Dato’ Richard Koh is founder, president and CEO of the Malaysia based Only World Group, a pioneer in the country’s amusement and recreation theme park industry, with nearly four decades’ of experience. The group is widely diversified and accomplished in the leisure and F&B industries and is present in popular resorts and shopping malls throughout the nation. Dato’ Richard Koh is also chairman of the Malaysia Association of Amusement, Themepark and Family Attractions (MAATFA). Andrew Mellor finds out more
IP: What operational aspects of the theme/waterpark industry is the Only World Group involved in and briefly, what other activities is the group involved with? RK: We do conceptual design and build and operate waterparks. We are the largest water theme park chain in Malaysia with four parks in operation. We are also the largest in-line skating rink designer, builder and operator. Plus we are one of the key players in the indoor kids play centre sector. Our other activities are spa healing touch centres and a large range of food outlets consisting of Chinese, Indian, Malay and Japanese restaurants in Malaysia, China and Singapore.
IP: What have been some of the group’s most recent projects and what are you working on at the moment? RK: We have just completed the Jurassic ride at Universal Studios, Sentosa, and are in the process of working on the water theme park as well as other parks.
IP: What do you feel have been the most significant changes and developments in the Asian theme park industry in the past five years and the wider visitor attractions industry in general in this part of the world? RK: The Asian theme park industry has changed over time. We are seeing new and strong brands in the industry coming into Asia, such as Universal Studios, Singapore, LEGOLAND
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Theme Park, Malaysia, and other significant brands that are yet to be represented in the Asian region. By 2012, the Asian theme park industry will be huge and will be an important contributor to the local economy. The organising of the first Asian Attractions Expo by IAAPA in Malaysia clearly shows that Malaysia in particular can become a “power house” for the industry and hopefully lead the industry in the region. With the new and branded players coming into the region and with their respective marketing strategies, visitation is set to increase based on the respective market segments. Not all markets will respond, but it is predicted that the higher spending market will be the core for the industry, with the lower spending market maybe visiting the parks once in a year. IP: Are there any particular challenges facing the industry in Asian countries, and particularly the countries your company works in, at the present time? RK: The industry in this region of south east Asia has many challenges. We foresee that tough competition among new players will be the main challenge as many new theme park brands are making their way into the region. The most recent was Universal Studios at Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore, where this state-of-the-art theme park will be competing with the current players
Richard Koh Interview
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