KUALA LUMPUR: The shop is easy to walk past without a second glance. Inside however, is a hive of activity.
“I managed to save up some money,” he said. “With a few thousand, I could open a shoemaking business. I needed only two or three people to work with me.” As business grew, Wong employed more people and at one point had more than 70 workers. He also got married and had three children.However, when cheap shoes from China penetrated the market, it took a toll on his business. As did non-paying customers who he had allowed to collect their shoes first.
He also took orders for custom-made shoes. “Some customers can’t find suitable sizes on the market. So, if they want larger or even smaller sizes, I’ll make them.” He also did alterations.