Founder looks back with pride as Gama celebrates 44th anniversary

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Fruitful years: Chang showing old pictures from the Gama magazine.

NOW 84, Chang Cheng Guan, recalls how he founded the country’s first supermarket cum departmental store in 1967, earning him the nickname ‘Mr Supermart’.

Together with some friends, the Kedah-born Chang started the Pulau Pinang Supermarket and Departmental Store above the Chowrasta market on Penang Road.

Due to overwhelming public response, the store took a huge step forward on Dec 8, 1980.

It moved to its present location on Jalan Datuk Keramat and was renamed the Gama Supermarket & Departmental Store.

44 years of quality: Chang posing in front of the Gama store on Jalan Datuk Keramat.

Chang said the idea of starting such a store came about while visiting Singapore in 1964.

“Business was fantastic when we first opened, and the supermarket concept proved to be a big hit with the public,” he said.

“Since it was the first air-conditioned supermarket, many people were very excited to visit the place.”

Chang, who retired in 1990 after a decade as vice-chairman of the company, remains as an advisor to pass down his knowledge to the management’s new generation.

From the time he started the Pulau Pinang store up to the launch of Gama, Chang did not face any major obstacles.

“I am very lucky. I’m very grateful and happy that everything went smoothly despite some minor hiccups,” he said.

Besides running the business, Chang also spent time on local politics.

He was appointed secretary of the Sungai Nibong MCA branch.

He then rose to become divisional secretary and then chairman of the party’s then Pulau Pinang Selatan division.

Chang contested the Rural District Council (RDC) elections in 1959 and 1963, and won both times in Sungai Nibong.

He was also chosen as the Alliance whip in the RDC.

Besides that, he also served as an election agent in the Gelugor constituency and was involved in planning, fundraising and canvassing.

However, the dismal Alliance performance in the 1969 general election came as a shock to him and he decided to give up politics.

Now, Chang said he is spending his time just relaxing and travelling around the world as much as he could.

When asked what advice he would give to upcoming business entrepreneurs, Chang said he had nothing to give anymore.

“To be very frank, the young generation is doing very well and the future is very bright for them.

“It is not necessary to give any advice,” he said.