2 days ago
Captain of industry honoured
FROM the classroom of SK Stowell in Bukit Mertajam to the boardroom of an international investment firm, Datuk Roland Choong Tae Kwon's journey has been one of discipline, ambition and commitment to community service.
Born and raised in Bukit Mertajam, Penang, the 52-year-old began his business career 25 years ago when he founded Cavalier Capital Holdings Sdn Bhd (CCH) – an investment and distribution company specialising in semiconductors, electronics, industrial chemicals, industrial gases, refrigerants, advanced polymers, building materials and sustainable solutions.
Today, CCH operates across 14 countries in the Asia-Pacific region with 20 subsidiaries and a workforce of 150.
The company has a presence in Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, Indonesia, India, Vietnam and United Arab Emirates.
Driven by both organic growth as well as strategic mergers and acquisitions, CCH continues to expand its global footprint while remaining committed to innovation, quality and industry advancement.
However, the company's beginnings were far from easy.
'Banks told me they knew me, but my business had no track record,' Choong recalled of his early struggles.
Despite financial hurdles, Choong's persistence and focus on nurturing talent have paid off.
Under his leadership, CCH now generates an annual turnover of RM400mil.
His consultative leadership philosophy emphasises staff welfare, work-life balance and succession planning, fostering a culture of growth and shared success.
Choong said: 'Over the next three to five years, our focus will be on advancing the green hydrogen economy by manufacturing hydrogen electrolysers – proudly made in Malaysia, by Malaysians.'
The initiative is being developed in collaboration with Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and other key industry stakeholders, marking a bold step into the future of clean energy and sustainable innovation.
Raised by educator parents, Choong was instilled with the value of education from an early age.
After graduating from Bukit Mertajam High School, he earned a degree in Business Administration with a double major in Marketing and Finance from the National University of Singapore (NUS) before qualifying as a Chartered Accountant with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).
He later completed a postgraduate certificate at Imperial Business School in London, joining the institution's associate alumni network.
He has credited education as the foundation of his success.
Through CCH, Choong offers scholarships to employees, their children and members of the wider community, believing that access to education can transform lives.
Choong is a seventh-degree black belt taekwondo master, having trained since the age of five under his father's guidance.
'My father was my martial arts master. His teachings shaped who I am today,' said Choong.
His dedication to the sport led him to become a national taekwondo champion.
Choong serves as president of the North Peninsular Malaysia and Perlis Taekwondo Associations.
Choong also contributes to sporting efforts through his involvement with the Penang Sports Council's Impact Committee, supporting fundraising, corporate engagement and post-athletic career development for athletes.
In recognition of his contributions to business and society, Choong was conferred the Darjah Setia Pangkuan Negeri (DSPN), which carries the title 'Datuk', during the investiture ceremony held in conjunction with the 84th birthday celebration of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Ramli Ngah Talib at Dewan Sri Pinang last month.
Last year, he also achieved major accolades at the Star Outstanding Business Awards (SOBA), where CCH was named Best Employer.
Choong, as the company's chief executive officer, was honoured as SOBA's Male Entrepreneur of the Year (Platinum Award) in the above RM25mil category.
To aspiring entrepreneurs, Choong offers this advice: 'Master financial literacy. Balance risk-taking with careful planning. Most importantly, protect your business.
'Always keep learning, stay humble, be open to feedback from people at all levels and never be afraid to admit mistakes. That's how you grow and improve.'
