SBFM Industries reaffirms commitment to R&D and food safety

by · Borneo Post Online
Lau (third row, seated 10th left) and his wife Wendy (on his right), along with (third row, seated from sixth left), Kevin, Diana, Amelia, Kueh (third row, seated 11th left), Wong (third row, seated 12th left), Peter Lau (third row, seated fourth right) and others in a group photo session. – Photo by Peter Boon

SIBU (Nov 24): SBFM Industries Sdn Bhd (SBFM Industries) is committed to continuing its efforts in research and development (R&D) for new products to meet the market’s future needs, said its executive chairman Dato Henry Lau.

Lau, who is KTS Group of Companies managing director, emphasised that SBFM Industries should not rest on its laurels in view of the ever-changing and competitive world.

“We should continue our efforts in research and development for new products,” he said at SBFM Industries grand celebration night, themed ‘Challenging 50 Growing Strong’, held at a leading hotel here last night.

Lau stressed that SBFM Industries has continuously prioritised food safety, evidenced by the many certifications received such as Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP), ISO 22000, Halal, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Brand Reputation Compliance Global Standards (BRCGs).

“And I think this will certainly bring us to a different level of food manufacturing.”

Lau (11th left) leads the cake-cutting ceremony, joined by his wife Wendy (10th left) andWong (ninth left). Also present (from second right) are Peter Lau, Kevin, Diana, Amelia, Kueh (seventh right) and others. – Photo by Peter Boon

Lau said over its span of 50 years, SBFM Industries has rolled out new products such as Daddy Beef Flavoured Instant Noodles, while maintaining traditional biscuits such as Osborne and Marie. He also mentioned about the company’s popular products such as the Tiga Pokok brand.

Lau recalled a challenge he posed to the management team few years ago: “to say that if we can achieve a policy for the Sarawak Biscuits (SBFM), to buy raw materials this month, use the materials this month, and sell the product this month.”

“I think we have not achieved that, but I hope for the next 50 years, the younger generation will be able to achieve it.”

Towards this end, he particularly mentioned the UK buyer, Kohlico Brands UK Ltd – a business partner for the past 35 years. During Covid-19 pandemic, they worked hand-in-hand to overcome problems, especially ocean freight costs, which were six times higher than normal rate.

“Today (general manager) Mr Praveen is here to join this grand anniversary celebration,” he said.

Lim (right) hands over BRCGS certificate to Wong, witnessed by Lau (centre) while others look on. – Photo by Peter Boon

The event included the BRCGS certification handover by BSI client manager Stephen Lim to SBFM Industries executive director and general operations manager Peter Wong, witnessed by Lau.

This marked another milestone for SBFM Industries, making it the first food company in Sarawak to obtain the BRCGS Food Safety Global Standard certification, one of the highest food certifications in the United Kingdom.

The celebration featured attractive lucky draw prizes, including a Gree Pure Master Inverter air conditioner as the grand prize as well as stage performances.

Among those present were Lau’s wife Datin Wendy Lau, SBFM executive director Kueh Kwang Soon, SBFM directors Peter Lau, Wong Siew Kuong, Yeo Keng Teck, Yii Sin Kee and Diana Lau, and other KTS Group senior staff, including Kevin Lau, Amelia Lau, SBFM Industries administration manager Kong Sing Teck, SBFM Industries supervisors and staff, suppliers and representatives of the sales outlets.