MASTER ENTREPRENEUR CATEGORY
Dr. Teo Kim Teck
Founder & Managing DirectorPOLYMERIC TECHNOLOGY SDN BHD
Chemical & Plasticswww.polymerictechnology.com
Information about the Entrepreneur
Dr. Teo Kim Teck, the Founder and Managing Director of Polymeric Technology Sdn Bhd, has been a trailblazer in the polymer industry since 2004. Born in the small village of Tangkak in the Johor state of Malaysia, Dr. Teo’s journey from secondary education in SMK Ledang, Tangkak to earning a Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, and a Ph.D. in Polymer Chemistry from the University of Malaya showcases a relentless pursuit of knowledge.Dr. Teo commenced his professional journey as a chemist with Nippon Paint Malaysia, specializing in paint formulation and technology. His career trajectory then led him to become the Techno-commercial Manager at Croda Resin, a British-based resin company, and later the General Manager of Globe Leigh’s Paints (M) Sdn Bhd. It was during his tenure with Gadang Holding Bhd that the seed of entrepreneurship was sown.
The visionary CEO of Gadang Holding Bhd, Tan Sri Dato Kok Onn, recognized Dr. Teo’s capabilities and invited him to embark on an entrepreneurial journey. Dr. Teo proposed the establishment of a resin business, leading to the birth of Polymeric Technology Sdn Bhd on the 18th of October 2004. This marked the inception of a company that started from scratch, facing challenges such as limited resources and no manufacturing facilities.
Other Interesting Facts about the Entrepreneur
Dr. Teo’s success stems from a deep understanding of technology fundamentals and the importance of correct component preparation, advanced analytical instrumentation, and effective data management in the chemical industry. He emphasizes the rapid pace of technological advancement and its potential to create more sustainable materials for the future.Success is borne from weathering the trials of life and Dr. Teo recognizes the challenge of establishing a brand in a well-established and dynamic industry. To become a key player, he believes the company must focus on strong polymer technology development rather than merely producing common resins. Acquiring human assets, particularly for the R&D team, is another challenge in a new company with a focus on technology development.
Embrace challenges, inspire excellence, and heal with compassion.
Company Achievements and
Role of the Entrepreneur
Dr. Teo recognized the importance of focusing on innovative
research and development rather than simply expanding capacity
in the coating industry. As the technical lead in the company,
he guided the technical team toward a breakthrough in polymer
technology. After five years of intensive work, the team successfully launched a thixotropic polymer with remarkable rheological
performance, particularly in metallic pigment orientation control.
This breakthrough enabled the formulation of DIY types of metallic
coatings using the thixotropic resin technology.
Under Dr. Teo’s leadership, Polymeric Technology Sdn Bhd has established a robust business network throughout the Asian continent, offering a diverse range of products. These products, including Polynate®, Polykyd®, Polycryl®, Polysil®, Polythane®, IPcure®, Vcure®, Polygel®, and Polyadd®, cater to various industries, including OEM, refinishing, coil and can, decorative, general industry, wood-based, heavy-duty, marine, DIY, and more. These products can be formulated into a paint system for many applications including physical dry, thermal curing mechanisms, and even radiation curing such as UV or LED cured technologies.
Dr. Teo’s commitment to excellence and environmental responsibility is evident through the company’s ISO certifications, including ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001. In 2022, Polymeric Technology Sdn Bhd received a bronze rating from EcoVadis for its dedication to sustainable business practices.
Polymeric Technology Sdn Bhd’s growth has been marked by significant milestones. From the completion of the First and Second Phases of production in 2006 and 2008, respectively, to the construction of a Pilot Plant in 2011 and the Third Phase of expansion in 2019, Dr. Teo has overseen the evolution of the company into a formidable force in the polymer industry.
Vision, Mission & Future Plans
The vision of Polymeric Technology Sdn Bhd is to become a world-class innovative polymer manufacturer, driving advancements in polymer technology and propelling the coating industry to new heights. Dr. Teo’s leadership and commitment to excellence have laid a strong foundation for the company’s bright future.At Polymeric Technology Sdn Bhd, the mission is to establish the company as an international brand and manufacturer that provides unmatched value, innovative resin, coating solutions, and services. This mission is pursued through a blend of business streams, all aimed at exceeding customer expectations.
Dr. Teo is currently leading the company toward an IPO roadmap targeting in next five years. He also wants to share some words of encouragement to budding entrepreneurs, “Clearly understand what you ventured into, believe in what you can do, and always try to surpass your limits. Be responsible for the decisions you’ve made”.