When most people think about car coatings, what comes to mind is often eye-catching glossy or matt finishes, or spraying on protective layers. For the founder of IGL Coatings, though, it’s all about making life easier.
When Keong Chun Chieh, an engineer with a knack for problem-solving, first experimented with surface coatings, he wasn’t trying to build a business or chase a dream. He just wanted to make his own life easier. “I tested a coating on my car windscreen, and it blew my mind.” Keong shared.
That small act of curiosity sparked the idea for IGL Coatings, now globally recognised Malaysian brand known for its high-performance and eco-friendly solutions across automotive, industrial, and marine applications.
Life Never Leads You Down A Straight Path
With Keong’s background is in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, his early career was spent in a scientific instrument company where he streamlined workflows and automated repetitive tasks. “I thought I’d climb the corporate ladder like everyone else,” he recalls. “Entrepreneurship wasn’t even on my radar.”
What began as a casual experiment quickly evolved into something far more profound. As he delved deeper into the world of surface science, he found himself pulled into a rabbit hole of discovery. “The more I learned, the more I realised how little I knew,” he reflects. What started as a quest for efficiency transformed into a deep appreciation for the power of nanoscale chemistry.
Over time, it became clear that these technologies weren’t just tools for convenience, they held the potential to create truly sustainable solutions. “I saw a way to make a meaningful impact through chemistry,” Keong says. “To develop coatings that don’t just perform exceptionally well, but also protect the planet.” That realisation became the compass for IGL Coatings, a brand built on innovation, performance, and environmental responsibility.
The Birth of a Brand – Led by a Mission
Initially, Keong wanted IGL Coatings to serve large corporations with advanced coating technologies. But breaking into those markets proved difficult for a new player with no track record. Hence, he pivoted to the automotive care segment, a space where he saw the most accessible entry point.
Even in its earliest days, Keong was clear on one thing, which is IGL Coatings had to be different. “I wanted us to challenge the norms, to make coatings that were not just effective, but safe for users and kind to the environment,” he explains.
Growing Against the Odds
The early days weren’t easy. Key raw materials were locked behind industry walls, forcing Keong to experiment with publicly available chemicals, sometimes even in his own home.
Consumer trust was another major hurdle. “Back then, Malaysians believed that the best coatings came from the U.S., Japan, or Europe,” Keong shares. “It was tough getting them to believe in a home-grown brand.”
But persistence and performance paid off. With strong R&D and a relentless commitment to quality, IGL Coatings started gaining traction.
Some key milestones in their journey include:
- 2016: First export order shipped to Hawaii; awarded RM500k grant by Cradle Fund.
- 2018: Achieved ISO9001 certification and completed a full container shipment to IGL USA.
- 2020: Produced their first graphene-infused coating masterbatch.
- 2021: Launched their industrial anti-corrosion line, now used by industry giants like Favelle Favco.
- 2024: Secured a nationwide retail listing with Autobacs Japan, a significant East Asian breakthrough.
- 2025: Launched Graphene Infinite, powered by ProShield+™ Lumina, a preimum grade and eco-conscious graphene additive developed by PETRONAS, one of Malaysia’s largest and most respected corporations.
- Entered a strategic collaboration with PETRONAS, one of Malaysia’s largest and most respected corporations.
The Business Behind the Brand
Today, under Keong’s leadership, IGL Coatings operates across three core verticals. The first is Automotive Solutions, which includes premium, graphene-based coatings and car care products tailored for both professionals and DIY users.
The second pillar is Industrial Coatings, offering high-performance anti-corrosion solutions used across sectors such as agriculture, military, and logistics.
Lastly, the Marine Applications segment focuses on yacht maintenance and marine surface care, catering to both commercial and luxury vessels.
At the heart of their business model is what Keong describes as “science-backed simplicity”, developing products that consistently deliver professional-grade results while being safe, sustainable, and easy to use.
Sustainability at Its Core
For Keong, ensuring his products were sustainable wasn’t just about following a trend. It’s a fundamental principle. Every product that goes to market undergoes strict internal safety reviews, regulatory checks, and often third-party testing. “We ask ourselves, would we feel comfortable using this daily around our families? If not, it doesn’t go out the door.”
IGL Coatings avoids toxic solvents, prioritises water-based formulations, and performs lifecycle assessments as part of its standard R&D process. As climate concerns grow, the company is also developing new coatings aimed at reducing atmospheric CO₂ and replacing single-use plastics.
One such challenge came with COVID-19. While many companies scrambled to survive, Keong and his team saw an opportunity.
They quickly pivoted to supply the market with a natural disinfectant coating and antibacterial coating which they developed in 2019. This had proven that IGL coating is not just as an automotive brand, but a healthcare-ready surface solutions provider.
Now, they’re doing the same in response to climate issues, developing new materials that solve environmental problems while delivering commercial performance.
Scaling Smart, Staying Grounded
IGL Coatings was bootstrapped in its early years, with Keong’s personal savings and reinvesting company profits to fuel the business.
As the company gained traction, it secured government R&D grants and attracted angel investor support, helping him to scale sustainably and achieve an 18-fold increase in revenue since its inception!
Today, IGL Coatings is focused on three strategic priorities, which is expanding its presence in Europe and the Middle East, launching a new range of eco-conscious product lines, and strengthening key working relationships, particularly with PETRONAS and regional distributors to support its next phase of growth.
A Legacy of Innovation
Looking ahead, Keong envisions IGL Coatings becoming a global benchmark for eco-efficient surface solutions, proving that Malaysia can lead the world in sustainability and innovation.
“If I can leave behind one legacy, I hope every coating we create helps make the world a little greener, a little safer, and a lot more durable.” Keong shared.
For Malaysian entrepreneurs dreaming of building global brands, Keong suggests starting with a real problem. Think globally from day one. Be patient. Build with integrity because your reputation will travel further than your marketing budget ever can.
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