Operation Manual versus Training Manual
In the Malaysian franchise registration system, the application for a franchise licence is governed under Section 7 of the Franchise Act 1998. For ease of reference, allow me to reproduce Section 7 as follows: Application for registration 7. (1) A franchisor shall make an application to register his franchise by submitting to the Registrar the […]
The 10-Chapter Operations Manual Framework: DAMIAN’s Philosophy Refined Through Experience
Over the years, as I created Operations Manuals for friends, clients, and various businesses, I often reflect on how my journey began. I still remember, almost 20 years ago, one of the very first operation manuals I ever wrote—ironically for a small coffee shop. When I look back at that manual today, I cannot help […]
Salam Merdeka
The word “franchise” comes from the Anglo-French term meaning liberty. In Middle French, “franchir” means to free. In Old French, franc signifies free. The French “francis” meant granting rights or power, even to peasants and serfs, a reflection of empowerment and dignity. This spirit of freedom resonates deeply with our own Merdeka. As Malaysia celebrates […]
Symbiotic Franchise, Eco-Symbiotic Franchise
I coined these terms. Symbiotic Franchise. Yes you hear me. Merriam Webster’s Synonyms for symbiotic are mutual, cooperative, reciprocal, amongst others. Symbiotic Franchise is something new within the franchise industry whether its locally or globally. This Symbiotic Franchise Model focuses on maximizing resource efficiency by ensuring that a single raw product is fully utilized in […]
Words Matter – The Misuse of “Franchise”
I am going to talk about something a little controversial. The Word “FRANCHISE”. The word “franchise” is derived from the Anglo-French word meaning “liberty.” In Middle French, it is “franchir”– to free. In Old French, it is “franc,” signifying free. The French term “francis” means granting rights or power to a peasant or serf. The […]
Build Your Foundation – Nobody is a Guineapig
A few weeks ago, I was advising a licensee who had entered into a business relationship with what can best be described as a look-alike franchise business. I use the term “look-alike franchise” because, although the parties had signed a license agreement in November 2024, the substance of the relationship contained the key elements of […]
The Small Clause That Could Cost Your Franchise Everything Part 3 – Arbitration, Jurisdiction, and Mediation in Franchise Agreement
In the world of franchising, legal disputes are not only inevitable but also inherently complex. These disputes often arise from breaches of contract, operational disagreements, or perceived failures in the franchisor-franchisee relationship. When such disputes occur, the resolution process is typically governed by a series of contractual clauses—most notably those concerning governing law, jurisdiction, arbitration, […]
Franchising and Cooperatives:
A Powerful Synergy for Malaysia’s Economic Growth By Damian Yeo | Malaysian Franchise Association Together with Mr. Khalek Awang, I had the honour of representing the Malaysian Franchise Association (MFA) at National Cooperative Day 2025, held from 25th to 27th July at the Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC). This annual event was a vibrant and […]
The Forgotten Rituals: Where the Franchise Truly Begins – Franchise Development
Yesterday, I was drafting a development plan for a franchise and was reminded of a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of franchising: the rituals in the pre-opening stage. Many franchisors, or their representatives, tend to focus heavily on pitching the franchise opportunity—highlighting how robust the brand is, the quick return on investment, the comprehensive support […]
The Small Clause That Could Cost Your Franchise Everything Part 2 – Why “Notices” in Franchise Agreements Are Important
In the grand structure of a Franchise Agreement, most attention gravitates towards the larger, seemingly more impactful clauses, those that govern intellectual property, territorial exclusivity, royalty payments, and termination rights. Yet, buried deeper in the agreement, often overlooked and dismissed as mere boilerplate, lies a seemingly minor provision that can wield enormous consequences: the Notice […]