Businessman takes Sabah's entrepreneurial voice to world stage

Borneo Post

14 hours ago

Dexter Lau delivering his keynote speech at the 'Trade Connectivity and Global Expansion' High-Level Forum of the 15th Malaysia–China Entrepreneurs Conference.
KOTA KINABALU (Aug 14): Malaysia–China Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) Sabah president Datuk Dexter Lau has taken Sabah's entrepreneurial voice to the world stage with a compelling keynote at the 'Trade Connectivity and Global Expansion' High-Level Forum during the 15th Malaysia–China Entrepreneurs Conference.
Held from August 12 to 14 in Guiyang, China, the event brought together nearly 1,000 government and business leaders from Malaysia, China, and abroad, cementing its role in promoting bilateral cooperation and regional economic integration.
Speaking in an open, 'heart-to-heart' style, Lau, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Kim Teck Cheong Consolidated Berhad (KTC), shared practical business strategies drawn from KTC's transformation from a local enterprise into a regional FMCG powerhouse. He underscored how trade connectivity and global expansion can be leveraged to forge cross-border partnerships and unlock new markets.
Recalling his time at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania — the world's top-ranked business school — Lau said a professor once told him he was 'not yet ready' to be an entrepreneur because he focused more on what he wanted to do than on profitability, returns and growth.
That blunt assessment, he said, reshaped his outlook on building sustainable enterprises grounded in clear business models and executable strategies.
Representing not just Sabah but the whole of Borneo — including Sabah, Sarawak, and Brunei — Lau highlighted the island's strategic role in regional trade. With 12 years until KTC celebrates its 100th anniversary, he reaffirmed his commitment to mentoring the company's fourth-generation leadership to ensure it thrives for another century.
'Expanding globally is no longer a choice — it is a must,' he said. 'We are here to share how we achieved it, how we are doing it today, and where KTC is heading in the future. This is not just about market reach but about laying the foundation for sustainable, long-term growth.'
Lau stressed that human capital is the cornerstone of any enterprise, and that corporate social responsibility is both a moral duty and a strategic investment. He said true 'win–win' results are not just measured in higher trade volumes but in sustainable practices that enhance local influence, broaden networks, and deliver benefits to all stakeholders.
With opportunities arising from multilateral agreements such as RCEP, expanding infrastructure in Southeast Asia, and accelerating digital transformation, Lau urged businesses to act decisively in four areas — localisation, digital technology, strategic partnerships, and sustainability — to strengthen their position in the global marketplace.
His keynote drew warm applause, reflecting the audience's appreciation for his strategic insight and pragmatic leadership. Lau's presence also reinforced MCCC Sabah's growing influence in connecting Malaysian enterprises to international opportunities.
Adding a personal touch to the visit, Lau's mother, Datin Lim Fook Len, attended the conference in person to support her son and the MCCC Sabah delegation.
Other speakers at the forum included Professor Chen Xiaoyun, Chairman of the Board of Kuala Lumpur University of Science and Technology and Chairman of Star Youth Culture Research Institute; Dato' Ho Kwee Hong, Divisional General Manager of Eco World Development Group Berhad; Grace Kwok, Chairman and Executive Director of Allied Sustainability and Environmental Consultants Group Limited; Han Ruiguo, General Manager of Hisense Electronic Co., Ltd.; and Professor Huang Ying, Secretary of the Party Committee of Guiyang University. The session was moderated by veteran Malaysian business leader Datuk Tan Yee Boon.