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Poon Ch’un Caren (Managing Director, Apex-Pal Malaysia) Ms Poon joined the Group in February 2005 and is currently spearheading the Group’s strategic development and expansion in Malaysia. Prior to joining the Group, Ms Poon spent 4.5 years with International Enterprise Singapore, of which the 2 years were spent working with the Singapore foodservice companies on their international expansion. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree (Hons) in Economics & European Studies from the National University of Singapore. |
1. What ignited the spark in you to start a new business venture or to make significant changes in an existing business? How did the idea for your business come about?
We were very keen to start Sakae Sushi in Malaysia. Back in August 2005 when Sakae Sushi first entered the Malaysian market, we felt that the market for Japanese food was poised for exponential growth. At that time, there were only 2 other conveyor belt sushi chains in Malaysia. Hence, we strongly believed that there was a huge potential for a conveyor belt sushi chain like Sakae Sushi. At Sakae Sushi, we provide value for money sushi and a great dining experience. Besides offering quality sushi, we have another point of differentiation which enhances the customer dining experience. By introducing our Sakae Sushi’s interactive menu, which is also the 1st of its kind in Malaysia, customers are able to order their food using the computer ordering system attached to each table.
2. What were the biggest challenges when you were starting as new leader?
When I first started, I didn’t have any prior F&B experience and so it was a steep learning curve. In order to lead the team, I felt that it was essential to understand the heart of our business which revolved around the operations and customers. I used to spend the day in the restaurant understanding the operations, customers’ behaviours as well as the nights working on the back end support for the restaurant namely purchasing, marketing, human resource, and business development. Although the period was tough, it helped me to achieve a well rounded understanding of the ins and outs of the business, which made me more positive in our expansion phase.
3. What is the best part of being in a managerial position for you?
I derive the most satisfaction in seeing individuals in the team developing and growing their jobs. One of our Management Trainees who was part of the team that started the Curve outlet is now an Assistant Area Manager. Similarly, our Admin Executive has now become our head of department for purchasing. Besides, what also warms my heart is when I see the teamwork spirit embedded within the team. For instance, I recalled once when we were told by the landlord after office hour that we had to submit something urgently the next morning. I was pretty worried as it was a little late to engage a designer and the team was already rushing another urgent project due the next day. However, when I got back to the office late in the evening at about 9pm, the team had pooled together their resources and completed the required design themselves. Our admin executive who had some knowledge of Photoshop from her previous job had come up with something together with our marketing and business development colleagues who surfed the web for designs and with help from our IT executive on the technical issues.
4. Describe your typical day?
There is never a typical or a boring day working in Apex-Pal! Not only are we constantly expanding, we are also continuously innovating new concepts in outlets, be it in Senjyu Sushi, Sakae Izakaya, Sakae Teppanyaki, as well as creating new customer dining experience. For example, Sakae Sushi is becoming very popular amongst parents who demand healthier choice for their children. In line with that, Sakae Sushi will be the first restaurant in South East Asia that will introduce a two-tier kiddy conveyor belt. This kid’s friendly two tier conveyor belt will carry a full range of colourful, cute and interesting kids’ sushi items such as bunny, candy or donut sushi placed within easy reach for children.
(*Apex-Pal is the parent company for Sakae Sushi, and other outlets; Senjyu Sushi, Sakae Izakaya, Sakae Teppanyaki)
5. What have been some of your failures, and what have you learned from them?
One thing I believe I could do better is in striking a better work-life balance. I enjoy my work so much that I do not really consider it as work. However, it would be good for me to be able to spend more time with my family and friends.
6. What three pieces of advice would you give the BestFoodJunction.com readers who want to become leaders?
• Age and experience does not matter as much. The right attitude is critical.
• Always be open to new ideas. Listen to the team/customers. Being at the top doesn’t make you always right and it is alright not to be always right.
• Never say die!
7. Is there any pattern to be a successful leader?
Nope – if only life could be so straightforward! I’d better say no else that would put all the authors of books on leadership out of job and we wouldn’t want to be adding to the unemployment rate at this point of time.
8. Who has been your greatest inspiration?
Ray Kroc.
