TODAY

Throughout the world, there is the ongoing existence of family-owned companies which have endured and flourished for years and years. Also in those well-known companies which have gone public, family members still hold the reins or the same families influence the decision-making of the companies to a certain limit. In the world-famous Ford automobile company, William Clay Ford, the grandson of company founder Henry Ford, assumed the duties of CEO and Chairperson and is currently acting as Executive Chairman. In Asia, among the most successful second generation entrepreneurs who inherited their fathers’ businesses is Lee Kun-hee, Chairman of Samsung Group. According to Businessweek magazine, the income generated by Samsung Group amounts to 17% of South Korea’s GDP.
In Myanmar, the majority of businesses are family-owned. The second generation individuals of some of these family-owned businesses who have taken charge of their respective companies have been approached and interviewed by us and their views on how to maintain and develop their business, how they retain the good legacy handed down by the founder, and how they handle the changes and challenges, are featured in this story.

Daw Thet Hnin Aye
Vice Principal,
Dozo Fashion Design
Technical School
I got to learn the art of fashion a decade later than my mother. Therefore, in the first place, methodology and thinking have changed. Computer designs and pattern creations have been modernized a lot and depending upon idea, one’s own creations can be made. Also, based on a theme, designs can be created. Courses in our training school have been developed in line with international standards and we invited foreign technicians to come and teach at the school. We have also opened a school in Mandalay.

The impetus I got from the founder has given me the strength to lead Dozo. The scenes of my mother Daw Thidar Win making efforts day and night to enter the then still disorganized clothing field backed me up to become a successful designer. Since we were young, my mother encouraged us to make our own decisions with own discretion. Through the good control of my mother, there wasn’t a time when we could stay idle. We could differentiate between personal and work. The experience we gained gave us training to overcome difficulties and aim for success.

We are aiming to achieve sustainable success and develop Dozo to the level of a Fashion & Beauty College. I am also learning new techniques emerging every year and I teach the students accordingly. Regarding Beauty aspect, my sister Inzali Moe who has gained a degree in hair & make-up from Japan will take charge. Later on at my school, I will add fashion business and fashion communication subjects in the syllabus.

As for networking, we are co-operating with Japanese schools with which my mother had formerly established relations and also with fashion pattern software company.

In managing the employees, we don’t differentiate between old and new staff. Benefits are calculated depending on work discipline and qualification. The reason our Dozo has been successful for 24 years is because we adhere to international training standards and also urge good discipline and dutifulness to work. Methodology is also updated constantly. In expanding Dozo, we give due consideration to the development of youth in human resources and job opportunities.

Presently I am handling management on my own. We have plans to produce a Dozo brand later on. Then, the business will be managed accordingly by a management team.