Bold Entrepreneurs and Uncommon Enterprises: The Malaysian Chinese Experience

Authors

Phin Keong VOON, Institute of Malaysian and Regional Studies, New Era College, SelangorFollow

Abstract

The Chinese are well known for their hard work and enterprise. Self-reliant and resourceful, the Chinese in Malaysia have always pursued their interests in what they perceive as financially rewarding and personally fulfilling enterprises. This paper discusses two new enterprises that are distinctive for their uniqueness and boldness. These are the breeding of the Asian arowana and the keeping of swiftlets for their edible nests. These products are high-value items that have their respective niche markets. The history of both is of recent origin. Yet each is, in its own way and from the very beginning, a bold and innovative enterprise in its specialization and in the exploitation of local resources.
The foresight and innovative spirit of the pioneer entrepreneurs in these enterprises have exploited business opportunities that are, to the average person, generally beyond the range of commercial possibilities. More significant is that these entrepreneurs have shown that, with their unyielding spirit of enterprise and resourcefulness, it is possible to transform the unthinkable into thriving businesses.

Recommended Citation

VOON, Phin Keong (2012) "Bold Entrepreneurs and Uncommon Enterprises: The Malaysian Chinese Experience," Malaysian Journal of Chinese Studies: Vol. 1: No. 1, Article 6.
Available at: https://mjcs.newera.edu.my/journal/vol1/iss1/6