KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 18): In a rare but not unconventional way to respond to reporters' enquiries, Supermax Corp Bhd founder and major shareholder Datuk Seri Stanley Thai Kim Sim WhatsApp-ed three emojis which included a party hat and bottle of champagne to encapsulate his thoughts about the significance of his proposed appointment as Supermax executive chairman and the way ahead for the rubber glovemaker under his leadership.

Thai, responding to theedgemarkets.com's request for a quote on Thursday (Nov 18), however, did not appear to be at a loss for words when contacted.

He, nevertheless, declined to elaborate.

On Wednesday (Nov 17), Supermax announced in Bursa Malaysia filings, the glovemaker's boardroom changes, one of which included Thai’s planned appointment as Supermax executive chairman starting from Dec 8, 2021.

According to the filing, Thai, 61, will take over the Supermax executive chairman post from Albert Saychuan Cheok, who will be redesignated as independent non-executive director on Dec 8, 2021.

"Thai had his early business training with Mulpha International Bhd. He started a rubber glove trading business in 1987 under the Supermax, Maxter and Aurelia brand names before venturing into rubber glove manufacturing in 1989. He was appointed as chief executive officer and group managing director of Supermax in June 2000.

"Thai is an experienced businessman and has successfully grown Supermax group into one of the world's largest rubber glove players with 12 manufacturing plants in Malaysia and eight overseas distribution centres in USA, Canada, Brazil, United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, Japan and Singapore,” Supermax said.

Thai owned an indirect stake of 38.256% in Supermax as at Jan 5, 2021, according to Supermax’s Jan 6, 2021 Bursa filing.

"Thai is deemed interested in the shares held by Supermax Holdings Sdn Bhd pursuant to Section 8 of the Companies Act 2016,” Supermax said then.

At Bursa’s 12:30pm break on Thursday (Nov 18), Supermax Corp’s share price settled down four sen or 2.2% at RM1.78 for a market value of about RM4.63 billion based on the company’s 2.6 billion issued shares.

Supermax Corp shares were traded at between RM1.76 and RM1.84 so far on Thursday.