1964
- Jimmy Lew, with help from a relative, set up Wong Fong Engineering Works Company (“Engineering Works”), a modest truck equipment servicing workshop along Upper Bukit Timah Road.
- He was shortly joined by his brother, James Liew, in the business.
Wong Brothers’ workshop (1960s)
1970
- Engineering Works became the exclusive in-house contractor for a leading UK-based multinational corporation for the installation and servicing of its cranes and hydraulic equipment, giving the brothers an opportunity to expand the business into this relatively niche segment.
- The business relocated its workshop to the premises of the multinational corporation (and maintained its workshop there till 1992).
1988
- Wong Fong Engineering Works (1988) Pte Ltd (“WFE”) was incorporated.
- The year marked the entry of WFE into the waste management industry when WFE leased a separate fabrication facility at Tuas Avenue 11 to fabricate open-top container bins and tipper trucks.
- WFE also started diversifying into the fabrication, servicing and installation of other products such as waste handling products, hookloaders, open-top container bins and compactors.
The 1990s was a time of rapid expansion for WFE when it started specialising in areas like advanced engineering design and manufacturing works for industrial apparatus such as compactors, maintenance vehicles, water tankers, self-loaders, recovery trucks and scissor lifts. WFE also continued to widen its network and establish good relationships with other industry players and international manufacturers..
1994
- WFE acquired its current premises (approximately 8,600 square metres) as its new headquarters at 79 Joo Koon Circle and consolidated all its then existing operations at this location. By this time, the business annual turnover had grown to in excess of S$23 million, with a staff strength of 100.
1997
- WFE became the sole distributor for Palfinger brand of cranes, a worldwide leader in truck-mounted crane technology.
1999
- WFE made its first foray into the military and defence industry when it secured a tender for the design and supply of maintenance vehicles for military use.
- This development encouraged WFE to establish a dedicated design team to provide specialised engineering solutions for clients in niche industries such as defence solutions, as well as assistive technology and mobility aid.
The 2000s and beyond continued to be an exciting period for WFE as it further strengthened and consolidated its position in the business it carved out in the last four decades.
2004
- WFE was named one of the top 500 small and medium enterprises in Singapore in the SME 500 award.
2006
- Together with a business partner, we set up Wong Fong Pte. Ltd. (“WFPL”) to provide installation of truck bodies services and pre-delivery inspections for trucks.
2008
- In April, in line with its business expansion, WFE acquired a production facility at 16 Tuas Avenue 6 (approximately 5,500 square metres) for the integration of cranes, fabrication and engineering works for military projects, as well as pre-delivery inspection.
2011
- In April, Wong Fong Academy Pte Ltd (“WFA”) was set up to provide accredited training courses for customers and operators across various industries, and subsequently expanded into providing BizSafe training and other industrial equipment training courses. WFA was the first accredited training provider for the lorry crane operator course appointed and awarded by the Ministry of Manpower of Singapore.
2012
- In March, we acquired a 65% interest in CE Asia Holdings Pte. Ltd. (“CEAH”), which in turns holds 100% interest in CE Asia Heavy Equipment Pte. Ltd. and its Malaysia-incorporated subsidiary, CE Asia Heavy Equipment Sdn Bhd (collectively, the “CE Asia Group”) to capitalise on the business opportunities in Malaysia and Indonesia and to better facilitate business support for customers in the region. CE Asia Group specialises in manufacturing and trading of products such as cranes, hookloaders and trailers; the sale of used or refurbished equipment and machineries and repair and servicing of hydraulic crane systems.
2013
- Wong Fong Research and Innovation Centre (“WFRIC”) was established in January to focus on research and development of engineering solutions for the industries it serves.
- In October, WFRIC successfully launched its tailgate cum door at the China Commercial Vehicles Show in Wuhan, the PRC.
- WFE was awarded 27th place in the 2013 Enterprise 50 Awards in Singapore.
2014
- WFRIC Shenzhen Co., Ltd was set up in August to serve customers in the PRC in areas of industrial design and research and development, with the aim of developing engineering solutions for commercialisation in the PRC.
- WFE was awarded 14th place in the 2014 Enterprise 50 Awards in Singapore.
- Cementing its position as an industry leader in safety and technical standards, WFE was one of the first companies to be approved by the Singapore Accreditation Council to conduct inspection and certification of hookloaders and open-top container bins.
- We started enhancement works to our premises at 79 Joo Koon Circle to double our built-up area from approximately 5,634 square metres to 11,879 square metres upon completion.
2016
- Vanda Electrics Pte. Ltd., in which we hold a 49% interest, was set up in January to commercialise our electric-mobility solutions and electric motor vehicles inventions.
- Wong Fong Industries Limited successfully listed on the Singapore Catalist Board on 28 July 2016
2017
- Wong Fong Industries Limited has signed a sale and purchase agreement to acquire a 60% stake in a hospitality consultancy and training group, Ascendo International Holdings Pte. Ltd. (“Ascendo“)
2018
- 1Summit Global Pte Ltd (“1SG”), was incorporated to integrate Wong Fong Industries’ educational, training and human capital businesses under one holding company, contributing to the safety and quality standards of industries. Under 1SG are 4 major subsidiaries, Ascer Pte Ltd, Ascendo Consulting Pte Ltd, Smatra Training Hub Pte Ltd and Wong Fong Academy Pte Ltd.
2019
- 1SG acquired Educare Human Capital Pte Ltd (EHC) and Educare International Consultancy Pte Ltd (EIC). EHC specialises in HR solutions including recruitment, deployment, placement of employees, HR Management System and HR advisory. EIC focuses on providing professional development and consultancy services.
2020
- Moving forward to 2020, Ascendo entered into a sales and purchase agreement with HTMi Switzerland, to acquire HTMi (Singapore), a leading Hotel Management Institute in the World.
Wong Fong Industries Limited is one of the leading providers of land transport engineering solutions and systems for various industries, headquartered in Singapore with a presence in Malaysia and the PRC. Our business lies in providing customised engineering solutions for a wide range of industries, as well as developing new products and engineering and industrial solutions. Through our academy, we also run accredited training courses for skills improvement in the infrastructure development and manufacturing industries.
Equipment Sales
- Sells and installs load handling systems and waste management systems, assistive technology as well as mobility aids.
- Range includes truck-mounted cranes, tailgates, tippers, self-loaders, hookloaders, portable compactors and sweeper vehicles.
- Exclusive and sole dealerships for DHOLLANDIA (Belgium), PALFINGER (Austria), PÖTTINGER (Austria), HIDRO-MAK (Turkey), OMB (Italy), STRAUTMANN (Germany), SPRING MACHINE CONTROL (Italy), TANA (Finland), TP CHIPPER (Denmark), CONTENUR (Spain) and SANY PALFINGER (China).
Projects
- Team of industrial designers, engineers and technicians, with advanced facilities and comprehensive resources.
- Provides design, customisation, fabrication and integration services to meet the specific requirements of customers.
- Offers Advanced Engineering services, which provides customers with enhanced and innovative engineering and industrial solutions.
- Focus areas for product and service development include military, urban material regeneration, specialised vehicles and electric-mobility.
- Products developed includes ZUKUN solutions for smart compactor, onboard weighing and crane stability control system.
Repairs and Servicing
- Operates one of the largest service centres for truck-mounted cranes, hookloaders and tailgates in Singapore.
- With a team of qualified and experienced servicing staff to handle equipment breakdowns and servicing needs.
- On 24-hour standby mobile service team that carries out on-site servicing and inspections.
- Certified by the Singapore Accreditation Council to inspect and certify hookloaders and open-top container bins.
Training
- Provides more than 80 courses under its curriculum, many of which are Singapore Workforce Skills Qualifications-accredited, as well as hospitality consultancy services.
- Courses include, among others, skill and safety-related training for diverse sectors such as industrial engineering, construction, food and beverage, security and cleaning as well as heavy industries comprising of oil and gas, shipyard as well as
marine and logistics. - Have trained over 20,000 workers in Singapore.
- Both WFA and Ascendo are Approved Training Organisations under the Workforce Skills Qualifications Framework.
- Our training, education, human capital and consultancy business entities will be consolidated under 1SG, a single integrated human capital development platform that is committed to empower and develop an agile and innovative workforce.
Members of Wong Fong Industries Ltd
Expand and Diversify Operations and Product Offerings
We intend to expand and diversify our operations and product offerings in our core businesses including the land transport engineering either through our own investments or through potential mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures and/or strategic collaborations with parties who can provide synergistic value to our business. We may implement this expansion and diversification in Singapore, Asia including countries such as Malaysia and Myanmar or elsewhere.
Enhance Service and Production Facilities
We intend to further develop our distribution capability, services and network to penetrate markets such as Singapore, Malaysia and the PRC and leverage on our market position to increase our current market share. In addition, we plan to enhance our service and engineering capacity and capability by possibly expanding existing facilities and/or acquiring or leasing a larger manufacturing premise.
Develop New Products and Services
We aim to broaden our portfolio and range of products and services, and are now exploring the development of new products and services in four (4) key areas – load handling and special purpose vehicles, waste handling, electric-mobility and defence. Our strategy also involves deploying our research and development teams to source for new products and technology in the market, in Singapore and overseas, and explore how we can develop our own new products through innovative design and research. We may also enter into strategic collaboration with industry experts to augment our research and development capabilities.
MANAGEMENT
Pao Kiew Tee
Independent Chairman
Mr Pao Kiew Tee was a senior government auditor holding the position of senior group director. He retired in July 2016 after serving the Civil Service for 37 years. Before his retirement, he supervised a group responsible for auditing the financial statements and operation audits of government ministries and statutory boards. He is currently an Independent Director of SGX-ST-listed companies, Mary Chia Holdings Limited, New Silkroutes Group Limited and Boldtek Holdings Limited, and is also active in various grassroots organisations.
He graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) degree from the University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand in 1974, and is a fellow of the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants and a member of the Singapore Institute of Directors.
Liew Ah Kuie (James Liew)
Co-Founder and Group CEO
One of our founders, Mr James Liew was formerly the Deputy Chairman and Managing Director of the Group. He oversees the Group’s general operations, including human resources, management and general administration, as well as strategic planning for the Group’s business expansion. He has been instrumental in the Group’s growth, leading the expansion of its business and operations.
Liew Chern Yean
Executive Director
Mr Liew Chern Yean joined the Group in 1996 and has more than 20 years of experience in the business of load handling systems, waste management systems and other engineering solutions. He oversees and manages the Group’s quality control and assurance functions. He is also the Chief Technical Officer and is responsible for technology, advanced engineering and projects. Prior to joining the Group, Mr Liew was a design engineer with Hitachi Electronic Devices (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. from 1994 to 1996.
He graduated from the Nanyang Technological University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Mechanical) in 1994. In 2009, he was appointed a committee member of the National Crane Safety Task Force of the Workplace Safety and Health Council.
Lew Chern Yong
Non-Executive Non-Independent Director
Mr Eric Lew joined the Group in September 2003. He was first appointed as Executive Director of the Group on 2 January 2015 and in March 2019, was re-designated to Non-Executive Non-Independent Director. He is currently the Executive Chairman of Y Ventures Group Ltd, a company listed on the Catalist Board of the SGX-ST. He started his career as an audit senior with KPMG LLP where he was involved in several external audit assignments from July 1997 to April 2000. From July 2000 to June 2002, he was a programme executive at TOUCH Community Services and was responsible for planning and managing social services programmes. He serves on the executive committee of the Waste Management and Recycling Association of Singapore.
He obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Accountancy with a minor in Banking and Finance from the Nanyang Technological University in 1997.
Wong Chit Chong
Independent Director
Mr Wong Chit Chong currently serves as Director of John Mead Dance Company Ltd. He brings with him 35 years of experience in the motor operations industry in Singapore. Prior to this, he was the Director and General Manager of Triangle Auto Pte Ltd in Singapore primarily responsible for overall management of Dah Chong Hong Trading (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. and the Group’s motor operations in Singapore. He joined Triangle Auto Pte Ltd. in December 1987. Mr Wong holds a Diploma in Automobile Engineering from the Institute of Motor Industry, UK, a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering from the Singapore Polytechnic, a Diploma in Management Science from Singapore Institute of Management and a Master Degree in Business Administration from Brunel University, UK. He is a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers USA. He also served as the President of the Motor Traders Association of Singapore and was a past member of the Mechanical Engineering Academic Advisory Committee of the Singapore Institute of Technical Education and the Institute of Motor Industry, UK.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Jack Wong
Chief Financial Officer
Mr Jack Wong joined the Group in 2015 and is responsible for providing treasury, risk management and financial leadership to the Group. Prior to this, he was the head of service, finance and administration of Palfinger Marine Pte. Ltd., where he was part of the management team responsible for developing and growing Palfinger’s marine business in the Asia Pacific region. Between 2005 and 2009, he was seconded to Australia and China where he held the positions of General Manager and Board member of Truck Cranes Australia Pty. Ltd. and General Manager and Legal Representative of Palfinger (Shenzhen) Ltd. He commenced his career as an audit/tax associate at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (“PwC”) after graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accountancy from the Nanyang Technological University in 1997. He left PwC as a Tax Manager in 2004. He also obtained a Master of Applied Law (Corporate/Commercial Law) from the University of Queensland (Australia) in 2009. He is a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and a Chartered Accountant of the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants.
Chia Kah Lam
Operations Director
Mr Chia Kah Lam joined the Group in 1979 and is currently our Operations Director. He started his career in Engineering Works in 1979 as a service fitter where he was responsible for, amongst others, performing welding work, conducting fabrication work, and assisting in assembly work. After Engineering Works’ corporatisation, he took on various supervisory and managerial positions before being promoted to the position of Operations Director in 2015. He is primarily responsible for overseeing and managing the operational aspects of the Group’s core business. He also works with its Sales Director in formulating marketing and sale strategies, and conducting marketing activities to promote the Group’s products.
Lew Siew Choo
Director of Group Supply Chain and Operations and Human Resource
Ms Lew Siew Choo joined the Group in 2001 and is currently our Director of Supply Chain Management and Information Technology. She is in charge of the Group’s supply chain which includes supplier relationship management as well as developing and implementing policies and procedures for the Group’s supply chain operations. She also oversees the Group’s administrative and information technology functions. From June 1993 to December 1996, she worked as an estate officer with the Housing Development Board. From February 1997 to April 2001, she was a Finance and Administrative Executive with T.C.J. Wong Fong (Far East) Pte Ltd. She graduated from the National University of Singapore with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration in 1992.
LIU SHANNI
Director of Group Business Development and Information Technology
Mr Liu Shanni joined the Group in 2010 and has more than 15 years of experience in the business of load handling systems. He oversees the Group’s business development and information technology. Prior to joining the Group, Mr Liu was a retail executive with Telecom Equipment Pte. Ltd. from 2007 to 2009.
Albert Lee
Sales Director
Mr Albert Lee joined the Group in 1988 and is responsible for our sales and marketing activities including the marketing of our latest products, services and capabilities to existing and potential customers. Mr Lee joined the Group as a service and work coordinator in 1988, and subsequently took on various managerial positions, before being promoted to a Sales Director in 2013. Prior to joining the Group, he was a store service coordinator with George Cohen (Far East) Pte. Ltd. from 1973 to 1988 where he was responsible for all administrative and coordination functions at the store and service departments.