HAI-O WINS "BEST UNDER A BILLION" AWARD FOR 4TH TIME FROM FORBES ASIA

From Samantha Tan

HONG KONG, Nov 26 (Bernama) -- Hai-O Enterprise Bhd's outstanding
performance and sustainable growth are key strategies for the company to clinch
the "Best Under A Billion Award" from Forbes Asia for the fourth consecutive
year, says chairman Osman Cassim.

Hai-O has recorded its highest performance in the 35-year history with over
RM500 million (US$159.59 million) (US$1=RM3.13) revenue generated despite the
rising cost, intense competition and prolonged uncertainties in the global
economy, he told BERNAMA after receiving the award Friday.

"This was a recognition for the company and it will inspire us to perform
even better to achieve the award again. We will try to improve and strive for
the achievement again as an incentive to train our agents. Our aim is to educate
the agents on our products and diversify the products.

"We plan to enlarge the range of our products. For example, we moved from
water purifiers to health products and a big range of it was health drinks like
Tongkat Ali and coffee," said Osman.

He said Hai-O will adjust its strategy to accommodate the prevailing slow
economy as the company is cautious of the current business environment as well
as uncertainties of the global economy still looming.

To mitigate the impact of the economic slowdown and weaker consumer
spending, Osman said Hai-O will diversify its products and planned to increase
its product range mainly in health products.

He said the Malaysian economic challenges would turn intensive in the
second half of 2011 as prices of goods will increase due to the uncertainties of
the local and global economy.

"Despite the challenges, Hai-O will build on its performance and continue to
strive for excellence through the cooperation and efforts of our team, strict
internal costs and good business management," he added.

-- BERNAMA