Growing achievements from the ground up

The Star

20-06-2025

Wong: 'We saw an opportunity to contribute to more efficient and sustainable farming practices beyond Malaysia.'
SK Specialties Sdn Bhd is Malaysia's first producer of controlled release fertiliser (CRF), a cutting-edge enhanced efficiency fertiliser (EEF) designed to support sustainable agriculture.
Since beginning production in August 2009, its flagship product, SK Cote, has set new standards in nutrient delivery and environmental stewardship.
Its commitment to quality and innovation has earned the company national recognition.
According to SK Specialties managing director Adrian Wong Ling Yung, the company was granted Malaysia's Pioneer Status in 2012, certified with ISO 9001:2015 in 2017, and implemented the 5S workplace system in 2019 to enhance productivity and organisation.
'While EEFs are traditionally reserved for high-value crops due to cost, our mission is to make high-quality CRF more accessible and affordable worldwide.
'We were driven by the belief that feeding the world efficiently and sustainably is not just a goal – it's a responsibility.'
Wong said the company began exporting in 2011, marking a milestone in becoming a globally competitive company. Moving into overseas markets was driven by its commitment to deliver high-quality, sustainable fertiliser solutions to a broader audience.
'We recognised a growing global demand for environmentally responsible agricultural products, and with our innovative SK Cote controlled release fertiliser, we saw an opportunity to contribute to more efficient and sustainable farming practices beyond Malaysia.'
Exporting also aligned with its vision of supporting global food security while strengthening its position as a pioneer in the industry.
Early in its export journey, the company encountered significant challenges that tested its resilience and adaptability.
Wong said gaining market acceptance for its product was one such hurdle.
'As a new player introducing CRF, a relatively advanced and unfamiliar technology in many regions, we faced scepticism from potential customers who were accustomed to conventional fertilisers,' he said.
Convincing them of the long-term benefits, cost-effectiveness and environmental advantages required substantial effort, including demonstrations, field trials and building strong, trust-based relationships with local partners.
Another major challenge was the lack of in-depth knowledge about different markets. Each country had its own set of regulatory frameworks, agricultural practices, climatic conditions and customer expectations.
Navigating these differences demanded extensive market research, adaptability and collaboration with local experts.
It had to learn quickly, adjust marketing strategies and even fine-tune its formulations to meet specific regional needs.
Despite these obstacles, the company remained committed, as its team invested time and resources into education and awareness campaigns, conducted extensive product trials and actively participated in trade exhibitions to showcase its solutions.
'Through our persistence, continuous learning and a customer-centric approach, we built credibility and established a growing presence in overseas markets,' Wong added.
These early challenges strengthened its foundation and shaped the way it operates globally today – agile, informed and focused on delivering quality and value across borders.
The company's international growth has been driven by a combination of key factors that continue to set it apart in a competitive global market.
Its commitment to product quality that ensures consistent performance and environmental safety has helped build trust with customers around the world and positioned it as a reliable partner.
The product offers significant cost advantages that make it accessible to a wider range of customers and its flexibility in customisation to meet local requirements.
Also the company's willingness to collaborate with local partners played a vital role in its success as working closely with distributors, agronomists and government agencies allow it to adapt its approach, provide localised support and gain deeper insights into market dynamics.
'Winning the Silver Award in the Industrial Products category for two years in a row is a powerful validation of our commitment, resilience and collective effort,' said Wong.
'It acknowledges the strides we have made to produce high-quality, innovative products and highlights our ability to remain competitive and sustainable in the international export market.
'Looking ahead, we are exploring opportunities to expand into new and emerging markets, particularly in regions where sustainable agriculture is becoming a national priority.
'South Asia, Africa and parts of Latin America are high on our radar due to their large agricultural sectors, increasing focus on food security and growing demand for efficient fertiliser solutions,' he explained.
The company looks to expand into markets where the need for sustainable, high-performance fertilisers intersects with its ability to deliver real, long-term value.
For more, visit https://www.skspecialties.com.my/.