About us

Born in the small town of Alor Setar in northern Malaysia, Paul Khor’s journey has been anything but conventional. In 2005, he took a leap of faith and founded Actually, a company built on his vision of bringing unique brands and experiences to Asia.

For the first decade, Actually was deeply involved in the fashion industry. Paul traveled globally, attending fashion trade shows and fashion weeks in cities like Tokyo, Paris, and Seoul, establishing showrooms that connected emerging labels with markets across Asia.

Then came 2016, a pivotal year that changed everything. Paul’s first hike sparked a deep passion for the outdoors, turning a hobby into a journey of exploration. He soon conquered Southeast Asia’s highest peaks before tackling high-altitude expeditions in Nepal, India, and China.

These adventures expanded Actually’s, vision, leading to collaborations with outdoor brands and a shift beyond fashion into outdoor and lifestyle retail.

Today, Actually thrives at the crossroads of creativity and adventure, continually pushing boundaries and uniting brands and communities in bold, exciting ways.

VISION

At Actually, we foster employment, opportunities, and learning, going beyond just creating jobs to provide avenues for growth and skill development. Dedicated to nurturing both existing and new brands, we ensure a dynamic and innovative market presence that continuously evolves.

Over the years, we’ve grown and adapted, learning from challenges and embracing change. Our vision is to make a real difference, big or small, in the community. We want to inspire people to take meaningful steps that create a positive impact, making the world around us a little better every day.

MISSION

At Actually, our mission is to foster connections among individuals, cultivating a sense of family and community. We value meaningful conversations, active engagement, and the cultivation of relationships.

As a company that has evolved through the years, we embrace change and innovation while staying true to our core values. Our goal extends beyond personal interactions; we aspire to positively impact society and inspire the creation of profound, enduring connections that continue to grow with us.

Milestones

Early Foundations (2005-2010)

  • The journey began with the registration of Actually Pte Ltd in 2005.
  • April 2006 marked the debut of the flagship Actually store on Seah Street, laying the groundwork for future ventures (closed June 2013).
  • Subsequent years saw the launch of diverse retail concepts: Wooonderland at Wheelock (June 2007 – May 2009), ActuallyARC at Esplanade (July 2008 – November 2009), VERY Wooonderland at ION Orchard (July 2009 – June 2012), and Actually Actually on Purvis Street (March 2010 – July 2012).

Expansion and Adaptation (2012-2023)

  • The company continued to experiment with formats, including Actually + on North Bridge Road and ActuallyX at Plaza Singapura (both closed February 2013).
  • Actually’s presence at Somerset 313 (July 2013 – March 2014, and then reopening August 2023) and orchardgateway (April 2014 – June 2023) demonstrated adaptability to evolving retail landscapes.
  • The “Outside” concept was introduced, focusing on outdoor lifestyle, with locations at Orchardgateway (June 2017 – May 2019), Paragon (December 2018 – November 2022), Marina Square (March 2020, expanded March 2023), ION Orchard (November 2020 – October 2022), Plaza Indonesia (January 2021 – June 2024), Jumpa @ Sungei Wang (September 2021 – August 2023), Pondok Indah 3 (February 2022), One Utama, Malaysia (March 2022), Bugis (October 2022), Pavilion KL (November 2022), and Bali Lane (October 2023).
  • Specialty stores such as the Fjällräven Partners store at Somerset 313 (May 2022) and the Keen Garage at Marina Square (May 2023) were also launched.
  • The Outdoor Shop was opened at Wheelock in May of 2023.

International Growth and Company Registration

  • Actually Fashion (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd was established in 2016, marking the company’s first major international venture.
  • Actually Philippines Inc was formed in 2020
  • and PT Outside Grup Indonesia in 2022, further solidifying the company’s regional presence.

Major Events: Cultivating Community and Engagement

The company has been instrumental in fostering outdoor communities through a series of notable events:

  • 2016: Fjällräven Bootcamp, Indonesia’s inaugural hiking event.
  • 2017: Fjällräven Journey & Life, pioneering hiking events in Malaysia and the Philippines.
  • 2018: Fjällräven Discovery Indonesia, a 3-star event.
  • 2022: GO Festival.
  • 2024: The introduction of Outside TV and The Outdoor Fair, demonstrating a commitment to content and community experiences.

OUR TEAM

A passionate and dedicated group, the Actually team is driven by a love for the outdoors and the digital world. We believe in the power of brand building, staying relevant while embracing our unique sense of style.

As they say, teamwork makes the dream work. Actually is a consumer-driven cooperative, inspiring and equipping people to embrace meaningful outdoor experiences. Over time, Actually has created opportunities for team members to learn, lead, and pioneer the outdoor experiences we cherish today, all while passionately managing the business.

Our buying and logistics teams ensure smooth operations and strategic product selection. Marketing brings brands to life with creativity and innovation. Digital sales drives our e-commerce growth, while our accounts team secures sustainability. And at the heart of it all, our frontliners, our crown jewels, are always in action, turning our vision into reality.