Malaysia is moving towards digitalization, most businesses are migrating from paper to digital thus giving impact on the photocopier industry. As a futuristic mindset Director of Ambang Angkasa, Fiona Dayang has sketched some plans ahead to sustain the business operation. To date, their turnover has increased to RM 11.5 million per annum placing the company as a pioneer in the industry. Though the past years, they have been receiving Best Dealer Award from the Principle – SHARP that marked as their biggest achievement.
Charismatic young entrepreneur
Much like any success story, Fiona Dayang started from the bottom, taking on any opportunity that was presented to her to build up her reputation. After graduating from Stamford College with an Administration degree, she worked her way up through the copier industry. In 2009, she ventured into photocopy business, through hard work and dedication today her company Ambang Angkasa now marked as their 10th year anniversary.
Where I am now is a culmination of all the efforts I’ve been involved in
Fiona is especially proud of how hard she had to work to get where she is today. “Where I am now is a culmination of all the efforts I’ve been involved in,” she uttered. Being the leading photocopier provider across Malaysia, she isn’t placing limits on the company’s expansion and open for what the future holds for her.
Standing out from the crowd
Ambang Angkasa Sdn Bhd based in the town of Puchong within the state of Selangor, established to facilitate the ever-demanding needs of high-quality photocopier and office equipment’s solution provider in the government and corporate sector. Their dynamics processes and operating procedures attributed to the strong strategic partnerships with reputable brands like Sharp, Ricoh and Lexmark.
“We saw the rental trend on government sector when it comes to photocopying machines giving an opportunity for us to easily secure our clients by providing a solution for them with very competitive pricing and top quality maintenance.”
Major milestones
They have won several awards since 2010 till to date, from their Principals along with the recent SME100 Awards 2018 for Fast Moving Company. Thereby they have position themselves as prominent firms in their areas of specialization. Along with many esteemed competitors, Ambang Angkasa Sdn Bhd was assessed on factors such as client retention, speed of response, and ability to manage complex cases while maintaining the utmost in client satisfaction and comfort.
In tackling high competition
Throughout ten years running the business, they have been sailing through numerous competitive situations. Fiona shared that they have been struggled in term of finance to further sustain the business. They had to borrow money from banks to facilitate the business resulting in the company’s heavy cash flow. Nevertheless, with the experience carried by her husband from the past management roles he had helped them a lot to sail through the obstacles smoothly.
Unpredictable industry
Talking about how the world is shifting to ‘paperless’, she shared the impact on the business operation. “Similarly, we also have a firm thought on how paperless can affect our business negatively. We do fear that one day, photocopier won’t be relevant anymore and turns to a sunset industry. But, we believe that the demand is still there. In fact, photocopier has shifted from analogue to digital and a single machine can perform multiple functions!”
There are always struggles in doing business which you have to face
Currently, Ambang Angkasa has more businesses coming in especially from the government sector. However, if the printing industry becomes obsolete in the future, she already has several plans in hand and opens for any opportunity.
Moving ahead
When asked of her message to fellow aspiring entrepreneurs out there, the director of the leading photocopier company admitted that sustaining a business is not an easy job. It requires constant momentum and skill. “In this industry, you continuously deal with suppliers, customers, and many people so you need to have a clear process or procedure to overcome any hiccups. In fact, managing a business involves constant quarrels, disagreements and struggles but if you believe in yourself, then you will always find a way to do it,” said Fiona who now has 50 staff running the company.
Having a clear process is important to achieve your goal
The only motivation that keeps her going is having a strong passion. Gifted with a positive character paired with a lovely smile, Fiona always looks forward to meet clients and offers help. “I love to see our customers happy with the solution that we provide. This satisfaction is what keeps me going until today,” she reflected.
The future of Ambang Angkasa
Asking about her plan for Ambang Angkasa, Fiona responded that they are eyeing on a new venture. Currently, they have been actively participated in supplying IT and computing products. Aside from IT business, she also is planning to venture in a water filtration system to further diversify Ambang Angkasa.
In the future, Ambang Angkasa aspires to become a listed company in Malaysia. “In 10 years we have grown to RM 11 million turnovers so we hope we can reach RM 20 million in the next few years,” she ended.
