Since its establishment in 2010, Tian Siang BP (Ipoh) Sdn Bhd (TSBPI) has been more than just a typical car repair centre. As the authorised Honda Body & Paint dealer for Ipoh, Perak, and a proud subsidiary of the diversified Tian Siang Group — known for its ventures in oil palm plantations and milling — TSBPI has carved a name for itself through consistency, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to quality and customer care.
When TSBPI began, the Body & Paint scene in Ipoh was dominated by independent workshops, with no official Honda-certified centre serving the region. Recognising this gap, Managing Director Mak Kam Hong and his team seized the opportunity to bring a higher level of professionalism, technology, and manufacturer-backed quality to the local automotive repair industry.
Adopting Technology Ahead of the Curve
Long before digital transformation became a buzzword, TSBPI had already integrated advanced technologies into its operations. From state-of-the-art colour-matching systems to digital workshop management platforms, the company ensures efficient workflow, faster turnaround times, and most importantly, repairs that meet or exceed manufacturer standards.
This forward-thinking approach was recently recognised when TSBPI was listed in the Top 50 Digital Emerging Award in the 2025 Golden Bull Awards, highlighting its early adoption of tech to streamline operations and enhance customer satisfaction. They have also won the Outstanding Bull Award.
“The Golden Bull Award helps us recognise our staff's contributions and motivates us to grow further. It's not just about visibility — it’s about appreciating the journey and the people who made it possible,” said Mak.
A Focus on People: Staff, Training, and Talent Development
With around 60 dedicated employees, TSBPI continues to invest heavily in staff development. All Claim Advisers are trained and certified by the Malaysia Motor Research Centre (MRC) to provide professional support in navigating accident-related insurance claims. Team members are also sent for external training to ensure they are at the forefront of industry standards and practices.
Recognising the industry's growing manpower challenge, especially in attracting the younger generation, Mak is actively working on a new initiative: a Training School for Body & Paint.
“This has been in our plans since before the Movement Control Order (MCO),” he shares. “We want to reframe how the new generation sees this field. With modern robotics and tools, it's no longer laborious work — it's precision work. It's a professional career.”
From its very inception, TSBPI made a bold decision: to invest in 100% water-based paint technology — a choice that was 50% more expensive than conventional solvent-based paint, and not covered by insurance premiums. This is because employee health and environmental responsibility mattered more.
By eliminating harsh solvent fumes, improving air quality, and reducing volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, TSBPI has become a pioneer in sustainable auto refinishing in Malaysia. All workshop waste is carefully managed and disposed of in accordance with environmental regulations.
Core Values: Quality, Customer Centricity, and Excellence
TSBPI’s internal motto is simple yet powerful: “If the job isn’t done right, it isn’t done.” Employees are trained to treat every customer’s car as if it were their own. This obsession with quality has cultivated not only trust but also a high rate of repeat customers.
“Our core value is to strive for excellence. We don’t settle for mediocrity. Whatever we do, we do it right, or we don’t do it at all,” he said.
The company is also deeply customer-focused. From helping customers navigate claims, to ensuring every car leaves in top shape, to simply ensuring each visitor leaves with a smile — the customer is always at the heart of their operations.
The Road Ahead
When asked what advice he would offer to others looking to succeed in a competitive industry, Mr. Mak keeps it real:
“There is no shortcut to success. Take feedback seriously — whether good or bad — and use it to improve. Stay consistent, earn trust, and always deliver quality. At the end of the day, this business isn’t just about repairing cars. It’s about restoring confidence and delivering peace of mind.”
Looking forward, TSBPI is focused on expanding training, improving operations, and promoting sustainability — not just for the company, but for the entire body and paint industry. Despite a softening market and manpower shortages, the company remains committed to adapting, evolving, and mentoring the next generation of skilled professionals.
With clear values, bold leadership, and a dedication to excellence, Tian Siang BP (Ipoh) is not just surviving in a so-called "sunset industry" — it is setting the standard for what the future of body and paint should look like.
Curious to learn more about Tian Siang? Then head on over to their official website and Facebook page for more details.
This series of Business Stories is in collaboration with BMI.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.