Managing Director

Decisive. Proactive. Dynamic. These are the qualities that emphasize Alaf´s approach. It is all about managing the right people and the right technology for success. This assures our customers that we are positive and result-driven.

The founders of the company and the Board of Directors have kept the vision of making Alaf 21, the top commercial book publisher in the industry. One that offers the best value to customers. A heavy investment in people and technology is to ensure Alaf 21´s position as a market leader in the book industry.

Overview

Since Karya Bestari Sdn. Bhd. starts its operation in the year of 1978, it has been very active in publishing books. Due to its fast expansion, it mopves to its new premises at 50-52 Lorong Rahim Kajai 14, Kuala Lumput. From then onwards, the management begins to focus in publishing magazines and newspapers which have become the main contributions.

Book publishing has since been put aside until the management decides to split it up, namely the book division. Given a small section in Kumpulan Karangkraf, the division begins to operate on its own attempting to prove its capability to develop accordingly in order to move along with the company.

Subsequently, the existence of Ultimate Print Sdn. Bhd. brings a major change to the book industry. Recognizing the book industry potential, management agrees to restart and to involve more seriously in it. Strong company strategis ensure its stable growth.

Alaf 21 Sdn. Bhd. established in March 1996. Alaf, in Malay literally means ERA. Combination of the words alaf and the number 21 signifies the 21st century. The name is selected for the word itself that implies the concept of looking ahead always. We put that as our motto until now.

The first operation starts in April 1996 located at Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur.

Unlike the crowded publication division, a peaceful atmosphere is strongly essential for those involve in book publishing industry. Realizing the fact, management has choose to place Alaf 21 apart from others so that it can provide better and peaceful mood and environment for the staff.

We are moving on as we start to publish more books including the academic, fashion, craft, creative and general books with Raihan´s biography as our first product. Economic downfall, puts Alaf 21 in a difficult situation. The management team sets up strategies to uphold and maintain our position. To budget outgoing expenses, the company decides to focus on reprinting job, stock controlling, package offers and book fair activities. Unnecessary investments are put on hold. We even clean up our own office together. Breaking record, we take pride in it that no one is dismissed during this period. However, staff who voluntarily quit jobs are not replaced at once except if their positions are higly demanded.

Till then, Alaf 21 is still there, exists as a result of strong bond and cooperation between staff. Plus the status of Ultimate Print Sdn. Bhd. and Kumpulan Karangkraf as the well-established companies have helped much to our success. Proven itself, Alaf 21 set off to make profit again in April 1999.

Yet, Alaf 21 has big potential to expand its business. With over than 70% profit comes from the sale of novels, Alaf 21 shows a bright future to succeed besides encouraging people to read.

Mission

We are a customer-oriented company determined to satisfy our custome´s needs. Along the way, we keep on focus to ensure the priority for customers. Believing that "smart thinking by reading", inspires us to vary our products. Noe that we are constantly developing and improving our business, staff are always being alerted to maintain and upgrade their performance.

More so, we even encourage our staff to move on from the start as to become highly-skilled individuals in every aspect but not just in their domain. Our strong working culture enables our accomplishment, For more, our success attests in importance of communication in between staff apart from the commitment given by each individuals.