The Success of Mydin

Mydin is a household name in wholesale market and today one of the largest supermarket chains in the country.

The company started with a humble beginning way before the independence of Malaya when a hawker by the name of Mydin Mohamed started a small business in Penang selling merchandise and toys to customers in the nearby area.

Sensing an opportunity in the eastern coast due to inflow of goods from the neighbouring country Thailand, Mydin moved to Kelantan on the year the country achieved its independence, 1957, to set up his very first shop. While the business was steadily growing, there was little to be proud of as Mydin was only able to operate and maintain one outlet.

That, however changed after 20 years when his eldest son, Murad, jumped on board and opened up their second outlet in Kuala Terengganu. A number of Mydin’s family members also came for help. And after another 10 years passing by, their 3rd branch was opened in the crowded Jalan Masjid India, Kuala Lumpur, and was joined by an investor and a businessman, Dato’ Ameer Ali.

The move started to prove revolutionary as Mydin began its charge in conquering the country’s wholesale market. Mydin was quickly gaining popularity mainly due to its ability to offer goods at very reasonable prices. People from all walks of life began to make Mydin their supermarket of choice. But Mydin, the owner did not want to stop there. He knew he wanted to achieve more, and he knew his company can make it.

From merely a sole proprietorship, a limited liability corporation, Mydin Mohamed Holdings Sdn Bhd was set up and Mydin himself was appointed Chairman. Dato’ Ameer, on the other hand, took helm as the Managing Director. The running of the company was spearheaded by 4 of Mydin’s sons. Their stores continue to offer a wide range of products to the customers ranging from Muslim equipment, electronic goods, travel, appliances, toiletries, toys, watches, perfumes, costume jewelleries, bags, stationery, shoes, kitchenware and so on, at very reasonable prices. For many, Mydin is just the perfect place for economic purchase.

From just 3 outlets, Mydin grew at unprecedented pace and the company today prides themselves with having more than 40 outlets operating nationwide.

The mushrooming of foreign wholesale hypermarkets such as Tesco, Carrefour and Giant, which began to infiltrate the local market left Mydin unfazed. They instead continue to flourish.

At the peak of its achievement, Mydin opened up its biggest store in the country in Kuala Terengganu in January 2007 which has changed the landscape and the life style of the town folks.

The hypermarket is equipped with 24-hour restaurant, huge parking area, as well as around the clock wireless internet facility. In the same year Mydin’s Managing Director, Dato’ Ameer was accorded with the Malaysia’s Master Entrepreneur of The Year award.

(Image: wahdi.blogspot.com)

Other posts you may want to read:

1. Mydin to Offer 1,000 Job Vacancies
2. Q&A with Datuk Ameer Ali (Mydin)
3. How to Start a Successful Recruitment Business (even without proper qualification)
4. Yo-yo Employment Market in Melaka
5. Woolworths UK Closing Shops, For Good
6. The Kluang Station Kopitiam
7. Singaporeans Bracing For a “Jobless Year”
8. Work and success without barrier

Author's bio: Zul is the founder and principal contributor for the SKOR Career blog. He is the author of two books, The Malaysian Job Seeker's Dilemma and Buat Duit Tanpa Kerja Makan Gaji (How to Make Money Without a Job), available in major book stores nationwide. You can reach him at zulkiflimusa[at]gmail.com.