A NEXT GENERATION Ornamental Fish Company Powered by TECHNOLOGY and INNOVATION - Enterprise Singapore
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A NEXT GENERATION Ornamental Fish Company Powered by TECHNOLOGY and INNOVATION Qian Hu is a fish farm that thinks and acts like a technology company, taking the responsibility of keeping our fish alive through technology and not relying too much on people. With innovation already an integral part of the Qian Hu culture, for us not to think out of the box is like being fish out of water!
KEY HIGHLIGHTS Since early 2000, Qian Hu has undergone Innovative ideas are openly discussed and major transformation in its quest for constructively challenged and early failures excellence. It has grown from an ornamental in the innovation process are accepted as a distribution business into an integrated learning experience. The entire organisation service provider. Innovation and quality are embraces a culture of “creating values from enshrined by the senior management as mistakes”. To ensure a constant flow of new the most crucial factors for value creation ideas from all levels of employees across and survival as well as sustainability in this the organisation, senior management takes increasingly competitive industry. a strategic stance by having a high tolerance for errors which encourages employees to try out new ideas and in the process discover new innovations. The importance of innovation and quality There are excellent examples of innovations is embraced with uncompromising in the last three years with numerous commitment across the organisation. flourishing in the pipeline that have potential There is a great sense of cohesiveness in for creating value for the entire industry 1 working relationships across all levels in and can possibly replace the current market w w w. q i a n h u . c o m the organisation. This cohesive relationship standard to become the new standard. This forms the fabric of the innovation culture in will bring about breakthroughs and value, Qian Hu. not just for the organisation but also for the industry. Qian Hu’s leadership team is committed to transform Qian Hu from a traditional fish farm into a technology and knowledge-driven enterprise. A strategically integrated Research & Development (R&D) division was set up in 2009 to holistically spearhead research and development. The management had the foresight and agility to respond such that despite the downtrend in the past three years, Qian Hu continued with its investment in improvement and development works, culminating in an upmarket, designer “LUMI’Q” fish tank, advanced Arowana tank, and a patented filtration technology, “Hydra”. On the fish breeding front, new natural-bred Arowana were launched in the local and overseas markets. All these outcomes enhanced Qian Hu‘s market leadership position as an integrated service provider. This vindicates Qian Hu as a progressive organisation with a strong spirit to take on any challenge that comes its way, emerging even stronger to harness the next uptrend. Q I A N H U C O R P O R AT I O N L I M I T E D
OUR FOCUS FROM “Hello, Qian Hu family, NOW SHOULD BE ON QUALITY we have a problem” AND INNOVATION. LEVERAGE Kenny Yap, July 2009 ON TECHNOLOGY TO IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITY! Changes taking place that affect competition with a growing global competition, encompassing: • Increasing regional competitors that are adopting modern farm technology and investing more in Research &Development; • Neighbouring countries wanting to export ornamental fish globally with the government backing; • With a more connected world, introduction of new fish or accessories becomes much faster; • Introduction of cheap fish from close neighbouring countries 2 affecting the local scene; • Increased emphasis on delivery time and quality by w w w. q i a n h u . c o m customers “WE NEED TO CONTINUE TO DIFFERENTIATE We embrace and confront challenges with OURSELVES AND WE speed and aggressiveness in seeking out improvements in our operations and seizing NEED TO REMAIN related business opportunities. We recognized training of our staff as a long-term investment and will fully support as long as it adds value RELEVANT TO THE to the staff and ultimately to the operation. We profess to our staff that the only way to have MARKET” a better life for all is when new value-adding ideas and contributions occurred, resulting in better products and services that sells. An emerging challenge is getting staff to work on a global framework and mindset where opportunities abound, only then can we become a notable global player. Q I A N H U C O R P O R AT I O N L I M I T E D
LEADERSHIP We want to be the world’s most value adding and productive Ornamental Fish and Aquarium & Pet Accessories provider by our focus on Innovation and Quality. TOP DOWN: LEADERSHIP • Top down Operational improvement projects • Annual Problem Solving/ Creativity training sessions • Learning visits to organisation 3 w w w. q i a n h u . c o m INNOVATE AWARD 1) To become the world’s Number 1 ornamental fish exporter. EMBRACE CONSTANTLY 2) To be the most innovative and profitable FAILURES COMMUNICATE Dragon Fish breeder. 3) To establish “Ocean Free” brand as one of the most recognizable brand of innovative INNOVATION aquarium accessories in Asia. CULTURE 4) To develop the widest distribution network in Asia for our aquarium and pet accessories business. CONSTANTLY IMAGINATION IMPROVE 5) To achieve and maintain a minimum net profit margin of 10%. 6) To be a debt free and high dividend payout WITS company REWARDS 7) To be the most efficient and productive ornamental fish company in the region. 8) To build the pet accessories business to a level that is equivalent to aquarium BOTTOM UP: STAFF PARTICIPATION • Suggestion scheme, with minimum recognition of $60; accessories. more where there is cost savings • Creating Value from Mistakes, CVM 9) To export our aquarium accessories to more • Productivity WITs process, simplified SME framework than 65 countries by 2015. Q I A N H U C O R P O R AT I O N L I M I T E D
“…….by doing the right things, the market will reward you more than you think.” Kenny Yap, Executive Chairman and Managing Director, October 2007 4 w w w. q i a n h u . c o m Q I A N H U C O R P O R AT I O N L I M I T E D
PLANNING TRANSFORMATION FROM A TRADITIONAL FISH INTO A TECHNOLOGY AND KNOWLEDGE-BASED ENTERPRISE Fuzzy- logic Smart Technology Arowana Fish Tank International Innovative Scientific Marketing Hydra- Publication Design & strategy Pure Water (1st Fish Farm in DEvelop Fish Sterilization the World) Tank Products Technology Lumi’Q Smart Technology (1st Portable Auto Integrated in the World) Fish Count R&D Mission & Fish Packing Technology Culture and Automation WITS & Technology AR-G1 Nutrition DNA-based Productivity Technology Fish Nutrition Processes (Pellet Feed) Technology Kick-off Hydra-Pure Portable Arowana DNA Integrated R&D Filtration Hydra Filtration All-Season Technology Dept Technology (1st and Adapter Breeding (1st in World) Set up in the World) Products Technology 5 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014-2020 w w w. q i a n h u . c o m Q I A N H U C O R P O R AT I O N L I M I T E D
INFORMATION SHARING LEARNING INNOVATING 6 w w w. q i a n h u . c o m OUR 4 VALUES: I: Integrity, E: Entrepreneurship, V: Value Creation, T: Teamwork [forming the 4 DNA base pairs] Q I A N H U C O R P O R AT I O N L I M I T E D
PEOPLE We need to up-skill our ground staff to be creative and consistently urge them to seek continuous improvement. Reward them when they achieved higher skill level and recognize their contribution. Engaged staff constantly through dialogues, keep channels open, get them involved in project teams, emphasis hygiene factors, challenge them, value them, help them in job satisfaction, built a career with us, and you will get back many times in return. WE BRING FUN TO YOU 7 w w w. q i a n h u . c o m Q I A N H U C O R P O R AT I O N L I M I T E D
PROCESS We need to harvest, manage creative ideas, and implementing them to create Value for our organisation Given the difficulty in hiring operational staff, we must continue to push for productivity increase. We should find ways to make our processes more efficient. Staff skill set can also be upgraded with the use of technology. Maintained and optimised manpower by reducing cleaning of filters per tank basis to a centralized process; use of our patented hydro- 8 pure technology to provide optimum healthy water for the fish, thereby w w w. q i a n h u . c o m reducing daily losses. LEVERAGE ON INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY FOR GREATER EFFICIENCY IN PACKING PROCESS FOR SHIPMENT, RESULTING IN ZERO ERROR AS COMPARED TO PAPER-BASED SYSTEM. Genetic marker studies of Arowana, and selective breeding resulted in new varieties, meeting market needs for exotic fish. Q I A N H U C O R P O R AT I O N L I M I T E D
PROCESS BRAIN STORMING Idea/ Pre-concept Conceptualisation Feasibility/ Experimental of R&D initiatives of R&D projects Preliminary studies Design Application of findings Discussion Documentation and Execution of to current methodology and Conclusion modification of experiments Experimentation VERIFICATION REVIEW OF DOCUMENTATION EXPERIMENTATION OF BENEFITS 9 RISK ASSESSMENT WILL BE BASED ON: w w w. q i a n h u . c o m Market Needs Cost-Benefits analysis Our Capability and Resources availability PACKING WAREHOUSING AROWANA BREEDING QUARANTINE (Ornamental Fish) SALES / CUSTOMERS PURCHASE PRODUCTION CUSTOMERS DELIVERY (Accessories, Pet Food) MARKETING Finance/ Admin. Human Resource P.R. & Design Research & Development Publication Maintenance Information System Q I A N H U C O R P O R AT I O N L I M I T E D
PROCESS 10 w w w. q i a n h u . c o m Q I A N H U C O R P O R AT I O N L I M I T E D
RESULTS CUSTOMERS CUSTOMER SATISFACTION INDEX REPEAT CUSTOMERS 4.3 90 4.2 84.46 Level 1 to 5 pointers 85 Percentage % 4.1 82.9 3.97 82.45 4 3.91 3.87 80 3.9 3.85 3.8 75.05 75 3.7 3.6 70 2009 2010 2011 2012 2009 2010 2011 2012 INDEX TARGET REPEEAT TARGET ON-TIME DELIVERY 100.02 100 100 11 Percentage % 99.98 w w w. q i a n h u . c o m 99.98 99.97 99.96 99.95 LUMI’Q Projected 99.94 Sales, 2013 99.92 $295,000 2009 2010 2011 2012 ON-TIME TARGET HYDRA PROJECTED SALES, 2013 $70,000 Q I A N H U C O R P O R AT I O N L I M I T E D
RESULTS FINANCIAL SPECIFIC DATA FOR SECTOR PERFORMANCE CANNOT BE SHARED DUE TO CONFIDENTIALITY. BUSINESS SECTORS SALES TURNOVER 2012 VS 2009 REMARKS ACCESSORIES Improved, 34.7% Our innovative, patented products had contributed to improved sales FISH Declined, 11.6% Due to Euro crisis, led to the drop in exports; but process innovation and improvements had resulted in increased productivity AROWANA Declined, 21.3% Due to oversupply, led to price dropped over 50% in the past 3 years; new Arowana varieties from gene pool selection breeding had led to higher price, with much better profit margin from year 2013 Likewise, for product financial performance data linked to our innovative product, fish and accessories cannot be shared due to market competition reason and being a public listed company. Relevant data had been shared with assessors on site for verification. 12 PEOPLE w w w. q i a n h u . c o m SUGGESTION IMPLEMENTATION RATE (Implemented over shortlisted ones) QUALITY OF SUGGESTIONS (SHORTLISTED ONES) 08 09 10 11 12 08 09 10 11 12 Total 14 8 6 5 4 % 14.3 11.4 29.0 26.9 50 Rate% 87.5% 80% 66.7 71.4 80% Target% 25 25 20 25 25 Target 70% 70% 70% 70% 70% TRAINING PLACES UTILISATION RATE AVERAGE LEARNING HOURS PER STAFF 09 10 11 12 09 10 11 12 Actual 90.9% 83.6% 66.32% 60% Manager 4.16 3.68 3.09 2.76 Target 100 90 80 80 Exec 125 42.35 105.3 69.5 Non-Exec 50.6 42.79 45.59 51.6 LEARNING PLACES FOR INNOVATION RELATED Overall 56.95 39.85 50.71 47.34 09 10 11 12 Target 70 60 60 60 Innovation 48 64 42 38 UK-CIPD 34.16 40. n.a. n.a. Learning [50] [50] [50] [50] Learning 297.3 450.5 156.5 463.5 hours [300] [300] [300] [300] Targets in brackets Q I A N H U C O R P O R AT I O N L I M I T E D
RESULTS PEOPLE STAFF SATISFACTION MEAN SCORE 2008 TO 2012 The tasks are challenging, 08 09 10 11 12 good camaraderie, new ideas and improvements, ... Fish 3.95 3.77 3.78 3.62 4.40 better not... leave Accessory 3.40 3.50 3.38 3.39 3.91 Arowana 4.20 3.91 4.03 3.91 4.52 Overall 3.67 3.70 3.60 3.54 4.14 Target 3.5 3.5 3.8 3.8 4.5 STAFF INNOVATION INDEX IN 2012, THE EOS FORMAT WAS REVIEWED AND (started year 2007) QUESTIONS WERE STREAMLINED. MORE STAFF ENGAGEMENT QUESTIONS ARE INCLUDED. 08 09 10 11 12 ALSO, IT IS NOW ON A 6-POINT SCALE. PRIOR Fish 4.24 4.01 3.91 3.74 4.51 YEARS WERE ON A 5-POINT SCALE. 13 Accessory 3.58 3.65 3.68 3.48 4.03 w w w. q i a n h u . c o m Arowana 4.28 4.0 4.22 4.09 4.61 Overall 4.01 3.82 3.82 3.65 4.26 FROM 2012, LIKEWISE BASED ON A SCALE OF 1 TO 6. THE INNOVATION INDEX HAS BEEN STAFF RESIGNATION RATE THE TOP 2 HIGHEST SCORING CATEGORIES (Average monthly) IN PAST YEARS, INDICATING VERY POSITIVELY ON THE COMPANY’S DRIVE FOR 09 10 11 12 INNOVATION AND IMPROVEMENTS. % % % % Manager 0.46 0 0.46 0 AVERAGE LENGTH OF SERVICE Exec 1.52 0.35 1.54 1.85 Non-Exec 1.40 1.55 1.74 1.74 2010 2011 2012 Overall 1.29 1.27 1.53 1.53 Fish 6.91 7.25 7.68 Target 1 1 1 1 Accessories 6.0 6.10 6.32 Services 2.2 2.4 2.3 2.3 Arowana 7.36 7.20 9.48 (MOM*) UK-CIPD# 0.7 n.a. n.a. n.a. Managers 11.94 13.86 14.87 * MOM: Ministry of Manpower, Services sector Executives 5.48 5.10 6.57 # UK-CIPD: Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development Non-Exec 5.27 5.53 5.73 Overall 6.21 6.61 7.17 SNEF median 7.0 n.a. n.a. Q I A N H U C O R P O R AT I O N L I M I T E D
RESULTS PEOPLE STAFF TURNOVER RATE 3 2.3 2.3 2.4 2.3 2.3 2.5 2.2 2.2 2 Percentage % 1,54 1.53 1.53 2.5 1.29 1.27 1.01 1 0.5 0.62 0 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 MOM QIAN HU TARGET MEDICAL LEAVE, DAYS PER STAFF; 14 target 2.5 days w w w. q i a n h u . c o m 09 10 11 12 Fish 2.76 2.06 1.79 1.53 Accessory 3.24 4.11 3.87 3.57 Arowana 2.5 1.79 3.2 3.46 Total 2.99 3.05 2.93 2.70 U.K.-CIPD 6.4 6.4 7.1 n.a. Q I A N H U C O R P O R AT I O N L I M I T E D
RESULTS OPERATIONAL DAILY LOSSES AROWANA OFF-SPRINGS PRODUCTION 7 2500 6 2113 6 5.13 4.89 4.68 4.99 2000 5 Percentage % 1500 Numbers 4 4.87 1316 1105 1200 3 4.44 957 1000 3.33 2 500 1 0.84 1.02 0 0 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 FISH AWORANA TARGET TARGET : 1,800 FRY EXPORT D.O.A. FRY SURVIVAL RATE, AROWANA 3.5 3.25 92.2 92.05 15 2.88 2.78 92 3 91.85 w w w. q i a n h u . c o m 2.5 2.54 91.8 2.5 91.62 91.64 91.6 Percentage % Percentage % 2 91.4 1.5 91,2 91.07 91 1 90.8 0.5 90.6 0 90.4 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 FISH TARGET TARGET : 92% Q I A N H U C O R P O R AT I O N L I M I T E D
RESULTS OPERATIONAL NUMBER OF TRADEMARKS BY COUNTRIES, AS OF 2012 Country Registered Pending Singapore 77 5 China 47 1 Malaysia 30 3 Taiwan 29 0 Thailand 28 4 Indonesia 22 11 Vietnam 11 0 Philippines 6 0 Brunei 5 0 16 Europe 4 0 w w w. q i a n h u . c o m Australia 3 0 USA 3 0 COMPARISION AVERAGE PAST 3 YEARS India 2 0 ST ENGINEERING 4.8% New Zealand 2 0 TOYOTA R&D 3.96% [T: 293] 269 24 HITACHI R&D 4.3% R & D INVESTMENT VS SALES, % 18.00 15.71 16.00 14.00 12.00 Percentage % 10.00 8.00 8.70 6.11 6.00 5.02 4.35 4.00 1.85 1.49 2.00 0.80 0.48 0.13 0 0.10 0.003 0.35 0.54 0.37 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 FISH ACCESSORY AWORANA Q I A N H U C O R P O R AT I O N L I M I T E D
RESULTS OPERATIONAL EXCESS A CREATIVE WATER SPOON DISPOSAL DISPENSER STRAINER MEDICINE LOBSTER DISPENSER QUARANTINE CONTAINER 17 w w w. q i a n h u . c o m RECORD NETTING TO SHEET FIXTURE, PREVENT WATER- FISH LOSSES PROOFING SELF-MADE CAN FLIPPER Q I A N H U C O R P O R AT I O N L I M I T E D
QIAN HU: Q&A 2. What were the major changes put in place? Since 2000, we had a major re-organization of manpower internally so as to optimize the efficiency of the staff and re-deployed many key personnel to relevant post. We started our innovation journey as early as 2002 when we embarked on the Arowana DNA genotyping project with Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory and during phase 2, we got a EDB grant for the continuation of this state-of-the-art- technology based project. 18 w w w. q i a n h u . c o m Around 2008, we expanded our R&D department to a team of 4 persons 1. Why did Qian Hu undergo on a major and rename it, Group Integrated R &D transformation starting from 2009? department, purpose to emphasize the need to integrate the 3 divisions’ need Qian Hu was listed in 2000 at the Singapore and technology together. This is important Stock Exchange. This formalised the journey because of the unique and advantageous of transformation from a family run business organizational structure of Qian Hu. We are to a corporate organisation. There was a probably one of the few companies that need to transform in order to cater to the have fish farming, fish import/export and changing and competitive ornamental fish also aquarium accessories manufacturing industry but more importantly, is for Qian Hu and development. We invested heavily on to meta-morphosize into a technology and innovative filtration systems, contemporary knowledge-based company. tanks and continued in our DNA research on Arowana. The latter had resulted in natural We sensed the greater competition and the inter-breed varieties of vibrant Albino Silver need to differentiate our products on the Arowana (dragon fish) and thereby command global stage. a higher price. The notion of moving towards quality products, both accessories and fish that are We also continued to leverage on technology innovative is ever so critical. We need to build and I.T. to be more productive and efficient a strong innovation culture to drive next level on our operations, example in the use of of growth. Back then, the Arowana market PDA for inventory control and integrated had also gotten saturated with new breeders export packing system. This had led to coming in to meet the demand which had more accurate inventory, zero error in export ultimately led to oversupply and subsequent processing and equally important upgrading price drop. the skill set and competency of our staff. Q I A N H U C O R P O R AT I O N L I M I T E D
QIAN HU: Q&A 3. Can you explain briefly how new products 5. How has your organisation used the like Lumi-Q fish tank, and filtration system Business Excellence framework to achieve Hydra (as well as any others) came about success? and what makes them different from what is available in the market? The BE framework has helped us to be more resilient and ensured alignment in achieving All the products you have mentioned our business objectives. came about because of the transformation that I have mentioned above. The whole As you might have observed that we had organization top-down, bottom-up is gone through several economic cycles, embracing innovation and research. The each time we came out stronger and more process for innovation development was put prepared for the future. Our management’s in place 4 years ago and all the innovations good foresight in turning these necessary you see now is based a series of criteria plans into reality has given us confidence to that was setup , for example, innovation advance further into the global markets. We technology, market demand and ergonomic are moving from a knowledge business into design. LUMI-Q is a contemporary designer Next-Gen Ornamental Fish Business driven tank, with variable LED lighting and iPhone by Innovation and Technology. docking station. It was designed to fit into a living room setting, to add life and dynamism to living space. 6. How have your various stakeholders, such as employees, customers, suppliers 19 The Hydra filtration system is our proprietary and partners have benefitted from this w w w. q i a n h u . c o m system (our patent) that ensures long term, journey? optimum water quality for fishes that other filtration system cannot deliver. We also As a result of our transformation, confidence have recently developed and tested special level has risen at all levels, from the arowana feed, not only providing for more stakeholders, employees, customers, balanced nutritional value to the fish, but suppliers and corporate partners. The helped hobbyist to save on live feed cost and employees have gained much relevant offered convenience. knowledge and were able to take up more tasks and suppliers and partners have seen the enthusiasm of a young company and 4. What were the key benefits to the were willing to take more calculated risks in company as a result of these changes? terms of Research and Development of novel technologies. Our employees have become Having driven improvement through more competent and acquired higher value technology and innovation, the organisation with the introduction of technology and the has become even more resilient in preparing sale of high value products. Our customers us to reap the fruits of our labour in the get better value in quality and more next upturn. Our new Arowana varieties enjoyment as a hobbyist. Our suppliers and command a high price, demand is there and partners also moved with us up the value our good value and quality products will bring chain. us to the next level of growth. One of the milestones that we have achieved is that we inculcated the innovation culture in Qian Hu and that is important because it will keep us abreast of our competitors and at the same time, allow us to expand our horizon into many other new customers and possibly into other related industry. Q I A N H U C O R P O R AT I O N L I M I T E D
QIAN HU: Q&A 7. What were some of the challenges along 9. How important is creating sustainable the way and how were they overcome? growth to your company and how do you ensure that you can achieve this? As an SME, we do have limited resources, but this had made us more focus, determined It is very important to create a sustainable and more relevant. We do take in and retain growth in our company as we believe in the good staff that supports our vision and Chinese proverb “不进则退”. You will need mission. Over the years we develop them to achieve not just growth, but sustainable to know our business well and we worked growth, in order to maintain and increase together to resolve brickbats that were the Qian Hu business. We are building a thrown to us along the way. Teamwork is committed group of employees and challenge one of our core values. We managed our cost them and value them, thereby becoming well and by being prudent but necessary. We more competent, the whole organization learned from our mistakes and build on it. will benefit. Plan for succession, lay out Which company will share with you, if not opportunities for advancement, encourage the whole world, a mistake every month in change. Stay customer centric, and you will 2012? We did in our 2012 annual calendar. grow. 8. Can you give a specific example of how 10. What are other major innovations or plans “creating value from mistakes” has for growth are in the works? 20 worked? We already have a 5-year product and w w w. q i a n h u . c o m “Creating Value from Mistakes” or CVM process innovation plan in place and we will was an initiative introduced to support the put in necessary resources to work the plan innovation culture. We want to build an to keep ourselves relevant to the market. environment that is tolerant of mistakes (of Nothing is perfect. We will tweak the plan course, honest mistakes) which is linked to along the way given the dynamic global experimentation and risk taking. The most environment. important aspect is from the mistake, what steps can be taken to prevent re-occurrence. We have more innovative aquarium products that will be rolled out that will probably To drive this initiative, we encourage staff change and revolutionized many traditional to write up even simple careless, ordinary aquaculture practices and we will be mistakes, example, in not making a job plan introducing range of products in particular for payment to supplier to overstocking aquaculture areas that we have not entered. of snails per basket which led to losses. These products will be developed based on The positive outcomes were a formalized our patented technologies and processes. job schedule and guideline on maximum stocking limit for snails. There will definitely be more innovations in the pipeline, we have started the journey and continue to water the trees and reap the fruits, but we are not stopping here, more trees are planted for the future. Kenny Yap Executive Chairman & Managing Director Q I A N H U C O R P O R AT I O N L I M I T E D
QIAN HU CORPORATION LIMITED COMPANY REGISTRATION NO.: 199806124N No. 71 Jalan Lekar Singapore 698950 • Tel: (65) 6766 7087 Fax: (65) 6766 3995 • www.qianhu.com
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