Page 31 - From Zero To Hero

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the fire trades – Hah says the business started
strenthening their positionwhen theyfirst applied
for the ISO 9001 certification at the launching of
the business. “Once we received the certification,
we knew we were ready to make a strong mark in
thisbusiness. It gaveus credibilityas itwas a crucial
initial phase in our business andwe were proud to
accomplish this at the start.”
Fire Fighter Industry also offers its services in-
ternationally, serving countries such as Indonesia,
Brunei, Myanmar, Vietnam and Timor Leste.
To be able to export its products and services
to these countries, Hah cited the roleMATRADE
played in assisting them to help expand the Fire
Fighter Industry brand outside of Malaysia.
“It is hard to establish a business relationship
outside the country when you are standing on
your own. We faced setbacks and challenges, yet
we were determined to explore the opportunities
beyond our own shores.”
And when MATRADE came into the picture,
the process has definitely gotten smoother with
major networks and opportunities pouring
in. “With MATRADE’s assistance we actively
participated in their trade fairs. It gave us strong
international recognition as well as guiding us
in business dealings using the proper channels.”
Hah was also selected for MATRADE’s
Women Exporters Development Programme
in 2009 (formerly known as Women Trade
Outreach Programme), a three-year programme
aimed at creating competitive and sustainable
exporters.
It is an export assistance programme that
helps SMEs develop the necessary skills and
knowledge to penetrate and further expand their
export markets.
According to her, other than exporting and
supplying fire fighting products and services to
commercial industries, Fire Fighter also hopes
that fire extinguishingproductswill be extensively
usedat home and in cars. She stated that notmany
consumers are aware of such special purpose
fire-extinguishing products.
Wrappingup,Hahadvisedbusyentrerprenuersto
keep theflameof ambitionaliveandbedetermined
to go the extramile to realise the dreams.
“Starting a business is no bed of roses. I’m
a believer of hard work, passion and believe
in our capabilities. We need all these to go on
throughout our highs and lows.” In the fire
fighting business, Hah is indeed one cool lady.
Michelle Hah ... Director
of Fire Fighter Industry