13 July 2023

This series features the valued partners of PaperOne™, as we hear more about their company, their partnership with APRIL Group, as well as their insights on the potential of the paper and pulp industry. Let’s dive in!

Finding the Perfect Fit

For Pacific Office (M) Sdn Bhd, one of Malaysia’s leading office supply companies, securing the right partnership makes a world of difference when it comes to doing business. In this July issue, we chat with Ms. Janice Chew, Procurement Director, to learn more about the benefits associated with an enriching work collaboration.

So, Ms. Chew, we heard you’ve been working in procurement at Pacific Office for 25 years! What do you enjoy most about the work?

That’s right. As a leading provider of office supplies and solutions in Malaysia, specifically Klang Valley, we offer a wide range of products and services designed to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes. Our product line includes everything—from paper and pens, to office furniture and equipment, to technology products. To stay ahead of the curve, we’re always expanding our inventory to adapt to changing workloads. On top of the industry constantly evolving with the introduction of new products and technologies, so does our portfolio of offerings. And this makes it an exciting field to work in!

Could you tell us more about your current role?

As the Procurement Director, I’m responsible for all purchasing activities within the organisation, including sourcing, negotiation, and supplier relationship management. My goal is to ensure that our procurement practices align with the company’s overall strategy, and that we consistently deliver high-quality products and services, while minimising costs and maximising efficiency.

How has PaperOne helped to support your company’s overall strategy?

Like PaperOne, Pacific Office, too, prides itself on the principles of quality and trust. With PaperOne, we believe we’ve found the perfect partner to fulfil and advance our common objectives of providing superior quality to customers and keep them coming back for more. Our partnership gives us access to a reliable and consistent supply of sustainable and high-quality paper products and helps us stay up-to-date with the latest industry developments. This allows us to make informed decisions about our product offerings.

It wasn’t always easy. When we first started selling PaperOne in the market, we faced a lot of challenges. One of them included overcoming the resistance to PaperOne’s 500 sheets per packaging as offices back then were so used to purchasing 450 sheets. But now, not only has the PaperOne brand been fully embraced by the corporate sector, but it is also a must-have in tender projects. A true testament to the quality of PaperOne!

Our success is largely due to loyal partners like Pacific Office! We’re glad to hear the partnership is mutually beneficial. How does your company differentiate itself from competitors?

By providing competitive pricing, ensuring exceptional customer service, as well as identifying and leveraging our unique selling points to stand out in the market, thus attracting new customers and retaining existing ones. Getting access to PaperOne’s industry expertise lets us improve our procurement practices, enabling us to stay ahead of the competition. Additionally, our partnership with PaperOne definitely helps to differentiate us further by drawing in customers who value sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Sustainability is indeed a core feature of our brand. What are your thoughts on it?

Increasingly, innovation and sustainability are becoming key drivers of business success. And companies that prioritise this are more empowered to develop new products, services, and business models that can boost their position in a competitive market. Regarding the continued focus on innovation and sustainability, it is likely that these values will only become more and more important. As consumers become more environmentally conscious, along with the impacts of climate change becoming more apparent, companies that emphasise sustainability will be better positioned to succeed.

Last but not least… Where do you see the future of the paper and pulp industry?

Without a doubt, the paper and pulp industry has been significantly impacted by the shift towards digitalisation, which has resulted in a decline in demand for traditional paper products such as newspapers and books. In order to thrive, we must continually adapt to the evolving demands in the age of digital transformation.

One trend that has emerged in recent years is the focus on sustainability and circularity. Many companies in the paper and pulp industry are investing in new technologies and processes that allow them to use waste products and recycled materials to roll out new products. This approach not only reduces the environmental impact of the industry, but also provides new revenue streams and opportunities for innovation.

Thank you Ms Chew, for taking time out of your busy schedule to chat with us. Much has been learnt from our discussion today, and we look forward to many more years of successful partnership with Pacific Office!