Dato&rsquo; Sri Meer Sadik Habib shares about the history and heritage of his family business, HABIB, a true jewellery stalwart born and bred in Malaysia.

What sets HABIB apart as a true Malaysian jeweller?
HABIB cherishes a rich legacy and an extensive history. Originating from humble beginnings in Penang several decades ago, we have persevered and adapted to meet modern expectations, establishing ourselves as a respected presence in the jewellery industry today. Each piece we create is a work of art, meticulously designed to withstand the test of time and be treasured for generations as cherished keepsakes.
HABIB stands out in the market due to its exceptional creativity. The company consistently endeavours to distinguish itself through its product offerings, such as establishing partnerships with Italian artisans and blending their renowned gold craftsmanship with Malaysian heritage to cater to local preferences. As a proud homegrown brand, we strive to authentically embody the essence of Malaysia in our jewellery designs. It is paramount for us to stay true to ourselves and embrace our roots, rather than trying to be something we&rsquo;re not and this mindset can be seen in many of our Malaysian-inspired designs which reflect our deep sense of local pride. Our collections are a testament to our commitment to showcasing and celebrating our cultural heritage with appreciation.

What was it like growing up in the jewellery business?
During my upbringing, I had the pleasure of accompanying my father in his jewellery shop. The dazzling array of precious gems and radiant ornaments never failed to mesmerise me. Being immersed in such a world of beauty and sparkle from an early age, I naturally developed a deep appreciation for the enchanting allure of jewellery, making it an integral part of my lifestyle as I grew older. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to carry forward my father&rsquo;s legacy and build upon the foundation he established from the ground up.

What&rsquo;s your management philosophy for running a business as vast and successful as HABIB?
As a leader, I hold a strong belief in the significance of education, fully sharing knowledge with my team and actively valuing their opinions as constructive feedback. However, I also recognise that, as the visionary leader of the brand, the responsibility ultimately falls on me to make final decisions. It then becomes my earnest intention to humbly explain the thoughts and reasoning behind my choices, seeking to foster understanding and unity among the team. I also always place great emphasis on the brand&rsquo;s core values to ensure that nothing gets lost in translation. Whatever we decide to do as management should never jeopardise the values of staying as authentic as possible to our Malaysian identity and our brand motto of enhancing customer experience by being their gifts of happiness.
I make it a point to ensure that everyone on board the management team is on the same page as me. I think when the brand&rsquo;s values are communicated clearly to the team, managing the brand becomes more effective. That has always been my philosophy, to communicate that no matter what decisions we make, at the end of the day, we have to ensure that it stands aligned with our end goals. That approach inevitably gets more challenging as we continuously grow and expand. With the expansion, you have more priorities to consider in the mix, but I stay true to my conviction that everything we decide has to resonate with who we are as a brand. No matter how successful and big we get in the market, that is something that we will proudly maintain.

Can you describe some of HABIB&rsquo;s unique designs and craftsmanship techniques developed by and proprietary to the brand?
HABIB takes great pride in our H Collection, featuring chain link diamond pieces that incorporate an intriguing interplay of the letter H. It was essential for us to subtly integrate the letter H, symbolising our brand identity, into cleverly woven patterns within our jewellery. In addition, our Oro Italia 916 Collection truly embodies our distinctive style, blending Malaysian designs with Italian expertise. Introducing our latest line within the Oro Italia 916 Collection, we present Cataphoresis, a technique commonly employed in the jewellery industry for electrocoating or electro-deposition that provides a protective or decorative coating to metal surfaces. By employing cataphoresis, we enhance the durability, aesthetic appeal and corrosion resistance of our products, offering a broad range of design options to cater to customer preferences. Notably, our Cataphoresis pieces feature meticulously placed colourful beads that undoubtedly make a bold statement. What truly sets our H Collection and Oro Italia 916 collection apart is the admirable craftsmanship behind each piece. The level of detail and dedication invested in creating these masterpieces are unparalleled and a point of pride for us at HABIB.
For more unique designs and craftmanship techniques, we can also take, for instance, the Gondola and Cavo designs, which feature intricate diamond-cut patterns, gold beads and exquisite gold threading. The Cavo design symbolises unity and strength with its beautifully intertwined gold threads, while the Gondola design draws inspiration from the romantic canals of Venice, evoking a sense of history and tradition.

What are some HABIB milestones that you are particularly proud of?
Reflecting on our journey, I can&rsquo;t help but feel a sense of pride in our growth and evolution as a business. From humble beginnings, we have defied the odds and weathered the storm, including the challenges brought by the onset of the Covid era. It serves as a testament to our resilience and adaptability. What amazes me the most is our transformation from a brand with a limited online presence to one that embraces the digital realm wholeheartedly. The fact that we now host daily live streams, consistently produce high-quality online content, and operate thriving online stores is simply surprising. We have embraced the power of social media and online platforms to connect with our customers in ways we never imagined before.
HABIB has also achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first local jeweller to introduce the exquisite Oro Italia 916 collection. This extraordinary fusion of Malaysian heritage and Italian craftsmanship is a source of immense pride. We had the privilege of introducing Italian craftsmanship to Malaysia, pioneering a new wave of creativity and sophistication in our jewellery offerings.
Looking ahead, I am filled with excitement and gratitude for the journey we have embarked on. Our growth, resilience and unwavering commitment to excellence continue to drive us forward. As we celebrate our achievements, we remain grounded, humbled by the unwavering support of our customers and the extraordinary team that makes it all possible. Together, we will continue to reach new heights, while always remembering our roots and embracing the beauty of our Malaysian identity. Get ready for the grandest celebration yet as we mark our 65th anniversary! With cherished friends, esteemed media partners, and loyal customers by our side, this milestone event promises to be a joyous spectacle. Our team has been working tirelessly to curate an unforgettable bash that showcases the essence of HABIB, our rich heritage and our unwavering commitment to excellence.

How will HABIB&rsquo;s strong traditions cultivated since its founding in 1958 guide and shape its future?
Our goal is to make Malaysia&rsquo;s name and presence known worldwide with our jewellery brand that embodies our unique culture and aesthetic. It is this very ambition that motivates our dedicated endeavours. As a brand, we have always placed great emphasis on cultivating a pool of talented individuals within our organisation. By nurturing their potential, we aim to form a formidable team that will propel us towards success. It is crucial for us to maintain a strong talent density, enabling us to tap into their skills and expertise. While charting the path for our brand&rsquo;s future, I remain steadfast in upholding our cherished traditions and embracing our Malaysian identity. However, I also acknowledge the significance of adapting and evolving with the changing times. Balancing tradition and innovation is paramount as we strive to reach new heights and make a lasting impact.
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What&rsquo;s on the drawing board for HABIB for its 65th anniversary and beyond? 
Get ready for the grandest celebration yet as we mark our 65th anniversary! With cherished friends, esteemed media partners and loyal customers by our side, this milestone event promises to be a joyous spectacle. Stay tuned because you won't want to miss this unforgettable celebration. Our team has been working tirelessly to curate an unforgettable celebration that showcases the essence of HABIB, our rich heritage and our unwavering commitment to excellence. Be sure to stay tuned for more updates and announcements as we unveil the details of this eagerly anticipated event. Trust us, it will be an experience worth waiting for!

HABIB: The nation’s own jewel in the crown

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