Form left: KHPT Holdings Bhd independent non-executive director Datuk Lisa Tang Ngat Ngoh, group managing director Datin Eloise See Hui Pvng, independent non-executive chairperson Datuk Noripah Kamso and independent non-executive director Datuk Noor Azian Shaar— ART CHEN/The Star
PETALING JAYA: When Datin Eloise See Hui Pvng assumed the role of group managing director of KHPT Holdings Bhd in 2018, she was determined to transform the family business into a leader in the industry.
“As a second-generation leader, I had a clear vision for KHPT – to achieve a public listing and rebrand the company,” she said.
KHPT is a manufacturer of automotive parts including seat structures, engine and absorber parts. It has been supplying components to local automotive giants for nearly three decades.
Under her leadership, KHPT’s annual revenue has surged from just RM30mil in 2018 to over RM110mil within just six years.
“One of my first priorities as managing director is to develop the team and align our goals with the company’s rebranding efforts. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together,” she noted.
The company’s name, KHPT, stands for more than just its origins as Kah Hong Precision Tooling Sdn Bhd.
“Kindness, Happiness, Practicality, and Trustworthiness – these are the values embedded in our name,” See explained.
The company was founded in 1994 by her father See Ming Hoi and Tiu Kuang Hong.
KHPT’s board, with 60% of its members being women, exemplified how diversity could drive success.
“Our board’s composition isn’t about ticking boxes. It’s about embracing the value of diverse perspectives.
“Women bring unique insights to leadership, and at KHPT, we view that as a significant strength,” said chairperson Datuk Noripah Kamso.
For KHPT, environmental, social and governance (ESG) isn’t just a buzzword – it’s a fundamental part of its operations.
“We want to be more than just compliant. We want to lead the way in ESG,” Noripah said.
A former banker and current chairperson of a sustainability financial technology company in London, Noripah brings a wealth of experience to the table.
“ESG is close to our hearts. At KHPT, we’re not just talking about tree-hugging or plastic recycling.
“We’re integrating technology, data, and global best practices to ensure we don’t engage in greenwashing.”
KHPT has engaged Pantas Software Sdn Bhd, a carbon-emission solution provider, to track and reduce its carbon footprint.
“We have started collecting data on our carbon emissions, and it’s all part of a larger plan to allocate green capital efficiently and transparently,” See said.
KHPT is also investing in automation, with plans to launch a new production line that promises to increase output significantly.
“Our new line will be able to produce 400 pieces per hour, compared to our current capacity of half that,” See noted.
She added that it is also focused on upgrading its existing machines, which results in increased productivity.
“By upgrading our machines, we’ve reduced noise and electricity consumption by 30%, while also decreasing machine downtime. This directly translates into increased productivity and cost savings,” she said.
As KHPT prepares to go public on the ACE Market in the third quarter, the company is focused on continuing its upward trajectory.
See acknowledged that there will always be competition and challenges especially from its peers.
“But I’m confident in our strategy to expand our product offerings, particularly in car seats and body parts. Moreover, new models are launching in 2025 and 2026 which should support us,” she said.
The company also aims to continue its growth.
In its prospectus exposure, KHPT outlined several key expansion plans, to be executed with its initial public offering proceeds.
KHPT will establish an automated body parts production line, boosting its capacity by 400 pieces per hour, or 2,260,800 pieces annually.
This expansion will increase its overall annual capacity for body parts by 83.33%, from 3,144,960 to 5,765,760 pieces.
The new line will also have the flexibility to produce seat structural parts if needed.
Automation, including robotic arms, is expected to reduce manual labour from five to two workers per line, saving about RM250,000 annually. It will also enhance consistency in production times.
The company also plans to renovate its factory to support the new machinery, including flooring reinforcement and foundation work to ensure safety and accommodate the new equipment.
Moreover, KHPT plans to purchase a 15-tonne overhead crane to handle increased manufacturing activities, complementing the existing 10-tonne cranes.
This will help in lifting and transferring heavy dies and improve operational efficiency.
According to an independent market survey, KHPT currently holds a market share of 0.41% in the countrys automotive parts sector, based on its RM114.08mil revenue in the financial year ended 2023 (FY23) compared with the sector’s total sales value of RM27.58bil.
