Hussamuddin: The road to success

Dato’ Hussamuddin bin Yaacub is well-known in the Malaysian media industry. He is the chairperson and managing director of Kumpulan Media Karangkraf. Karangkraf publishes 13 magazines, Sinar Harian daily newspaper, and a book division.

Hussamuddin began his publishing career in 1978 with a weekly magazine for children called Mingguan Kanak-Kanak. In the 90s, the publishing business grew through Alaf 21 and Karya Bestari with novels and books of various genres. Subsequently, the group’s foray into the commercial printing business started.

Since then, the publishing house has grown leaps and bounds to become one of the largest entities in the Malaysian media landscape.

Komunitikini published this Bernama article in 2011. We are republishing the article in three parts starting today to provide readers with valuable information on how to grow in business. This article is the final part.

Road to success

Karangkraf’s expansion was rapid because almost all profits were channelled back into the company, according to Hussamuddin.

“We reinvest a majority of the profits we make. Some people find it hard to believe that we have never declared dividends to this day.

“We quickly grew from a small company to the one we are today. We started new projects and magazines and added new factories and machines.”

The company stayed positive at all times even in the face of economic uncertainty.

Moreover, during the world financial crisis, people were let go and spent their time at home. They didn’t go to the cinema or shop for new clothes. 

They were at home, reading the newspaper and magazines and watching television.

“And I was producing more magazines and books,” he said.

Hussamuddin: Business focus is important

Hussamuddin said the company’s focus contributes to Karangkraf’s success.

Following that, he reminded workshop participants that it is essential to focus on what they have learned and understood instead of what is proposed by others.

“If someone tells us we can make money in something we know little about, don’t do it. That’s a pitfall, mainly when we are guaranteed profits.

“There is no business that guarantees profits. What is essential is reducing costs.

Today, Hussamuddin stands proud of his business empire. His printing company covers 10.1 hectares, 550 metres from the Shah Alam city centre.

“Imagine 33 years ago — that was where I sat, ate, and did business.

“When I started the business, upon graduating, I did what I could to survive. I bought roti canai in the morning and asked for extra gravy. I kept the gravy for lunch when I boiled an egg and cooked rice to eat with it.

“That is effort. The effort requires imagination, too. That is what think out of the box means”.

Don’t lose before you start

Hussamuddin does not favour the idea that one must have an office to do business.

A lawyer who wants to open a firm can start from home with just a computer and expand when he starts getting clients.

He also said that starting a business with a bank loan is unwise.

“You take out a loan of RM10,000 to pay for legal fees, project papers and stamp duty, and then you only have RM9,000.

“Factor in the interest rate of 8 per cent. This practice is like losing before even starting.

“Start with your own money. You must see it through if it’s your money.