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IGL Coatings: Why a 19% Tariff Is Better Than Uncertainty

35 mins·10:00, 22 Oct 2025
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IGL Coatings: Why a 19% Tariff Is Better Than Uncertainty

35 mins
·
10:00, 22 Oct 2025
·

Guest: Keong Chun Chieh (Founder & CEO), IGL Coatings

Marking its 10th anniversary, IGL Coatings has grown into an eight-figure business exporting its surface protection solutions to 50 markets. But this milestone comes at a challenging time, with new US tariffs impacting its largest market.

Founder and CEO Keong Chun Chieh joins us to reflect on his 10-year journey. He discusses the on-the-ground reality of navigating tariffs, his strategic push to grow the B2C side of the business, the crucial lessons he's learned about IP protection, and his "north star" goal of hitting $100 million in annual revenue.

We discuss:

  • The 10-year journey from a startup to an 8-figure manufacturer & exporter.

  • The real-world impact of US tariffs and the strategy for navigating them.

  • Why a 19% tariff Is better than uncertainty

  • Their strategic push to grow the B2C segment to diversify risk.

  • The crucial importance of IP protection and listening to customer feedback.

  • Their new strategic partnership with Petronas to localise their supply chain.

This episode of Open For Business is powered by PETRONAS SmartPay, the simpler and better solution for all your business needs.

Presenter: Roshan Kanesan

Producer: Roshan Kanesan

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