The Success Story of the Guh Family

How conservative Malaysia became the biggest condom producer

Probably nobody thought that predominantly Muslim Malaysia is the world’s biggest condom producer. It is a genuinely multi-ethnic country with Chinese, Indians, Malays, and aborigines living together. However, approximately 60% of the population follows Islam. It also means that they are required to dress modestly. For example, women should cover their bodies and wear colorful headscarves, the “tudung.” Malaysia is much more liberal than most Muslim countries, but the moral authority still keeps the behavior of locals under strict control.

Karex is a family-run business with an incredible story to become the world-leading contraceptive producer. Precisely, every 5th condom in the world is produced in Malaysia. However, instead of selling the products under its brand, Karex mainly supplies well-known companies, like Durex.

Malaysia, having been one of the biggest centers of natural rubber, is an ideal choice for condom production.

The company’s story started when the great-grandfather of the present CEO, Goh Miah Kiat, arrived as a Chinese migrant in search of better economic prospects like many others. The Guh family started their business like many others in the rubber industry in the 1920s. Especially the…