Shakila Yacob

Trans-generational renewal as managerial succession: The Behn Meyer story (1840--2000)

Built on a unique partnership principally among three families spanning more than 160 years and four generations, Behn Meyer provides fascinating insights for the study of corporate governance and managerial succession. The company was founded in Singapore in 1840 by two young men from Hamburg, a city renowned for its tradition of merchant houses and entrepreneurship. During both world wars, the British colonial administration in Malaya and Singapore imposed severe restrictions on German-owned concerns. Yet Behn Meyers ‘resurrection’ after both world wars demonstrates the remarkable resilience of the company and the adaptability of its management practices and culture. Trans-generational continuity in managerial succession remains a major factor in the long-run survival of a firm and this case study of a family enterprise that overcame significant business and political risks provides an informed comparative analysis of managerial succession and entrepreneurship.

Adapt or Divest? The New Economic Policy and Foreign Businesses in Malaysia (1970-2000)

This study explores the interplay between state policies and business strategies of foreign firms in Malaysia during and in the aftermath of decolonisation. Drawing from newly released British and US sources, this study demonstrates that distrust of state enterprises as well as antagonism towards Chinese speculators were significant factors in shaping the business strategies of targeted British firms under the New Economic Policy (NEP) in Malaysia. In addition, the business culture of some British firms served only to harden misperceptions and strengthen the resolve of the government to implement the NEP fully. Finally, in cushioning external shocks, firms embarked on a diversification strategy not only to multiply, but also to acquire differing portfolios in developed economies. Despite this familiar framework of mistrust and tension, this paper goes on to address the real firm-specific differences in the response to the NEP. As for the other foreign firms, they were nonetheless prepared to share assets, expertise and human resources with Malaysian enterprises through joint ventures. Such a varied response demonstrated the agility of foreign businesses in responding to state policies.

Ford’s Investment in Colonial Malaya, 1926-1957

The corporate history of Ford in Malaya from 1926 to 1957 reveals Ford Canada’s global strategy to tap new British colonial markets. A combination of factors motivated Ford Canada to set up a subsidiary in Malaya, whose subsequent domesticsales and marketing success depended on maintaining mutually beneficial relations with the local merchant firms and Chinese entrepreneurs. After it was directed by the parent company to restructure its operations, Ford Canada imposed tight control on its own local operations to ensure that it could meet evolving consumer demands in Malaya and across the wider region. However, the company was careful to maintain its ties with these marketing and networking channels.

Emancipating disciplines: An analysis of the commodification of automobiles and advertisements in colonial Malaya

This paper attempts to trace the positioning of automobile consumers by various Western merchant firms and Chinese traders via print advertisements in colonial Malaya. Using the dual disciplinary approaches of Cultural Studies and Social History, and employing textual analysis, the researchers examine selected texts and automobile advertisements in The Straits Times and the The Straits Echo (1909–1957). The purpose of the analysis is to reveal the construction of colonized subjectivities by Western and non-Western automobile agents cum advertisers and provide insights on the dialectics between culture, power and identity formation.

Government, Business and Lobbyists: The Politics of Palm Oil in US–Malaysia Relations

ABSTRACT This paper reviews how information was utilised by the disputing parties made up of producers and consumer interests in seeking and opposing the imposition of tariff and non-tariff barriers relating to the entry of palm oil into the US market. Information was used in a variety of ways to mould public opinion and influence official US trade policy. Producers, with the support of the Government of Malaysia, countered US efforts by mounting an information-based counter-campaign. This study examines how US-based opponents to the importation of oil palm used information to influence consumer opinion and governmental decision-makers. It goes on to describe countermeasures taken by Malaysian producers. These latter measures included counter-arguments challenging spurious claims made by US-based groups. The paper also reviews the role played, and the positions taken by the US and Malaysian governments. Malaysia, as one of the worlds leading exporter of palm oil, reacted to preserve and protect the interests of various stakeholders in the palm oil industry. Measures taken included greater R&D effort, stronger trade promotion and countering spurious information. This study demonstrates how information was used by disputing parties to shape consumer opinion and develop a case for policy intervention by the respective governments.