Reading The Future
Her World Malaysia|April 2019

Propelled by a desire to see the right books in the hands of more people, Jacqueline Ng’s faith in the road less travelled has been no less rewarding and impactful.

Adelina Tan
Reading The Future

With new books costing the equivalent of a few standard meals, they’re inevitably a luxury to the average Malaysian. We pick and choose carefully, checking reviews and asking around before plonking down good money for a paperback – having had to regretfully pass on the even pricier hardcover. It’s a sentiment Jacqueline Ng, the co-founder of BookXcess and Big Bad Wolf Books (BBW), is intimately familiar with. She grew up in a home without tomes of wisdom and lore, simply because her parents couldn’t afford them.

Together with Andrew Yap, her partner – in business and life – Jacqueline sold backdated magazines before taking the plunge into the book-retailing business. While the decision was partly motivated by changing consumer habits, the biggest push came from their wish to increase readership and English literacy levels by making books more affordable. How they do this is by getting remaindered books – unsold copies returned by traditional bookstores to publishers, who then sell them in bulk at a much lower price – into the hands of people through both the BookXcess stores and the travelling BBW book sale.

“We started with one small shop, in Amcorp Mall, with a minimal impact. But we wanted to do what we could; to change the landscape of retail in the smallest way possible. And, because we were so small, we weren’t in the position to say how much money we wanted to make,” Jacqueline recalls of those early days. She quips, “You know? As long as you don’t have to come out with more money every month to prop up the business, you’re the happiest person in the world!”

This story is from the April 2019 edition of Her World Malaysia.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the April 2019 edition of Her World Malaysia.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM HER WORLD MALAYSIAView All
Beauty The Natural Way
Her World Malaysia

Beauty The Natural Way

With climate change rapidly threatening the future of Mother Earth, we urgently need to curb further acts of destruction. We speak to Law Hong Mei, founder of The Olive Tree, about building a beauty brand that is sustainable from the core.

time-read
5 mins  |
May - June 2020
Even Pets Need Tummy Care?
Her World Malaysia

Even Pets Need Tummy Care?

For many, keeping a pet is more than just caring for an animal; pets are family members, too. We speak to veterinary surgeon, Dr Wafaa Abdul Washefffrom Pets Corner Sdn Bhd, to find out how your pets can stay healthy with a suitable diet

time-read
3 mins  |
May - June 2020
The Healing Power Of Unconditional Love
Her World Malaysia

The Healing Power Of Unconditional Love

There’s a saying that goes, “Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” For one woman, these words resonated deeply. An unlikely companion came into her life at her lowest point and changed everything.

time-read
7 mins  |
May - June 2020
YOU'VE GOT A FRIEND IN ME
Her World Malaysia

YOU'VE GOT A FRIEND IN ME

“More than half of my time is spent with animals, but I enjoy it,” enthuses animal rescuer, Aileen Lee. The story of this selfless lady’s dedication and love for the fur kids she has saved will warm your heart.

time-read
8 mins  |
May - June 2020
MISSION: Catification
Her World Malaysia

MISSION: Catification

We discover why pet proofing your home ensures harmony and safety for both the owner and the cat.

time-read
2 mins  |
May - June 2020
THE ONE WHO'S TAKING ACTION
Her World Malaysia

THE ONE WHO'S TAKING ACTION

Best known for her extensively waitlisted Nina bag, Gabriela Hearst walks the talk when it comes to sustainable luxury. The New York-based designer shares her inspirations, dreams and resolutions for herself and her eponymous label.

time-read
3 mins  |
May - June 2020
BORN TO ENTERTAIN
Her World Malaysia

BORN TO ENTERTAIN

YOU MIGHT RECOGNISE HER AS THE GENTLE AND LOVING MOTHER IN LEE CHONG WEI, THE BIOPIC OF THE BADMINTON LEGEND, OR THE VULNERABLE YET RESILIENT TEACHER IN WET SEASON, WHICH HIT THE CINEMAS IN MARCH. SOME OF US MAY HAVE SEEN YEO YANN YANN ON THE BIG SCREEN PLAYING VARIOUS CHARACTERS FOR MORE THAN A DECADE. STILL, SHE NEVER FAILS LEAVE HER AUDIENCE IN AWE OF HER ACTING PROWESS.

time-read
10+ mins  |
May - June 2020
THE TRUTH BEHIND FAUX FUR
Her World Malaysia

THE TRUTH BEHIND FAUX FUR

Is imitation fur still a feasible alternative in this modern, fashion-forward world? Nadhirah Othman uncovers how the fur industry – both real and fake – brings a detrimental impact to the well-being of our planet.

time-read
4 mins  |
May - June 2020
Surprising reasons WHY YOUR KID is under performing in school
Her World Malaysia

Surprising reasons WHY YOUR KID is under performing in school

You’re understandably frustrated that your child isn’t living up to her potential. But before you blame her attitude, check if these conditions are hindering her academically.

time-read
9 mins  |
May - June 2020
A PAWSITIVE' Life
Her World Malaysia

A PAWSITIVE' Life

Like in many parts of the world, pet culture has seen exponential growth in Malaysia. In this issue, Lorraine Chai discusses pet therapy, a method of treatment that is gaining traction, and also some of the pet trends you don’t want to miss out on.

time-read
10 mins  |
May - June 2020