Established 1989 · Malaysia

Discover Andaraya Group

37+ years of building Malaysia's workforce and business landscape — from a single agency to a multi-industry group spanning 15+ sectors nationwide.

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Andaraya Group award ceremony representing decades of industry recognition
1989Year
Founded

Our Story

A Legacy Built on People & Purpose

Andaraya Group was founded in 1989 in Ampang, Selangor with one clear purpose: to connect Malaysia's growing industrial sector with the workforce it needed to thrive.

What began as a focused manpower agency under Dato' Sri Mohammad Ismail Bin Norbat — known widely as Haji Ismail — has grown into one of Malaysia's most recognizable multi-industry groups, expanding from recruitment into foreign worker management and hostel accommodation, plus security, cleaning, cargo, construction, F&B, renewable energy and more.

Today, Andaraya operates from 8 offices spanning Selangor, Johor, Melaka, Penang and Perak (see all locations), with a team of 150+ dedicated professionals. Our founding philosophy — that businesses succeed when people are cared for — remains the guiding principle behind everything we do.

CEO's Message

Who We Are

Vision, Mission & Values

The principles that have guided Andaraya for 37+ years — and will continue to drive our growth.

Our Vision

To be Malaysia's most trusted and comprehensive multi-industry group — a partner that individuals, companies and communities can always rely on for excellence, integrity and innovation.

Our Mission

To deliver exceptional, compliant and people-centred services across our 15+ business sectors — creating lasting value for clients, opportunities for our workforce, and positive impact for Malaysian industry.

Our Values

  • Integrity — transparency and honesty in everything we do
  • Excellence — the highest standards across all sectors
  • People First — worker, client and community wellbeing
  • Compliance — legal obligations without compromise

By the Numbers

37 Years of Results

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Our Journey

37 Years of Growth

From a single office in 1989 to a diversified group of licensed companies, Andaraya has built its reputation on regulatory alignment, structured growth, and sustainable capability.

Foundations & Early Expansion 1989–1999

1989

Foundation in Ampang

Dato' Sri Haji Ismail establishes Andaraya (M) Sdn. Bhd., initially focusing on manpower recruitment and workforce management — after graduating with a Bachelor of Science from Universiti Malaya in 1987 and choosing an entrepreneurial path over a government post.

1992

Licence C Achievement

Andaraya (M) Sdn. Bhd. (Reg. No. 0233536P / 199201002032) is formally registered in Selangor and awarded the Private Employment Agency Licence C, expanding into facility management, dormitory operations, payroll, HR and cleaning services.

1993

First Subsidiary

Diversiti Mekanikal Sdn. Bhd. (Reg. No. 0270803T / 199301016063, previously Ocean Pest Control (M) Sdn. Bhd.) is incorporated, expanding the Group's capabilities into pest control, specialised cleaning, and food catering.

Nationwide Growth & Diversification 2000s–2019

2000s

National Footprint

Strategic branch offices established across Johor Bahru, Pasir Gudang, Pontian, Melaka, Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Penang — solidifying nationwide service capabilities.

2011

Specialised Subsidiaries

The Group expands its service ecosystem with three new entities:

  • Desire Food Sdn. Bhd. — Restaurant & catering (Reg. No. 0936171T / 201101008032)
  • Optimal Security Services Sdn. Bhd. — Professional security solutions (Reg. No. 0969825V / 201101041702)
  • Progressive Cargo & Services Sdn. Bhd. — Cargo handling, warehousing & trading (Reg. No. 0930829V / 201101002691)
2012

Infrastructure & Asset Maintenance

  • Isaq Jaya Sdn. Bhd. established, achieving G7-grade construction & infrastructure classification (Reg. No. 0976545K / 201201003020)
  • Hispec Maintenance Sdn. Bhd. launched to handle corporate building maintenance and professional cleaning (Reg. No. 0980427H / 201201006907)
2013

Regional Acclaim

Dato' Sri Haji Ismail is honoured with the Master Class Award – Leading in Human Resources at the ASEAN Outstanding Business Awards.

2016

Financial Milestone

Group annual turnover scales from RM100,000 in its formative years to RM30 million.

2018

Licensed Recruitment Restructuring

To align with evolving government frameworks, Agensi Pekerjaan Ukhwah Sdn. Bhd. (Reg. No. 1299383A / 201801037353) is established under JTKSM Licence C No. 657.

Sustainability & Digital Transformation 2020s–Present

2020s

Green Energy Transition

The Group strengthens its sustainability commitments by securing G7-certified construction status and entering the renewable solar energy sector.

2023

Hospitality Expansion

Launch of Food Station, a branded chain of contemporary restaurants, diversifying the Group's commercial portfolio into hospitality.

2026

Rebranding & AI Integration

On 1 January 2026, Agensi Pekerjaan Ukhwah Sdn. Bhd. officially rebrands as Agensi Pekerjaan Andaraya Sdn. Bhd., marking the Group's transition into digital workforce management, AI-assisted client services, and advanced compliance reporting.

Today, Andaraya Group operates through two core licensed entities — Andaraya (M) Sdn. Bhd. (workforce management, facility management, payroll, HR, dormitories) and Agensi Pekerjaan Andaraya Sdn. Bhd. (licensed recruitment under JTKSM Licence C No. 657) — supported by subsidiaries in F&B, security, cargo, construction, and cleaning. Together, they deliver capability, compliance, and sustainability across Malaysia's industries.

How Haji Ismail Leads

Leadership Philosophy

Three pillars, combining academic discipline with entrepreneurial instinct, that guide every decision the Group makes.

Compliance

Upholding strict adherence to national and international legal standards — not as a checkbox, but as the safeguard of worker rights and the shield that protects employers from penalties.

Worker Welfare

Prioritising the health, safety and wellbeing of the workforce as the foundation everything else is built on.

Service Excellence

Delivering consistent, high-quality results that exceed expectations — the standard every new hire is measured against from day one.

Dato' Sri Mohammad Ismail Bin Norbat, Founder and Group CEO of Andaraya Group
“Everything we build traces back to the unwavering dedication of our workforce. Their success is our success.”

Visionary Leadership

Founder & Group CEO

Dato' Sri Mohammad Ismail Bin Norbat

Haji Ismail · Founder · Chief Executive Officer

Haji Ismail graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Universiti Malaya in 1987. Although offered a government post, he chose the entrepreneurial path instead, starting with a small door-to-door cleaning materials business before founding Andaraya (M) Sdn. Bhd. in 1989. A commitment to strategic excellence later led him to complete a Master of Business Administration in 1996, sharpening the management discipline and vision that carried the Group from a single office into a nationwide, multi-industry group.

He is a vocal advocate for foreign worker welfare, pushing the Group's facility management arm toward international benchmarks recognised by bodies such as the Responsible Business Alliance (RBA).

Responsible Business Award Master Class Award – ASEAN OBA 2013 Global Responsible Business Leadership 2018 MOBA Malaysia Excellence 2018
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The Proof

A decade of national & regional recognition

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