"CGC is different from regular banks; their interest rates are lower, they genuinely want to help and they keep in touch and take care of us."

In 2016, when two brothers opened their first auto service centre in Keningau, they continued to nurture their dream of opening more outlets. The initial fulfilment of that aspiration came two years later after they obtained their first CGC loan, BizMula-i. With this funding they opened their second centre, and in the following year applied for a BizMaju loan.

Tham Yun Pin, the elder of the two, found out about CGC on the internet. He observed that CGC’s extended service was excellent. “CGC is different from regular banks; their interest rates are lower, they genuinely want to help and they keep in touch and take care of us.” He has already recommended CGC to several business friends.

At their two service centres the brothers provide motor vehicle maintenance and repair, together with retail. The latter comprises automotive fuel, spare parts, components, tools and accessories. “With more capital, we have also upgraded our machinery, added more stock and created a more conducive and comfortable waiting area in our centres.” In addition, they have now grown from eight staff in one outlet to 18 staff manning both centres, with an increase in new customers.

Over the last four years, the Tham brothers have worked very hard to hone their skills in differentiating themselves from their competitors. Adds Yun Pin, “To keep our customers satisfied, we hope to stand out in terms of products, pricing, service and environment.” To this successful inventory they have recently added a ‘flexible payment’ scheme - the CCM instalment payment programme. Supported by BNM-approved AEON Credit, it has been very well received by their customers, who welcome the advantage of spreading their expenses over several months.

With such experience and skill, in the near future the Thams are looking forward to opening more outlets in and around Keningau.

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