By V. Sivaji
The Chua Song Seng Group or CSS in short is a dynamic marketing and distribution company with interest in several other fields.
They had humble beginnings in1939 of being only a provision store to what they are today.
They are headquartered in Wisma Chua Song Seng along Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah in Kuala Lumpur.
Over the years, CSS has grown by leaps and bounds to where it is today under the visionary leadership of Dato’ Chua Lai Huat.
With a strong business acumen and an acute vision inherited from his late father, Dato’ Chua led CSS, overcoming many obstacles along the way, to greater heights of achievement by turning the group into one of the nation’s leading entities in Distribution Services.
With an operating philosophy encompassing boldness in business, he also believes in treating employees of his companies well, enhanced with shrewd investments in infrastructure and tools to ensure continued growth and success.
CSS is now a major distributor of Carlsberg, a variety of spirits, wine and champagne on top of brands from JTI Tobacco and other provisions and goods. With a wide range of customer-base comprising major hotels, golf & country clubs, pubs, entertainment outlets, restaurants, retailers and corporate clients to end-consumers, the growth opportunity is bright.
Their mission is to be a professional distributor in achieving the objective and strategy of creating a strong triangular business partnership comprising customers, suppliers and corporate.
“We believe in establishing and building long-term mutually beneficial business partnerships with our principals, suppliers and customers. Being a leading provider of innovative and reputable products and services with a primary focus on our customers.
Other than the distribution of Carlsberg, they have also ventured into the hamper business and created an initiative way to wrap hampers.
The company’s interests today also include property development and pharmaceutical products.
In 2017 they diversified CSS Garage Sdn Bhd into CSS Family, an entirely new division developed as a competitive market advantage in the automotive servicing segment.
They also formed CSS Food Manufacture Sdn Bhd to diversified businesses into food manufacturing which specializing in confectionery Halal products such as puddings, jellies, snow ices and etc
In 2021 CSS established a branch in Penang to serve the Northern Region better.
Over the years, CSS has also won numerous awards and accolades in their business from trade partners local and abroad.
Chua Song Seng Group is now under the leadership of the late Dato’ Chua’s eldest son Dato’ Chua Kok Chee and his two brothers Simon Chua Kok Thai and Howard Chua Kok Ann with a team of dedicated and loyal staff.
Meanwhile, it is interesting to note that the Group accounts for 43 percent of Malaysia’s tobacco market, with businesses covering Ipoh, Teluk Intan, Klang, Seremban, Kajang and Klang Valley, making it one of the largest players in the domestic market.
The Group has also been involved in the alcoholic fermentation industry, expanded its market to airports and duty-free shops. It is worth noting that apart from growing its tobacco, alcohol, and food and beverage products, the Group also plans to venture into other fields in the future.
As this is in line with the Group’s vision to further diversify its businesses, the management is considering the option of getting the Group listed.