Interview/Human Story [Miraculous Management Story]

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From the Countryside to Japan – an 18-Year-Old’s Life-Changing Decision

In 1984, President Yee, a young man from Malaysia, traveled to Japan alone at the age of 18.

“I want to change myself. I want to grow significantly.”

With this determination, he studied for a year at a Japanese language school in Kichijoji, Tokyo, and then entered Jobu University in Gunma Prefecture. For four years, he continued to study while overcoming language and cultural barriers. During his university days, a life-changing encounter awaited him.

His seminar professor was working as a management consultant for “Okudaya Giken Co., Ltd. (OPK)” at the time, which led to his connection with the company.

“I had various options. But I ‘wanted to live in Osaka’. I liked the atmosphere of the city, and the food was delicious (laughs).”

However, what ultimately made up his mind was “people”.

Meeting with the then President Hitoshi Okuda (Current Owner) – Trust Given by a Pair of Shoes

On a day when he hadn’t even received a job offer, let alone been hired, the then President Hitoshi Okuda said to President Yee:

“Please wear better shoes.”

At that time, President Yee was a student with no money. On that day, he was wearing a suit with dirty sneakers.

Owner Hitoshi said, “In business, it’s important for people to pay attention to details, not just appearances,” and took President Yee to a department store to buy him a pair of shoes as a gift.

From the first meeting, I was impressed by everything about Owner Hitoshi – his way of speaking, how he interacted with people, and his charisma.

“I still remember it vividly. I was shocked to realize that ‘a business leader is someone who can move people’s hearts’. At that moment, I strongly felt that I wanted to learn from this person and work for this company.”

“Becoming Proficient in 5 Years” – Joining with Determination and Working Tirelessly

In 1989, he officially joined Okudaya Giken Co., Ltd. (OPK).

“I will become proficient in 5 years. If I can’t, I’ll quit. But if I can become proficient, please consider my future.” True to his words, he worked harder and more diligently than anyone else. After 4 years in Japan, a turning point arrived.

“Expansion to Malaysia” – a Single Word that Opened the Future

He was informed that the company was considering overseas expansion.

“There are 3 candidates for expansion, and Malaysia is one of them. What do you think?”

And finally, Malaysia was chosen.

President Yee immediately expressed his thoughts.

“I had been wanting to be a bridge between Malaysia and Japan.”

One day, he was called to the home of the founder and then Chairman Genzaburo Okuda (Honorary Chairman) for a conversation. It was a very ordinary conversation.

The president for Malaysia had not yet been decided. At the end of this casual conversation, Chairman Genzaburo asked:

“What do you think is necessary for a company to survive?”

President Yee’s answer was immediate.

“‘Technology’.”

He later learned that this was the decisive factor in his appointment as president.

It was really just an ordinary conversation, so when I found out that Chairman Genzaburo had been testing me, I was surprised and even shocked.

I remember being impressed by how each person has their own way of interacting with others.

However, through this episode, I felt that my thinking aligned with OPK’s (the management’s) thinking. I saw my future potential in this company. Once again, I strongly felt that I wanted to learn from these people.

Founding in Malaysia – “Setting Sail in My Home Country of Malaysia” with Everything on My Shoulders

He was entrusted with the launch and management of the new Malaysian factory.

“To be honest, I was scared. Every day was a battle with anxiety and pressure.”

The new land of Malaysia, where he moved from Japan, was full of unknowns – laws, business practices, employee management, logistics, everything. For President Yee, who only knew business in Japan, Malaysia was truly a new frontier in business. Moreover, the initial office had no air conditioning, and it took days just to install a phone line.

“If this doesn’t work… if that fails… I couldn’t sleep every night.”

With no one to confide in or rely on, he persevered with the sole thought that “those people believed in me”.

In 1997, the Asian financial crisis hit directly. Exchange rates fluctuated wildly, and logistics were in chaos. But he overcame it with trust and effort on the ground, and above all, an unwavering spirit.

“The first 5 years were truly terrifying. But after getting through that hell, I finally began to gain ‘confidence’.”

The Fear He Couldn’t Tell Anyone – What Can be Said Now

“Actually… I’ve never told anyone about those times before.”

Loneliness, responsibility, anxiety. While continuing to stand before his staff with a smile, President Yee struggled alone every night.

“But it’s because of those experiences that I am who I am today.”

A Company Can Change a Life

“Owner Hitoshi took a chance on a young guy like me, ‘believing in my potential’. I can’t measure how much those words supported me.”

A young man from the countryside studied in Japan, became the president of an overseas subsidiary of a Japanese company, took root in the region, and grew to nurture employees.

“Now I realize that it’s no small feat for a company to change one person’s life this much.”

And Now – as Part of a 100-Year-Old Company

Okudaya Giken Co., Ltd. (OPK) was founded in 1934. It’s about to celebrate its 100th anniversary.

“Being part of that story truly makes me happy. 10 years, 20 years, 30 years… looking back, it’s gone by in a flash. But all of it is packed in there.”

Passing the Baton to the Future – Thoughts for the Next Generation

“Our goal is to be a ‘100-year company’. But that can’t be achieved by me alone. We need everyone’s strength.”

And finally, he concluded his message to the staff with these words:

“Even if our methods differ, everyone is beautiful. With ‘your way’, please color the future of our company.”

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“Passion for Technology Opens People’s Hearts” – This is a management philosophy that begins not with numbers, but with trust and empathy.
President Yee’s journey, shouldering risks in a foreign land and pioneering the future, inspires courage in all those living in the next era.

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Next time, President Yee Special Interview Vol.2
■ We will discuss President Yee’s private life and future outlook, so please look forward to it.

Interview Date: April 2025
Interview Cooperation:
OPK INTER-CORPORATION SDN. BHD. (OIC)
President/MD(Managing Director)
YEE HAN SENG