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How Kim Teck Cheong Consolidated Berhad became a regional player
How Kim Teck Cheong Consolidated Berhad became a regional player
GUIYANG:
(China): Malaysia–China Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) Sabah President Datuk Dexter Lau said sustainable growth demands a clear business model and executable strategies, not just passion and ideas alone.
The seasoned businessman, who is also Kim Teck Cheong Consolidated Berhad Chief Executive Officer shared this hard-earned wisdom during his keynote address at the recent Trade Connectivity and Global Expansion High-Level Forum.
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The forum was held in conjunction with the 15th Malaysia–China Entrepreneurs Conference held in Guiyang, the capital of Guizhou Province, in China.
Speaking to nearly 1,000 government and business leaders from Malaysia, China and other countries, Dexter recounted a pivotal moment from his time studying at the prestigious Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
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A professor there told him bluntly he was not yet ready to be an entrepreneur because he was focused on what he wanted to do rather than on profitability, returns and business expansion.
'That taught me an important lesson,' Dexter said.
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He used his own company's journey as an example of how businesses can transform themselves detailing how Kim Teck Cheong (KTC) evolved from a local Sabah enterprise into a regional fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) powerhouse by seizing opportunities in trade connectivity and pursuing global expansion.
Dexter said represents not just Sabah, but the entire island of Borneo, which includes Sabah, Sarawak and Brunei and pointed out how Borneo's strategic importance in regional trade and international cooperation.
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With KTC approaching its 100th anniversary in just 12 years, Dexter has set his sights on preparing the next generation.
His vision is clear, to cultivate and mentor the Dexter family's fourth-generation leadership to ensure the business remains strong for the next century.
'Expanding globally is no longer a choice, it is a must.
'That is why KTC has already taken this step. We are here to share with everyone how we achieved it, how we are doing it today and where KTC will be heading in the years ahead,' he said.
He said global expansion is not simply about reaching more markets. Instead, it is about building a solid foundation for long-term growth and preparing future generations to effectively manage the company while continuing to deliver value to shareholders, employees and society.
He said human capital forms the foundation of any enterprise, while corporate social responsibility represents both a moral obligation and a smart business investment.
He argued that true 'win-win' outcomes in business go beyond just increasing sales volumes. Instead, they must be built on sustainable practices that strengthen local influence, expand trade networks and deliver long-term benefits to all parties involved.
Given the current business environment with multilateral trade agreements like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership rapidly improving infrastructure across Southeast Asia, and accelerating digital transformation, Dexter urged businesses to act decisively.
He outlined four strategic areas that companies should focus on to secure a strong position in the global marketplace namely localisation, digital technology, strategic partnerships and sustainability.
The conference took on a personal touch when Dexter's mother, Datin Lim Fook Len, attended the event to support her son and the MCCC Sabah delegation.
This gesture highlighted the family values that underpin the business leader's approach.
The forum also featured other prominent speakers including professors from Malaysian and Chinese universities, as well as executives from major corporations. The session was moderated by veteran Malaysian business leader Datuk Tan Yee Boon.
