A seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in retail operations and store development, Michael Cheah is the first returnee from the retail industry who came home through MyHeart’s Returning Expert Programme (REP). Embarking on a career that took him to Taiwan and back, his story is one of resilience, leadership and the pursuit of knowledge. Now at the helm of FamilyMart, Michael’s focus is set on expanding its footprint across Malaysia.
A self-made man’s journey
Although his portfolio is rich with achievements, Michael’s career journey wasn’t always sunny. In the beginning, he spent 11 long years in journalism until he realised that getting promoted to an editor-in-chief was not for him. Thus began his exploration into his potential in the business industry.
He would then put in the effort and clock in significant tenures at Senheng Electric Sdn. Bhd. and subsequently Watson’s Personal Care Stores Sdn. Bhd. He started from the ground up as a personal assistant and through grit and ambition, he climbed the ranks to form the sales and operations teams, helping Senheng expand from 30 to 100 stores in Malaysia. Recognising his passion and potential, his directors then gave him the opportunity to work in Taiwan, a tenure that lasted over 10 years.
Was it sheer determination that drove him forward?
Michael revealed that he was fueled by a philosophy, citing, “you will never regret the decisions you make, but you may regret not making certain decisions.” It is this belief, coupled with his can-do attitude, that propelled him to become the Operations Manager of QL Maxincome Sdn. Bhd.
Professionalism, first and foremost
Michael recounted how Taiwan became his destination of choice due to his desire to glean insights from its retail industry. The country’s well-established market provided an ideal environment for him to deepen his understanding of the retail sector. Adapting to the local culture came naturally to him, a testament to his Malaysian upbringing, which instilled in him a sense of adaptability. As Malaysians, embracing new cultures, languages and environments is second nature to us, given our multicultural society.
However, he found that there was a certain cultural adjustment that he needed to consider when it comes to the workplace. Michael revealed that Taiwanese had a certain communication style that favoured politeness over a straightforward approach.
For instance, he shared an experience where the phrase “you have room to improve” carried different nuances. In Malaysia, it implies average performance, but in Taiwan, it suggests unsatisfactory performance.
These nuances he found are confusing and could lead to miscommunication. As such, he strives to be as clear and direct as possible to the people he works with, emphasising professionalism over personal sentiments.
His recipe for success in the workplace
Over the course of his career, Michael had worn several hats, including coaching, managing and consulting. Collaborating with individuals in both Malaysia and Taiwan has imparted valuable lessons that he deems crucial for professional success.
He stressed the importance of being disciplined and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. He added that while Taiwanese work culture may involve working overtime daily, he strongly opposes it and encourages people around him to clock off on time. He leads by example, advocating for a healthy lifestyle, ensuring that he maintains an active routine every day – playing sports and exercising regularly after work.
On whether he considered opening his own business, Michael had different views. He asserted that one should always take ownership and not just do a job for the sake of working. Taking ownership is akin to owning a business, taking into account the welfare of the company you’re in as well. He then asked, “if you do that, are you not in some ways a business owner yourself?”
In pursuit of sharing his knowledge to his fellow countrymen
Despite being content in Taiwan, Michael’s return to Malaysia was inevitable. Primarily driven by the wish to spend more time with his family, his motivation expanded to the aspiration of imparting his knowledge to the local retail industry. Currently serving as the Operations Manager of QL Maxincome, the company behind the FamilyMart chainstore, he endeavours to cultivate local talents, leveraging the wealth of experience accumulated over the course of his journey.
It’s no surprise then that he finds the most gratifying aspect of his work to be coaching and mentoring. Finding fulfilment in witnessing the success of those working alongside him, he is dedicated to sharing the insights and knowledge gained from his experiences in Taiwan with anyone eager to learn.
Amid global uncertainties, Michael sees opportunities for Malaysia’s economic development. He asserts that Malaysia stands as a hotspot for business opportunities, with foreign investors continually seeking prospects in the country. In this context, he underscores the importance of TalentCorp’s initiatives in facilitating the return of Malaysians abroad, emphasising talents as our most valuable resource.
We are our nation’s greatest assets
There is no doubt that international experience could propel your career forward. But, as Michael mentioned, talents are our greatest assets here. If you’re a Malaysian abroad ready to return home, take a look at MyHeart’s Returning Expert Programme (REP) to find out how you can make your transition home smoother.
