Heart of the Territory
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Lay Kiung Keng and Kivi Lay in Dili, Timor Leste in front of the store where it all began, built in 1950.
Arriving in a new country can be daunting. But for the Lay family, it was an incredible opportunity. Kivi and Vicki were fleeing civil war in Timor-Leste. Kivi’s brothers Nelson, Jackson and David soon followed and together, these four brothers and their families founded an award-winning business.
“45 years ago, not a lot of foods had been explored,” explains Nelson Lay, remembering his own arrival in Darwin from Singapore in 1978. “So, we had the excellent opportunity to introduce that product and combine it into our business. It was a very good beginning.”
An innovative import export business followed, with the Lay family prioritising quality, service and flexibility, so that everyone, everywhere, could access their products, no matter how remote. In 2009, Asian United Food Services was born, founded on the principles of quality, humility and exemplary customer service.
“Our core value revolves around service, to be able to service and provide customer satisfaction is what drives us,” says Nelson.
Kivi Lay standing in the purpose built Retail Store, NT Oriental Emporium and Asian Importer Exporter warehouse, 1988.
The Lay Family, Kivi Lay (1st son), Pedro Lay (grandson), Lay Kiung Keng (Father), Nelson Lay (2nd son), Jackson Lay (3rd son), David Lay (4th son) taken at the Opening Ceremony of Woodroffe Plaza by Lay Properties Pty Ltd in 1994.
Together, they sourced the best items from around the world and combined it with the very best that Australia had to offer. It’s a business model that has blossomed in the Top End’s humid atmosphere, bringing prosperity not just to the Lay family, but to the entire community.
“Challenges and successes go hand in hand,” explains Nelson. “Once you identify the challenges ahead you are able to turn the tide… It’s quite a significant for Countrywide to have national coverage and supply.”
As a result, Asian United Food Service now supplies vital products to government institutions and businesses and communities all over the Northern Territory and their established infrastructure and incredible customer service enables them to make a real difference.
“We are the first point of contact for the National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre – this is a government authority that coordinates any relief efforts for natural disasters,” Nelson continues. “Being the first point of contact showcases our ability to service the Northern Territory and surrounding regions, which is of great pride for us.”
Giving back is an important part of the Lay family philosophy.
“Pay it forward means our hearts are full and we can do our part for Australia, which welcomed the family after we fled from the civil war in East Timor in 1975,” adds Yolanda Lay, Kivi and Vicki’s daughter.
The Lay family at the breaking of ground ceremony of the new AUFS Warehouse at Woolner; Cecilia Lay, Nelson Lay, Kivi Lay, Lily Lay, Jaime Loh, David Lay, Jackson Lay, Yolanda Lay, Chris Lay. October 2019.
Jackson Lay, David Lay, Kivi Lay and Nelson Lay at the AUFS warehouse complex, Woolner, Darwin.
Joining the Countrywide Network in 1994 was another pivotal moment for the business, bringing even more value to customers – and more opportunities for Asian United Food Services to thrive. Soon after, Nelson became a Countrywide Australia director.
“It was a good opportunity to see a bit more about Countrywide and how we can work as a group to become a bigger buying power for the food service sector,” says Nelson.
“There are over 90 Countrywide members all over Australia and every region has different challenges – it’s good to talk to others, share knowledge, learn and understand.”
Looking to the future, Yolanda and her brother and cousins – who make up the third generation of Lays – are making their mark upon the family business.
“Times have changed, but at the same time, the core values and morals are the same… The ‘Oldies’ still have that wisdom,” says Yolanda. “Developing those relationships, having that care factor and sincerity and working towards a common goal… If we stand together, we’ll be able to overcome challenges and grow.”
The drive and success of their children is something Nelson and the other ‘Oldies’ look upon with immense pride.
“We are a strong family business, now in our third generation,” says Nelson. “They will have their challenges – business was a lot simpler back in the olden days – but we have instilled in them, since young, the meaning of hard work, the rewards it brings, ethics, integrity and humbleness. I hope that our legacy will continue.”
The AUFS Fleet of over 35 trucks servicing Northern Territory from its Darwin based dry goods and refrigerated warehouse complex spanning over 21,000 sq metres.
Back row: Cindy Lay, Mark Lay, Eric Lay, Nuno Jongue, Chris Lay.
Middle: Melissa Lay, Amanda Lay, Yolanda Lay, Natalie Lay, Sarah Lay, Adam De Ausen
Seated: Nelson Lay (Director), Kivi Lay (Director), David Lay (Director), Steven Lai (Director, Merit Partners)
Director, Asian United Food Services.
