KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s two most influential celebrity entrepreneurs, Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza Tarudin and Noor Neelofa Mohd Noor, are looking to make a mark internationally through expansion of their business empires.
Already having quite significant market share in Malaysia, the two prominent public figures have set out plans that will position their brands – Simplysiti and Naelofar - into global markets in a few years’ time.
Simplysiti’s company, Simply SS Trading Sdn Bhd chief executive Azuddin Rahman said the company is now in the midst of exploring Indonesian market, leveraging the country’s large Muslim population.
The second phase of the plan would be to expand into the Middle East over the next five years, he added.
"We have pre-launched our products in Jakarta and the official launch is expected to be done in July or August.
"Simplysiti took nine years before expanded to another country. While it's quite a long time, we have to pay attention to various aspects of our operation.
“What is more important is when comes to exporting to other countries is to get the right partner," he said in an interview with New Straits Times recently.
Azuddin said Simplysiti is premium local brand that has been able to position itself at par with the international brands making it an appeal for international consumers.
"I dare to say that there are no other celebrity cosmetic brands that have reached this standard. We are proud to say that we are the only one. This reflects our hard work in the past nine years," he said,
As for Neelofa, her hijab and clothing line are sold in 38 countries, including Brunei, Indonesia, Australia, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.
However, she said the revenue contribution from the international venture only makes up about six per cent of the total sales, adding that her firm’s next aim is to increase sales by triple digit growth over the next few years.
“We aim to do this through e-commerce platform. It is possible. We are hopeful for more contribution to the revenue.
“The firm has a strong support system. I can say that the brand is very well-established. We will leverage on this,” she added.