CEO Insights Magazine

The University of Malaya, a public research university located in Malaysiais the oldest and highest-ranking Malaysian institution of higher education according to two international ranking agencies, as well as the only university in post-independent Malaya. The university has churned out notable leaders, including five Malaysian prime ministers, as well as business and cultural figures of national prominence.

Vignendra Ganesan is one such personality who pursued Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) from the University of Malaya. He is an industrial chemist having worked with hotmelt thermoplastic materials for almost 20 years. Currently, Vignendra is the steward of governance as the Managing Partner at Crimson Rise, steering the firm towards greater prospects. As a paint manufacturing expert, Crimson Rise has covered MMA Roadline, Epoxy, PU, and Roadline paint with various color options to meet the market needs.

Vignendra Ganesan engages in an exclusive interview with CEO Insights Asia wherein he enlightens us about his professional journey and Crimson Rise.

Could you give a brief account of your professional background and experiences? What is the motivation that fuels your daily routines?

I’m actually an industrial chemist. Having worked with hotmelt thermoplastic materials for the past 20 years and still counting, I’m proud to say that I am the only qualified chemist for the job. I worked in Aspara Resources, which is a small company from scratch. As it’s a small company, you virtually do everything, from a door boy to a manager's job. The motivation you get in there is so much to do and understand. In short, the experience looks for you!!. Now, I have setup Crimson Rise and currently running the same cycle here which I learned from Aspara Resources.

You possess more than two decades of experience in the Paint Industry, how has your path to success been, and what is your success mantra?

The road to success is never easy, especially when trying to break into a market and troubleshoot problems. In the paint industry, paint is still an intermediary product that becomes a finished product after application. The success mantra is that you should live for yourself and not for others.

Tell us about the unique experiences the University of Malaya offers and what did you learn from the campus beyond academics?

Academically, the program really natures you to be ready for the job in terms of theory, and beyond academics, there are extra-curricular activities that educate you on how to mingle with society so you can blend well in a working environment.

How would you define Crimson Rise as an organization and its current position in the market?

Crimson Rise is a new firm that specializes in cold-applied paint. Since there are so many big boys in the market, this is an extremely competitive industry. We have a strong R&D team to continuously enhance our products' quality as well as an innovative management team to bring the best service to our customers. We are currently looking to be placed in the road safety product and modest patchworks.

Tell us about your flagship offerings and what value additions customers can expect from your products and services.

Since we are a newbie in the market, we are trying to incorporate some consulting prior to product sales. For instance, a customer will bring us to the job site and inquire about the best technique to paint a cracked floor. We shall advise you to patch the crack and later coat it with our paint.

Going forward, what are the changes in market behavior that you anticipate, and what are the opportunities that you foresee?

The market is always looking for the cheapest product with the highest quality. We aspire to be a part of this equation. Opportunities that I see include trying to make paints that a normal man can apply in a comfortable manner and something which could serve his needs.

Vignendra Ganesan, Managing Partner, Crimson Rise

Vignendra Ganesan is an industrial chemist who pursued his Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) from the University of Malaya. Vignendra boasts of a proven track record of 20 years, having worked with hotmelt thermoplastic materials. As the Managing Partner of Crimson Rise, Vignendra is currently the steward of governance, spearheading the organization toward enormous potential.

• Hobbies: Traveling

• Favourite Cuisine: Indian and Chinese

• Favourite Reading: Articles on educational transformation in developing countries

• Favourite Travel Destination: Europe

• Awards & Recognition: obtained ISO 9001 & product certificate