“Only one corporation, CGC, followed up on my query. I am very thankful for that opportunity and assistance received in attaining my goal.”
Synergy Dagang | Retail & Trading
Alor Setar, Kedah
Bazharizal Abu Bakar
When Bazharizal Abu Bakar first started his business, he used to sell packets of Rempah Kari Cap O from his car boot. The product has been in the market since the 1980s. It is very well known in the Northern region, especially in Kedah where it is manufactured. Now, as an exclusive distributor, he has high hopes of taking what is regarded as a ‘kampung’ brand nationwide, competing against giants such as Adabi and Baba’s.
He explained that he had failed in his previous businesses because he was not adept at managing his accounts. Neither was he well-versed in networking, marketing, distribution or supply chain management. And, crucially, he was unable to secure a loan to gain the capital he sought to expand his business.
He attended a Finance seminar a few years ago and spoke to every financial institution that participated, including banks, Perbadanan Usahawan Nasional Berhad (PUNB) and SME Corp. “Only one corporation, CGC, followed up on my query. I am very thankful for that opportunity and assistance received in attaining my goal.”
By contrast, when he first approached CGC in 2018, he needed a lorry more than a loan. Instead, he was offered BizMula-i financing, enabling him to increase his sales volume and variety of stock for new market segments in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Negeri Sembilan.
Bazharizal diligently studies his competitors’ strengths and weaknesses, hoping to access at least one or two percent of their market share. Currently, in order to expand into hypermarkets, he is sourcing capital injection, as he will need to bulk-buy to keep pricing competitive. For Bazharizal, the most vital aspect of running a successful business is to, “find an experienced mentor, an expert in whatever field you are in…” Why? “…as it is very important to exchange ideas and thoughts to keep on learning.” With his determined attitude, and his ambition to grow, Bazharizal is well set for further success.