Having switched its official title from ‘sales agency’ to ‘’corporation’ in January 2006, the Indonesian corporation got off to a strong start for breaking new markets by expanding in nearby markets.  Two months later, general manger Lee Chang Nam—who had previously been heading a center in Korea—decided to come to Indonesia in order to promote Ceragem Health in a region called Medan (located on the Sumatra island). Thanks to his efforts, the Medan area, which had previously been a no-mans land for Ceragem, is now home to 5 centers and 500-600 daily visitors.   

"We established the Indonesian Ceragem sales agency in 2003, but we had trouble promoting our products due to poor transportation and communication facilities.  The Sumatra region that I entered was a territory that was completely off the map for Ceragem. After getting settled, I knew that my first task here had to be the creation a respectable health center for the local people, so I focused all my energy towards that goal. Transportation and communications might have been underdeveloped, but we had an even better way of promoting our products—‘word of mouth’. People started to hear about our products and we eventually ended up opening 5 centers here. We still have a long way to go, but it is very encouraging that Ceragem is spreading throughout all of Indonesia.“ 

The Medan region is the 3rd largest city in Indonesia and home to around 5 million people. It was difficult a first to promote Ceragem to the local people here—who are notorious for being hotheaded and closed to outsiders. But, in the end, Mr. Lee was able to attract many customers by showing perseverance in discovering and training employees and through his unfailing approach toward customer satisfaction.  

Expressing the importance of health through Ceragem

Ceragem’s free experience trials and lectures on health have instilled new hope for the unfortunate ones that not only lack knowledge about health but also lack access to adequate healthcare. Having experienced operating centers in Korea, Mr. Lee says that he is moved by the warm love that customers have shown him here.
"Ceragem seems to create compassion and love beyond national boundaries.  The most satisfying thing is that our customers are realizing the importance of health on their own and discovering new value in their lives."
Mr. Lee, who allows people to realize the value of health through free product experiences, says that the most rewarding aspect of his job is getting to know new business partners and customers.

Reaffirming the importance of health in an unfamiliar land

It has already been a year and half since he started working in Indonesia. The weekends have now become a time for relaxing after a hectic week, and he uses his free time for religious activities (which he neglected when he back in Korea) and an occasional round of golf.  Since last month, he has been reunited with his family and the dead silence in his home finally seems to have been replaced by the sound of laughter. During his stay here, he says that he has realized how the routine life that he once took for granted is in fact a blessing.  He adds that his attitude toward life has become much more serious.
Mr. Lee emphasizes a lifestyle that focuses on the basics. “Most people easily forget about the fundamentals once their life or environment turns for the better. I think that people will eventually get the credit that they deserve, as long as they always remember to execute the basics