Stream Empire is more than just a business. It is a family legacy that began in 1983, when Robert Lim laid the foundation for the company. Now, his three children have become more involved with the company. “Our goal isn’t just to maintain what’s been built, but to propel Stream Empire to new heights,” Justin reflects. With a shared passion for innovation and deep respect for their father’s entrepreneurial spirit, the Lim brothers are determined to continue expanding the business while honouring the values of hard work, perseverance, and integrity that have been passed down through the generations.
Building blocks
Justin Lim, the CEO of Stream Empire, is the strategic visionary, guiding the company’s overall direction. His role involves spotting gaps in the market and devising innovative strategies to drive growth. His talent for big-picture thinking has been instrumental in the success of their ventures, including well-known brands such as Mix.Store, Kind Kones, and his latest passion project, The Chamber. “Strategy is key,” Justin shares, “but having the grit to challenge the status quo has been crucial in building our brand over the years,” he adds. Most recently, Stream Empire finalised the sale of JD Sports operations in Malaysia back to its principal, for an undisclosed nine-figure amount; the sports brand was one of the holding’s major revenue generators.
On the other hand, Jordan Lim – who is head of business development, and also recently took up the reins as general manager of The Chamber – focuses on creating customer-centric experiences. The Chamber, a multi-label liquor store with exclusive private rooms and curated masterclasses, is more than just a retail space, it is a destination. For Jordan, the goal is to deliver a complete experience, not just products. “My focus is on ensuring that every interaction our customers have is memorable and meaningful,” shares Jordan, who also focuses on e-commerce businesses.
Together, the Lim brothers bring a powerful synergy to Stream Empire. Justin’s forward-thinking approach and Jordan’s operational expertise ensure that their bold ideas come to life with precision and quality. “Justin excels at identifying opportunities, and I make sure those opportunities are executed with consistency,” says Jordan. Their complementary strengths form the backbone of their successful collaboration, allowing them to stay ahead of market trends while delivering exceptional service.
Swimming up stream
Of course, working together as brothers brings its own unique challenges, but they have established a balance that allows them to thrive both professionally and personally. Clear boundaries play a critical role in maintaining this equilibrium. “We make a point not to discuss work during family dinners or personal time,” says Justin. This separation helps them nurture both their business partnership and their relationship as siblings. Open communication and mutual respect are also key. “We don’t take things too personally when it comes to business decisions; it’s all about what’s best for the company. That helps us align and move forward when it comes to dealing with conflict,” Jordan explains.
Working in a family business is definitely no walk in the park, and the duo share their take, which is to ensure everyone has a shared vision and understanding of each other’s roles. Keep the communication lines open, and most importantly, trust in each other’s abilities and have each other’s backs. There will always be successes and challenges to navigate when it comes to working together.
Reflecting on each other’s achievements, Jordan admires Justin’s boldness in steering the company to new heights, particularly after he returned from Canada and managed the family business, and that too on top of being a father of four. “Watching him grow the business, and balance it with his family life, has been incredibly inspiring,” Jordan says. Justin, in turn, praises Jordan for stepping up in roles such as e-commerce and distribution, which allowed him to focus on broader strategic initiatives. Their shared achievement? Bringing The Chamber from concept to reality, a project that exemplifies their combined strengths and mutual support.
Looking to the future, the Lim brothers are focused on purposeful growth, with a vision of smart expansion in the retail space. “We’re committed to innovation, not just in keeping up with trends but in shaping them,” says Justin. Their long-term plan involves continually refining their offerings and creating exceptional experiences for customers, partners, and employees alike. Among their upcoming ventures sees the company riding the K-Wave, which Justin shares, “I can’t reveal much yet, but we’re about to launch a Korean beauty brand locally, as well as expand a little into the F&B industry, so stay tuned to see what’s new!” he cheekily mentions.
As they chart the next chapter for Stream Empire Holdings, Justin and Jordan Lim embody the perfect balance of innovation and tradition, proving that family and business can indeed flourish.
Images: Imran Sulaiman
Location: The Chamber, Starhill KL
Outfits: Jordan Lim in Roberto Cavalli; Justin Lim in a jacket from Roberto Cavalli
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