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2020 SCMP Malaysia Report
By Claytan Fine China 

As the only surviving ceramic industry pioneer in Malaysia, Claytan is sought by top industry players, government agencies, property developers and original equipment manufacturers (OEM) worldwide. Founded by Teochew native and ceramics artisan Tan Soon Heng in 1920, the once-cottage workshop in Kuala Lumpur is today the most diversified manufacturer of ceramic products, exporting to markets in Australia, Japan, Britain, Europe and the United States.

From making sanitary ware to tableware and art products, the expanded Claytan Group also crafts vitrified clay pipes for sewerage systems. Having undertaken Malaysia’s initial sewerage project for Kuala Lumpur and Singapore’s first sewerage works in 1952, Claytan Group’s subsidiary Johor Pipe Company-Intan (JPC-Intan) is renowned for producing the largest pipes in the Asean.

“We are distinct because we have reached 100 years. This is not an easy feat,” says Chen Tzong Shii, executive chaimain of Clay Industries. “Ceramics is a craft. To produce good ceramics, it takes expert skill and experience, and as a pioneer, it is also important for us to play a part in conserving water and to help the world.”

As a one-stop ceramics centre, Claytan continues to innovate, incorporating the latest technologies to launch tailor-made solutions. Its eco-friendly Water saver range of cisterns, which uses only 4.5 litres of water per flush, is a trailblazer in Malaysia.

At the core of Claytan’s business is its customers. Consequently, OEM clients from Australia and Japan have remained loyal for the past 40 years.

“We are honoured when customers come to us, so we do our best for them,” says Joseph Tan, executive director, JPC-Intan. “We deliver more than what is expected from us.”

With six factories in Malaysia and plans to further penetrate Asean, Claytan seeks long-term collaboration with partners who share its philosophy and values to effectively serve the international markets.