Passion!

That's the main ingredient for any successful venture - and Mr Lai had shiploads of it.

During the 1960's - when Elvis was singing, Martin Luther King made his historical freedom speech, and the Vietnam War was on its way - this young man started a uniform shop, tucked away in the hustle and bustle of a busy town known as Klang.

Mr Lai started the business as a uniform shop for scouts, selling basic camping equipment as well. Happily, he was able to meet the requirements of the local scouts and girl guides - not surprising, since he was Sharp-as-an-Eagle Man.

'The Customer is Always Right' shop

His success in always being able to suit the customer's needs was because of his classic mantra above - which the staff at OUTPOST have had drummed into their heads since the start, and for always (trust us on this!).

Igniting a new flame, by passing the torch

On one hot afternoon, under a shady banana tree, Mr Lai spoke to his son Richard Lye - a monumental occasion, as anyone who knew Mr Lai would attest to (he could probably have another title - the Seldom-Speaking-but-Always-Meaningful Man - but that is another story).

Mr Lai said, "Son, it's time you earned your rice bowl - you start work tomorrow." And when Richard pointed out his age, Mr Lai said, "Yes, I know you're only 12 - but it is better to start earlier rather than later." And that was how the business was later passed down to family members - period of time fondly remembered by the Lye family as "The Age of Reckoning".

Richard, in turn, eventually had a son of his own, Colin, whom he also got to continue the business that Colin's grandfather started - continuing the great old man's legacy, and ensuring that Malaysians still benefit from the vision of the man from Klang.

 RM250,000*

 

Camps & Apparels Corporation provides the following incentives for its franchisees:

* Cash-Back Incentives based on purchase targets, achieved by franchise outlets, starting from 1% of purchase value;

* Subsidies toward localised advertising and promotion costs incurred by the franchise outlet, equivalent to 2% of gross sales;

* Replenishment of stocks for outlets, via secure online web portal from anywhere and anytime with real time information;

* A newly-launched customised uniform business lines, targeting corporate entities, factories, schools, restaurants and hotels that generate additional income and mitigate any effects of seasonal demand.

• The only uniform retailer that has been certified by the Ministry of Education, that our uniform and accessories for the Youth Cadet (KRS) conforms to the approved standards.

• Appointed as the official supplier and retailer for Scout Association of Malaysia

• Certified and appointed as the sole authorised retailer for St John Ambulance uniform and accessories in Malaysia.

• The only uniform retailer that has been certified and authorised by the Civil Defence Department on the supply of uniform and accessories for Civil Defence Cadet.

• Nominated as The Most Promising Franchisor in 2007 by the Malaysian Franchise Association.

• Selected in 2008 as a mentor by Perbadanan Nasional Berhad (PNS) in the franchise apprentice reality based TV programme.