KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 20 (Bernama) -- Former footballer Nicholas Wee has transitioned into a successful entrepreneur, overseeing a flourishing physiotherapy chain of 17 centres.
The 32-year-old had previously played in the national age-group categories and was in the Harimau Muda squad from 2009 to 2011 under Datuk Ong Kim Swee, besides plying his trade at club level with Petaling Jaya (PJ) Rangers and the Ministry of Finance (MOF) FC.
Nicholas assumed the role of the chief executive officer of DBC Physiotherapy Malaysia in 2020, navigating the business through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Though he inherited the business from his father, Wee Hock Kee - the founder and chairman of DBC Physiotherapy Malaysia - Nicholas has demonstrated his capabilities by expanding the number of centres from eight in 2020 to 17 today.
“I took over the business during the pandemic, which was the hardest time to run a business. We had to adapt and implement new strategies during that period. I believe my football career laid a strong foundation for success in business as well.
“Like in football, or any sport for that matter, success requires more than skills and talent. Determination, discipline, teamwork, communication, resilience and being coachable are crucial in both football and business,” Nicholas, who holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and Finance from Manchester Metropolitan University, told Bernama.
As CEO, Nicholas manages the day-to-day operations and oversees the business’ growth, while his father provides strategic guidance.
“My role focuses on operations, collaborating with investors and partners and driving business expansion and growth to the next level. We currently serve around 500-600 patients monthly and, by the first quarter of 2025, we aim to have nearly 25 centres nationwide. My long-term goal is to establish around 50 centres and expand into neighbouring countries,” he added.
He also encouraged current athletes to plan for life after sports by pursuing education or skill-building alongside their careers.
Footballers, he said, usually retire around 35 but employers might hesitate to hire those close to 40 and with no prior experience or skills, thus forcing them to start from scratch.
He added that starting early with courses, part-time jobs or business ventures would ease the transition and build expertise for future opportunities.
Meanwhile, Wee stressed that integration between the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Youth and Sports was crucial in nurturing more sports talents.
“Once, Nicholas’ school principal called us when he was away for six months playing in the Slovakian league with Harimau Muda. The principal questioned whether we were making the right decision since their key performance indicators (KPIs) focused on the number of As achieved by students.
“After transferring to the Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS), (then principal) Datuk Marina Chin assured us that their KPI was focused on sports excellence and that a few academic credits would still secure university placement.
“Striking a balance between education and sports is crucial,” he said, adding that he is proud to see Nicholas elevate the business to new heights.
-- BERNAMA
