4th MCBC Business Excellence Awards 2006

Industry Excellence for Franchisors

Gold award

Dr Richard Ong CEO Smart Reader Worldwide Sdn Bhd

Founded in 1988 as Smart Education Centre, the organization, in 1998, changed its name to Smart Reader Worldwide Sdn Bhd. The change reflected the expansion of its English Programme into the international arena. The company launched its first franchise in 1999 in Selangor, followed by East and West Malaysia in 2000. It was well positioned to break into the international arena since its concept of child education offers a wide range of educational and academic programmes for children, youths and adults. Smart Reader programmes include: Smart Reader Kids; Smart Reader Kids Junior (15 months to 3 years); Smart Reader English Language for Adults and youths (13 years to adults); Smart Reader English Language Programme (Toddlers – 15 years) and Smart Reader Calculation Programme (7-12 years). It is truly amazing to see the self confidence that a 4 year old possesses after attending Smart Reader. Today, from its beginning as “Strawberry Hill School” to a world franchisor, Smart Reader has become a recognized educational brand of learning. Whenever you see ‘strawberries and kids’ you know it’s Smart Reader. It broke into the international arena with entry into the Philippines in 2001, Thailand in 2002, India, Brunei, New Zealand and Taiwan in 2003 and China in 2004. Smart Reader currently has 154 franchised outlets locally, and 144 abroad, with plans to expand into Canada, US and the Middle East, in the near future.

Silver award

Mr Steven Sim Managing Director Secret Recipe Cakes & Café Sdn Bhd

Secret Recipe, a lifestyle café chain has become a household name following its debut in Malaysia in 1997. By virtue of its fine quality cakes, fusion food and distinctive service, Secret Recipe has established international recognition in Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand. The company, in a short period of seven years, has recorded exponential growth with over 100 café outlets throughout the region. Its outlets are located in KL, Selangor, Perak, Penang, Johor, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Kelantan, Kedah and Pahang in Malaysia. It strives to become a recognised leader in its industry. The company’s philosophy is: ‘Quality and high standards in every endeavour and to give the best satisfaction to their valued customers’. Secret Recipe plans to further expand their Café’s into West Asia, India and China.

Bronze award

Mr Abdul Malik Aboullah Managing Director D'Tandoor Food Industries Sdn Bhd

D’Tandoor is a Malaysian owned company, established in 1993. It is a leading international Northern Indian chain of restaurants and has been recognised over the years for its outstanding Moghul cuisine. Its goal is to be the market leader in North Indian Food and to establish successful D’Tandoor franchises globally. In the future D’Tandoor plans to penetrate the Middle East and China markets by establishing a strong franchise base. Beginning in Kuwait, D’Tandoor is targeting Dubai, Qatar and Bahain as strong potential areas of operations. D’Tandoor, registered as the first franchisor of Northern Indian restaurants in Malaysia, currently operates 11 restaurants in Malaysia, Australia and New Zealand. Over the years, the company has received numerous awards, including Malaysia’s best Indian restaurant, Most promising franchisor, and 2 Malaysia Book of Records awards.