KOTA KINABALU: Renowned Malaysian businesswoman and Chinese community leader Datuk Susan Wong Siew Guen has added yet another accolade to her name upon receiving the ASEAN Distinguished Entrepreneur Lifetime Achievement Award by the KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific.
This was in recognition of her contributions and achievements in promoting sustainable business and social development and management.
The award was presented by Sabah Finance Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun, who represented the Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor, in the presence of KSI chairman Tan Sri Majid Khan and president Tan Sri Michael Yeoh during the ASEAN Sustainable Forestry Summit, held at the Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort here on Tuesday.
“I am truly grateful for this honour and sincerely thank everyone for their support and encouragement, which gave me the opportunity to receive this award.
“It is because of all of you that I’ve had the love and motivation to fulfil one mission after another and to write one beautiful story after another,” she said of the achievement.
Susan said she dedicated this award to everyone who has supported, cared for, and helped her throughout her journey.
Susan’s journey to success has become a model and source of inspiration for many local entrepreneurs and youths. Her two key principles and beliefs—daring to chase dreams and never giving up—have deeply inspired and encouraged the younger generation.
“From the very beginning, my greatest dream has been to build affordable properties so that everyone can create a beautiful home and start their life journey in my projects. My dream is to help others realise their dreams.”
“Winners never quit, and quitters never win.” Susan generously shares this motto passed down from her father, the late Datuk Seri Panglima Dr. Wong Kwok.
“This guiding principle has shaped two generations of property legends and outstanding Chinese community leaders, and she hopes it will continue to inspire future generations and drive social progress and development,” he added.
Susan also emphasised that Chinese businesses or associations carry the important and valuable heritage of Chinese culture and traditions, which must be preserved and developed sustainably.
“In the future, we must incorporate more professional management and administrative concepts and models while organising more activities to provide value-added opportunities and training for the younger generation.”
She also believes that beyond the business sector, community organisations must provide more learning pathways and development platforms for the younger generation, enabling them to prepare to become successors through active participation in activities.
Susan is the daughter of the renowned Sabah property developer and Chinese community leader, Datuk Seri Panglima Dr. Wong Kwok, and Datin Seri Panglima Chen Si Mui.
From a young age, she was influenced by her parents’ teachings and family values. She pursued her studies at the University of Toronto in Canada, earning her degree before returning to Malaysia to join the family’s construction business.
Following in her parents’ footsteps, she became involved in community associations, marking the beginning of a remarkable life journey.
Development Award in the same year. Last year, Susan received the Excellence in Rural Urbanisation and Best Developer Gold Award from Shareda and the Chinese Community Leadership Excellence Award from Sin Chew Daily.
Established in 2018, KSI is an independent non-profit think tank based in Kuala Lumpur. It connects governments, businesses, and civil society to translate ideas into impact. KSI was ranked 109th for Top Social Policy Think Tanks in 2020.
