The chemicals business is hard to get into.
Most of the common chemical processes were invented in the 19th century. For example, the process for making one of the most useful chemicals— sulphuric acid—was invented in 1831, and still in use today.
Nevertheless, entrepreneurs with foresight to enter new markets and provide quality chemicals have the potential to succeed in this field.
Asta Chemicals Sdn Bhd is a Malaysian privately-owned chemicals firm, specialising in formaldehyde chemistry. Though its most famous use is for preserving animal specimens in laboratories, formaldehyde is also an essential precursor to many products used in everyday life. Formaldehyde-based resins are used to manufacture composite and engineered wood products, some textile dyes are formaldehyde-based, and its fire-resistant properties find use in automobile components.
Therefore, Asta Chemicals saw a gap in the Malaysian and export markets to develop formaldehyde-based wood resins. This also takes advantage of Malaysia’s strong timber industry, enabling plywood and other wood products to be produced using softwood.
CEO of Asta Chemicals, Jerry Looi says, “Success is not an accident. It is the result of a lot of planning, hard work and a dedicated team working together with a clear focus.” The company attributes its success to the quality of its product and innovative processes.
Esta historia es de la edición SME Singapore August 2019 de SME Magazine Singapore.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición SME Singapore August 2019 de SME Magazine Singapore.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Cloud- Driven Recovery
With digital transformation being an important catalyst for Malaysia’s inclusive economic recovery, cloud computing plays an important role that enables . the country to acquire the advantages that technology offers.
Live Werkz: Venturing Beyond Southeast Asia
Being forward-looking in its approach has enabled LiveWerkz Pte Ltd to survive the Covid-19 pandemic, says vice president Tricia Ng. Despite being a Singaporean company, the company does not focus its efforts in the Southeast Asia region. Instead, Greater China and the Middle East become the foundation for its businesses. Ng tells SME the company’s strategies in facing a challenging future.
Singapore's Go Digital Well Received
More than 78,000 of Singapore’s SMEs have participated in the country’s Go Digital programme since its 2017 launch, with more about 40,000 becoming participants last year, including 30,000 that received Covid-19 incentives from the government.
Accountants And SMEs: Creating A Sustainable World
For SME finance professionals, ‘sustainability’ is about achieving longevity. However, there is a confusion over different definitions of sustainability. They recognise the growing importance of tackling sustainability issues but lack the understanding of how doing this can be integrated into day-to-day practices within the finance function.
Rebuilding Our Mental Well-Being In Sales
Sue Barrett is a writer, training provider and entrepreneur who founded Barrett in 1995 to positively transform the culture, capability and continuous learning of leaders, teams and businesses.
Omicron: A Test Of Resilence
Global manufacturers have been facing a supply chain crisis since the start of the year. Just as it appeared that the situation was beginning to stabilise, the Omicron Covid variant reared its ugly head.
Silver Lining In The Cloud
Although RAS Security Pte Ltd’s business was adversely affected by the pandemic, there’s a silver lining in the cloud. The occurrence has necessitated the company to innovate its business model to remain viable and led to the discovery of new areas of security service provision. Managing director Tejdeep Singh shares his journey.
Accelerating Artificial Intelligence
Singapore is introducing two new public artificial intelligence (AI) programmes as part of the strategy to use technology for social and economic good, involving a total allocation of S$680 million to accelerate AI research. The latest initiatives require a funding of S$180 million.
Three Tips For Hiring Top Talents
BIG EGOS LOSE TALENTS First up, when it comes to hiring, you must put aside your ego.
The Economy Is Recovering, But What About People?
All signs are pointing towards a speedy recovery. Contrary to what this writer initially predicted, the economy seems to be genuinely recovering.
