Ian (Chong Liang) Chang – Bespoke suit tailoring

Background

• Name: Ian (Chong Liang) Chang
• Nationality: Malaysian
• Family members: Wife and two children and mother-in-law
• Visa type: Subclass 188 – Innovation stream (waiting for outcome on permanent residency 888 application)
• Location: Brisbane
• Why choose this location: Queensland is an ideal location for us because of its lifestyle, weather and its people. We feel it really suited for bringing up our young family.

First steps and experiences in building a new life

Q: What were you doing before you moved to Australia?

A: I have been in the suit tailoring business for the past 23 years.

Q: What were the biggest challenges?

A: Not knowing anyone to start with in the unfamiliar locale is really challenging. It took us some time to understand the way of doing business in Australia and how to engage the market properly and professionally. I am blessed to have met a few key people that helped me open up my business and way of life here.

Q: What were the greatest successes?

A: We are proud that we were able to educate successful businessmen all over about proper bespoke suiting like how our counterparts in London do it. All our suits are hand crafted to the standard of Saville Row, London, and fully fitted to exacting standard to bring out the confidence of all our clients. We are fortunate to suit up prominent figureheads across different industries and celebrities alike. As a way of giving back, we are proud to be involved with some charities such as Zoe’s Angels and Aussie Kidz Charity to support local children that are underprivileged and disabled.

Migration Queensland nomination process

Q: How did you find out about Queensland nomination and why did you choose a state-nominated business visa?

A: We found out about the Queensland state-nominated business visa via our migration lawyer in Malaysia and we felt that this was the best option for our family to migrate to Australia.

Q: What was your experience with the application process? Do you have advice for prospective applicants?

A: The application has been very straightforward apart from the current COVID-19 situation that may have caused some delay in our permanent residency visa being processed. Nonetheless, we have been very happy with the visa application process.

Current situation

Q: What businesses and investments do you have currently in Queensland?

A: Currently, we have our bespoke tailoring business in Brisbane and have bought a home. We are planning to make further investments in the near future.

Q: What do you consider your biggest business achievement in Queensland to be?

A: The ability to be straight forward and maintain consistency, standard and integrity, has enabled us to organically grow our business and following. Queensland is such a wonderful state and definitely the best destination in Australia and wonderful hidden gem.

Q: What are the most positive aspects of doing business in Queensland?

A: A wonderful outdoor lifestyle means that the people in Queensland are generally really nice and easygoing. It is city of vibrance and positivity. This easygoing nature of people allows positive and smooth business interactions.

Future plans

Q: What are your next steps?

A: We hope that we can continue to expand and grow our business. Furthermore, we would like to educate even more men about bespoke suiting. Our motto is “Dress to impress” and we aim to elevate the fashion standard for all men in our ever-changing Queensland lifestyle.