CEO Insights Magazine

In industries focused on sustainability, leadership is not just about guiding a company to success, it’s about creating meaningful, long-term change that benefits both business and the environment. In Malaysia, leaders in sustainability and environmental consulting are bridging the gap between innovation and eco-consciousness, shaping a greener future for the country. Their ability to turn challenges into opportunities is essential in a rapidly evolving business landscape. Zen Tan, the CEO of Seng Liy Holdings Sdn Bhd, embodies this transformative leadership.

Zen Tan's journey into the industry was deeply influenced by her brother, Tan Hun Koon, who laid the foundation for her understanding of business operations. Zen’s exposure to manufacturing, supply chain management, and business strategy at Seng Liy Plastic Industry (M) Sdn. Bhd. became the stepping stone for her entrepreneurial path. In 2013, Zen co-founded Seng Liy Engineering (M) Sdn. Bhd. with Tan, aiming to introduce innovative and sustainable building materials that would not only address industry needs but also promote a greener future. Within a year, the company had already made a significant mark in Malaysia’s southern region.

Today, as CEO of Seng Liy Holdings Sdn. Bhd., Zen oversees the strategic direction of the group, focusing on operational excellence, market leadership, and sustainable growth. Her leadership has earned him numerous accolades, including the ACCCIM Outstanding Young Business Model Award 2022 and the Golden Bull Award 2022, highlighting her contributions to Malaysia’s sustainability and environmental consulting sector. Let’s hear more from Zen Tan in this one-on-one interaction.

Could you explain your approach to sustainability and the practices you've adopted to ensure a sustainable future?

For me, sustainability is not just a responsibility, it’s a long-term strategy that drives transformation across every level of my business. At Seng Liy Holdings, we integrate sustainability throughout our entire value chain, ensuring our actions benefit the environment while also creating a meaningful business impact. Our approach is rooted in the circular economy. Through our integrated structure, we manage a full-cycle operation, from recycling to product distribution. One of our subsidiaries runs a recycling facility that recovers plastic waste and converts it into raw materials. These materials are then used to manufacture products like the Nowa corner bead, supporting sustainable construction. Our Gaea wood composite products, made from 100 percent recyclable materials are also part of this model. They’re designed for longevity and can be recycled at the end of their life. I believe sustainability must be deeply ingrained in business operations and advocate for long-term, bold action.

What are some of the key projects you’ve worked on so far? How did you tackle the challenges they presented, and what insights did you gain from those experiences?

A key milestone in my career was founding Seng Liy Engineering (M) Sdn. Bhd. in 2013. Transitioning from plastic recycling to green building materials presented challenges, especially as sustainable construction products were new to the market. We faced limited awareness, skepticism, and the absence of demand for such materials. To overcome these, we started small, engaged with early adopters, and focused on market education and consistent product quality. This approach laid the foundation for the successful launch of our Gaea wood composite brand, which gained trust through innovation and a commitment to excellence despite initial doubts about its performance.

Another significant project was transforming our corner bead business under the Nowa brand. When a material shortage impacted our supply chain, we took control by establishing our own production line, improving supply stability and cost efficiency. This challenge became an opportunity to strengthen our brand and capabilities.

From these experiences, I learned that every challenge presents growth opportunities. Success lies in being agile, strategic, and collaborative. The constant in our journey has been our strong team, whose resilience and professionalism have been essential to our growth and continued success. Without them, our journey from trading to branding and manufacturing wouldn’t have been possible.

Can you share the quality control measures you've implemented in your organization to ensure the delivery of top-tier products in the market?

At Seng Liy Holdings, delivering high-quality, reliable products is a core priority. We begin with strict material selection, ensuring only sustainable, high-grade raw materials are used. Adhering to international standards, we conduct comprehensive tests on strength, durability, and environmental impact. Our advanced production facilities, utilizing precision manufacturing technologies, ensure consistency and minimize defects. Regular in-house inspections and third-party certifications further guarantee top-tier quality. Beyond production, we focus on customer service and after-sales support, providing long-term value. Continuous investment in R&D, process optimization, and team training ensures our products exceed industry demands and customer expectations. Quality drives our innovation and market success.

How would you describe your leadership style? What principles or strategies do you adhere to as a leader?

I lead with a visionary and strategic approach, focusing on innovation, adaptability, and empowerment. I prioritize spotting opportunities, making bold decisions, and cultivating a resilient team culture. I foster an entrepreneurial mindset, where challenges are seen as growth opportunities, and team members are encouraged to take ownership. My leadership is driven by purpose and clarity, ensuring every decision aligns with long-term goals in sustainability, market expansion, and product innovation. I emphasize agility, continuous learning, and collaboration, valuing diverse perspectives to drive innovation. Ultimately, my leadership aims to create a lasting impact and shape a sustainable future for the company and industry.

What is the future vision or goal you are working towards?

My vision for the future is to guide Seng Liy Holdings toward regional and global expansion, while staying true to our commitment to sustainability and innovation. I aim for the company to evolve from a market leader in Malaysia to a recognized force in Southeast Asia and beyond, providing high-quality, eco-friendly solutions that set new industry standards. A key focus will be expanding our Gaea brand and continuously innovating our wood composite products. Sustainability will remain central, with a focus on developing greener materials and championing circular economy initiatives. Ultimately, I strive to create a legacy of transformation in business and sustainability.

Zen Tan, CEO, Seng Liy Holdings

Zen Tan is a visionary entrepreneur and strategic leader, driving growth and innovation as CEO of Seng Liy Holdings. With a focus on sustainability and industry transformation, she leads the company to expand sustainable solutions and set new industry standards.