 million this year compared to $53 million in total unaudited revenue last year - is more of a growth-oriented rather than cost-driven exercise, according to Mr Kwan, who has emphasised that he does not envisage any job cuts. When it comes to his staff, Mr Kwan strongly believes that it is important to help them reach their full potential - a belief that is aligned with Pastamania's corporate value to strive to develop its people to 'be the best that they can be'. It is particularly surprising for a businessman like Mr Kwan to speak about qualitative rather than quantitative outcomes. He believes that one of the most satisfying outcomes of the partnership with Swissbake was the opportunity for staff to be cross-trained in different culinary skills, as well as the morale boost and enthusiasm it generated. 'Some of the chefs on my side were very excited when we told them we were going to have a plant tour at Swissbake. Everybody was volunteering because they said this is a new area for them, so I think we have, by this combination, rejuvenated and created a lot of excitement at the companies,' he says. Currently, Pastamania employs about 600 staff while Swissbake has over 200. Mr Kwan says he hopes to add a further 300 employees, but that the biggest constraint would be finding people of good quality to join the organisation. He also hopes that the two businesses will continue to grow together, although he has slightly different aspirations for each. He sees domestic growth as a key focus area for Swissbake in the next few years and hopes to add to its existing 32 retail points in Singapore. 'I really hope to see Swissbake available everywhere, even to neighbourhood areas . . . I want to take away the mindset that 'Oh this is gonna be expensive' but it's not, it is affordable.' For Pastamania, Mr Kwan hopes to continue expansion in regional markets and expects the first Pastamania location to open in the United Kingdom in the third quarter of this year. He says: 'We have come to a point whereby our footprint (domestically) is not yet saturated I would say, but we are starting to look overseas in a more serious way. (We hope to) keep ourselves nimble and fleet footed like a small company, but punch like a heavyweight with the enlarged resources of an upsized corporation.'