Mydin: From wood shop to one of the largest retail chain in Malaysia

SHAH ALAM - Mydin Mohamed Holdings Bhd managing director Datuk Dr Ameer Ali Mydin has bagged the main award for the Bisnes Sinar Harian Awards (BISA) which took place at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, i-City, here, last night.

Ameer, 67, who won the Lifetime Achievement Award described the recognition as proof that his father Mydin Mohamed's hard work in 1957 has paid off.

However, he said the award was not something to be proud of, but it served as a motivation for him and Mydin's employees to continue to work harder to ensure customers' satisfaction.

He described the award as a heavy responsibility given to him and Mydin’s employees so that they could continuously serve the community.

"I am just the receiver of this award. This award is for our big family at Mydin. We are here today because of them.

"I also thank my wife and family who have always supported me," he told Sinar Harian after receiving the award.

Ameer said the secret to being a successful entrepreneur was to have knowledge, discipline and sincerity, not just the intention to quickly become rich.

"Business is not solely to pursue profit, the key factor to a successful business are interest and effort and to think of ways on how our business could benefit the people, to contribute to the community and country's economy.

He added that those who were new to business needed to be mentally and physically prepared because the field was very challenging even with a large capital.

"Nothing is impossible when there is dedication and hard work, just like Mydin that started as a wood shop has now become the largest local halal wholesaler and retailer chain," he said.

Ameer also hoped that BISA will attract more local entrepreneurs to continue working hard to be successful in their businesses.

"If I can (win the BISA award), you can too," he said.