Bebi Electronics Wins Fiji's Unique Exporter of the Year

Bebi Electronics, who manufactures and sells of LED lighting products specifically directed towards the recreational marine and off-grid markets, was awarded by Mr. Joe Singh as the Unique Exporter of the Year for 2006 by the Fiji Trade and Investment Bureau.

As Fiji is not noted for electronics manufacturing, Bebi has had to create a product which is superiour to virtually all products in the LED lighting field, and back up it's product with a customer service commitment and warantee policy which is second to none.

That Bebi was able to do all of this, yet still remain sensitive to the physical and social ecology of Fiji is what it believes pushed them ahead of the other 41 competitors for the prestigous award.

Bebi (pronounced mbambi with English spelling) Electronics was founded in 2004 at Fawn Harbour, Vanua Levu, by Michael Homsany, Kendra Pinsker, and Joe Prasad. It's purpose (besides putting food on our table), is to provide employment to the village of Nakobo and its environs without disturbing the traditional way of life within the village.

In respect to the pristine environment, Bebi Electronics has chosen production methods that do not produce industrial waste. Being 40km from the nearest power line, most of our production electrical is powered by solar panels. In addition, for their exclusive resin, the company utilises (cleaned) used beverage containers for the actual mixing.

Homsany said that Bebi was founded and registered with the FTIB in 2004 with a primary goal to make money. Their secondary goals, (which are dependant on success in the primary), is to create jobs in a rural area using means that are not destructive of either the physical or social ecology of Fiji.

"The company at this time specialises in highly rugged, low energy consumption lighting products, marketed mostly to the recreational boating market, but which is also suitable for off-grid lighting, which is common to Fiji.

We also have under development affordable, reliable, rugged rural lighting products and also some micro-controller products.

Our Internet marketing and customer service is significantly better than the norm. We respond to all product inquiry/order emails within six hours: Not six working hours, six elapsed hours. Most emails are replied to within four hours. And yes, this means never getting a full night's sleep or taking week-ends off!

The company was the proud recipient of the RC Manubhai Group of Companies Unique Exporter Award at the DHL Prime Ministers Exporter of the Year Awards. According to Homsany, the win was 'very much a pleasant surprise' as this was the first time they have entered the awards.

"To be actually among Fiji's biggest competitors in the export market is a big challenge for us. And to be awarded is the 'icing on the cake' for Bebi and we are very proud of it." So, just what is the secret to Bebi's success? Or what has been the main motivation for Bebi as a company?

"Bebi's largest assets are intangible. Our designs are unique in Fiji and the rest of the world and second to none in the industry. The other is the knowledge of Internet Marketing skills and general business acumen developed after working in a variety of businesses in the Pacific Islands over the past 20 years.

Our main motivation has been to prove that a technology business can be established in a rural area of Fiji. Unlike other exporters in Fiji, we are not an extraction business. Not one natural resource of Fiji leaves Fiji (including the dignity of Fijians) when we ship our product.

"Bebi has shown that it is not only possible, but advantageous, to train people from within small rural communities, as they have no 'bad habits' to unlearn. Contrary to racist comments, Fijians are very diligent, extremely hard workers. But, the work place must be structured around the needs of the community, rather than visa-versa," Homsany stressed.