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When considering of fancy mineral water, you may consider FIJI Water sourced from Fiji, Aqua Panna from Italy, or Evian water from the French Alps.
But have you ever ever considered our very personal Pulau Langkawi as a supply of premium-grade mineral water?
Well, neither did Simon Wang earlier than he based MC Gemilang Natural Water in 2016.
Quenching a thirst for entrepreneurship
Prior to MC Gemilang, Simon had labored within the metal trade, and was reportedly often called the “Iron Man”. However, he’s since modified his tune and now refers to himself because the “Water Man” and CEO of MC Gemilang.
The change started in 2016 itself when his father advised him that he got here throughout a really uncommon alternative. The elder Mr Wang shared that his pal, Zainol Husin, was conducting analysis in Langkawi that managed to uncover a possible mineral supply.
Zainol Husin (who has since handed) had been the director on the Department of Minerals and Geoscience Malaysia (JMG) that oversaw the trade in Perlis, Kedah, and the island of Penang.
“I didn’t take it seriously initially as [I’ve] always known Langkawi as a great place for holiday,” Simon admitted.
That was till he truly appeared into the historical past of Langkawi and its UNESCO Global Geopark standing.
UNESCO Global Geoparks, as described by the UNESCO web site itself, are “single, unified geographical areas” which are of worldwide geological significance. These areas are supposed to be managed with a holistic idea of safety, schooling, and sustainable growth.
Currently, there are 195 UNESCO Global Geoparks in 48 nations, and Langkawi is residence to one among them.
Learning that, Simon stated he “had the wildest thought”.
“This will be the purest mineral water sourced from Malaysia and the one and only one in Langkawi,” he realised. “This is a hidden gem in Langkawi.”
Searching for the supply
Locating an acceptable mineral water supply, as you may think, is not any small feat. It requires thorough understanding of the geology of an space, experience that Zainol Husin had been capable of present.
“Identifying the water source was not an easy task at all, days and nights we were at the site to check on different sites and finally discovered the source,” Simon stated.
With assist from the University of Science, Malaysia and thru using ultrasound expertise, MC Gemilang found a supply of water.
But the capability wasn’t sufficient. Simon shared that he virtually gave up then. The sunk price was excessive, however they’d nothing to indicate for his or her work.
Yet, he persevered. Simon acquired one other piece of land inside strolling distance from the earlier web site. Lo and behold, they hit the jackpot a couple of months later.
After getting permission from the JMG, they pumped out the water for 72 hours straight and bought virtually 800,000 litres of water. That meant that the crew would have the ability to produce seven million litres of water per thirty days from that supply.
“The aquifer is a renewable source where water runs through it,” Simon defined. “If we don’t use it, the water will go into the sea.”
With that, MC Gemilang was set to actually begin, launching the LWI Blue water in 2019.
More than simply your ordinary H2O
Located within the granite mountain of Gunung Raya, the water reserve they discovered was 130 metres deep and filtered by layers of granite rock. Passing by way of all these layers, the water on this reserve is excessive in minerals.
“Our water was sent to Germany to be tested and it was done by Dr. Garner & Partner GmbH,” Simon shared.
The lab discovered that the LWI Blue water was naturally alkaline with a pH of seven.85, and had an exceptionally excessive quantity of silica. In truth, MC Gemilang claims their water has one of many highest silica content material on the earth.
To most individuals, silica (or silicon dioxide) may simply be the foremost constituent present in sand, but it surely’s additionally thought of an important nutrient that helps people produce collagen.
In flip, collagen is crucial for the well being of bones, pores and skin, blood vessels, and all of the physique’s organs.
According to Spritzer, silica can contribute to smoother pores and skin, stronger nails, a sharper thoughts, and a more healthy intestine.
However, the final shopper gained’t know that. Most individuals who purchase mineral water simply need to quench their thirst, which is why water manufacturers reminiscent of Evian and Aqua Panna have gone the route of premium branding to set themselves aside.
So, how does LWI Blue intend to face out on the cabinets full of different mineral water manufacturers?
To this, Simon stated that it was a superb query, and admitted: “Honestly, water is just water.”
However, he continued, “We need to educate the consumers on drinking mineral water that’s definitely healthier, and the benefits of silica for the body.”
That stated, the CEO shared that consultants describe the style of the Langkawi water as “very light” water, that means it has no style or odour, however is texturally very easy and silky.
From blue to bottle
Other than LWI Blue, there’s been one other model by the identify of Langkawi Pure that has graced the cabinets of native shops.
“It’s just a difference in branding—Langkawi Pure is one of our OEM customers,” Simon clarified. “The two water are of the same quality.”
It’s fascinating to see Langkawi Pure go for the extra premium-looking route, although, from the identify itself to the extra minimalistic packaging. Seeing it in shops reminiscent of emart24, Langkawi Pure normally occupies an finish cap, utilizing scenic imagery of Langkawi.
Meanwhile, Simon shared that MC Gemilang has additionally began to distribute LWI Blue amongst high-end grocery shops and grocery store. This consists of Village Grocer, Jaya Grocer, Mercanto, Aeon Supermarkets, in addition to some on-line platforms like Lazada and Shopee.
The really helpful retail worth is RM3.90 for 500ml—cheaper in comparison with Evian, however dearer in comparison with your run-of-the-mill consuming water.
Flowing into the long run
Other than for consuming, Simon shared that the corporate has ambitions to enterprise into the cosmetics and even the healthcare trade.
As many skincare merchandise are water-based, that could possibly be a superb alternative to include MC Gemilang’s excessive silica water.
“One of my business partners has a skincare manufacturing company in Penang, and we are sending the water there for some R&D with their products,” Simon stated.
“So far the products that we have preliminarily identified are face serums, hand sanitiser, face mist, and also shampoo as well as hair tonic.”
That stated, MC Gemilang goals to proceed specializing in mineral water, with Simon saying that they’ll add extra SKUs to their very own vary with merchandise reminiscent of glowing water.
“Our main goal is to build our distribution and let the products be found in every shop in Malaysia,” the CEO stated. “We are talking to our current distributors and [having] discussions about our sales channel and product position for certain SKUs.”
Beyond Malaysia, MC Gemilang can be speaking to a couple events about exporting their merchandise to areas just like the Middle East, China, Indonesia, Singapore, and Germany.
“Building a brand is never easy,” Simon stated. “Especially with the product being mineral water, the road ahead will be definitely challenging. But I can see it as rewarding too, if Malaysians can know that we can produce one of the best waters in the world.”
- Learn extra about MC Gemilang right here.
- Read different articles we’ve written about Malaysian startups right here.
Featured Image Credit: MC Gemilang
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