Our Legacy
The First 90 Years
A Legacy Rooted In Family,
Fuelled By Vision
The Valiram story began in 1935—not with a grand blueprint for global success, but with a simple dream and a determined heart. Utumal Valiram, a man of integrity and resilience, founded a modest textile trading business in Kuala Lumpur. Little did he know that this humble beginning would spark a legacy that would endure for generations.
In those formative years, the Valiram name became synonymous with trust, quality, and relentless hard work. As the world evolved, so too did the business—quietly adapting, steadily growing, and always holding true to its core values.
When Utumal passed away suddenly, the weight of the family’s future fell on the young shoulders of his son, Datuk Jethanand Valiram. Thrust into leadership far too soon, Jethanand found himself navigating the unpredictable tides of business and life without a safety net. With limited resources but unwavering resolve, he kept the business afloat—not out of personal ambition, but out of love, duty, and deep respect for his father. Through challenging times, he led with quiet strength and steely determination, fiercely committed to preserving what had been built. His loyalty to his father’s legacy laid the bedrock for what Valiram would become.
"Don’t pray to have your life easier, but pray to have strength for your life. And if everything is going well you will know that you are the miracle.”
- Datuk Jethanand Utumal Valiram
Decades later, the next chapter unfolded as the third generation—Dato’ Sharan, Ashvin, and Mukesh—stepped into the business. Shaped by the values and vision of their late father, the brothers brought with them a bold new energy. In 1996, on the brink of the Asian financial crisis, they made a daring move: launching the world’s first airport-based textile retail store. It was a leap of faith—equal parts bold and uncertain— but it marked the beginning of Valiram’s reinvention.
"The most important lesson he ever showed us was perseverance.”
- Ashvin Valiram
From that defining moment, Valiram transformed into a powerhouse of luxury and lifestyle retail across Asia Pacific. The company’s multichannel footprint now spans downtown destinations, international airports, and digital platforms—yet at its core, it remains deeply personal and firmly grounded in family.
This is more than a story of business growth. It is a story of love, loss, resilience, and reinvention. Of three brothers carrying forward a legacy with vision and heart. And of a company born from humble beginnings, driven by the unshakable belief that with passion, courage, and purpose—anything is possible.
Successfully outbid other international players at Changi T2 multi-brand fashion concession.
Handover Coach Australia and Singapore to Principal.
Handover Coach Indonesia and Malaysia to Principal.
Sixty Seven Bath and Body Works stores are now open.
A Legacy of Excellence:
The History of Valiram's Journey
A Century Of Excellence And Legacy
As we reflect on our journey, it’s not just the awards we’ve won but the enduring recognitions that define who we are. At Valiram Group, our legacy is built on more than business achievements—it’s a story of passion, resilience, and the vision to craft something extraordinary.
Valiram:
The First Hundred Years
This book is more than a celebration of time—it is a tribute to a journey that began with a dream in 1935 and evolved into an empire of luxury, resilience, and heart. Valiram: The First Hundred Years captures the spirit of three generations, woven together by love, loss, legacy, and the enduring power of family.
Developed to mark a significant milestone, this coffee table book tells the story of a family business built on passion and perseverance. From humble beginnings in Kuala Lumpur to becoming a name synonymous with bold retail across Asia Pacific, the book chronicles the defining moments, the unspoken sacrifices, and the pioneering spirit that shaped Valiram into what it is today.
It is a portrait of people, of a father’s devotion, a son’s promise, and three brothers who dared to dream beyond convention. With rich visuals, personal reflections, and untold stories, the book seeks not just to document history, but to inspire future generations to carry the flame forward.
Above all, The First Hundred Years is a gift of remembrance a legacy in pages, rooted in heritage and fuelled by vision.
"This book has been three generations in the making, and we dedicate it to the next with the hope that they leave their imprint in the future chapters of the Valiram story. Every element in this book was carefully curated with input from all of us as a family."
- Dato Sharan Valiram
"We titled it The First Hundred Years because we believe that the Valiram story will evolve further and the next generation will take on the task to record the next hundred years. We hope that the tales within this first volume will remind them of the legacy they come from and inspire them to work towards creating their own epic tale."
- Ashvin Valiram
"Our father always reminded us that family and upholding the family name is always the main priority. We're proud of how far the family name has come, enabled further by the many relatives, friends and partners who've been there throughout the decades, supporting our endeavours. We thank you, from the bottom of our hearts."
