Cover Harta Space is the latest venture by Habib Group
Harta Space is the latest venture by Habib Group
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Habib Jewels is a business that has spanned over three generations.
A year after the nation gained independence, Datuk Habib Mohamed struck it out on his own and set up a small retail shop in Penang’s famed “Jeweller’s Corner” on what was then Pitt Street in 1958. The (late) founder was inspired after seeing many customers leaving jewellery stores with wide smiles and wanted to be in the business of selling happiness, so to speak.
It is said that Habib Mohamed focused on diamonds and precious stones apart from gold, in contrast to most other jewellers who primarily sold gold. He was also said 40 to be acutely aware of customer needs and realised he could offer Malaysians something unique through his business. This set Habib apart, and the brand emerged as an exquisite local jewellery dealer.
At the time, there was a gap in the market for locally designed pieces featuring diamonds and gemstones. To meet this demand, Habib Mohamed began producing products like long necklaces, traditional pins (kerongsang) and buttons for baju Melayu, with most of the designs drawing inspiration from flowers.
Customers grew to include not only those from the Peninsular but also East Malaysians, who sought out Habib’s trademark masterpiece designs, blending new world standards with traditional craftsmanship.
Also read: Getting to know Dato' Sri Meer Sadik Habib
Dato' Sri Meer Sadik Habib (Photography: Imran Sulaiman)
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Fast-forward some years later, Habib Mohamed’s son, Dato’ Sri Meer Sadik Habib, elevated the business even further. A common fixture in his father’s store, he helped with the business after school. He also injected ideas and innovation into the brand to capture more of the market. Among the most notable would be the setup of Habib Jewel’s first showroom at Semua House in Kuala Lumpur. Once again the brand did what most others at the time wouldn’t have. The outlet allowed customers to get up close and personal with the jewellery without having the commonly placed metal grille that inhibits the interaction between clients and sellers.
On top of that, it was said that Meer pushed for the jewellery house to advertise on mass media and billboards. This move made Habib the first local jeweller to do so, resulting in a growing customer base and increased visits to Habib’s showroom. Clearly, Meer’s sound marketing strategies significantly helped the brand gain better recognition.
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In fact, at one point, Habib Jewels was even the first publicly listed jeweller in the nation, back in 1998, but it was delisted not long after. In a previous interview with Tatler, Meer explained, “After becoming the first publicly listed jewellery brand, I became very uncomfortable. It was all about pushing sales, profit forecasting, making announcements, missing your profit, and having to explain... so many different things. I did not enjoy that. We subsequently sold our listed vehicle, bought back our company, and became private again.” Habib Jewels has also gained global recognition, with other renowned brands entrusting Habib Jewels as their sole distributor or brand partner. These include Pandora, the Danish label popular for its customisable charm jewellery; London-based jewellery brand Stephen Webster; and the affordable luxury watch brand Ice-Watch from Belgium. Meer’s son, Mirzan Meer, oversees Ice-Watch along with the specialty coffee brand Peep Coffee, which can be found in its Vernakular Store at Bangsar, among others.
These are on top of other offerings created under Habib Group, including Ar-Rahnu, the first Islamic pawn-broking business, and Chantique, which offers customers antique and pre-loved jewellery in good condition. The group has also invested in the property, hospitality and F&B sectors.
The group doesn’t forget to give back to the community as well. They have undertaken various charitable projects, including support for causes related to education, healthcare and community development. Meer shared that they are also in the midst of completing the construction of a mosque in Penang, fulfilling a dream of his father, and founder, Habib Mohamed.
Most recently however, Habib has launched Harta (Habib’s Action for Revival of our Traditions and Arts) Space, which aims to celebrate Malaysian culture, heritage and art. Located in the brand’s showroom in Ampang, the 8,000 sqft space houses a gallery, museum and café, which is managed by Meer’s youngest son, Mirsham Meer.
Harta comprises a gallery, museum and cafe—seen here is the gallery
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The museum showcases a remarkable collection of over 800 unique pieces. Collected over a span of 65 years, these pieces have been meticulously curated to transport visitors to a bygone era when the intricate artistry of Peranakan jewellery thrived, providing an invaluable glimpse into our multicultural identity.
Meanwhile, the gallery’s debut presentation titled “Open House,” features exclusive artworks from 16 talents, including established artists like Chong Yan Chuah, James Seet, Nadirah Zakariya and Umi Baizurah.
“We welcome all art, culture, and jewellery enthusiasts to join us on this remarkable adventure. If your curiosity drives you to explore the world of art, this space awaits you to embark on a sense-provoking journey,” Mirsham said during the launch of Harta.
Habib Jewels’ enduring legacy is grounded in its deep respect for culture and its commitment to evolving with its clientele. “The most important thing is the value and the foundation; I always go back to integrity when it comes to business. You must also have the drive, passion, and the skills to carry out a business. If you combine it all and do things the right way, profit will come,” shared Meer with us previously.
Having come thus far, maintaining and growing its presence for over 65 years, it’s clear that Habib Jewels is in good hands. Meer added, “I have a very strange way of looking at success. I look at it this way: if I am personally successful, that’s because of my parents’ success. So then, to me, if my children are successful in life, that means I have succeeded.” And, from all appearances, he has indeed been successful.
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Images: Habib Jewels
If tall, dark and handsome is what you're looking for, Aaron Pereira ticks two out of three. This fine chocolate man (that is, a connoisseur of fine chocolate), enjoys the theatre, futsal, real-life conversations and of course, the English language. He believes that language should first be used to express, but the business of a sub-editor is to impress.
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