Age is just a number for soft-spoken and sprightly-at-82 Dato Seri Chew Weng Khak, Founder and Executive Chairman of Pensonic Holdings Bhd. Having invested a good portion of his life into developing Pensonic – a proudly Malaysian brand with roots in the electrical and electronics (E&E) industry dating back to 1965, his is clearly a labour of love for the brand.

Today, Pensonic is known for its diverse range of home appliances and electronics designed to enhance modern living. Its product lineup includes kitchen appliances such as blenders, rice cookers, ovens, air fryers, and coffee makers; audio systems; and essential home appliances like fans, air coolers, air purifiers and water heaters. The brand also provides laundry solutions including washing machines and dryers, along with personal care items such as hair dryers, grooming tool, and steam irons while their cooling appliances include air conditioners, refrigerators, and freezers.

Pensonic also offers comprehensive customer support backed by warranty services with authorised service centres throughout Malaysia. Committed to continuous innovation as well as developing new and customised solutions to meet the evolving needs of its customers’ despite being seasoned in this industry, he remains humble about his many achievements.

“I feel really excited and proud to win this Brand Legend Awards. This can attract more customers and boost our brand name and reputation,” he said acknowledging that the awards would assist the business by showing people the industry that Pensonic is great at what it does. “This award is a tribute to Pensonic’s enduring legacy, symbolising the trust and loyalty built over decades. It reflects the brand’s ability to evolve, adapt, and remain relevant in an ever- changing industry, ensuring that Pensonic’s name continues to resonate with both current and future generations,” he added.

Generationally, given its long history and growth as a family business, Pensonic has passed through two generations of leadership. His son Nelson Chew, Group Executive Director of Pensonic Holdings Bhd shares that the name Pensonic was formed as a combination of Penang and the word sonic to denote “sound”.

Pivoting from a small family business into a leading name in the home appliance market across Malaysia and the ASEAN region, the brand has indeed come a long way.

When quizzed about the brand’s resilience over the decades, he attributes the elder gentleman attributed the brand’s enduring success as “stemming from its strong brand identity, affordable and reliable products and continuous innovation”.

“By adapting to market changes, expanding globally, and focusing on customer satisfaction, Pensonic has built lasting trust. Strategic partnerships and a commitment to sustainability further strengthen its position in the market,” he expounded.

According to the gentleman of Brand Legend Awards – 60 Years, beyond the awards, its mission to provide products that improve customers lives for the better is key while valuing its employees with the vision to continually improve its products and services are paramount.

In the long run, his vision is to grow Pensonic across Asia, helping people enjoy life and improve their quality of living.

Eye to the Future

Success though, hasn’t been handed to him on a silver platter as Pensonic was built from the ground up. And, as he will easily admit, building this business all these years has been very tough. But his quality of resilience has seen the brand through. Having survived the pandemic with flying colours, in the post-pandemic era, he shared that Pensonic has shifted its business focus to the e-commerce and digital engagement platforms to adapt to changing consumer habits. “The greatest lesson learned was the importance of flexibility and resilience, the need to embrace innovation and technology while maintaining a customer-first approach. Additionally, the value of teamwork proved crucial in overcoming challenges,” he shared on how Pensonic pivoted and overcame the challenges of the pandemic.

Keeping an eye on the future of Malaysia’s home appliances industry, he foresees it will be shaped by several key trends. “Smart appliances – integrated with IoT and AI, are gaining traction as consumers seek convenience and connectivity. Energy efficiency and eco-friendly designs are also becoming more important due to growing environmental awareness and regulations. Compact, multifunctional appliances cater to urban living, while health-focused products like air and water purifiers reflect a rising demand for wellness. Local manufacturing and customization may increase to address supply chain challenges, and the shift towards omni-channel retail and e-commerce will continue to redefine the consumer buying experience.”

Leaving us with his parting words of wisdom, he extolled, “To build a lasting business, always provide good quality products or services that meet customer needs, as trust is key to success. Know your market and be ready to adapt to changes. Keep improving and trying new things to stay ahead. Build strong relationships with your customers, employees, and partners, and manage your finances carefully to ensure your business can last. Have a clear vision but be flexible when needed. Finally, see challenges as chances to learn and grow, as staying strong and adaptable is important for long-term success.”