KOTA KINABALU: Over two decades ago, a young lawyer Datuk Dexter Lau embarked on his business journey with unexpected beginnings.
In 2003, Datuk Dexter joined the family enterprise, Kim Teck Cheong Consolidated Berhad (KTC).
Despite having limited business experience at the time, he persevered through years of challenges, ultimately elevating KTC to new heights of achievement.
This pivotal advancement set the stage for KTC to become a publicly listed entity in 2015, marking a significant milestone as the first wholesale and distribution company from Sabah to be listed on the public market in recent history.
Under Dexter’s leadership as CEO, KTC has experienced significant achievements.
This year, the company reported an annual revenue of Rm1. 1 billion, which is 30 times greater than its revenue 20 years ago, and has created job opportunities for 1,300 employees.
Additionally, Datuk Dexter has been recognised for broadening and diversifying the company’s core trading operations to include manufacturing, supply chain, retail, and shipping sectors.
He played a crucial role in establishing KTC’s presence in the market, where it now holds over 50% of the consumer market share in East Malaysia and Brunei.
KTC has expanded its reach from solely serving the wholesale and trading market in Sabah to also encompassing Sarawak and Brunei.
In 2019, KTC made a significant move by securing Gardenia in Sabah, Sarawak, and Indonesia, thus entering the Indonesian market.
Additionally, Datuk Dexter Lau is recognised for his heartfelt commitment to supporting underprivileged individuals through the 2025 Iftar Tour and Raya Shopping initiatives across all parliamentary constituencies in Sabah.
The Iftar Tour and Raya Shopping programs, which were conceived by Datuk Dexter and launched last year, have received praise from numerous community leaders and elected officials.
They have noted that these initiatives significantly assist those in need, including the Asnafs.
During the recent Iftar Tour in Keningau, Datuk Dexter Lau expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to collaborate with the Chief Minister, emphasising the recognition of UPPM and KTC’s roles in this endeavor.
He views the organisation of the Iftar Tour as a commendable initiative.
The final stage of the 2025 Iftar Tour, sponsored by KTC in collaboration with UPPM Sabah, will be held at the Pengalat Kecil Al-Falah Mosque in Papar on Thursday.
