In Malaysia, jewellery is more than just ornamentation—it is history, memory, and identity woven into gold and gemstones. For Dato’ Sri Meer Habib, Executive Chairman of HABIB, every piece tells a story, not only of craftsmanship but also of a family legacy built on values, perseverance, and an unwavering belief in happiness.
A Legacy Rooted in Heritage
The Habib story began with Dato’ Sri Meer’s late father, Dato’ Habib Mohamed, whose journey into the jewellery trade started in the humblest of places—a canteen at the post office. There, surrounded by jewellery stores, he would notice something striking: everyone who stepped out of those shops carried smiles. “I want to be in the jewellery business,” he once said, “because it’s always about happiness.” That guiding principle remains at the heart of Habib today, reflected in its tagline, The Gift of Happiness.
For the Habib family, heritage is not just preserved—it is lived. Meer grew up in a century-old Jawi Peranakan shophouse above the family’s store. Today, that very building has been carefully restored, standing as a symbol of commitment to cultural preservation and the family’s deep Malaysian roots. The philosophy of Jauhari Peribadi Anda (Your Personal Jeweller) also echoes this heritage, reminding every customer that jewellery is personal and should be approached with sincerity and care.
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Craftsmanship with Character
Ask Habib customers why they return, and the answers are consistent—design, quality, and creativity. These qualities are not incidental; they are nurtured through a company culture that questions the status quo, values common sense, and emphasises authenticity.
As a trained gemologist—among the first in Malaysia—Dato’ Sri Meer remains deeply involved in the creative process. Rings, in particular, hold a special place for him, as they are universally admired and worn. “When I see a beautiful stone, I want to accentuate it,” he says, revealing the gemologist’s eye that has shaped the company’s collections.
Habib’s designs often marry heritage with modernity—whether through motifs inspired by traditional songket and wau, or through timeless collections like Cavo and Sicillia from the Oro Italia 916 line. Beyond adornment, Habib has also revolutionised the gold business with collectible wafers and bars, bringing younger buyers back into the fold of gold ownership.
Expanding Beyond Jewellery
While jewellery remains its beating heart, Habib has grown into a diverse group of businesses. The company is the local partner for Pandora, an international brand beloved for its personalisation and accessible luxury, and Ice-Watch, a playful lifestyle label that resonates with younger, energetic audiences.
Closer to home, Habib has redefined traditional businesses through innovation. Ar Rahnu Express, the Group’s Islamic pawnshop arm, is one such example. By transforming the pawnshop experience into one of dignity—complete with privacy, refreshments, and respect for every customer—Ar Rahnu Express has grown into one of the Group’s fastest-expanding businesses. Meanwhile, Chantique caters to sustainability-conscious buyers by refurbishing pre-loved jewellery, proving that mindful consumerism can co-exist with timeless beauty.
Through HARTA (Habib’s Action for the Revival of our Traditions and Art), the Group has gone even further, creating a space where heritage, art, and culture converge. With wau- and tanjak-making workshops, Nusantara food demonstrations, and an in-house café, HARTA is a celebration of Malaysian identity and artistry—open to all, free of charge.
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Challenges and Lessons
The path has not always been smooth. Early in his career in the United States, Meer faced setbacks—once selling a synthetic sapphire by mistake, an embarrassment that drove him to study gemology and sharpen his expertise. On returning to Malaysia in 1986, he joined his father immediately and helped steer the business towards retail.
But even retail brought challenges. In one instance, HABIB suffered heavy losses after being duped by a customer with fake stones. Instead of retreating, Meer adjusted the business model, keeping stores open during Friday prayers while the admin staff volunteered and stepped in to assist customers. What could have been a crippling loss became a turning point, setting the foundation for HABIB’s resilience and growth.
Giving Back to Malaysia
With success has come responsibility. The Yayasan HABIB, founded in 2008, focuses on Arts, Education, and Community Service. From providing SPM tuition classes for underprivileged youths at rehabilitation institutions to sponsoring transit homes for outpatients at Hospital Kuala Lumpur, the foundation’s work underscores the Group’s belief in second chances and social responsibility.
Stories of transformation, such as delinquent youths passing their SPM and entering higher education, or students turning haircutting skills into livelihoods, reflect the tangible impact of these initiatives. Beyond that, Habib’s CSR extends to building a mosque in Penang, honouring both heritage and community.
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A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Dato’ Sri Meer wants more Malaysians to value and take pride in homegrown brands. “Malaysians still haggle over our prices, yet they accept international retail prices without question. We must recognise that our brands can equal, if not surpass, global luxury standards,” he stresses.
Already present regionally with nine Pandora stores in Indonesia, Habib is poised for further expansion. The goal is ambitious: to make Habib synonymous with Malaysia, just as Samsung is with Korea. Meer hopes that one day, owning a Habib piece will become a must-do for visitors to Malaysia, representing the nation’s artistry on a global stage.
A Lasting Legacy
For Dato’ Sri Meer Habib, the ultimate vision is not only a successful business empire but also a cultural legacy—one that reflects the creativity, resilience, and pride of Malaysia itself. “My hope,” he shares, “is that Malaysians feel proud of our brands, that we see the quality in what we create, and that HABIB stands as proof of Malaysia’s place on the global map.”
In the end, every piece of HABIB jewellery carries more than gold or gemstones. It carries a legacy of heritage, happiness, and a nation’s story waiting to shine.
BR 23032 
US 11414 
VN 7887 
TR 2354 
AR 1880 
AU 1792 
CA 1781 
TH 1652 
