CEO Insights Magazine

Evolving with the changing times, the future of both the physiotherapy and medical distribution market is highly dependent on technology and innovation. While European countries are way ahead in technology, Asian countries are catching up. Nicholas Wee Shen Ming is one pioneering business leader who has been operating his businesses with major emphasis given on incorporating the latest technologies. Nicholas currently holds the office of CEO at Activ Life which is a fast-growing startup in the medical distribution scene in Malaysia.

Within a short period, the company has been able to develop into one of the preferred names in the industry and is servicing several major hospitals in Malaysia. Besides that, the company is bringing cutting-edge medical technologies to Malaysia ensuring the best technologies are made more accessible. Nicholas also holds a leadership position in DBC Physiotherapy and under his guidance, the company has grown to become the largest outpatient physiotherapy player in Malaysia powered by advanced rehabilitation technologies. Nicholas is also confident that the company is in pole position to take Malaysia’s physiotherapy game to the next level.

In an exclusive interview with CEO INSIGHTS Asia, Nicholas gives more insights into his professional journey and his rise to success in the corporate realm.

Give a brief account of your professional journey.

I was a professional footballer in Malaysia before joining DBC Physiotherapy and I had zero experience in running a business at that point in time. I had to learn along the way with guidance from my father and other partners at the company. DBC Physiotherapy is a family business and it has been running for slightly more than two decades. I took over the company just before the COVID pandemic and had the huge task of sustaining and expanding the business during COVID. I was able to expand the business from eight centers to 17 centers in two years, and we aspire to have 25 centers by the end of 2023.

I started Activ Life during COVID from ground zero and brought in many big brands from all around the world. We have been able to grow as one of the most trusted distributors for our clients, owing to our consistent commitment to offering services of the highest standards.

What has been your success mantra in your journey so far?

I believe that there’s a solution to all problems. This has been my mantra during my three years running both businesses. We went through several huge setbacks, especially during the COVID pandemic, however, we worked hard and were able to expand instead. Another philosophy I practice is 'offence is the best defense'. The same philosophy I practiced in football, I have applied to my business journey so far. I want to expand and grow at any chance possible to be a market leader and stay ahead of the competition.

How do you ensure to maintain quality at each level of your services?

The main factor is to get the right people to lead and manage every department. They are the ones that will ensure smooth operations of a business. I try to create a well-balanced work culture for my employees and I believe that a happy employee will be motivated to work hard, which in turn helps us to maintain high standards of quality.

What are the factors you take into account when developing corporate growth strategies?

I definitely look at trends of the market and where the future is. This is what I look at when developing growth strategies. Another thing I look at is creating new business concepts that will be attractive to various stakeholders that fill the gaps in the current market. I have also started another start-up in the digital rehabilitation industry which will be the 1st AI driven rehabilitative application in South East Asia. We are expecting to launch in Q3 of 2023.

Where do you see yourself headed towards the upcoming years? What is your future roadmap?

As a healthcare group comprising Activ Life, DBC Physiotherapy, and my digital rehabilitation startup, I aim to encompass the full ecosystem consisting of downstream, upstream, and digital aspects. My goal is to bring our group for a listing in the next five years. At the same time, we are committed to never compromising on the quality of our offerings as well as being the frontrunner in innovation and technology adoption in the market.

Nicholas Wee Shen Ming, CEO, Activ Life

Nicholas has an accounting and finance degree from Manchester Metropolitan University and he has also played in the national youth football team for Malaysia.