STARTING his career in 1987, right after finishing his studies, 18-year-old Joseph Ting Kie Hing began working at his brother’s bookstore at Carpenter Street in Kuching. Little did he know what life had in store for him.
Ting, driven by a strong work ethic and a commitment to his Foochow heritage, immersed himself in the tasks at the bookstore. He saw each day as a chance to better his circumstances, firmly believing in the adage that being true to his roots meant seizing every opportunity that came his way.
Reflecting on the entrepreneurial spirit of his community, Ting remarked during an interview with the New Sarawak Tribune, “Why are there so many businessmen in Sibu? Because most of them are Foochow people, and we always look for business opportunities. Every hole (opportunity) counts.”
Through diligence and determination, Ting’s journey from the shelves of his brother’s bookstore to the corridors of success proved the power of seizing opportunities and staying grounded in one’s roots.
Professional journey
Ting, who’s now 56, got married in 1992. He and his wife have four kids. In 1993, he started working as a lorry driver for his father-in-law’s company.
“I finished my studies and spent six years working at a bookstore before joining my father-in-law’s business. I spent another six years as a crane driver,” Ting recalled.
While at NBG, Ting also pushed for crane and trailer rental services.
Eventually, he struck out on his own, setting up a heavy vehicle dealership in Sibu.
Entrepreneurial triumphs
After years of hard work, NBG Trading Sdn Bhd is now the sole distributor for FAW Trucks in Sarawak.
“I cooperate with other dealers to run factories in Johor, Kuching, Sibu, and Kuala Lumpur,” he said.
He pointed out that around 50 competitors operated in Sibu’s industry landscape. Nevertheless, Ting’s company is distinguished by its dedication to after-sales support.
“We prioritise our after-sales services, especially our warranty coverage. We ensure we have all the necessary materials to promptly address any issues our customers may encounter with their purchases.
“I firmly believe that customer feedback is paramount. Satisfied customers are likely to remain loyal and even recommend our services to others,” he stressed.
He also said that as his company worked as the dealer for FAW’s trucks, it had an advantage compared to those dealing for Japanese or European trucks as the spare parts cost less and were easier to obtain.
“Customers don’t have to wait so long to get their trucks fixed as we can easily obtain the spare parts, and they’re cheaper,” he added.
Pinnacle deals
When asked about the most memorable deal he ever made, Ting immediately thought back to a transaction in 2012 involving heavy machinery.
“I see this as an achievement. Building a strong network pays off and sometimes even their bosses come to my office to finalise deals,” he added.
Challenges and obstacles
Ting admitted that one of the main hurdles they faced was the increasing exchange rate of the US dollar.
It hit hard because they bought spare parts and components for the trucks in US dollars but sold the fully assembled trucks in Ringgit Malaysia (RM).
“The company I oversee wasn’t affected, but my father-in-law’s company, which handled truck assembly, suffered losses.
However, he stressed the importance of being proactive, advising against waiting for problems to crop up before taking action.
“It’s crucial to keep analysing potential challenges because waiting too long to deal with them makes finding solutions much harder,” he said.
Resilience amidst adversity
Looking back at the COVID-19 pandemic era, while some people were lamenting about their business losses, Ting found himself heading in a different direction.
“I ended up buying more quantities while maintaining the same quality, which resulted in me accumulating a stockpile. When the lockdowns hit, many people struggled to import lorry components,” he explained.
“My company managed to come through the storm without any damage. This was largely due to our usual practice of keeping a robust inventory,” he added.
Insights and guidance
Ting knows his stuff when it comes to dealing with Chinese automobile manufacturers, especially FAW Group Corporation Ltd, whom his company represents. With all that experience under his belt, he’s got some valuable insights to share.
When it came to doing business with Chinese partners, Ting stressed the importance of having a solid sales strategy beforehand.
“If you want those imported products to sell, you’ve got to have a plan,” he advised.
He pointed out that China offered materials in bulk at competitive prices, which could be tempting. But Ting warned against getting too greedy.
“Sure, the prices might be low, but you’ve got to make sure the quality is up to scratch,” he said.
Philosophy of success
Ting wholeheartedly embodies the traits and ethos of Chinese businessmen, likening his work to an exciting playground. He admires the renowned work ethic of Chinese entrepreneurs, praising their long hours and knack for both innovation and business savvy.
“Chinese businessmen work hard. While we typically put in eight hours, they go for 10. They’re not only great at coming up with new ideas but also savvy at turning them into successful ventures,” he said.
When advising aspiring entrepreneurs, Ting stressed the importance of knowing one’s financial limits.
“Don’t stretch yourself too thin. If you only have RM1 in your pocket, don’t jump into a business that needs RM5,000 to start. Only take the plunge if you’re sure the returns will come quickly; otherwise, you might end up in financial trouble,” he said.
Hobbies
Ting proudly proclaimed that he was not your typical holiday-goer. He admitted he only took a four-day breather annually, right smack in the middle of the bustling Chinese New Year celebrations.
“Even during all the lunar hoopla, my place turns into a hotspot for big-shot business folk. We gather for dinners that inevitably shift into business talks. So, you could say it’s a working holiday,” he chuckled.
But, hidden amidst his hectic work life, Ting confessed to nurturing another passion: Chinese medicine.
“Believe it or not, I’m a certified Chinese medicine practitioner. I could easily set up shop and diagnose ailments with just a glance at your face,” he said.
He shared that his journey into Chinese medicine took a poignant turn after losing his brother in 2010.
“Losing my brother was crushing. Despite my desperate attempts to save him, they all ended in heartbreak. I even questioned my faith in God until I found solace in attending church.
“It was there that I felt a divine calling to explore Chinese medicine. Since then, learning about Chinese medicine has become my hobby,” he added.
Future endeavours
Ting made it clear that he wasn’t aiming to dominate the heavy machinery industry with huge factories. Instead, he wanted to make their products more accessible and affordable for customers.
“I’m not trying to take over,” he explained. “I want to work together with suppliers to bring down costs without sacrificing quality. That way, customers can get the same quality at a more affordable price.”
With the world becoming increasingly digital, Ting was asked if he planned to expand his business online.
He admitted that he had looked into platforms like Facebook but hadn’t seen much success due to the high-value nature of their deals.
“Still, our website is a great resource for all our products and services,” he added.
A piece of advice
Starting a business was not a cakewalk, Ting admitted.
But he had managed to steer clear of failure on his entrepreneurial journey, thanks to his solid dedication and commitment to honesty and goodwill.
His philosophy is straightforward: give freely without expecting anything in return.
Ting swore by the power of goodwill, saying that every act of kindness could bring blessings.
“When you lend a hand, folk remember. They might return the favour by spreading the word about your services,” he adds.
Asked about the secret sauce of his success, Ting emphasised positivity, honesty, and belief in karma — what goes around, comes around.
“If you’re in it for the wrong reasons, you’ll face the music because deceit breeds more deceit. So, before you jump into entrepreneurship, make sure your intentions are pure,” he advised.
“For the first quarter of this year, our company took a hit, experiencing a loss due to the global economy.
To sum it up, Joseph Ting Kie Hing’s journey from starting in his brother’s bookstore to becoming a successful entrepreneur in heavy machinery shows that sticking with it, being flexible, and having that entrepreneurial spirit pays off.
Through tough times and celebrating wins, Ting not only built a thriving business, but has also stayed true to honesty, making customers happy, and always getting better.
As he deals with the ups and downs of business, Ting’s commitment to his values and his belief in treating people right are excellent examples to emulate for those who want to start their businesses.
