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standards, catering to the needs of various indus-
tries, particularly the healthcare industry. As a
greater emphasis was placed on the healthcare
industry, the company could foresee a higher
demand for medical gloves. Hence, Top Glove
found that the demand for rubber gloves at that
time was far greater than the supply, rendering
margins particularly attractive.
Through extensive research and development
activities, Top Glove manufactures high quality
disposable gloves, that support the needs of
today’s improved healthcare standards.
Many challenges were faced by the business
as the company learnt the industry through
experience and knowledge acquired on-the-job.
An initial challenge was the lack of technical
knowledge in the manufacturing process, which
was eventually solved through collaboration
with the Malaysian Rubber Research Institute
on research and development. This was a key
milestone for the company as technical skills
and know-how were learnt.
Understanding the company’s customer client
base allowed for TopGlove to provide exactlywhat
was required without too many rectifications. In
the face of increasing costs of raw materials and
energy, the companywas fortunate tohave already
established good relationships with customers
who were willing to accept higher prices. Con-
versely, when latex or raw material prices return
to a low, the company ensures that this cost-saving
is also passed on to their customers.
While the business understands that the ex-
ternal market is important, much importance is
placedontheir internal on-goingcost improvement
and efficiencymeasures. TopGlove has intensified
production of nitrile gloves, thus lowering their
reliance on natural rubber gloves, whichwill allow
a reduction in their exposure to price fluctuations.
The company has also invested in automation
initiatives to reduce dependence on unskilled
labour, while beefing up the number of skilled
workers and staff. A recent venture upstream
with a rubber plantation investment has al-
lowed the company greater control and ensure
consistent latex supply.
Top Glove manufactures a wide range of
gloves – including latex examination gloves,
nitrile examination gloves, vinyl examination
gloves, surgical gloves, household/industrial
gloves, long length high risk gloves, cleanroom
gloves, high density polyethylene gloves, low
density polyethylene gloves and PE aprons.
Awards and Accolades
for Intensive Growth
Top Glove has won numerous awards over the
past years, all of which are prestigious and
well accepted ones in the industry. Just last
year alone, Top Glove bagged awards for “Most
Admired ASEAN Enterprise” for the category
of Corporate Social Responsibility (Large Com-
pany) at the ASEAN Business Awards 2012, the
Special Achievement Organisation Category
by Malaysian Achievement Organisation, MIS
Asia 100 – Top 100 IT departments in Asia,
MOSHIPA Occupational Safety and Health
Awards 2012, and The Perak State Industry
Appreciation Awards for 2011/2012, by the
Department of Environment Perak.
Other coveted awards include the Brand
Icon Leadership Award 2011, Frost & Sullivan
2009, Best Brands Manufacturing – Rubber
Gloves 2007/2008 by The BrandLaureate and
the Enterprise 50 Award Programme in 2007.
The humble and hands-on
Business Tycoon, Tan Sri Lim
Wee Chai
A soft-spoken and humble gentleman, Lim,
Chairman of the largest glove manufacturer
in the world, built the company with his wife,
Puan Sri Tong Siew Bee.
To ensure a business stays successful and
prosperous, Top Glove practices simple prin-
ciples that extend from top management to
factory workers alike. A visionary thinker and
firm believer in a balanced lifestyle, Lim has
put in place a set of guidelines that serve his
people well.
“I am an advocate of positive thinking, disci-
pline and healthy living. I am also a firmbeliever
in continuous learning, as learning should never
stop. I take a very firm stand against corrup-
tion, which is the single greatest obstacle to
economic and social development around the
world. Top Glove practices integrity, honesty and