Former mechanical engineer finds a niche in manufacturing electric lanterns

When Royce Tien says, “Let there be light”, the 36-year-old means business. As managing director of Clent Industries Sdn Bhd in Johor, Tien is one man who can bring light to darkness with the flick of a switch — thanks to his line of electric lanterns.

The idea to create his own brand of lights came during a quest to illuminate his new house. As one who values uniqueness, Tien had his own criteria. Each light had to possess an individual luminosity in the aesthetic sense and no, he was not interested in mass-produced wholesale versions, which may be price-friendly but fade one or two years down the line. None of the lighting fixtures on sale struck his fancy.