DIRECT SELLER Malaysia ENG|Vol 2|No 1|2020|SuperLife

DIRECT SELLER MALAYSIA ISSUE 1 / 2020

DSAM’S OUTSTANDING ENTREPRENEUR AWARDS 2019 NIGHT & 41ST ANNIVERSARY DINNER

THE SUPERMAN BEHIND SUPERLIFE Lai Tek Kean, CEO and Founder of SuperLife

A P U B L I C AT I O N O F

RM10

ISSN 2716-6171

Cover Lai Tek Kean, CEO and Founder of SuperLife

COVER STORY 4

The superman behind SuperLife CEO and Founder Lai Tek Kean opens up to his effective success strategies.

CONTENTS COLUMN 3

President’s message

FOCUS 8

Staying healthy, staying green

20 Membership benefits

EVENTS

10 Night of excellence

4

16 Year-end CEO luncheon 18 Chinese New Year luncheon

10 Vol 1 no 1 / Malaysia Direct Seller /

1

DIRECT SELLING ASSOCIATION OF MALAYSIA OFFICE BEARERS 2019-2021

A P U B L I C AT I O N O F

Direct Seller Malaysia is published by Harini Management Services Sdn Bhd for Direct Selling Association Of Malaysia.

ISBN 978-967-15054-4-1 by

DATUK TAN CHONG GUAN PRESIDENT Executive Director, Vice President of Asia Forever Living Products (M) Sdn Bhd

KHOR LEE FAN TREASURER General Manager, Malaysia & Singapore Mary Kay (Malaysia) Sdn

DAVID CHEONG VICE PRESIDENT General Manager, Malaysia & Brunei Nu Skin (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd

SAM CHEONG BOARD MEMBER Chief Executive Officer CNI Corporation Sdn Bhd

KHAIRUDDIN YAHYA SECRETARY Legal Director & Company Secretary Avon Cosmetics (M) Sdn Bhd

WINSTON CHEN BOARD MEMBER Chief Executive Officer

PHHP Marketing (M) Sdn Bhd

HARINI MANAGEMENT SERVICES SDN BHD (609031-W) W-9-12, Menara Melawangi, Amcorp Trade Centre, 18, Persiaran Barat, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

Tel: 603-7932 3259 Email: harini.mservices@gmail.com www.harini.com.my Publisher/CEO V.S. Ganesan Senior Editor Vimala Seneviratne Editor Khaw Chia Hui Creative Designer Goh Wei Lee Advertising Consultant Faridah Ismail Marketing Manager Karthik Ganesan Operations Manager G. Revathi PRINTER United Mission Press Sdn Bhd (755329-X)

No.15, Perindustrian BS 9, Jalan BS 9/10, Taman Bukit Serdang, 43300 Seri Kembangan, Selangor.

Tel: 603-8958 0186 Fax: 603-8945 5168 DISTRIBUTOR MPH Distributors Sdn Bhd (Malaysia) (5048-A)

LING CHAI FAN BOARD MEMBER General Manager

Perfect Pentagon Sdn Bhd

THAM YOKE LON BOARD MEMBER General Manager

Sahajidah Hai-O Marketing Sdn Bhd

ZAIHAN ARIFFIN BOARD MEMBER Head, Corporate & Government Affairs

Ground Floor, Bangunan TH, No 5, Jalan Bersatu 13/4, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.

Tel: 603-7958 1688 Fax: 603-7956 5995 Email: distributors@mph.com.my

Amway (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd

All articles featured in Direct Seller Malaysia magazine represent the personal views of contributors and are not necessarily those of Direct Selling Association of Malaysia & Harini Management Services Sdn Bhd. All writers automatically agree to indemnify DSAM and Harini Management Services Sdn Bhd against any loss, costs, expenses (including legal fees), damages and liabilities that might arise from their own incapacity, negligence, breach of contract or other civil misdeeds. We reserve the right to edit all articles. All rights reserved. Copyright © 2020 by Harini Management Services Sdn Bhd. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written permission from the publisher.

Direct Selling Association of Malaysia and Harini Management Services Sdn Bhd accept no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, photography, illustration and other editorial materials.

2

/ Direct Seller Malaysia / Issue 1 / 2020

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Datuk Tan Chong Guan, President of DSAM

Dear esteemed DSAM members, Welcome to the 2nd edition of the Direct Seller Malaysia, a magazine by the Direct Selling Association of Malaysia (DSAM).

We have received a lot of positive feedback on the first issue, and in particular, the online versions that are available in Bahasa Melayu, English and Chinese. Our members are able to share them with their respective independent distributors.

In this issue, we had the privilege to chat with Datuk Muez, Director-General of the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs, days before he assumed the position of Secretary-General at the Ministry of Defence.

He spoke on the MDTCA’s views of the industry and the path for future progress. It will be a promising future for direct selling as the industry blueprint is being reviewed with some enhancements.

At the same time, we take this opportunity to welcome the new MDTCA DirectorGeneral Datuk Seri Haji Hasnol Zam Zam Haji Ahmad. We are looking forward to meeting him soon to give him a market update of our industry.

In order for the direct selling industry to have a common language, especially when communicate with media, regulators and the general public, the WFDSA’s Messaging Guidebook is featured in this issue.

The guidebook is the result of an intensive research carried out around the world, to help the industry with consistent wording and messaging. It aims to promote better awareness and understanding of the industry on a global basis.

Meanwhile, sustainable growth is a common goal in various industries globally and direct selling is no different. As a follow-up to the presentation on UN’s SDGs at the recent CEO luncheon, we have included Deloitte’s guide on the issue for your reference.

DSAM would also like to thank all the members who have advertised in this issue. We will continue to bring you value-added articles in all our coming issues and hope that our readers will gain more insight into the direct selling industry.

2020 / Issue 1 / Direct Seller Malaysia /

3

THE SUPERMAN BEHIND SUPERLIFE

CEO and Founder Lai Tek Kean opens up to his effective success strategies.

4

/ Direct Seller Malaysia / Issue 1 / 2020

s

uperLife CEO and Founder Lai Tek Kean had a humble upbringing that shaped his work ethics and discipline till today. In his early career in insurance and personal finance, his diligence garnered him a sales manager position within six years.

The following two years saw him achieve the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) and becoming the Sales Manager.

Known for his sincerity and integrity, Lai ventured to start his own company – SuperLife World Sdn Bhd – in 2017.

Although your upbringing is a humble one, you managed to put yourself through university and achieved success in a short time. How has that shaped your management style?

Born into a family of 11 siblings, you quickly learn that hard work is the key to success. My parents had to work very hard to raise us. My father was a taxi driver and also a grocery store owner, while my mother was a rubber tapper.

Even though my family was not able to support my university studies, I didn’t give up because I knew the importance of having an education. So, I worked part-time to support my studies and successfully graduated from University Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), with a degree in political science.

I started my career in insurance and personal finance. That too, required a lot of hard work. Being an insurance agent often means you’re self-employed. We need to have discipline in order to thrive.

In the early stage, I had faced thousands of rejections as I was new. However, I believe that the key to be successful is to work hard and means sincere. Once long-term

COVER STORY

and successful relationships are nurtured, trust will follow.

These traits I carry with me when I decided to become an entrepreneur.

What are the challenges you observed in the network marketing industry then?

Some of the companies in the industry tend to focus on the shareholders rather than their people. They do not pay adequately to ensure the welfare of their networkers. Since those companies are focused purely on their own revenue, most of the networkers were not given training, therefore providing incorrect information to the public.

Besides, the quality of certain products is inconsistent. Some companies do not manufacture the products as according to regulatory requirements, leading to poorquality products.

Meanwhile, there were many people who assume that a lot of money could be earned without putting in any effort whatsoever.

This led to the rise of money games and other illegal schemes which gave

the network marketing industry a bad name.

In addition, there were a lot of non-qualified leaders who lacked calibre and long-term vision. They might also lack the capability to lead their downlines toward sustainable wealth. Networkers need superiors who can show good leadership capabilities.

What is your opinion on the network marketing industry now?

The industry is now much more competitive. To grow a company is not simple, but with the right mindset and character, I believe anything is possible.

In SuperLife, we believe that the character of a person refers to their morals, values and qualities.

Entrepreneurs are more inclined to do business with partners who are honest.

You said you strive to alleviate frustrations of networkers in the industry. Can you share with us how you do that?

At SuperLife, we take care of our networkers’ welfare and encourage them to achieve sustainable wealth.

2020 / Issue 1 / Direct Seller Malaysia /

5

COVER STORY

How do you reach out to networkers with your mobile app?

We have the “One World One System” and strive to create localised operations on a global scale, where operations are seamless in every country, and members will have an established and effective platform to build their business network with SuperLife.

Besides that, our management and directors are proactively involved in business development and educating our distributors in life and financial management.

What do you bring to SuperLife compared to the other founders?

I have gained respect and trust from partners all around the world. Not only that, I am proud to say I have inspired them to become better versions of themselves. It is truly an honour to be a mentor they can look up to.

Without the help of everyone around me, I would have not been the person I am today. My goal in SuperLife is to set a vision for all entrepreneurs and create a flexible working environment.

6

/ Direct Seller Malaysia / Issue 1 / 2020

In order to stay ahead of the industry, SuperLife aims to revolutionise the whole experience of network marketing through our mobile app. Our mobile app is very user-friendly. With our mobile app, each of our members can easily connect to SuperLife.

For instance, our mobile apps allow them to proceed new registration, re-purchase products, etc. in a more convenient way.

“The industry is much more competitive. To grow a company is not simple, but with the right mindset and character, I believe anything is possible.”

How are SuperLife products different from other health products in the market?

Our objective is to improve the health and well-being of communities by promoting scientifically tested yet affordable products. We distribute organic food products packed with nutrients, and SuperLife products are widely categorised as superfoods.

Our products are scientificallybacked by published medical journals. We also work closely with established organisations such as the Switzerland-based biotechnology ingredient expert, Mibelle Group.

Our products are manufactured in GMP-compliant facilities with stringent quality control procedures.

We have also obtained FDA certification for our products in the countries we operate in.

relentlessly with various legal consultants in many countries to prepare the groundwork.

The groundwork process can last more than eight months and involves a lot of traveling, as each country has its own requirements.

On most occasions, we had to ship out products to countries where their customs and clearance are not fully developed. But with proper documentation, we are able to resolve these problems.

Tell us about your most popular product(s).

What percentage of revenue do you spend on R&D, incentives and business development?

Historically, we allocate 10% of revenue for product R&D, 20% for business development and 30% is paid out on commissions/incentives.

How do you ensure the safety of your products?

To ensure the safety of our products, we send our products for SGS lab tests for product stability. MISC trials are also conducted prior to production. After that, we will ensure our storage faculties are in good condition before proceeding to the supply chain.

What kind of monitoring or SOPs do you have in place in the procurement process?

We emphasise on supply chain automation as we procure the ingredients from various suppliers across the world. This helps us to ensure that the ingredients meet the quality standards and goes into the right end products.

The raw materials are stored in GMP certified facilities before manufacturing.

There is now a focus on sustainability, what are your thoughts on this?

Concept of sustainability is very

• SuperLife STC30:

important for SuperLife and is ingrained in everything we do.

For example, we have set up The SuperLife Foundation to help underprivileged children, especially in Africa. We also conduct entrepreneurship camps to train and empower more entrepreneurs to be successful in the industry.

What are the countries you operate in?

Within a short span of three years, we have expanded our business globally. Now, we are operating in Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Indonesia, the Philippines, Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, Cameroon, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, United Kingdom, United States, Canada and more in the future.

What are the challenges you face when trying to market health products in those countries?

The most difficult challenge in international business is legalisation.

Without it, it is impossible to operate productively and efficiently.

In the initial stage prior to the start of the company, we have worked

SuperLife Total Care 30 STC30 prides itself as the origin of stem cell in treatment and prevention of diseases. SuperLife STC30 contains a revolutionary formulation based on the apple and grape stem cells (PhytoCellTec) which increases the longevity of skin stem cells.

The formula is combined with glisodin (known as “the enzyme of life”), to relieve oxidative stress and strengthen body’s natural antioxidative system.

• SuperLife SCC15: SuperLife Colon Care 15 SCC15 is a rich concoction of nature’s very best ingredients to maintain a healthy colon and digestive system. The powerful formula helps to cleanse harmful toxins and impurities and provides the body with essential nutrients for optimal health.

What are your thoughts about the direct selling industry in Malaysia?

The future of the direct selling industry in Malaysia is great.

This is due to the strict rules and regulations that help companies like us overcome cases of fraud.

We are responsible for building a company with more positive energy and healthy growth, thus, creating an association with a right direction.

2020 / Issue 1 / Direct Seller Malaysia /

7

Focus

STAYING HEALTHY, STAYING GREEN

ORIENTAL INCHAWAY, INCORPORATED IN SINGAPORE IN 2016, ADVOCATES FOR A SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION OF SUPERFOODS TO MAINTAIN A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE.

o

riental Inchaway has based its business around a humble Amazonian climbing shrub plant called the Sacha Inchi. Found in abundance in the wild, especially in Peru, the indigenous people have been reaping its nutrition and unique health properties for centuries.

Recognising its potential to benefit more people, the company has successfully transplanted the Sacha Inchi to Southeast Asia. Grown over a 2,000-acre plantation in Laos, the plant has blossomed under an environment that is almost free of fertilisers and pesticides. The plantation is currently managed by a Taiwanese professional, who has vast experience in agriculture.

THE SACHA INCHI SUPERFOOD

Sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis) is a plant has large, edible seeds rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, protein, vitamin E and beta-sitosterol.

It is also rich in protein, fibre, antioxidants and more importantly, loaded with polyunsaturated fatty acids.

A study published in the Journal sof Agricultural and Food Chemistry in 2002 found that sacha inchi powder is unusually high in tryptophan, an amino acid vital to help one produce serotonin (a nervous system chemical involved in regulating appetite).

As for Oriental Inchaway, the company has adopted an advance cold-pressed technology to extract extra virgin oil from the sacha inchi.

8

/ Direct Seller Malaysia / Issue 1 / 2020

Dubbed “Incha Oil”, consuming it can help counter the side effects of our imbalanced diet, often due to our fast-paced lifestyles. Aside from its nutritious properties, the Incha Oil is halal-certified.

OTHER PRODUCTS

The company also has Cellpro, which is touted as a new generation 5G smart cell food. It is said to help regulate detoxification, nutrients and the body’s metabolism.

Meanwhile, Aqua X, a botanical beverage mix, is formulated to help water retention in men and women. Excess fluid build-up can lead to high blood pressure, diabetes, atherosclerosis, gallstones and so on. Aqua X contains extracts of meadowsweet flowering tops, guarana seeds, caraway seeds, dandelion seeds, sweet fennel fruits and goldenrod aerial parts.

In recent times, researchers and the medical community have recognised the importance of gut health to a person’s overall health.

Some 70% of immune cells are in the gut, hence having good gut health can help us fight pathogens while keeping the good bacteria.

To boost gut health, the company has introduced InchaGuard. Using only natural substances, the product’s clinical reports have indicated its safety and nutritional value.

The product has been shown to help inhibit the growth of E.coli bacteria while improving the intestinal environment, leading to reduced allergy reactions and general illnesses – fever, cold, sore throat, running nose and cough.

BUILT TO LAST

Oriental Inchaway has a business model that focuses on constant education and training with plenty of career and profit-sharing opportunities. It is ready to expand its network to Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Cambodia, Taiwan, Australia and China.

Night of Excellence Direct Selling Association of Malaysia hosts the Outstanding Entrepreneur Awards 2019 Recognition Night and 41st Anniversary Dinner.

10

/ Direct Seller Malaysia / Issue 1 / 2020

i

t was a night where heroes came out to play and support one another as members of DSAM and guests dressed up as “Our Superheroes”, the theme of the DSAM’s Outstanding Entrepreneur Awards 2019 and 41st Anniversary Annual Dinner held at Dorsett Grand Subang Hotel in Subang Jaya on November 8, 2019.

About 650 members and guests were spotted in costumes such as ‘Batman’, ‘Captain America’, ‘Aquaman’, ‘Iron Man’, ‘Green

Lantern’ with one dressed as an astronaut seen at the foyer of the ballroom posing for photos, networking and looking forward to enjoy themselves in this special night honouring their efforts in achievement.

Among the VIP guests gracing the event were Secretary General of the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Datuk Muez Abdul Aziz, Ministry of Trade and Consumer Affairs Deputy Director Tuan Muhamad Hanif Asa’ari, MCA Public Services and Complaints

Department (PSCD) head Datuk Seri Michael Chong who is also a member of DSAM’s ethics council, Organising Chairperson for DSAM Recognition Night 2019 Muhamad Zaihan Muhamed Ariffin and Vice President of DSAM David Cheong and DSAM Board Members Sam Cheong.

The night commenced with the grand entrance of 87 DSAM Outstanding Entrepreneurs Award 2019 recipients walking into the hall as the crowd cheered and honoured them.

2020 / Issue 1 / Direct Seller Malaysia /

11

12

/ Direct Seller Malaysia / Issue 1 / 2020

2020 / Issue 1 / Direct Seller Malaysia /

13

14

/ Direct Seller Malaysia / Issue 1 / 2020

This was followed by an opening act of superheroes strutting on the stage in a lively acrobatic dance, ultimately ushering the ‘superhero’ emcee Kent Tang in his Clark Kent costume who did a fine job in engaging with the crowd.

To add to the celebration, DSAM President Datuk Tan Chong Guan in his opening speech reminded the audience that Malaysia’s direct selling industry is ranked 8th in the world in terms of retail sales while it is ranked 4th in the Asia Pacific in retail sales.

“This shows the entrepreneurial spirit in Malaysia is alive and well,” he said.

It was also revealed that DSAM is working to help open up the ASEAN market for fellow members and their distributors to go beyond Malaysian shores. The permanent secretariat of the ASEAN DSAs Presidents Working Committee is also based in Kuala Lumpur.

Datuk Tan also emphasised DSAM’s goal to uphold and spread ethical practices in the direct selling industry.

He urged all members, especially the Outstanding Entrepreneur Awards recipients to spread the message: “Direct selling is about ethical selling.

It’s about doing the business well, helping people and not cheating people,” he said, followed by loud applause from the audience.

He particularly addressed the issue of people putting up products on the internet and selling them cheaply with huge discounts.

“Believe me or not, that is the minority. This is because the majority of the people still depend on your service, still depend on you building that relationship and that is the essence of direct sales,” he said.

“This is where technology cannot replace us,” he declared.

“We still need ‘superheroes’ out there to go out and explain the marketing plan, to share the wonderful products and to service the people,” he said.

He also said DSAM’s membership is growing year on year, thanks to the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs who encourages every

new direct selling company licensee to join an association and more often than not, they would choose to join DSAM. Datuk Muez said in his welcoming address that the direct selling industry in Malaysia has surpassed the RM17 billion mark in 2018 with DSAM members contributing towards 50% of the sales figure.

He also pledged to look into amending the 1993 Act covering the direct selling industry in order to “make it a level playing field” and to regulate the industry better in light of current developments such as e-commerce.

“The amendment would seek to protect abuses committed in the name of the direct selling industry,” he said.

Datuk Muez jested, “We, as a caring government want you to make money so you can pay the tax.”

Other highlights announced

by Datuk Tan is that DSAM has engaged with e-commerce platforms to enhance DSAM member’s efforts to build a better market online with the advantage of being able to better regulate the market through Lazada.

As guests enjoyed their nine-course Chinese dinner, the Outstanding Entrepreneur Awards 2019 recipients were called individually on stage to receive their framed certificates.

A sultry jazz band called the Kryptonites took to the stage along with lead singer Kyle who performed popular jazz numbers from the Sinatra era and other relaxing tunes.

The dinner was punctuated by two lucky draws with a grand prize draw at the end, all generously sponsored by DSAM members who also contributed to the door gifts.

The evening also saw the Best Costume Award for “Maleficent” from Superlife and “Thor” from Optimo while stand-up comedian Rizal Van Geyzel brought the house down with his multilingual talents and easygoing humour.

Overall, it was a night to celebrate and recognise the hero in each and every one.

PLATINUM SPONSORS

Amway Malaysia Sdn Bhd BE International Marketing Sdn Bhd Healthy Way (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd Nu Skin (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd Qnet (M) Sdn Bhd

GOLD SPONSORS

Am Life International Sdn Bhd Avon Cosmetics (M) Sdn Bhd Forever Living Products (M) Sdn Bhd Gano Excel Enterprise Sdn Bhd Jeunesse Global Sdn Bhd K-Link International Sdn Bhd Mary Kay (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd Sachaway Sdn Bhd Sahajidah Hai-O Marketing Sdn Bhd Superlife World Sdn Bhd Sunrider International (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd UHS Essential Health (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd Young Living (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd

DOOR GIFTS CONTRIBUTORS Amway Malaysia Sdn Bhd Avon Cosmetics (M) Sdn Bhd Forever Living Products (M) Sdn Bhd Gano Excel Enterprise Sdn Bhd Healthy Way (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd Jeunesse Global Sdn Bhd Mary Kay (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd Optimo International Sdn Bhd PHHP Marketing (M) Sdn Bhd Sahajidah Hai-O Marketing Sdn Bhd Young Living Malaysia Sdn Bhd

LUCKY DRAW CONTRIBUTORS Creative Dreams International Sdn Bhd Enagic (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd HDI Network (M) Sdn Bhd K-Link International Sdn Bhd Norwex Malaysia Sdn Bhd Nu Skin (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd Young Living (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd Optimo International Sdn Bhd Tupperware Brands Malaysia Sdn Bhd

2020 / Issue 1 / Direct Seller Malaysia /

15

EVENTS

Year-end CEO Luncheon DSAM hosted its year-end CEOs Luncheon 2019 in November at the Eastin hotel which was attended by more than 100 heads of member companies.

During the event, Lim Kok Hing, co-founder and Executive Director of iPay88 spoke on the topic Innovations, Advancements and Opportunities of Online Payments while Bryant Kooh, Founder and Managing Director of Packtica Sdn Bhd shared insights on Safeguarding Our Products.

✢

16

/ Direct Seller Malaysia / Issue 1 / 2020

As a leading Malaysian-based provider of online and retail payment solutions in ASEAN, Lim shared insights into Malaysians e-commerce transactions via their online payment gateway system.

He pointed out that in 2018, iPay88 recorded a total of 52.45 million successful payment transactions as compared to 28.7 million in 2017. In 2011 the total transaction recorded was only 0.9 million. The festive period in December 2018 recorded the highest number of transactions with 6.9 million transactions.

“These transactions amounted to a total sale of RM7 billion,” said Lim who pointed out that even online banking had superseded credit card. Online banking tripled against credit card transactions in the fourth quarter of 2018, attributing to 13.8 million transactions compared to 3.5 million transactions for the latter.

He added that shopping and payment in the e-commerce, digital marketplaces and omnichannel landscape in ASEAN

are constantly evolving. “We are moving fast from the traditional brick and mortar store to multi-channel and now omnichannel which offers an integrated, seamless experience across multiple devices and touchpoints,” said Lim. Bryant Kooh provided an overview of his company which specialises in providing an extensive range of curated solutions from holographic tamperevident products to online authentication system – CheckNow. Its entire portfolio of holographic products consists of more than 30 different types of anti-counterfeit labels combined with various types of security technology, high-security seals, labels, and security packaging.

He pointed out that the four biggest

problems faced by the direct selling industry in Malaysia are price dumping, counterfeit products, unable to track and trace products and anonymous database.

Price dumping, he said, affects agents/members income, loss of customer loyalty and loss of business while counterfeit products can have a negative effect on the brand’s image.

“Our customisable products and services have high efficiency and can be used by all market segments, especially on product protection and authentication, traceability, identifying fraudulent activities such as counterfeits, parallel import and price dumping,” stated Bryant who added that to-date, Packtica has generated 50 million QR Code labels for its clients.

2020 / Issue 1 / Direct Seller Malaysia /

17

EVENTS

DSAM’s Chinese New Year Luncheon

The CNY CEO’s Luncheon held in February at Sheraton Hotel in Petaling Jaya was attended by more than 80 heads of Direct Selling Association of Malaysia (DSAM) member companies.

18

/ Direct Seller Malaysia / Issue 1 / 2020

DSAM’s aim is to create and maintain an environment that is conductive to the growth and stability of the direct selling industry in Malaysia.

During the luncheon, Dr Rasyidah Binti Che Rosli Assistant Director Data Analytic & Statistic Division of Lembaga Hasil Dalam Negeri (LHDN) presented on how companies and individuals can file their tax return online and the latest development and rights of tax-payers in Malaysia.

The presentations were insightful while providing a general perspective on being a tax-payer and the responsibilities of filing the yearly tax returns for individuals and companies.

On the note of fulfilling responsibilities, DSAM invited Deloitte’s Director of Sustainability Risk Management, Rui Figueiredo to give a talk on sustainable business during the luncheon.

Rui gave an insight of how Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is significant for companies and organisations to attract business. He spoke on Sustainable Business service lines, that enhance companies’ Corporate Sustainability.

It encompasses environmental, social, and governance (ESG) concerns, which

✢

are increasingly positioned at the top of board agendas around the world.

Rui also mentioned that there is a growing body of evidence indicating that sustainability factors influence financial returns and present an opportunity to drive long-term value. Today, some of the world’s largest organisations are seeking to proactively manage and report on their ESG risks and to partner with or invest in “ESG ready” companies.

Sustainability factors are part of the fundamentals needed to attain higher returns, organisational resilience and stakeholder trust.

Chow Kuo Seng Executive Director, Tax Audit & Investigation, Deloitte Tax Services Sdn Bhd, also gave a presentation.

The luncheon started with tossing of the yee sang followed by an eight course lunch.

As the country’s bearer of ethical direct selling, DSAM’s mission is to support direct selling companies in the areas of governance, education, communications, consumer protection and ethics.

The Association is committed to representing and ensuring an environment conductive to the dynamic growth of the direct selling industry in Malaysia, ultimately achieving a worldclass industry and a position amongst the world’s top direct selling nations.

DSAM believes in business without borders and that direct selling is a source of empowerment for people all over the world.

2020 / Issue 1 / Direct Seller Malaysia /

19

Focus

BENEFITS OF BEING A DSAM MEMBER 4

2

1

Operated by an independent secretariat.

Strict confidentiality is assured.

Entitled to carry the registered DSAM logo, the standard bearer for the direct selling industry.

3

Practice a Code of Conduct recognised by the World Federation of Direct Selling Associations (WFDSA) and Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (MDTCA). Members will be benchmarked against global standards.

5

DSAM’s Code of Conduct offers protection for consumers, member companies and independent distributors. Code compliance is overseen by our independent Code Administrator. The code also includes a structured complaint procedure.

Advisory assistance on a wide range of areas.

6

Exclusive access to “Members Only” WFDSA and DSAM websites.

20

/ Direct Seller Malaysia / Issue 1 / 2020

7

Personalised assistance when expanding to ASEAN affiliated markets.

8

Assistance and referral to more than 60 affiliated direct selling associations in the world when expanding globally.

9

Platform to raise issues pertaining to the industry to various ministries including MDTCA, Ministry of Health, Personal Data Protection Board, Human Resource Development Fund, Royal Malaysian Customs Department and others.

10

Monthly meetings with MDTCA to raise specific member-related issues to the Direct Selling Unit.

11

Collaboration with the top international legal firms and tax consultants, providing the highest level of service to our members in these areas.

12

Regular CEO luncheons and meetings to discuss issues, exchange views, knowledge and experiences at the highest management level.

13

Monthly e-bulletin updates on all matters pertaining to the industry plus circulars for instant updates on urgent matters.

14

DSAM conducts annual surveys and produces an annual industry report, including market size, product segment contribution, and many others. This is to assist our members in planning and forecasting.

15

And more.

2020 / Issue 1 / Direct Seller Malaysia /

21