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百乐笔: 匠心启航， 创新扬帆 The fourth principle is “Ichinichi Ishiin”, meaning “taking one step a day”. Namiki and Wada believed in working hard consistently to achieve their goals of becoming maritime pilots when they were still in their youth, as every little step forward would take them closer to success. In the context of the company, this principle also serves as a reminder against conceit and procrastination. The last principle is “Sishei Shinken”, which means “a sincere approach”. This principle highlights the conviction of the two founders that nothing is impossible. It also showcases their belief that no matter how good or ingenious a plan might be, it cannot be completed without devotion and commitment. This principle still informs Pilot Pen’s approach to maintaining customer satisfaction, putting the customer first at every stage of their manufacturing processes, from research and development through to production and sales. A Commitment to the Customers Namiki and Wada expanded their business overseas by setting up branches and sales offices in New York, London, Shanghai and Singapore. Pilot Pen Malaysia was established in 1984. According to Pilot Pen Malaysia’s Managing Director, Beh Choong Suan, Pilot Pen’s venture into Malaysia is an important milestone that has continued to contribute significantly to the growth of the company over the years. Indeed, Pilot Pen Malaysia has grown the Malaysian market and blossomed from a RM2 million business in 1984 to one worth RM40 million in 2020. It was not all smooth sailing, however. Two years after venturing into Malaysia, Pilot Pen was hit by the financial crisis in Japan in 1986. With the rapid appreciation of the Japanese yen, Pilot Pen’s foreign currency exposure led to a severe drop in overseas earnings and it was losing money for almost a year. Pilot Pen managed to pull through; not by cutting corners to save costs, but by staying the course though the storm. Pilot Pen Malaysia believes that their brand became a household name precisely because the company has made meeting their customers’ needs and ensuring consumer satisfaction their top priority. POPULAR, who has been working closely with Pilot Pen for many years, shares the same commitment. Indeed, Pilot Pen Malaysia also attributes its success to the unwavering support from business partners like POPULAR. Sailing into the Sea of Innovations Pilot Pen would not have achieved their current level of success had they rested on their laurels after Namiki revolutionised the fountain pen with Japanese craftmanship. In fact, Pilot Pen defines success as being able to develop confidence by maintaining trust with the consumers through their products. This is evident in the various innovations that they have brought to the market through the years. 133 popularnews - 29