Conflicts and Resolutions: Continuing a Generational Family Business in Ipoh, Malaysia

Abstract

This case is based on a real family business in the property development industry located in Ipoh, Malaysia. 1 Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2021, the company was officially established by Adrian together with the help of his two younger brothers in 1991. Adrian started the property development business because he was determined to provide his family with a better life. Despite his company’s initial success, a wrong decision brought the business to the verge of bankruptcy in 2016. Adrian brought in his son, Marco, to work alongside him to save the company. Although they succeeded, rising tensions and issues between Marco and his uncle emerged, but were eased by improved family communication that also improved the working environment. With two generations already working at the company, Adrian wants all three of his children to join the business and must decide how to navigate that move. The case provides students an avenue to look into the continuation of a generational family business in Malaysia and issues around family dynamics, communication, and conflict resolution.

This case was prepared for inclusion in Sage Business Cases primarily as a basis for classroom discussion or self-study, and is not meant to illustrate either effective or ineffective management styles. Nothing herein shall be deemed to be an endorsement of any kind. This case is for scholarly, educational, or personal use only within your university, and cannot be forwarded outside the university or used for other commercial purposes.

2024 Sage Publications, Inc. All Rights Reserved

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Resources

Exhibit 1. Kinta Saujana’s Accomplished and Ongoing Projects

MH Tower Hotel

A photo shows the side view of the MH Tower hotel taken from outside. Various cars and hoardings outside the building are visible in the photo.

Source: Company information. Used with permission.

Tasik Saujana

A photo shows a top view of several arrays of terrace houses overlooking a lake in Sungai Siput town. Mountains and trees behind the housing area are visible in the photo.

Source: Company information. Used with permission

Chateau de Ipoh

A photo shows the front view of a residential unit with a nameplate in the entrance that reads “Chateau de Ipoh.” The residential has two gates and two cars are entering through the gates.

Source: Company information. Used with permission.

Bukit Chandan Saujana

A photo shows the top view of several arrays of semi-detached terrace houses. Roads between the houses and the trees around the residential area are visible in the photo.

Source: Company information. Used with permission.

Exhibit 2. Kinta Saujana’s Founding Years

A photo shows a man seated at his work desk and looking at the camera. Books, rolled paper and pens are on his work desk. Framed photos, wall hangings, phone, and a box with a few paper rolls in the room are visible in the photo.

A photo shows workers operating an excavator and a load-carrying truck in a construction site. Three formally dressed men standing on a concrete slab beneath a hoarding on the right side of the photo are posing for the camera.

A man standing on a podium is speaking on the mike. A group of people dressed in formal attire are on the chairs beside the podium. A hoarding behind the people reads “Kinta Saujana SDN.BHD.

A photo shows two formally dressed men standing on a mud road in front of a building and posing for the camera. A few items of machinery used for building construction are visible beside the two men.

Source: Company archival photos. Used with permission.

Exhibit 3. Ipoh SOHO, Hotel and Student Hostel Built by Kinta Saujana

Ipoh SOHO

A photo shows the side view of several buildings and the roads around the buildings. Text on top of the building on the right side reads “AIA.” Cars parked around the buildings, cars on the road, and trees are visible in the photo.

Source: Company information. Used with permission.

MH Sentral Hotel

A photo shows the front view of a five-story building with a panel that reads “MH Hotel” fixed above the top floor.

Source: Company information. Used with permission.

MH Unilodge

A photo shows a panorama of two buildings with a road in between the buildings.

Source: Company information. Used with permission.

This case was prepared for inclusion in Sage Business Cases primarily as a basis for classroom discussion or self-study, and is not meant to illustrate either effective or ineffective management styles. Nothing herein shall be deemed to be an endorsement of any kind. This case is for scholarly, educational, or personal use only within your university, and cannot be forwarded outside the university or used for other commercial purposes.

2024 Sage Publications, Inc. All Rights Reserved

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