When you’ve been working at the same company longer than some co-workers have been alive, it’s certainly something noteworthy. But OGAWA Executive Director and CEO Datuk Lim Mee Ling seems to take it all in her stride. She quietly commands any room she walks into, remaining affable to everyone she speaks to, belying her impressive tenure. Datuk Lim was actually OGAWA’s first-ever employee in 1996, when the brand was brought in under a different company. Leading the first outlet as manager, Datuk Lim achieved breakthroughs in her and her team’s personal benchmarks, singlehandedly contributing to the brand and company’s growth.
Would it be far-fetched to say that Datuk Lim was the one who ensured OGAWA’s enduring success today? Yes and no. While the brand wouldn’t have gotten to where it is today without the strength and hard work of the team, Datuk Lim also led the way, developing and introducing successful new products for local and international markets, subsequently bringing OGAWA World Berhad to be listed on the main board of Bursa Malaysia in 2007. Now that’s a feat.
We caught up with her amidst her busy schedule to learn about the secrets behind her success—spoiler: she says it’s taking ownership—and how she’s keeping the glass ceiling open for other women in corporate.
You have been working for more than 30 years of your life. Throughout your career, what have been some of the most significant things you have learnt that brought you to where you are today?
Even when I was an employee at the beginning of my career, I always approached every responsibility as if the business were my own. Whether managing a store, opening a new outlet, or expanding into new markets, I took full accountability for the outcome. When you think like an owner, you naturally care more deeply about the results, the people around you, and the long-term sustainability of the business. Another lesson is having the courage to try. Progress often comes from stepping forward, taking responsibility, and learning along the way. And of course, success is never achieved alone; it is built with a strong and committed team.
You were OGAWA’s first employee, working your way up from being an outlet manager all the way to the CEO today. When OGAWA first entered the Malaysian market, what did you think about its longevity?
When OGAWA first entered Malaysia, the brand was still relatively new, and the market was highly competitive. Naturally, there were uncertainties. However, what gave me confidence was the philosophy behind the brand, improving people’s quality of life through wellness. Even then, I believed that wellness would become increasingly important as people became more conscious about their health and lifestyle. Instead of focusing on how long the brand might last, our focus was on building a strong foundation, delivering quality products, providing excellent service, and nurturing a passionate team. Looking back today, it has been an incredibly meaningful journey.
What was your strategy back then to ensure Ogawa’s success in the Malaysian market?
In the early days, we paid very close attention to the market and benchmarked ourselves against strong competitors. We studied what others were doing well, their retail strategies, customer engagement, and branding. But learning from competitors does not mean copying them. Our goal was always to understand the market deeply and then improve on it in our own way. Retail is an industry that requires constant evolution. By continuously observing the market, refining our strategies, and adapting to customer needs, we were able to build a stronger retail experience and earn the trust of our customers.
And what is your strategy today to ensure OGAWA’s continued success in the Malaysian market?
Our strategy today is about staying responsive to the market while remaining true to our core principles. On one hand, we continuously study how consumer behaviour has evolved, especially how people spend, how they receive information, and how they interact with brands today. Consumers engage with brands very differently compared to 20 or 30 years ago, so we are constantly adapting our marketing channels and customer engagement strategies to remain relevant. At the same time, there are principles we will never compromise on. We remain committed to our philosophy of delivering wellness to everyone, everywhere. We never cut corners on product quality or the benefits our products deliver. That is why we continue investing in research and collaborating with institutions and universities (e.g., Universiti Malaya, Universiti Sains Malaysia) to ensure our products remain innovative, effective, and truly beneficial for our users.
How are you ensuring that OGAWA will remain relevant as younger generations transition into the generation that will buy your product?
Staying relevant requires us to continuously understand how younger generations live, think, and consume information today. We study how their lifestyles are evolving and what kind of wellness solutions are meaningful to them. The encouraging thing is that younger consumers today are far more health-conscious than previous generations and are more willing to invest in improving their quality of life. Because of this, our responsibility is to develop products that naturally fit into their lifestyle, making wellness accessible, convenient, and relevant to them.
Can you tell us the secret to your success in climbing the corporate ladder in OGAWA?
I wouldn’t describe it as a secret, but one principle that has guided me throughout my career is taking ownership. Regardless of my role at the time, I always treated every responsibility as if the business were my own. That mindset pushes you to care more about the results, the people you work with, and the long-term future of the organisation. I also believe in being willing to try. Many people hesitate because they are afraid of making mistakes, but real growth often comes from stepping forward and learning through experience.
As women, we’re often made to think that we have to choose between career and family. Do you think we can have both?
Every woman’s journey is different. Some choose to focus on family, some on their careers, and many navigate both at different stages of life. What matters most is that women are not defined or limited by expectations. Success should never be confined to a single path; it should be defined by the choices we make and the values we stand for. Looking back on my own journey, I’ve learned that success is not about titles or positions but about the courage to keep growing and the responsibility we take for the paths we choose. Every challenge shapes us, and every step forward helps us become stronger leaders and individuals. I believe it is possible to have both a meaningful career and a fulfilling family life, although the balance may look different at different times. Women can create lives that reflect both their professional goals and their personal priorities if they are clear, supported, and determined. Most importantly, choosing one over the other should never be seen as selfish. True success is having the freedom and confidence to pursue what gives our lives meaning. When women support and uplift one another, we open more doors and possibilities for the next generation.
How did you, as a woman, ensure your survival in a corporate world that is usually male-dominated?
Honestly, I never focused too much on gender. Instead, I focused on whether I could deliver value and results. In business, respect ultimately comes from competence, professionalism, and consistency. When people see that you take ownership of your responsibilities and lead with integrity, gender becomes far less important. Over time, people recognise leadership through performance.
What words of encouragement and advice would you give to a woman looking to climb the corporate career ladder?
Believe in your potential and never underestimate your capabilities. Be willing to step forward, take ownership, and embrace challenges. Growth rarely happens within our comfort zone, so it is important to stay open to new opportunities and experiences. And most importantly, women should support one another. When women lift each other up, we create stronger leaders for the future.
How are you keeping the glass ceiling open for other capable women to succeed in leadership positions in OGAWA?
At OGAWA, we actively create opportunities for women to grow into leadership roles through mentorship, training, and professional development. We also focus on building a culture where opportunities are based on capability, performance, and potential. By empowering more women leaders, we strengthen the organisation and create pathways for future generations. Success does not happen by chance; it comes from setting clear goals, understanding your strengths and weaknesses, and continuously improving yourself.
This story first appeared on GRAZIA Malaysia April 2026 issue.
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