Minding his business

IT is a common and natural process to be a part of if not take after your parent(s)'s business. That usually means the end to your wish to pursue your desired career path and endeavours but fortunately for Samuel Cheang, things fell into place for him – including his Bachelor of Chemical Engineering.
"I've always wanted to do business. Being a general manager is much more relaxing since I don't have to focus on technical stuff because engineers have to be on a different mindset. But I do apply problem solving and analytical skills I've learnt in engineering school into the business," said the 29-year-old.
Looking after skin and hair care brands such as Ingrid Millet, Nubeà and Naturys Organic Skin Care, Cheang's day-to-day agenda includes importing products, creating promotions for dealers, visiting clients, organising media launches and beauty retreats and of course, checking emails.
But no one would have guessed that this cool and confident general manager, who has been with Luscious Solution Sdn Bhd for eight years, is an avid cycler, triathlete and a heavy metal fan!
What's the most memorable accomplishment in your career so far?
I implemented an ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system. It takes care of retail transactions, delivery orders and accounting as well as churns out sales and purchase reports, and data for managers to evaluate. It's a one-stop system so I guess that's an achievement in itself because I managed to implement that.
Who are some of the business personalities that inspire you?
My brother-in-law who is working in the same company. He's smart and he knows how to strategise his marketing plans and execute them very well. In business you have to have these attributes to succeed. My parents, who are both businessman and woman, inspire me too.
Best business advice you've received.
Customer service is of the utmost importance because without it, there wouldn't be repeat sales.
What do you do during your free time?
I work out every other day and I've been cycling for more than a year. I usually cycle on Kesas Highway every Tuesday and Thursday night and recently covered 160km at the 2015 International Ghombau Century Ride. I join triathlons too. If I can squeeze in a bit of time, I'd play games.
Have you always been an active person?
Not really. It all started when my sister dragged me to my first triathlon back in November 2013. It was a relay format, and I swam for 1.5km.
What keeps you going in life?
My wife. She inspires me through encouraging and motivational words. Without her I wouldn't be able to push myself hard enough.
What's the sweetest thing you've done for her, or vice versa?
I think I'll go with the latter. She took me out on a birthday outing which I knew absolutely nothing about. We had fun in Sunway Lagoon then nice Indian cuisine for dinner. Nobody has done anything like that for me.