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Hugh Koh
Co-Founder - Chief Vision Officer at PMC
Hugh Koh is a co-founder and the Chief Vision Officer (CVO) of Pestle & Mortar Clothing (PMC), a Malaysian streetwear brand established in 2010.13 He started the company with two friends, Arnold and Arthur Loh, pooling their savings of around RM5000 to print their first batch of t-shirts.1 Hugh has a background in architecture and serves as the Creative Director for the brand.1
Pestle & Mortar Clothing aims to represent Southeast Asian culture and lifestyle through their designs, using apparel as a canvas for storytelling.35 The brand has grown significantly since its inception, now employing over a hundred people and selling a full range of products across Southeast Asia.2
Hugh and his co-founders have faced various challenges in building the brand, including their initial lack of experience in the fashion industry.1 They've adapted to market changes by pivoting towards e-commerce and focusing on building a strong team culture.2 Hugh emphasizes the importance of listening as a leader and values the insights gained from networking and industry events.2
Under Hugh's creative direction, PMC has expanded beyond just clothing, working with corporate clients on merchandise and collaborations, and developing other business ventures under their parent company, Pencil Produce.4
