Lau delivering his keynote speech.
GUIYANG, China: The Malaysia–China Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) Sabah President Datuk Dexter Lau has made a decisive leap from Sabah to the global stage.
Lau, who is also Chief Executive Officer of Kim Teck Cheong Consolidated Berhad (KTC), was in Guiyang, the capital of China’s Guizhou Province, as an invited keynote speaker at the “Trade Connectivity and Global Expansion” High-Level Forum during the 15th Malaysia–China Entrepreneurs Conference from Aug 12–14, 2025
The event drew nearly 1,000 government and business leaders from Malaysia, China and beyond, underlining its significance in driving Malaysia–China economic cooperation and regional integration.
Delivering his address, Lau shared practical insights and behind-the-scenes perspectives seldom found online. He recounted KTC’s transformation from a local enterprise into a regional FMCG powerhouse, showing how businesses can leverage trade connectivity to expand internationally, strengthen cross-border partnerships and unlock new markets.
Reflecting on his time at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, the world’s top-ranked business school, Lau recalled a professor’s blunt remark that he was “not yet ready” to be an entrepreneur — as he had focused on personal ambitions rather than profitability, returns, and scalability. That experience, he said, taught him a lasting lesson: sustainable growth requires a clear business model and executable strategies, not just passion and ideas.
Representing not only Sabah but the entire island of Borneo — encompassing Sabah, Sarawak and Brunei — Lau emphasised the island’s strategic importance in regional trade and international cooperation. With KTC’s 100th anniversary just 12 years away, his vision is firmly set on preparing and mentoring the company’s fourth-generation leadership, ensuring 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 how we achieved it, how we are executing it today, and where we are heading in the years ahead.”
For Lau, global expansion is not just about entering new markets but about laying a solid foundation for long-term growth — equipping future leaders to uphold KTC’s values, deliver value to shareholders, employees, and society, and maintain a competitive edge worldwide.
He underscored that human capital is the foundation of any enterprise, while corporate social responsibility is both a moral duty and a strategic investment.
True “win–win” outcomes, he argued, are built on sustainable practices that strengthen local influence, expand trade networks and deliver long-term benefits to all stakeholders.
With the support of multilateral trade agreements such as RCEP, rapid infrastructure development across Southeast Asia and accelerating digital transformation, Lau urged businesses to act decisively in four strategic areas — localisation, digital technology, strategic partnerships and sustainability — to secure a resilient position in the global marketplace.
Lau’s speech received warm applause, reflecting his strategic vision and pragmatic leadership. His participation also reaffirmed MCCC Sabah’s growing influence in connecting Malaysian enterprises with global opportunities.
Adding a personal touch to the Guizhou visit, Lau’s mother, Datin Lim Fook Len attended the event in person to support her son and the MCCC Sabah delegation.
Other notable 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, 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.
