Embracing Change with Agility and Insight
While pawnbroking and making traditional foods are time-honoured professions, even these enduring trades must adapt and innovate to ensure continued growth and sustainability in the contemporary business landscape. Change, however, takes not only bravery and collective will, but also an openness to try new ideas and the agility to pivot where necessary. The two long-established businesses featured in this issue of SME Showcase have discovered that by putting the customer first, change becomes not just easier but more intuitive.
Financial services provider MoneyMax has revolutionised and modernised the pawnbroking industry with its friendly storefronts, customer-centric app and drive-through pawnbroking facilities overseas. It has also skilfully parlayed existing skill sets into its diversified offerings in car financing and leasing, and real-estate lending.
Heritage food brand Lee Wee & Brothers, whose signature product is the founding family’s legendary otah, has found new ways for its customers to enjoy this local speciality. From savouring otah mantou and otah fries to being wowed by a limited-edition, otah-filled clutch bag, these initiatives not only enliven the F&B scene but also help the business ensure a sustainable supply of raw materials and products. Innovation is also propelling Lee Wee & Brothers in its quest to bring its brand and offerings to the world.
We hope these stories of customer-driven innovation and change will supply the inspiration that may spark transformative ideas for your business. As always, we wish you happy reading.
| Crafting A Culinary Legacy, One Dish At A Time: Lee Wee & Brothers | |
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Over the course of its 23-year history, heritage food brand Lee Wee & Brothers has been continuously redefining itself, adapting to evolving customer tastes and preferences — all while preserving its roots and values. Born from one woman’s love of cooking for others, the Lee family pivoted from their previous venture in the used-car business to create Lee Wee & Brothers. Their first outlet opened at Old Airport Road Hawker Centre in 2000, featuring Madam Mary Teo’s signature otah (or otak-otak). Food is Mdm Teo’s love language, and her scrumptious otah was just one of the many heritage recipes she was known for. This, and her other culinary delights, were the main attractions at large, weekly family gatherings and when hosting guests. Read more |
| Revitalising A Time-Honoured Trade: MoneyMax Financial Services | |
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From its inception, MoneyMax Financial Services has proven to be a dynamic enterprise that has breathed new life into traditional pawnbroking with a modern touch. It has ventured into uncharted frontiers and achieved sustained growth, thanks to an innovative approach that is as precious as the assets it handles. Read more |
