SINCE 1939
WE DISTRIBUTE FINEST SPIRITS
From its humble beginnings as a sundry shop in 1939, Chua Song Seng (CSS) has grown by leaps and bounds to where it is today under the visionary leadership of Dato’ Chua Lai Huat. With a strong business acumen and an acute vision inherited from his late father, Dato’ Chua led CSS, overcoming many obstacles along the way, to greater heights of achievement by turning the group into one of the nation’s leading entity in Distribution Services. With an operating philosophy encompassing boldness in business, he also believes in treating employees of his companies well, enhanced with shrewd investments in infrastructure and tools to ensure continued growth and success.
CSS is now a major distributor of Carlsberg, a variety of spirits, wine and champagne on top of brands from JTI Tobacco and other provisions and goods. With a wide range of customer-base comprising major hotels, golf & country clubs, pubs, entertainment outlets, restaurants, retailers and corporate clients to end-consumers, the growth opportunity is bright.
VISION
To be a competitive & reliable To provide top quality & creative services To exceed customers’ expectations
MISSION
A professional distributor in achieving the objective and strategy of creating a strong triangular business partnership comprising customers, suppliers and corporate.
VALUES
Honest, Trustworthy, Responsible, Committed, Passionate, Initiative-driven.
PHILOSOPHY
We believe in providing genuine, quality and value-driven products to our customers at reasonable prices.
We believe in establishing and building long-term mutually beneficial business partnerships with our principals, suppliers and customers.
We believe in being a leading provider of innovative and reputable products and services with a primary focus on our customers.
OUR HISTORY
A PROUD HERITAGE
1939
Mr. Chua Song Cheok, the late father of Dato’ Chua Lai Huat, pioneered Chop Song Seng, a traditional sundry shop.
1953
Mr. Chua Song Cheok changed the company’s name to Chua Song Seng on 23 July this year.
1970
The company obtained distribution rights for Carlsberg products.
1975
The company obtained distribution rights for R. J. Reynolds Tobacco products (In year 1999 R.J. Reynolds Tobacco sold their brands international right to Japan Tobacco International or JTI).
1976-1980
The company ventured into the hamper business, and created an initiative way to wrap hampers.
1982
On 19 February this year, the company turned its business model into a private limited company. The company’s name has since changed to Chua Song Seng Sdn Bhd.
1984
Named after Dato’ Chua Lai Huat,Chua Lai Huat Holdings Sdn Bhd was establised this year. Apart from being a distributor and importer for various food and beverage products, the company’s business now include property development and pharmaceutical products.
1989
CSS is also an MSIG Corporate Agent for its General Insurance products, serving internal and external SMI businesses on personal and corporate risk management, and offering all types of business and personal protection since being established.
CSS retail shop was burned down & despite this major setback for the business. CSS resume operation within 2 weeks.
1991
Wisma Chua Song Seng began construction.
1992
On 5th of December this year Wisma Chua Song Seng was official launch by former Minister of Transport Tun Lim Liong Sik.
1993
Chua Song Seng Sdn. Bhd.’s Johor Bharu branch began operations to serve this demanding and competitive market.
2000
CSS begun the process of restructuring.
2001
On 1st January 2001, two subsidiary companies were formed to better serve the needs of the group in view of market challenges and with the purpose of streamlining the business to face competition effectively:- CSS Food & Beverages Sdn. Bhd. and CSS Tobacco Sdn. Bhd.
2003
CSS Liquor was formed with the objective of providing liquor supplies to end-consumers, corporate clients, business functions and weddings. CSS Hamper & Gift was also formed with the objective of supplying hampers and gift-services to corporate clients and end-consumers.
2004
CSS Tobacco (Bentong) Branch was set up exclusively to distribute JTI products.
2006
CSS Food & Beverages Sdn Bhd was appointed by Carlsberg Brewery Malaysia Berhad as an authorized distributor in Kuala Lumpur to serve all hotels and clubs in Klang Valley.
2009
Company restructuring exercise. Apart from providing management services, the company also invested in information technology and human capital.
2010
CSS Wines & Spirits Sdn. Bhd. established.
2011
CSS became a strategic business partner of Carlsberg in the Klang Valley.
2016
CSS Food & Beverage awarded the “Malaysia Top Business Excellence Award 2016”.
2017
CSS Garage Sdn Bhd added into CSS Family, an entirely new division developed as a competitive market advantage in automotive servicing segment.
CSS Liquor retail shop re-launched with new face lift topped with refurbished function hall, an ideal space for business conferences and special occasions, added with a modern sound system and a bar to adapt many different types of events.
2019
CSS Tobacco expanded & opened CSS Tobacco (SN) to distribute cigarettes in Klang, Teluk Intan & Ipoh.
In November, Chua Song Seng Sdn Bhd won Sin Chew Business Excellence Awards for business sustainability.
CSS Liquor Isetan Lot10 new branch added to CSS family.
In December, acquired MHIA International Foods Sdn Bhd and renamed as CSS Food Manufacturing Sdn Bhd to diversified businesses into food manufacturing which specializing in confectionery Halal products such as puddings, jellies, snow ices and etc.
2020
Established CSS Solutions Platform Sdn Bhd as a modern trading arm with the purpose of spearheading the company’s aggressive foray into the lucrative digital market and e-commerce platform (Drink2Points Apps). A joint venture with Deromp Marketing (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd and Chua Song Seng Sdn Bhd.
2021
On 1st October 2021, CSS FOOD & BEVERAGES SDN BHD established Penang branch, branching out to northern region of Malaysia to serve a bigger demanding market.
2022
In June 2022, we established the CSS flagship store “Since 1939”, with the first store located at One Utama Shopping Mall.
Our target audience is working class professional that wants a nice place to have a discussion or hang out. As we have an open space for customer to sit and a hidden party room with KTV sound system with professional service crew ready to serve your needs.
In August 2022, we opened our first “Since 1939” branch, located at Jalan Burma, George Town, Penang.
2023
On August 8, 2023, the “Since 1939” DC Mall branch opened at DAMANSARA CITY MALL, Kuala Lumpur.
In September 2023, the “Since 1939” Equine branch opened at Equine Residence, Seri Kembangan.
Today
Chua Song Seng Group is now under the leadership of Dato’ Chua’s eldest son Dato’ Chua Kok Chee and his two brothers Simon Chua Kok Thai and Howard Chua Kok Ann with a team of dedicated and loyal staff to constantly and progressively deal with various challenges, especially the impression of consumers about tobacco and alcohol, government policies on tobacco and alcohol products, changes in the pattern of consumer market, and the overall economic environment. The Group accounts for 43 percent of Malaysia’s tobacco market, with businesses covering Ipoh, Teluk Intan, Klang, Seremban, Kajang and Klang Valley, making it one of the largest players in the domestic market.
The Group has also involved in the alcoholic fermentation industry, expanded its market to airports and duty-free shops. It is worth noting that apart from growing its tobacco, alcohol, and food and beverage products, the Group also plans to venture into other fields in the future. This is in line with the Group’s vision to further diversify its businesses. Furthermore, the management is considering the option of getting the Group listed. In a nutshell, the future potential of Chua Song Seng Group is clear for all to fathom!