OCS, a leading global facilities service provider, acquired a local company called PWB Sdn Bhd in 2012 therefore establishing its first corporate office headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with two additional regional offices in the north and south of the country.
In 2020, OCS expanded its presence in Malaysia by acquiring ISS Malaysia, which was rebranded as One Complete Solution Sdn Bhd (OCS). Both PWB and OCS are now 100% owned by the OCS Group in the UK.
OCS is a global facilities service business with over 8,000 customers and 120,000 colleagues across the UK, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East. The company offers a wide range of services, including cleaning, catering, pest control, security, hard services, and facilities management for both private and public sectors.
With a mission to make people and places the best they can be, OCS is committed to becoming the world’s leading facilities services business.
What are some of your organisation’s proudest moments/milestones in Malaysia?
Our organisation takes great pride in the milestones of transitioning from a cleaning company to now a leading full-service Integrated facilities management business. This evolution has allowed us to better fulfil our commitment to providing the best possible experience, productivity, practices, resilience, and outcomes for both our customers and colleagues. These achievements demonstrate our dedication to continuous improvement and delivering exceptional service.
Briefly share the reasons for choosing Malaysia.
Malaysia’s strong infrastructure, skilled workforce, and established trade networks offer a great chance to connect with diverse customers and thrive in a growing and collaborative region. Malaysia’s GDP growth and stability make it an attractive destination for business investments.
Describe your operations and total investments in Malaysia (value, staff strength, etc.) to date.
1,900 strong staff strength managing more than 200 sites with 100+ customers located throughout Malaysia.
Based on your overall experience of doing business in Malaysia, name the advantages and challenges of doing business in Malaysia.
Malaysia is a rapidly growing economy in Southeast Asia, known for its diverse business opportunities, stable political environment, and strong infrastructure. The country has consistently ranked highly in global ease of doing business rankings, making it an attractive destination for foreign investment.
Advantages of Doing Business in Malaysia Some key advantages of doing business in Malaysia include its strategic location, well-developed transportation and logistics networks, competitive costs, pro-business government policies, and skilled multilingual workforce. Malaysia also offers attractive tax incentives and a supportive ecosystem for start-ups and innovation.
Challenges of Doing Business in Malaysia While Malaysia presents many business opportunities, some challenges need to be navigated. These include navigating complex bureaucratic processes, dealing with cultural and language differences, managing talent acquisition and retention, and understanding the regulatory environment. Obtaining the necessary licenses and permits can also be time-consuming.
How do you see your business growth and prospects in Malaysia?
We view Malaysia as a huge potential country of growth given the infrastructure, language, and labour skillset within the country.
What recommendation or advice would you give to other companies looking to invest or do in business in Malaysia?
Understand the Business Environment Thoroughly research the Malaysian market, industry trends, and regulatory landscape to identify promising business opportunities that align with your expertise and resources.
Prioritise Unsexy Businesses Consider starting an “unsexy” business, as they often have lower risk and higher potential for income. Avoid the temptation of trendy or overly competitive sectors.
Evaluate the Management Team Assess the strength and experience of the management team when considering an investment. Look for a track record of success in the industry.
What are the top 3 reasons for your organisation joining the BMCC?
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- Networking and Connections: Membership in the British Malaysia Chambers of Commerce provides access to a wide network of businesses and professionals in Malaysia and the UK. This can open up new business opportunities, collaborations, and partnerships.
- Market Insights and Assistance: The chambers can offer valuable insights and guidance on navigating the Malaysian business landscape, understanding regulations, and identifying potential partners or customers. This can be particularly helpful for organisations looking to expand into the Malaysian market.
- Advocacy and Representation: The chambers can advocate for member organisations, representing their interests and concerns to relevant government bodies and policymakers. This can help ensure your organisation’s voice is heard and your interests are protected.
What is the top value you see for yourself or your organisation in being a member of the BMCC?
As a new member of the British Malaysian Chamber of Commerce, the top value I see for our full-facilities service organisation is the opportunity to expand our professional network and explore potential business partnerships within the thriving Malaysia-UK trade corridor. Becoming part of this esteemed chamber will allow us to stay informed on relevant industry trends, access valuable market insights, and engage with other member companies to identify synergies and collaborative possibilities that can drive the growth of our facilities management business.
In one sentence, how would you describe your own experience or your organisation’s experience as a member of the BMCC?
As a new member of the British Malaysia Chambers of Commerce (BMCC), our organisation’s experience has been highly informative. We have had the privilege of receiving numerous invitations to attend valuable events hosted at excellent venues, which have exposed us to innovative ideas and opportunities for growth. The BMCC membership has proven to be a worthwhile investment, facilitating meaningful connections and access to resources that have significantly benefited our business operations.
