Pan-Asia Index Rebalances/ Events/ Delta One, Periscope Analytics

Brian Freitas

Pan-Asia Index Rebalances/ Events/ Delta One

Quantitative Analysis

<div>The Asia Short Interest weekly looks at moves in market wide short interest and highlights movements in stock specific short interest across Hong Kong, Japan, Korea and Taiwan using the last available data published by the relevant authorities.</div><div>Hong Kong saw shorts rise on <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/sunny-optical-tech" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:13363:1" rel="noopener">Sunny Optical (2382 HK)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/alibaba-group" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:28434:1" rel="noopener">Alibaba Group (9988 HK)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/aia-group-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:14895:1" rel="noopener">AIA Group Ltd (1299 HK)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/meituan-dianping" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:26970:1" rel="noopener">Meituan Dianping (3690 HK)</a>, while there was short covering on <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/xiaomi-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:24409:1" rel="noopener">Xiaomi Corp (1810 HK)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/ping-an-insurance-grp-co-of-china-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:12880:1" rel="noopener">Ping An Insurance (H) (2318 HK)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/new-china-life-insurance-c-h" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:377:1" rel="noopener">New China Life Insurance (1336 HK)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/anta-sports-products-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:10261:1" rel="noopener">Anta Sports Products (2020 HK)</a>. Shorts increased in almost all sectors led by Financials, Consumer Discretionary, Communication Services, Consumer Staples and Information Technology.</div><div>Japan saw an increase in shorts on <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/ntt-docomo-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:1089:1" rel="noopener">NTT Docomo Inc (9437 JP)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/tokio-marine-holdings-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:7591:1" rel="noopener">Tokio Marine Holdings (8766 JP)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/mitsubishi-electric-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:11171:1" rel="noopener">Mitsubishi Electric (6503 JP)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/kddi-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:639:1" rel="noopener">KDDI Corp (9433 JP)</a> and a reduction in shorts on <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/toyota-motor-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:73:1" rel="noopener">Toyota Motor (7203 JP)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/fast-retailing-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:751:1" rel="noopener">Fast Retailing (9983 JP)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/m3-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:13316:1" rel="noopener">M3 Inc (2413 JP)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/square-enix-holdings-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:15003:1" rel="noopener">Square Enix Holdings (9684 JP)</a>. Sectorally, shorts increased on Communication Services, Industrials, Financials, Consumer Staples and Health Care. and were covered in Consumer Discretionary.</div><div>Short Interest in Korea increased in Technology Hardware and Automobiles, while shorts covered positions in Energy and Household stocks. Stocks that saw the most short covering were <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/sk-innovation-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:1268:1" rel="noopener">SK Innovation (096770 KS)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/lg-household-health-care" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:6501:1" rel="noopener">LG Household &amp; Health Care (051900 KS)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/kakao-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:15002:1" rel="noopener">Kakao Corp (035720 KS)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/samsung-biologics-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:22932:1" rel="noopener">Samsung Biologics Co., (207940 KS)</a> while shorts increased on <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/samsung-electronics-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:191:1" rel="noopener">Samsung Electronics (005930 KS)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/hyundai-motor-co" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:155:1" rel="noopener">Hyundai Motor Co (005380 KS)</a>. </div><div>Short Interest in Taiwan increased in Technology Hardware, Semiconductors, Materials and Capital Goods while shorts decreased in Banks and Consumer Durables. Stocks that saw the highest increase in shorts were <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/largan-precision-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:9126:1" rel="noopener">Largan Precision (3008 TT)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/genius-electronic-optical-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:9632:1" rel="noopener">Genius Electronic Optical (3406 TT)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/accton-technology-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:4424:1" rel="noopener">Accton Technology (2345 TT)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/century-iron-steel-indus" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:8853:1" rel="noopener">Century Iron &amp; Steel Indus (9958 TT)</a> while shorts were covered on <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/yageo-corporation" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:13212:1" rel="noopener">Yageo Corporation (2327 TT)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/flexium-interconnect-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:15897:1" rel="noopener">Flexium Interconnect (6269 TT)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/catcher-technology-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:4957:1" rel="noopener">Catcher Technology (2474 TT)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/e-sun-financial-holding-co" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:719:1" rel="noopener">E.Sun Financial Holding Co (2884 TT)</a>. </div>

The Asia Short Interest weekly looks at moves in market wide short interest and highlights movements in stock specific short interest across Hong Kong, Japan, Korea and Taiwan using the last available data published by the relevant authorities.Hong Kong saw shorts rise on Sunny Optical (2382 HK), Alibaba Group (9988 HK), AIA Group Ltd (1299 HK) and Meituan Dianping (3690 HK), while there was short covering on Xiaomi Corp (1810 HK), Ping An Insurance (H) (2318 HK), New China Life Insurance (1336 HK) and Anta Sports Products (2020 HK). Shorts increased in almost all sectors led by Financials, Consumer Discretionary, Communication Services, Consumer Staples and Information Technology.Japan saw an increase in shorts on NTT Docomo Inc (9437 JP), Tokio Marine Holdings (8766 JP), Mitsubishi Electric (6503 JP) and KDDI Corp (9433 JP) and a reduction in shorts on Toyota Motor (7203 JP), Fast Retailing (9983 JP), M3 Inc (2413 JP) and Square Enix Holdings (9684 JP). Sectorally, shorts increased on Communication Services, Industrials, Financials, Consumer Staples and Health Care. and were covered in Consumer Discretionary.Short Interest in Korea increased in Technology Hardware and Automobiles, while shorts covered positions in Energy and Household stocks. Stocks that saw the most short covering were SK Innovation (096770 KS), LG Household &amp; Health Care (051900 KS), Kakao Corp (035720 KS) and Samsung Biologics Co., (207940 KS) while shorts increased on Samsung Electronics (005930 KS) and Hyundai Motor Co (005380 KS). Short Interest in Taiwan increased in Technology Hardware, Semiconductors, Materials and Capital Goods while shorts decreased in Banks and Consumer Durables. Stocks that saw the highest increase in shorts were Largan Precision (3008 TT), Genius Electronic Optical (3406 TT), Accton Technology (2345 TT) and Century Iron &amp; Steel Indus (9958 TT) while shorts were covered on Yageo Corporation (2327 TT), Flexium Interconnect (6269 TT), Catcher Technology (2474 TT) and E.Sun Financial Holding Co (2884 TT). 

Asia Short Interest Weekly: Sunny Optical, Alibaba, Anta, KDDI, M3, Square Enix, Samsung, Largan

Consumer Analyst / Channel Surveillance Specialist, Trudence Capital Advisors

Pranav Bhavsar

Consumer Analyst / Channel Surveillance Specialist

ASA Capital Management

ASA Capital Management is a boutique Research and Investment Advisory firm focusing on primary research in India. ASA provides bespoke research services to Institutional Clients with a focus on due diligence backed with primary research, Field Trips & Channel Checks.

Thematic (Sector/Industry)

This insight is a sequel to our monthly auto tracker insights. It covers the performance of the auto sector in India for the month of July, 2020. We look at four main aspects - the four wheeler vehicle segment, the two wheeler vehicle segment, vehicle registration data and alternative data search trends. July data continues to point towards recovery for Autos, especially for 4Ws.<div class="content-highlight">This is a Joint insight with <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/nitin-mangal" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:1988" rel="noopener">Nitin Mangal</a> </div>

This insight is a sequel to our monthly auto tracker insights. It covers the performance of the auto sector in India for the month of July, 2020. We look at four main aspects - the four wheeler vehicle segment, the two wheeler vehicle segment, vehicle registration data and alternative data search trends. July data continues to point towards recovery for Autos, especially for 4Ws.This is a Joint insight with Nitin Mangal 

India Autos | Auto Tracker for July - 4Ws Leading the Recovery

Korea / Special Sits, Pairs, Index Rebalancing, Clepsydra Capital

Sanghyun Park

Korea / Special Sits, Pairs, Index Rebalancing

Event-Driven

Hyundai Motor had a fantastic run yesterday with a 15.65% gain, which is a new 5-yr high. It is now sitting at 7th place by market cap on KOSPI.It announced the Ioniq EV plan. Also, the news report about possible partnership with <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/nikola-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:29029:1" rel="noopener">Nikola Corp (NKLA US)</a> hit the market. These two things seem to have contributed to the gain.<figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/151/737/original/1.png?1597097701" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="151737"></figure><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/151/738/original/2.png?1597097861" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="151738"></figure>

Hyundai Motor had a fantastic run yesterday with a 15.65% gain, which is a new 5-yr high. It is now sitting at 7th place by market cap on KOSPI.It announced the Ioniq EV plan. Also, the news report about possible partnership with Nikola Corp (NKLA US) hit the market. These two things seem to have contributed to the gain.

Hyundai Motor's 16% Gain & Price Diversion in All of Four Pairs

Korea/Asia, Events, IPOs, Douglas Research Advisory

Douglas Kim

Korea/Asia, Events, IPOs

Equity Bottom-Up

<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/hyundai-motor-co" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:155:1" rel="noopener">Hyundai Motor Co (005380 KS)</a> is up strong today (+12%) to 164,500 won, on a heavy volume. Currently, Hyundai Motor has a market cap of 35.1 trillion won ($29 billion). <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/tesla-motors-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:20279:1" rel="noopener">Tesla Motors (TSLA US)</a> has a market cap of $271 billion so the market cap of Hyundai Motor represents only 11% of Tesla's. The past decade has witnessed Tesla's meteoric rise while Hyundai Motor has been left in the dust. With the launch of the new EV Ionic models, Hyundai Motor is trying to climb itself out of this dust.In the next several years, Hyundai Motor plans to build three models (two crossovers and one sedan) named Ioniq 5, 6, and 7. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 (small/mid-sized SUV) is the first EV vehicle to become commercially available in the U.S. in early 2021. Ioniq 6 (sedan) is expected to become available in 2022 and Ioniq 7 (large SUV) will arrive in 2024. Hyundai could take away market share from Tesla customers that focus on designs/no auto-pilot features. Hyundai Motor plans to sell one million electric vehicles by 2025, taking <a href="https://www.autoweek.com/news/future-cars/a33556521/hyundai-motor-company-launching-a-new-battery-electric-only-sub-brand-ioniq/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">10%</a> of the global market share.

Hyundai Motor Co (005380 KS) is up strong today (+12%) to 164,500 won, on a heavy volume. Currently, Hyundai Motor has a market cap of 35.1 trillion won ($29 billion). Tesla Motors (TSLA US) has a market cap of $271 billion so the market cap of Hyundai Motor represents only 11% of Tesla's. The past decade has witnessed Tesla's meteoric rise while Hyundai Motor has been left in the dust. With the launch of the new EV Ionic models, Hyundai Motor is trying to climb itself out of this dust.In the next several years, Hyundai Motor plans to build three models (two crossovers and one sedan) named Ioniq 5, 6, and 7. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 (small/mid-sized SUV) is the first EV vehicle to become commercially available in the U.S. in early 2021. Ioniq 6 (sedan) is expected to become available in 2022 and Ioniq 7 (large SUV) will arrive in 2024. Hyundai could take away market share from Tesla customers that focus on designs/no auto-pilot features. Hyundai Motor plans to sell one million electric vehicles by 2025, taking 10% of the global market share.

Hyundai Motor - Taking On Tesla With the New EV Ioniq Models

SGX Market Strategist, Equity & Fixed Income, Singapore Exchange Ltd (SGX)

Geoff Howie

SGX Market Strategist, Equity & Fixed Income

Asia’s leading multi-asset exchange

Singapore Exchange Ltd (SGX)

Singapore Exchange is Asia’s leading and trusted market infrastructure, facilitating the exchange of capital and ideas to create value for people, businesses and economies. As a multi-asset exchange operating equity, fixed income and derivatives markets to the highest regulatory standards, SGX is a vertically integrated business that provides listing, trading, clearing, settlement, depository and data services.

With about 40% of listed companies and over 80% of listed bonds originating outside of Singapore as well as established linkages across the region and in Europe, SGX is Asia’s most international and connected exchange. Offering a full suite of derivatives products across Asian equity indices, commodities and currencies, SGX is the world’s most liquid international market for the benchmark equity indices of China, India, Japan and ASEAN.

As Asia’s pioneering central counterparty, SGX is globally recognised for its risk management and clearing capabilities, and was one of the first globally to adopt the Principles for Financial Market Infrastructure.

Headquartered in AAA-rated Singapore, SGX has over 800 employees including offices in Beijing, Chicago, Hong Kong, London, New York, Mumbai, San Francisco, Shanghai and Tokyo.

<figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://api2.sgx.com/sites/default/files/2020-08/Megroup-CEO.jpg" class="editor-image img-responsive"></figure>
<div class="content-caption">Megroup-CEO</div>

Engineer Wong Cheong Chee is a man who appreciates his machines.&nbsp;
As a testament to this, the Executive Chairman and CEO of SGX-listed automotive component manufacturer and dealer MeGroup Ltd spent more than four decades of his career in manufacturing.
After graduating from the University of Malaya with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1970, Wong started off by learning the ropes of business on the factory floor.&nbsp;
"The early years were foundation years for me," the 73-year-old recalled. “Back in those days, I was always fiddling with mechanical parts. I came to understand the role that machines and automation played in the production process, and also learned to maintain or calibrate machines to fit the factory's production needs."
"You could say that by now, I know everything about machines, since I always talk to them," he added,&nbsp;tongue firmly in cheek.
In 1995, Wong co-founded Menang Nusantara Sdn Bhd in a burst of restless&nbsp;energy, shortly after a RM60 million turnover company he co-founded – Paragon Union Bhd – was listed on Bursa Malaysia. "After Paragon went public, I briefly toyed with the idea of retiring," he recalled.
But Wong – then 48 – couldn't sit still. "I was young and restless, and I wanted to keep working, so I started Menang Nusantara with a friend. I was betting on my years of industry experience and strong relationships with my customers to make this venture work."
Menang Nusantara was initially a pure manufacturing business, and later expanded to include a dealership arm to diversify its revenues.
The journey proved to be a bumpy one, but Wong has&nbsp;no regrets. "Over the years, we experienced numerous recessions in Malaysia, more than four or five. But we pulled through each and every one of them, because of teamwork,” he recalled.
“I remember one setback we faced – a factory fire in 2016. We were able to recover and rebuild the plant in just two months, thanks to the team."
Wong's consistent comebacks from his challenges has earned him the nickname of “phoenix” among his peers, in reference to the mythical bird that rises from the ashes each time in a cycle of rebirth and regeneration.
“The highlights of my 40-year journey were the occasions when I was able to pull myself out of the pit, emerging bigger and stronger from those turbulent times,” he added.
Prudent Management
Wong has also gleaned precious lessons from each experience – a key one being prudent cash flow management. "Your operations need to be sustainable, and for that to happen, cost controls are critical. To be able to tide through price wars and downturns, you must ensure you’re not overspending."
“And every day can be a challenge, because you don’t know what’s going to come, and you need to prepare yourself for battle.”
Another highlight, he discovered, was the cohesiveness of the MeGroup team, which played an essential role when it came to problem-solving.
“When you’re faced with a crisis and sleepless nights, it’s teamwork that makes a difference – when the team comes up with a consistent strategy and moves forward in one direction.”
Listed on SGX Catalist in October 2018 as MeGroup Ltd, the Group comprises two business divisions – Manufacturing and Dealership.&nbsp;For the full year ended 31 March 2020, MeGroup reported a revenue of RM245.8 million on a net profit of RM1.2 million.&nbsp;
Its Manufacturing unit specialises in Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) and non-NVH components, mostly for the automotive industry. NVH parts include headliners and engine outers that are incorporated into various sections of the automobile, such as dashboard, hood and boot, while non-NVH components include parcel trays and board assembly decks.
The Dealership business owns a portfolio of six automotive brands, ranging from Peugeot and Mazda to Hyundai and Honda, with eight dealership outlets, and one undergoing construction.
Although the outlook for Malaysia’s automotive industry has been clouded by the impact of COVID-19 and a weak economic backdrop, transportation remains a necessity. Even with new mobility solutions, the country still requires private vehicles, Wong pointed out.
Last year, the government announced plans to develop a third national car under the National Automotive Policy. MeGroup has registered its interest as a vendor to design and make NVH and non-NVH parts for the project – if it does materialise.
Reinvent, Recreate
At the same time, the Group is exploring other industries to broaden its revenues and achieve long-term sustainable growth. It is already supplying NVH components to Johnson Controls Hitachi, a heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) manufacturer.
“Our penetration into the HVAC industry will allow us to bring our manufacturing and production capabilities to other HVAC players,” Wong added.
“Another strategy is to increase the number of products MeGroup can manufacture with its current capabilities, and supply to other sectors, such as the mattress industry, and floor carpeting services for offices and hotels,” Wong noted.
Under its dealership arm, the Group plans to obtain new brand partnerships and acquire other existing dealerships to expand organically and inorganically.
One such move was its recent contract win from Mitsubishi Motors to operate a dealership under their brand in Kuala Selangor. However, due to COVID-19, the construction and start of operations&nbsp;have been delayed&nbsp;to the July-September quarter of this year.
“MeGroup continues to be invited to bid for new NVH and non-NVH projects for new car models from different automobile brands,” Wong said. “We’re also exploring new potential business opportunities and new service offerings in the dealership outlets.”
The Group is looking to grow beyond domestic shores. “We continually seek opportunities in ASEAN to drive growth through greenfield or strategic M&amp;A possibilities. With neighbouring markets expanding into the automotive sector, this offers opportunities for us to scale our operations,” he added.
To lay the foundation for sustainable growth, MeGroup will focus on investing in new manufacturing technologies, as well as the set-up and/or acquisition of research labs. This year, it became the only NVH supplier in Malaysia to build its own sound testing facility.
“The lab allows us to innovate and test our products before mass production. We will be able to rethink, reinvent and recreate our NVH and non-NVH components, so as to be at the forefront of technology, and stay ahead of our competitors.”
Cash-Generating
Meanwhile, the biggest near-term challenge – apart from continuous price competition – is COVID-19, Wong admitted.
“Our operations were frozen for nearly three months. Since then, about 70% of our sales and deliveries have resumed. We expect a tough outlook for the rest of the year, but hopefully, the beginnings of a recovery might materialise in the first quarter of next year,” he noted.
With this downtime, MeGroup has taken the opportunity to implement new methods of operating, such as boosting its online presence through social media platforms and other digital marketing strategies. It is also improving or streamlining work processes to increase efficiency and reduce operating costs.
Industry peers have also upped the ante by slashing prices. “This is where our R&amp;D lab – which can provide us with in-house and proprietary technologies – comes in. This will set us apart from the competition.”
Other competitive strengths include MeGroup’s established network and long-standing working partnerships with its brand principals. “Our businesses are cash-generating, with stable recurring income streams and negligible collection issues,” Wong pointed out.
As at 31 March 2020, MeGroup had cash and cash equivalents of RM12.5 million, compared with RM16.9 million in the year-ago period.
“We strive to be asset-light, so we can generate faster ROI from our businesses, and maintain flexibility and liquidity to move into opportunities that may arise,” he added, referring to return on investment, a financial ratio that compares the gain or loss from an investment relative to its cost.
Despite the day-to-day challenges, the self-confessed workaholic sleeps like a log every night. “Work is what keeps me going,” he chuckled.
“I’ve tried to retire, but failed every time. It’s in my blood – I’m still kicking at 73, and if I don’t work, I feel sick!”
Nonetheless, the father of two boys and a girl – aged 37 to 44 – has put a proper succession plan in place. “My kids are working in MeGroup and running the show. Hopefully, it will be a smooth transition when they finally take over the reins.”
Whatever happens, Wong has taught his children to always remain focused. “I also want them to keep a low profile – be humble, don’t be a show-off, and concentrate on the things that matter.”
“Those are essentially the key principles of life.”
MeGroup Ltd
MeGroup is a component manufacturer and dealer in the automotive industry. Under its Manufacturing business, MeGroup specialises in manufacturing noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) and non-NVH components, primarily for the automotive industry in Malaysia. It has diversified into supplying NVH parts to Johnson Controls Hitachi, a heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) manufacturer. For its Dealership business, MeGroup owns and operates i) three Peugeot dealerships; ii) two Honda dealerships; iii) one Mazda dealership; iv) one Hyundai dealership; v) one Ford dealership; and vi) one Mitsubishi Motors dealership in Malaysia. MeGroup maintains long-standing partnerships with its manufacturing customers, and is an Approved Supplier to Proton, Perodua, Honda, Mazda among other major car makers, as well as Johnson Controls Hitachi. The Group also maintains established relationships with its dealership principals.
The company website is: <a href="https://me-grp.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">me-grp.com</a>. Click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sgx.com/securities/equities/SJY" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>&nbsp;for the company's StockFacts page. For the year ended 31 March 2020 financial results, click&nbsp;<a href="https://links.sgx.com/FileOpen/MeGroup%20Ltd_FY2020%20Financial%20Results%20Announcement_20200717.ashx?App=Announcement&amp;FileID=624068" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.
&nbsp;
About&nbsp;kopi-C: the Company brew
Text: Jennifer LH Tan Photo: Company file kopi-C&nbsp;is a regular column on the SGX Research website that features C-level executives of leading companies listed on Singapore Exchange. These interviews are profiles of senior management aimed at helping investors better understand the individuals who run these corporations. For previous editions of&nbsp;kopi-C: the Company brew,&nbsp;please click&nbsp;<a href="http://edm.sgx.com/a/hBd-CspB86%24MfB90noBAABR54ZH/link10" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. &nbsp; For more information, or if you would like your senior executives to be featured on SGX Market Dialogues, please send suggestions to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/jennifer.t@sgx.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">jennifer.t@sgx.com</a>.


Megroup-CEO

Engineer Wong Cheong Chee is a man who appreciates his machines.&nbsp;
As a testament to this, the Executive Chairman and CEO of SGX-listed automotive component manufacturer and dealer MeGroup Ltd spent more than four decades of his career in manufacturing.
After graduating from the University of Malaya with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1970, Wong started off by learning the ropes of business on the factory floor.&nbsp;
"The early years were foundation years for me," the 73-year-old recalled. “Back in those days, I was always fiddling with mechanical parts. I came to understand the role that machines and automation played in the production process, and also learned to maintain or calibrate machines to fit the factory's production needs."
"You could say that by now, I know everything about machines, since I always talk to them," he added,&nbsp;tongue firmly in cheek.
In 1995, Wong co-founded Menang Nusantara Sdn Bhd in a burst of restless&nbsp;energy, shortly after a RM60 million turnover company he co-founded – Paragon Union Bhd – was listed on Bursa Malaysia. "After Paragon went public, I briefly toyed with the idea of retiring," he recalled.
But Wong – then 48 – couldn't sit still. "I was young and restless, and I wanted to keep working, so I started Menang Nusantara with a friend. I was betting on my years of industry experience and strong relationships with my customers to make this venture work."
Menang Nusantara was initially a pure manufacturing business, and later expanded to include a dealership arm to diversify its revenues.
The journey proved to be a bumpy one, but Wong has&nbsp;no regrets. "Over the years, we experienced numerous recessions in Malaysia, more than four or five. But we pulled through each and every one of them, because of teamwork,” he recalled.
“I remember one setback we faced – a factory fire in 2016. We were able to recover and rebuild the plant in just two months, thanks to the team."
Wong's consistent comebacks from his challenges has earned him the nickname of “phoenix” among his peers, in reference to the mythical bird that rises from the ashes each time in a cycle of rebirth and regeneration.
“The highlights of my 40-year journey were the occasions when I was able to pull myself out of the pit, emerging bigger and stronger from those turbulent times,” he added.
Prudent Management
Wong has also gleaned precious lessons from each experience – a key one being prudent cash flow management. "Your operations need to be sustainable, and for that to happen, cost controls are critical. To be able to tide through price wars and downturns, you must ensure you’re not overspending."
“And every day can be a challenge, because you don’t know what’s going to come, and you need to prepare yourself for battle.”
Another highlight, he discovered, was the cohesiveness of the MeGroup team, which played an essential role when it came to problem-solving.
“When you’re faced with a crisis and sleepless nights, it’s teamwork that makes a difference – when the team comes up with a consistent strategy and moves forward in one direction.”
Listed on SGX Catalist in October 2018 as MeGroup Ltd, the Group comprises two business divisions – Manufacturing and Dealership.&nbsp;For the full year ended 31 March 2020, MeGroup reported a revenue of RM245.8 million on a net profit of RM1.2 million.&nbsp;
Its Manufacturing unit specialises in Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) and non-NVH components, mostly for the automotive industry. NVH parts include headliners and engine outers that are incorporated into various sections of the automobile, such as dashboard, hood and boot, while non-NVH components include parcel trays and board assembly decks.
The Dealership business owns a portfolio of six automotive brands, ranging from Peugeot and Mazda to Hyundai and Honda, with eight dealership outlets, and one undergoing construction.
Although the outlook for Malaysia’s automotive industry has been clouded by the impact of COVID-19 and a weak economic backdrop, transportation remains a necessity. Even with new mobility solutions, the country still requires private vehicles, Wong pointed out.
Last year, the government announced plans to develop a third national car under the National Automotive Policy. MeGroup has registered its interest as a vendor to design and make NVH and non-NVH parts for the project – if it does materialise.
Reinvent, Recreate
At the same time, the Group is exploring other industries to broaden its revenues and achieve long-term sustainable growth. It is already supplying NVH components to Johnson Controls Hitachi, a heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) manufacturer.
“Our penetration into the HVAC industry will allow us to bring our manufacturing and production capabilities to other HVAC players,” Wong added.
“Another strategy is to increase the number of products MeGroup can manufacture with its current capabilities, and supply to other sectors, such as the mattress industry, and floor carpeting services for offices and hotels,” Wong noted.
Under its dealership arm, the Group plans to obtain new brand partnerships and acquire other existing dealerships to expand organically and inorganically.
One such move was its recent contract win from Mitsubishi Motors to operate a dealership under their brand in Kuala Selangor. However, due to COVID-19, the construction and start of operations&nbsp;have been delayed&nbsp;to the July-September quarter of this year.
“MeGroup continues to be invited to bid for new NVH and non-NVH projects for new car models from different automobile brands,” Wong said. “We’re also exploring new potential business opportunities and new service offerings in the dealership outlets.”
The Group is looking to grow beyond domestic shores. “We continually seek opportunities in ASEAN to drive growth through greenfield or strategic M&amp;A possibilities. With neighbouring markets expanding into the automotive sector, this offers opportunities for us to scale our operations,” he added.
To lay the foundation for sustainable growth, MeGroup will focus on investing in new manufacturing technologies, as well as the set-up and/or acquisition of research labs. This year, it became the only NVH supplier in Malaysia to build its own sound testing facility.
“The lab allows us to innovate and test our products before mass production. We will be able to rethink, reinvent and recreate our NVH and non-NVH components, so as to be at the forefront of technology, and stay ahead of our competitors.”
Cash-Generating
Meanwhile, the biggest near-term challenge – apart from continuous price competition – is COVID-19, Wong admitted.
“Our operations were frozen for nearly three months. Since then, about 70% of our sales and deliveries have resumed. We expect a tough outlook for the rest of the year, but hopefully, the beginnings of a recovery might materialise in the first quarter of next year,” he noted.
With this downtime, MeGroup has taken the opportunity to implement new methods of operating, such as boosting its online presence through social media platforms and other digital marketing strategies. It is also improving or streamlining work processes to increase efficiency and reduce operating costs.
Industry peers have also upped the ante by slashing prices. “This is where our R&amp;D lab – which can provide us with in-house and proprietary technologies – comes in. This will set us apart from the competition.”
Other competitive strengths include MeGroup’s established network and long-standing working partnerships with its brand principals. “Our businesses are cash-generating, with stable recurring income streams and negligible collection issues,” Wong pointed out.
As at 31 March 2020, MeGroup had cash and cash equivalents of RM12.5 million, compared with RM16.9 million in the year-ago period.
“We strive to be asset-light, so we can generate faster ROI from our businesses, and maintain flexibility and liquidity to move into opportunities that may arise,” he added, referring to return on investment, a financial ratio that compares the gain or loss from an investment relative to its cost.
Despite the day-to-day challenges, the self-confessed workaholic sleeps like a log every night. “Work is what keeps me going,” he chuckled.
“I’ve tried to retire, but failed every time. It’s in my blood – I’m still kicking at 73, and if I don’t work, I feel sick!”
Nonetheless, the father of two boys and a girl – aged 37 to 44 – has put a proper succession plan in place. “My kids are working in MeGroup and running the show. Hopefully, it will be a smooth transition when they finally take over the reins.”
Whatever happens, Wong has taught his children to always remain focused. “I also want them to keep a low profile – be humble, don’t be a show-off, and concentrate on the things that matter.”
“Those are essentially the key principles of life.”
MeGroup Ltd
MeGroup is a component manufacturer and dealer in the automotive industry. Under its Manufacturing business, MeGroup specialises in manufacturing noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) and non-NVH components, primarily for the automotive industry in Malaysia. It has diversified into supplying NVH parts to Johnson Controls Hitachi, a heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) manufacturer. For its Dealership business, MeGroup owns and operates i) three Peugeot dealerships; ii) two Honda dealerships; iii) one Mazda dealership; iv) one Hyundai dealership; v) one Ford dealership; and vi) one Mitsubishi Motors dealership in Malaysia. MeGroup maintains long-standing partnerships with its manufacturing customers, and is an Approved Supplier to Proton, Perodua, Honda, Mazda among other major car makers, as well as Johnson Controls Hitachi. The Group also maintains established relationships with its dealership principals.
The company website is: me-grp.com.  Click&nbsp;here&nbsp;for the company's StockFacts page.  For the year ended 31 March 2020 financial results, click&nbsp;here.
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About&nbsp;kopi-C: the Company brew
Text: Jennifer LH Tan Photo: Company file  kopi-C&nbsp;is a regular column on the SGX Research website that features C-level executives of leading companies listed on Singapore Exchange. These interviews are profiles of senior management aimed at helping investors better understand the individuals who run these corporations.  For previous editions of&nbsp;kopi-C: the Company brew,&nbsp;please click&nbsp;here. &nbsp;  For more information, or if you would like your senior executives to be featured on SGX Market Dialogues, please send suggestions to&nbsp;jennifer.t@sgx.com.

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