Dr M: Learn Japanese style of business

What say you on the issue below?

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians can learn a lot from the Japanese way of retailing, said former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

“I have always admired the way Japanese present and wrap their products,” he said.

Dr Mahathir lauded the success of Aeon Co (M) Bhd which opened its first retail store here 25 years ago under the Look East Policy.

He said he wanted to bring a Japanese retail business here to teach Malaysians the Japanese style of business ethics and presentation of goods.

Dr Mahathir said Aeon (formerly known as Jaya Jusco Stores Bhd) was doing very well in this country.

Guest-of-honour: Dr Mahathir being welcomed at Aeon’s 25th anniversary celebration last night. Flanking him are Aeon Co (M) Bhd chairman Datuk Abdullah Mohd Yusof (right) and Nagahisa.

“It seems not long ago that Jusco opened its supermarket in Dayabumi which was my favourite place before.

“It has come a long way with over 20 branches and turnover in the billions,” he said at Aeon’s 25th anniversary celebration here last night. Aeon has 25 stores in the country.

Earlier in the day, 2,500 volunteers and staff planted 25,000 trees at the Paya Indah Wetlands in conjunction with the silver jubilee.

Dr Mahathir expressed hope that Aeon, which had helped small businesses market their products, would continue to contribute to the development of small and medium businesses while helping Malaysians upgrade their business methods.

“My admiration for the Japanese is almost boundless. I am quite sure they reciprocate by transferring skills and technology to Malaysia,” he added.

Meanwhile, Aeon Co Ltd Japan chairman and adviser Takuya Okada thanked Dr Mahathir for inviting him to open the retail store in Malaysia back in 1983.

“We owe our success here to him. Without him, we will not be here today,” he said.

Aeon Co (M) Bhd managing director Nagahisa Oyama said they were planning to expand their stores to the east coast, Sabah and Sarawak in the near future.

Oyama said 400,000 trees had been planted to date, adding that trees were planted each time a new store was opened.

He thanked the local community, customers, business partners, shareholders and staff for their support throughout the years.