Now, at the height of the Covid-19 crisis that has seen a nationwide shut down retail operations, he has to up the ante to present the plight of retailers in unprecedented tough conditions. Already facing an onslaught of digital mediums eating into its pie, the problem was further compounded without the benefit of footfall given the MCO. The distinctive advantage he has in having his own business is that he is well-versed with the ins and outs of the retail industry, how it moves and what it takes to survive in this highly competitive sphere. Having already built a close rapport with retailers and across the board with shopping malls, his value-added proposition to stand united in one cohesive voice to promote the cause of retail can be seen in the already in place strategies of using online media to promote MRCA’s upcoming expo.
Indeed, these are strong membership numbers that we are looking at. Backed by over 500 members, with a strong following of leading franchise and retail store operators spanning over 25,000 outlets throughout Malaysia – these members alone create over half a million job opportunities nationwide. This is in line with MRCA’s theme ‘Enriching Members for the Future”. Obviously born to lead, his birth date being January 1 positions his zodiac signs between that of the tail end of the Rooster and the beginning of the zodiac sign of the Dog. His social skills from the feathered fowl serve him well as he stands in the great divide between the stakeholders of the retail industry – being the clarion call voice representing the plight of the retail industry – to the government and the overall industry at large.
The media it seems, can’t seem to get enough of him as they value his pertinent views in this season of great distress and calamity. Now more than ever, the voice of reason needs to be sounded. And for that, the already badly-hit retail industry at least has a capable and experienced president helming the retail industry in the inimitable manner that is unique to him. All is not just serious talk with this president who also has his own take on life, which he shared with the writer previously when being interviewed for another publication. “Touching on values, I wish to reiterate that talents and looks are God-given – so be thankful. Fame and money are, in a way, men-given – so be grateful. Attitude and ego are selfgiven – so be careful and stay humble,” he opines.
A Personal Thank You from Datuk Seri Garry Chua
suppose “fortunate” is the word my tenure at MRCA has reminded me of. “Fortunate” not only because we have grown into the largest retail, branding, and franchising fraternity in Malaysia (as of now, membership has indeed more than doubled to 530); but, “fortunate”, above all, for the opportunity of working alongside some of the nation’s finest,
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most dedicated, and most talented personalities. It is an honour that I must acknowledge these amazing individuals who selflessly contributed their all in advancing the Association, its members, and stakeholders to achieve more than it ever did. To my very capable and hardworking Deputy President Dato Vincent Choo, thank you for playing an active and persuasive role in rallying
participants and sponsors for our inaugural Who’s Who directory, and organising major festive events such as our anniversary dinner. The Association is blessed to have “Three Angels”: Vice Presidents Shirley Tay and Valerie Choo and Deputy Treasurer General Dato’ Winnie Lim. The Council enjoys a close and cordial relationship with them. We have a tremendous understanding of each
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