Inspired by traditional Eastern culture, Martha Tilaar tells The Peak that innovation is what lies behind her cosmetic company’s success.

Counting her blessings, the eponymous founder and president director of the Martha Tilaar Group declines to concede that the global economic crisis is a threat to her business. It is, rather, a challenge that has the potential to turn into an opportunity.

”The world economy is now experiencing a structural shift in which Asia is en route to becoming a centre of industrial manufacturing and other services,” she says, while showing The Peak her office full of ethnic nuances.

In February, the group was bestowed the Asean Business Award 2008 for innovation in the large company category. Often referred to as “the mother of Indonesia’s natural cosmetics,” Martha Tilaar has, for more than three decades, continuously developed cosmetics products. During the current global crisis she has been even more motivated to introduce greater innovations to enhance the beauty of Indonesian women.

With intensive research and creativity as the two main elements of its innovative approach, the Martha Tilaar Group is not only a multi-segmented cosmetics manufacturer of over 1,500 products; it has become the market leader in a number of categories such as lipstick, powder, foundation and eye shadow.

Such an outstanding achievement exists not only within the archipelago but Martha has managed to go international as her products now reach as far afield as South Korea, Russia, Poland and Croatia as well as countries in Eastern Europe and the Asia Pacific. 

She concludes that while working nine to five should not be taken for granted, “If you have the chance to be an entrepreneur, you should seize it as it will not only enable you to make money but also create jobs for others.”

Chairman of Sincere Brand Management, Kevin Chau, shares the latest news on Franck Muller and the effects of the recession on the watch industry.

What is the key to Franck Muller’s success?
Franck is the father of new watchmaking. Less than two decades ago, you only saw traditional brands that were quite conservative in their approach to watchmaking. He was able to combine traditional watchmaking with a new look and more creativity in terms of the shape of the watch, colour of the dial, strap, size and a different way of telling time.

Why did you open your second standalone Franck Muller boutique at Ion Orchard?
The Ion boutique is inevitable because in Singapore, shopping is concentrated around Orchard Road. Franck Muller will also be in the Integrated Resort to give us access to a different level of clientele. Buying habits are very different in a casino — you are less likely to haggle with the price because it’s easy money. People will be very different from before, as they come from around the region.

Tell us about the new Conquistador Singapore Grand Prix 2009 Racing Chronograph.
This is something completely new for the brand in terms of casing and size. We’re making 80 watches in rose gold and titanium. The other one will be in a new material called ergal and titanium, also 80 pieces, each with the Singapore GP logo on the back.

What has been your biggest challenge?
Maintaining a competitive edge and coming up with products that can still excite buyers. I need to make sure that people share the same passion as I have for the brand, and to come up with good people behind me to take it forward.