Petaling Jaya, 4 December 2003 – National trade association, Direct Selling Association of Malaysia (DSAM) gave away awards in recognition of the achievements of 156 outstanding distributors today at its 8th National Convention themed “Building a Nation of Entrepreneurs”.
Held at the Sunway Pyramid Convention Centre, the event which also commemorated the association’s 25th Anniversary, was launched by Y.B. Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs.
Speaking at the convention, Paul Yee, President of DSAM said: “DSAM is proud to be at the forefront of an industry that has produced entrepreneurs who believe in shaping their own destinies.”
“DSAM is also proud to have helped the country meet its nationalistic aspirations by building a nation of entrepreneurs.”
Established in 1978 to promote the direct selling industry, DSAM has 75 member companies comprising both multinationals and locals. These companies have more than 3 million distributors distributing products that range from food supplements, beauty care and home care to garments and household goods.
In the year 2002, DSAM member companies recorded a sales turnover of RM2.29 billion, nearly 60% of the total industry turnover of RM3.9 billion.
“This is an achievement that overwhelmingly reflects the spirit of entrepreneurship found in the 3 million distributors from DSAM’s member companies,” noted Yee.
Yee in commending the achievements of the distributors, also collectively called on DSAM’s member companies and their distributors to adhere to the spirit and rules of the association’s Code of Conduct when conducting their business. He added that they should continue to underpin the industry with integrity and trust.
“If we are to achieve excellence in the next 25 years, we must continue our efforts with the same integrity and fervour as we have done in the past, if not more.”
In Yee’s speech, he also thanked the Government for supporting the direct selling industry, especially in developing industry-friendly policies such as the extension of licence renewal and tax incentives for export-driven direct selling companies.
Through his speech in turn, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin congratulated DSAM on its outstanding leadership and commended its efforts in ensuring the highest level of business ethics and service to the consumers. He also urged DSAM members to take advantage of the vast potential and untapped markets in Malaysia.
The convention was attended by nearly 2,000 people from DSAM’s 75 member companies, representatives from the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs, Ministry of Health and several consumer bodies. The event was also graced by Mr. Neil Offen, Secretary General of the World Federation of Direct Selling Associations (WFDSA).
About DSAM:
Founded in 1978, the Direct Selling Association of Malaysia (DSAM) is a national trade association aimed at promoting the direct selling industry as well as act as the de facto voice of the industry. DSAM comprises 75 members from leading multi-level and single-level marketing companies. DSAM is a member of the World Federation of Direct Selling Associations (WFDSA), a federation of national Direct Selling Associations (DSAs) all over the world that subscribe to ethical business practices. For further information, please visit DSAM at www.dsam.org.my