Malyan Universal’s journey from a modest shop in 2016 to a leading player in the packaging industry is a testament to perseverance, innovation, and adaptability. Founded by Dr. Mohd Malek Ms, the company’s evolution has been driven by a singular goal: to revolutionise the packaging experience for small businesses while promoting sustainability.
The idea behind Malyan Universal was conceived in 2014, “Initially, it was a part-time venture while I was under employment. In 2016, I made the big decision to resign and focus entirely on my business,” Dr. Malek shared. However, the early days were far from easy. The first year saw Malyan operating from a modest 800 square-foot shop, with disappointing sales despite importing products within Malaysia and from China.
“We faced a lot of challenges,” Dr. Malek recounted. “We had two containers of products, but no customers. The organisations I had hoped would support us did not follow through, and within the first six months, we lost over RM70,000 with no sales.” Faced with these setbacks, Dr. Malek turned to innovation. A pivotal moment came when a customer inquired about custom-printed cups. Driven by the opportunity, Dr. Malek took it upon himself to learn the machinery, launching Malyan’s custom printing services in 2018.
This innovation marked a turning point for the company. By offering small businesses the ability to print cups with a low minimum order quantity (MOQ) of just 3,000 units—far less than the 20,000 to 30,000 MOQ typically required by larger factories—Malyan Universal was able to cater to a previously underserved market of small cafes and local businesses. “By 2018, we had our first printing machine in operation, and we began serving over 100 small merchants,” said Dr. Malek. This flexibility in production soon led to the company’s expansion, from one location to six.
Today, Malyan operates out of a new factory, having recently consolidated operations. The company’s commitment to innovation continues to drive its growth. “Looking ahead, we plan to launch innovative products. For example, we’re introducing cups with unique features—one that reveals designs when exposed to ice and another with glow-in-the-dark printing,” Dr. Malek revealed. “These will be launched at an international franchise event next May, where we will also showcase our customer service and encourage franchise partnerships.”
Reflecting on his unconventional journey, Dr. Malek revealed, “I had no prior experience in this industry. My background was in B2B sales at a bank, where I organised events and campaigns. That experience taught me how to collaborate with businesses and build partnerships, which I applied to Malyan by connecting customers across different sectors.”
Malyan Universal made history as the first company in Malaysia to offer custom-printed cups with low MOQs, catering to both large clients and small businesses. As the business grew, the company expanded its machinery, scaling up from two printing machines to seven. However, Dr. Malek acknowledged the challenges faced by industry, particularly the transition to biodegradable materials. “Despite government regulations, the adoption of biodegradable packaging has been slow due to higher costs and limited production capacity,” he noted, stressing the importance of educating customers and securing government support to drive change.
Another challenge faced by Malyan has been finding and retaining skilled workers. “Factory work differs from corporate environments, and many employees lack discipline or long-term commitment,” Dr. Malek explained. “At Malyan, we focus on educating our employees and fostering transparency by sharing the company’s financial performance and future plans. This helps align everyone with the company’s goals.”
Technology has played a key role in Malyan’s growth. The company has invested in advanced machinery, including a four-color printer for cups, enabling them to offer more complex designs. “We started with second-hand machines to minimize costs, but as our business grew, we upgraded to newer equipment,” Dr. Malek said.
Looking to the future, Dr. Malek has ambitious plans. “Our long-term vision includes producing our own PP and PE cups and expanding into international markets, particularly the U.S. and Australia. We want Malyan to be a legacy project that not only supports future generations but also provides for the families of our employees.”
While Malyan is not seeking investors at the moment, the company remains focused on sustainable growth. “We are reinvesting profits into the business to scale responsibly,” Dr. Malek said. “The packaging industry faces stiff competition from low-cost imports, especially from China, but we’re focused on increasing awareness of our unique offerings through international events and franchise partnerships.”
Malyan’s commitment to eco-friendly solutions, alongside its focus on innovation, positions it well for the future. As Dr. Malek summed up, “The biggest challenge is educating customers about sustainable packaging. Many still prefer plastic cups because they offer better visibility of colorful drinks, but we are confident that over time, we can change this perception.”
With a clear vision for the future, Malyan Universal is poised for continued success, offering innovative, sustainable packaging solutions while growing its global footprint.
