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Pensonic Group
Pensonic Group
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Pensonic Holdings Berhad (stylized as PENSONIC) (MYX: 9997) is a Malaysian company that sells electrical appliances. It was founded by Chew Weng Khak in 1965 as a shop in Penang selling electrical appliances trading under the name of Keat Radio Co. with Chew as a sole proprietor. In 1982, Chew started the Pensonic brand name to produce locally manufactured electrical appliances.

Key Information

Dispute over name

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In some markets, Panasonic has accused Pensonic of being a knockoff of former's through the similar brand name and affecting their market share, leading to lawsuits. Pensonic says that its the name was created by combining Penang and Sonic to mean the "sound of Penang".[1]

In 2008, Panasonic won an injunction against Pensonic in Singapore.[2] In Sri Lanka, Pensonic successfully won a judgement to register its trademark in January 2009 against opposition by Panasonic. The judgment observed that Pensonic was previously registered in Malaysia, Japan, and many other countries without the objection of Panasonic.[3]

References

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from Grokipedia
Pensonic Holdings Berhad, stylized as PENSONIC, is a Malaysian primarily engaged in the , assembly, trading, and distribution of electrical and electronic appliances, with operations spanning domestic markets and exports to over 30 countries. Founded in 1965 by Dato' Seri Chew Weng Khak as Keat Radio and Electrical Co. in , , the company began as a small retail outlet and workshop before evolving into a full-fledged manufacturer, with the Pensonic brand launched in 1982 to produce audio-visual products and later expanding into a wide range of appliances. Today, it manages a portfolio of brands including its flagship Pensonic line of affordable, quality electrical appliances, Cornell for innovative user-friendly products, as the exclusive distributor in and , Lebensstil Kollektion for premium German-inspired kitchen appliances, and Toush for IoT-enabled smart solutions, while also providing own-brand manufacturing (OBM) and own-design manufacturing (ODM) services for international clients. Listed on Bursa Malaysia's Main Market since its on the Second Board in 1995, Pensonic has achieved milestones such as ISO 9001:2000 accreditation in 2002, multiple national brand awards including the Putra Brand Awards from 2010 to 2019, and recognition as Malaysia's first "Made in Malaysia" electrical appliances brand in 1988, underscoring its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and global expansion.

History

Founding and early years

Pensonic Group traces its origins to 1965, when Dato' Seri Chew Weng Khak founded Keat Radio & Electrical Co. in , , , as a modest retail outlet and workshop specializing in the repair and sale of radios and electrical accessories, including wiring services. This venture emerged in the context of 's post-independence economic expansion, which fostered growing demand for consumer electrical goods following the country's in 1957. In its early years, the business concentrated on importing, repairing, and distributing , capitalizing on the rising popularity of home electronics amid national development initiatives. By 1974, the company had opened its first branch to meet increasing customer needs, and in 1976, it expanded into importing and exporting electrical home appliances across multiple locations in . These operations highlighted the founder's entrepreneurial drive, though the company initially depended heavily on imported products from Japanese brands such as , which dominated the market due to their perceived superior quality. The formalization of the enterprise occurred in 1977 with the incorporation of Keat Radio Co. Sdn. Bhd. as a , signifying a structured approach to scaling operations while navigating competitive pressures from foreign imports. Dato' Seri Chew Weng Khak's vision centered on developing local manufacturing capabilities to reduce reliance on imports and create affordable, reliable Malaysian-made products, laying the groundwork for future innovation. This ambition culminated in 1982 with the establishment of Pensonic Sales and Service Sdn. Bhd., marking the group's entry into production of audio and visual equipment.

Brand establishment and growth

In 1982, Pensonic Sales and Service Sdn. Bhd. was established in , , marking the launch of the Pensonic brand with the production of its first batch of audio and visual products, primarily radios, for the domestic market. The brand name "Pensonic" was coined by founder Dato' Seri Chew Weng Khak, combining the first three letters of "," his hometown, with "sonic" to reflect the company's origins in . This initiative represented a pivot from earlier repair and sales operations, as the company began importing components for local assembly to offer competitively priced alternatives to imported goods. By 1984, the Pensonic trademark was officially registered in , solidifying its position in the local electrical home appliances sector and enabling further . The company expanded its assembly efforts to include small electronics like fans, emphasizing affordability to penetrate the Malaysian market dominated by international brands. In 1988, Pensonic shifted to full-scale local manufacturing of electrical home appliances, becoming the first Malaysian brand to produce "Made in Malaysia" products in this category, starting with radios and fans to meet growing domestic demand. This transition reduced reliance on imports, lowered costs, and allowed the company to build consumer trust through quality and value-driven offerings. Early growth was driven by strategic that undercut foreign competitors while maintaining reliability, coupled with the development of a nationwide distribution network to reach urban and rural consumers across . These efforts focused on fostering among middle-income households, leveraging Penang's base for efficient supply. In 1994, Pensonic Holdings Berhad was incorporated as an investment holding company to consolidate the group's subsidiaries and prepare for broader operations. This structure supported sustained domestic expansion by streamlining management and resources under a unified entity.

Milestones and international expansion

In 1995, Pensonic Holdings Berhad achieved a significant milestone by listing on the Second Board of Securities Berhad on December 18, which provided essential capital to fuel the company's expansion efforts. By 2008, the group had established its business presence in 27 countries worldwide, with exports primarily targeting markets in , the , and to broaden its global footprint. The opening of the Global Operations & Innovation Centre in on October 30, 2015, marked another key achievement, enhancing the company's , development, and operational capabilities while commemorating the 50th of its founding entity, Keat Radio. In 2022, Pensonic celebrated its 40th as a —established in —with various promotional events, underscoring its enduring legacy in the sector. From 2024 to 2025, the company advanced its through strategic initiatives, including enhanced integration and partnerships with influencers on platforms like to reach younger consumers. Under refreshed management leadership, Pensonic implemented efficiency measures, such as a RM6 million inventory write-down in fiscal year 2024, to streamline operations and support sustainable growth. The group also launched lifestyle-driven products tailored for modern households, including the heritage-inspired appliances and advanced refrigerators with features like dual-inverter technology and no-frost designs, aligning with evolving consumer preferences for convenience and energy efficiency. These efforts contributed to a positive outlook in 2025, with reported profit growth of 53% in the first quarter, driven by successful international expansion and diversification.

Products and brands

Product categories

Pensonic Group's product offerings originated in the with a focus on audio and visual products, such as speakers and televisions, before expanding into a broader range of electrical home appliances by the late and achieving a comprehensive lineup by the . This evolution allowed the company to diversify from entertainment-focused items to essential household solutions, catering to growing consumer needs in and beyond. The company's core product categories encompass kitchen appliances, home comforts, laundry solutions, refrigeration units, home entertainment systems, built-in appliances, and personal care devices, all designed with an emphasis on affordability and energy efficiency to suit emerging markets across , the , and other regions. Kitchen appliances include items like blenders, mixers, and ovens, with innovative series such as the Series featuring culturally inspired designs on products like rice cookers and multi-cookers for enhanced aesthetic appeal in everyday use. Home comforts cover fans and air conditioners, exemplified by WiFi-enabled ceiling fans that offer app-based control, energy-saving modes, and integration with smart home systems to reduce consumption while providing convenience. Laundry products primarily consist of washing machines in top-load and front-load variants, prioritizing and water-efficient operations for cost-conscious households. Refrigeration options feature refrigerators and freezers that achieve high energy efficiency ratings, such as 5-star standards, to minimize electricity costs in power-sensitive environments. Home entertainment includes televisions and audio systems, building on the company's early expertise while incorporating modern LED and smart features for accessible upgrades. Built-in appliances, such as hobs and hoods, provide seamless integration for contemporary kitchens, and personal care items like hair dryers and irons focus on compact, efficient designs for daily routines. Overall, these categories reflect Pensonic's commitment to practical, innovative solutions that balance performance and economy, supporting exports to over 30 countries.

Owned and distributed brands

The Pensonic Group maintains a diversified portfolio centered on its flagship owned , Pensonic, which has offered a wide range of home appliances since its establishment in 1982. As the core , Pensonic encompasses core electrical home appliances, including kitchen and living solutions, and is certified under ISO 9001:2015 standards with MEPS Star Ratings for energy efficiency. The company supports this primary through own-brand manufacturing (OBM) strategies that emphasize innovation, such as the development of the Series and Dual-Inverter Technology refrigerators, to expand its presence across Asian markets. In addition to Pensonic, the group owns several sub-brands targeting specific market segments. Cornell Appliances serves as a budget-oriented line focused on user-friendly home equipment, including simplicity series products for everyday use, following its acquisition of the American brand. Lebensstil Kollektion, a premium inspired by German and launched by the group in 2002, offering high-end kitchen and home solutions through subsidiaries like Kollektion Distribution Sdn Bhd, consolidated under the group's multi-brand platform in 2020. Toush, an IoT-enabled smart home solutions brand covering devices like air purifiers, air conditioners, and robotic vacuums with app-based control, consolidated under the Pensonic umbrella to streamline operations. These owned brands collectively enable the group to address diverse consumer needs, from affordable essentials to luxury items, while leveraging shared manufacturing resources. The Pensonic Group also engages in distribution partnerships to broaden its offerings, particularly in and built-in appliances. It holds exclusive distributorship rights in for the UK-based brand, secured through a 2018 agreement with Glen Dimplex Group, allowing the company to market globally acclaimed small appliances and solutions. Similarly, the group has exclusive rights for Belling, another UK brand under the same parent, focusing on built-in ovens and in the Malaysian market. These partnerships complement the owned portfolio by introducing premium international labels without direct ownership. To support this diversity, Pensonic employs a dual strategy of OBM for its proprietary lines and own-design (ODM) for international collaborations. The OBM approach drives internal growth by utilizing in-house facilities like Pensia Industries for product development and , ensuring certifications from bodies such as and Suruhanjaya Tenaga. Meanwhile, ODM enables the group to design and produce for global clients through subsidiaries, including PT Pensonic Industry , contributing to 37% of FY2024 revenue from overseas markets and enhancing cost efficiency via and local supply chains. In FY2025, overseas markets continued to contribute significantly to revenue growth, reflecting ongoing international expansion as of May 31, 2025. This integrated strategy, refined since the early , allows Pensonic to balance domestic dominance with export-oriented production.

Operations

Manufacturing facilities

Pensonic Group's manufacturing operations are centered in , , with its primary facilities situated in Taman Perindustrian Bukit Minyak, Simpang Ampat. The headquarters and main production hub occupy multiple sites, including a 261,380 leasehold property expiring in 2059 valued at RM 42 million and another 130,685 site expiring in 2063 valued at RM 4.2 million, both dedicated to factory, warehouse, and office functions. These facilities support the assembly and production of electrical home appliances through subsidiaries like Pensia Industries Sdn. Bhd. and Pensia Electronic Sdn. Bhd. A key asset is the Global Operations and Innovation Centre, officiated on October 30, 2015, by the , which integrates (R&D), product assembly, and administrative operations across a six-acre site. This centre facilitates innovation in and quality improvements, enabling the company to maintain a competitive edge in the industry. The R&D focus includes upgrading features for home appliances, supported by an in-house team dedicated to customer-centric solutions. The facilities enable both own-brand manufacturing (OBM), certified under ISO 9001:2015, and original design manufacturing (ODM) for international clients, utilizing techniques to ensure quality, compliance, and efficiency. In the , Pensonic has integrated and measures, such as IoT-enabled smart appliance production in the Toush series and the use of reconditioned battery forklifts to reduce environmental impact. Sustainability efforts also encompass adherence to environmental regulations, systems, and paper reduction initiatives, alongside producing energy-efficient appliances labeled under Malaysia's Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS). These operations generate sufficient output to supply domestic markets via around 900 dealers in while supporting exports to over 30 countries in , East and , and the , with international revenue contributing significantly to the group's performance. Ongoing investments aim to expand capacity and efficiency to meet growing global demand.

Markets and distribution

Pensonic Group maintains a dominant position in the Malaysian domestic market, supported by an extensive network of over 900 dealers and 10 branches nationwide, alongside active platforms such as the Circlez App for warranty registration and online sales. This infrastructure facilitates widespread availability of its electrical home appliances through retail channels, contributing to accounting for 63% of the group's total revenue in FY2024 and 61% in FY2025 (year ended May 31, 2025). The company's export activities target primarily Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and emerging Asian markets, with overseas sales representing 37% of total revenue in FY2024 (up from 30% in FY2023) and 39% in FY2025. Key export regions include other Asian countries (RM76.9 million in revenue) and the Middle East (RM34.8 million), bolstered by trademark registrations in over 20 countries and operations in 30 nations overall. Pensonic employs a multifaceted distribution model encompassing direct sales, wholesalers, and strategic partnerships with regional distributors, including exclusive distributorships for brands like . The trading segment, which handles sales and distribution, generated RM275.3 million in FY2024, supported by seven service centers in and additional global centers in locations such as , , and . Recent efforts have shifted toward online and retail, with the establishment of an Business Unit to enhance digital sales in and , evidenced by 71,386 e-warranty registrations via the Circlez App in 2024. For 2025 and beyond, Pensonic's strategies emphasize expansion through digital channels and targeted promotions in high-growth regions, including a lifestyle-driven approach to engage younger, digitally savvy consumers via innovations like IoT-enabled appliances. This includes broadening online presence in , , and other Southeast Asian markets, while leveraging partnerships to strengthen wholesale and direct export networks.

Leadership and governance

Key executives

Dato' Seri Chew Weng Khak serves as the founder and Group Executive Chairman of Pensonic Holdings Berhad, having established the company in 1965 as Keat Radio & Electrical Co. and guiding its evolution into a multinational conglomerate. At 82 years old, he continues to oversee the strategic vision, emphasizing innovation, brand development, and international expansion across , the , and . Dato' Chew Chuon Jin, known as Dixon Chew, holds the position of Group Chief Executive Officer and assumed the interim role of Group Managing Director in November 2023 following the resignation of his brother Vincent Chew. Aged 55, Dixon focuses on , , and initiatives, leading the company's efforts to enhance and market competitiveness. His son, Chew Chuon Fang, or Nelson Chew, aged 48, acts as Group , managing domestic sales and distribution since November 2023 to support regional growth. The board comprises eight members as of November 2025, including three executive directors from the founding family—Dato' Seri Chew Weng Khak, Dato' Chew Chuon Jin, and Chew Chuon Fang—and five non-executive directors: three independent non-executive directors (Dato' Seri Dr. Liew Lee Leong, appointed in February 2024; Ong Huey Min; and Loh Keow Lin, appointed January 2025) and two non-independent non-executive directors (Dato’ Lela Pahlawan Dato’ Paduka Ku Nahar Bin Ku Ibrahim and Dato’ Tahir Jalaluddin Bin Hussain, redesignated August 2025). This composition balances familial oversight with external perspectives, promoting governance stability and objective decision-making. In the 2020s, Pensonic has undergone leadership transitions toward greater professionalization, exemplified by the 2023 handover from Vincent Chew to Dixon Chew and the addition of independent directors like Dato' Seri Dr. Liew, who contributes to initiatives such as enhancements and the Circlez App for , as well as the 2025 appointment of Loh Keow Lin. These changes retain the founder's influence while integrating specialized management to drive long-term adaptability.

Awards and recognition

Pensonic Group has received numerous accolades recognizing its contributions to branding, innovation, and excellence in the home appliances sector. The company was honored with the Brand Excellence Award by the Ministry of Internal Trade and Industry in 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010, highlighting its consistent performance as a leading Malaysian manufacturer. In 2011, Pensonic earned the Best Brand award in Consumer Electrical Home Appliances from The BrandLaureate, underscoring its market leadership and brand strength. The Putra Brand Awards have been a recurring recognition for the group. In 2010, Pensonic received the Putra Brand Award in the and Outdoor Appliances category. This was followed by a Silver Award in the Personal, & Outdoor Appliances category at the 2023 Putra Brand Awards, organized by the of Accredited Advertising Agents (4As). The company secured another Silver Award in the same category for the 2024 Putra Brand Awards, announced in February 2025, reflecting ongoing consumer trust and brand relevance. Pensonic has also excelled in the Star Outstanding Business Awards (SOBA). It won the Best Brand Gold Award in the RM25 million and above category for SOBA 2022. In 2023, the group received the Gold Award for Best Brand at the 13th SOBA, celebrating its economic contributions and . Leadership honors have further elevated the group's profile. Founder Dato' Seri Chew Weng Khak was the inaugural recipient of the 2015 Putra Brand Personality of the Year Award, acknowledging his visionary role in establishing a globally competitive Malaysian . In 2023, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award for Outstanding of the Year from McMillan Woods Global Awards, recognizing his enduring impact on the industry. Dato' Seri Chew was again honored with the Brand Legend 60 Years Award by the Branding Association of in 2024, celebrating six decades of branding legacy. Recent recognitions emphasize Pensonic's focus on sustainability and innovation. In 2024, Group CEO Dato' Dixon Chew received the Sustainability in Excellence Award from McMillan Woods Global Awards, highlighting advancements in eco-friendly practices. The 2024 Putra Brand Awards Silver further acknowledged the company's evolving initiatives in digital engagement and sustainable operations, as noted in official announcements from early 2025.

Financial performance

Stock listing and structure

Pensonic Holdings Berhad, the of the Pensonic Group, has been publicly listed on since December 18, 1995, initially on the Second Board under stock code 9997, and later transferred to the Main Market. The corporate structure of Pensonic Holdings Berhad is organized as an investment , with principal operations conducted through its subsidiaries, including Pensonic & Service Sdn. Bhd., which handles , service, and distribution activities, and Pensonic Industries Sdn. Bhd., focused on . Other key subsidiaries encompass Pensonic (H.K.) Corporation Limited for international trading and various entities supporting the group's and trading segments. Ownership of Pensonic Holdings Berhad remains significantly concentrated with the founder and his family, who hold substantial stakes through individual insiders amounting to approximately 42.7% as of recent filings. Dato' Seri Chew Weng Khak @ Chew Weng Kiak, the founder and Group Executive Chairman, along with family members such as sons Chew Chuon Jin and Chew Chuon Ghee, control key directorships and shares, complemented by private companies holding 23.4% and the general public owning 33.9%. The company's has fluctuated in 2025, reaching approximately MYR 59.41 million as of early October, reflecting stock price movements around MYR 0.37 to 0.40 per share amid broader market conditions. In terms of governance, Pensonic Holdings Berhad adheres to Bursa Malaysia's Main Market Listing Requirements, maintaining board committees such as the for financial oversight, the Nominating Committee for director appointments, and the Remuneration Committee for to ensure transparency and risk management. The board's structure promotes compliance with standards, including annual reporting and fit-and-proper policies for directors. Pensonic Group's has shown steady growth over the past decade, expanding from approximately RM200 million in the early to RM334.1 million in the ended May 31, 2025 (FY2025), reflecting a of around 5-7% in recent years. This increase was supported by expanded product lines in home appliances and strategic , with FY2025 marking an 8% rise from RM309.3 million in FY2024. Revenue sources are diversified, with domestic sales accounting for about 61% and exports contributing 39% in FY2025, up from 30% export share in FY2023, driven by stronger demand in and beyond. Profitability trends have been volatile but improving, with the group reporting a net loss of RM3.81 million in FY2025, a significant 71% reduction from RM13.25 million in FY2024, attributed to effective cost management, optimizations, and expansion. Historical net profit margins have fluctuated around 5-8% in profitable years prior to the , though recent years saw pressures from higher operating expenses, resulting in a FY2025 net margin of -1.1%. Gross margins remained stable at approximately 16.7% in FY2025, up slightly from prior years due to better and gains. The caused notable dips in revenue during 2020-2021, with FY2020 revenue at around RM280 million impacted by Malaysia's Movement Control Orders that disrupted and distribution. Recovery began in FY2021 with a 21% revenue rebound to RM339.2 million as restrictions eased, though profitability was squeezed by elevated costs. By Q3 FY2025 (ended February 28, 2025), revenue grew 8.9% year-over-year to RM86.8 million, signaling sustained post-pandemic momentum through diversified sales channels. Looking ahead to FY2026, Pensonic projects continued growth through lifestyle-oriented product strategies, enhanced digital sales platforms, and expansion, with management expressing optimism for further profitability improvements amid recovering consumer demand.

Trademark dispute with

In 2005, Corporation (formerly Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. Ltd.) filed an opposition in against Pensonic Corporation Sdn Bhd's application for the mark "PENSONIC with 'P' device" (T05/03804C), submitted on March 23, 2005, for goods in Class 9, including electrical and electronic apparatus. This marked the beginning of formal challenges in , with similar oppositions following in the in 2008 against Pensonic's application for "PENSONIC & Device of P" (Serial No. 4-2008-007100), filed on June 17, 2008, also covering related classes. also referenced its established presence in , where Pensonic had registered its mark in 1984, as part of broader regional filings asserting priority. Panasonic argued that "PENSONIC" was phonetically and visually similar to its "PANASONIC" mark, sharing seven identical letters (P, A/N, N, S, O, N, I/C) and evoking confusion among consumers, particularly for Class 9 electronics goods like audio and household appliances. The company claimed prior global use of "PANASONIC" since 1955 and in since 1971, with sales in dating to 1990, alleging that Pensonic's mark would lead to and dilution of its well-known brand. In support, Panasonic submitted evidence of its international registrations and market presence to the respective offices. Pensonic countered that its mark derived innocently from "Penang" (referring to the Malaysian state where the company originated) combined with "sonic" (denoting sound, aligned with its initial audio products), asserting no intent of bad faith or imitation. The company emphasized its own prior use in since 1982 and registration there in 1984, arguing that the marks were distinguishable for discerning consumers and that any opposition was untimely given years of co-existence in the region. These defenses were presented in responses to the trademark office oppositions, highlighting the lack of actual confusion in overlapping markets. In the Panasonic trademark dispute, Panasonic prevailed in opposing Pensonic's trademark application in . On March 27, 2008, the Principal Assistant Registrar of the Office of upheld Panasonic's opposition under Sections 8(2)(b) and 8(4)(a)(b)(i) of the Trade Marks Act, citing visual, aural, and conceptual similarity between the "PENSONIC" and "PANASONIC" marks, as well as the well-known status of "PANASONIC" in , which could lead to consumer confusion and dilution of Panasonic's brand. The ruling prevented registration of "PENSONIC" for electrical goods in Class 9, though no finding of was made against Pensonic. In the , also secured a partial victory in 2015. The Office of the sustained 's opposition to Pensonic's application for "PENSONIC & Device of P" (Serial No. 4-2008-007100) in Class 7, denying registration due to likelihood of confusion with 's registered "" mark under Sections 123.1(d), (e), and (f) of the Code. This restricted Pensonic's branding for motors and appliances like washing machines in that class, but Pensonic retained existing operations and pursued registrations in other classes without reported challenges in this jurisdiction. In , Pensonic maintained its rights, with "PENSONIC" registered since 1984 without successful opposition or revocation by , allowing uninterrupted use for and home appliances. No full emerged from the disputes; Pensonic continued under its name, adapting packaging in select markets like and the to comply with local rulings while expanding elsewhere. Pensonic's is registered in more than 30 countries, supporting its international growth.

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