GUIYANG, China: Datuk Dexter Lau, President of the Malaysia–China Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) Sabah and Chief Executive Officer of Kim Teck Cheong Consolidated Berhad, has truly made the leap from Sabah to the world stage.
From August 12 to 14, 2025, he was invited to Guiyang, the capital of Guizhou Province, China, to deliver a keynote at the “Trade Connectivity and Global Expansion” High-Level Forum during the 15th Malaysia–China Entrepreneurs Conference.
The event attracted nearly 1,000 government and business leaders from Malaysia, China and abroad, underscoring its role in fostering Malaysia–China economic cooperation and regional integration.
Speaking in a candid “heart-to-heart” style, Lau shared practical insights and perspectives rarely found online.
He recounted KTC’s transformation journey from a local enterprise into a regional FMCG powerhouse, illustrating how businesses can seize opportunities in trade connectivity while actively pursuing global expansion to strengthen cross-border partnerships and unlock new markets.
Reflecting on his time at the world’s top- ranked university- Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, Lau recalled a professor’s blunt assessment that he was “not yet ready” to be an entrepreneur because he focused on what he wanted to do rather than on profitability, returns, and expansion.
This, Lau said, taught him that sustainable growth demands 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 highlighted Borneo’s strategic role in regional trade and international cooperation.
With just 12 years until KTC marks its 100th anniversary, he stressed that his vision is clear: to cultivate and mentor the Lau family’s fourth-generation leadership so the business not only thrives today but remains strong for the next century.
“Expanding globally is no longer a choice — it is a must,” he said.
“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.”
Lau explained that this is not simply about market reach, but about laying a solid foundation for long-term growth by preparing the Lau family’s fourth-generation to effectively support and manage KTC, ensuring the company continues to deliver value to shareholders, employees, and society while maintaining its competitive edge on the global stage.
Lau emphasised that human capital is the foundation of any enterprise, and corporate social responsibility is both a moral obligation and a strategic investment. He argued that true “win–win” outcomes go beyond higher transaction volumes — they are built on sustainable practices that strengthen local influence, expand trade networks, and deliver long-term benefits to all stakeholders.
With multilateral trade agreements such as RCEP, rapidly advancing infrastructure 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.
Datuk Dexter Lau’s speech drew warm applause, reflecting his strategic insight and pragmatic leadership.
His presence at the conference also underscored MCCC Sabah’s active role and growing influence in connecting Malaysian enterprises with global opportunities.
Notably, his mother,Datin Lim Fook Len, also attended the event in person to support her son and the MCCC Sabah delegation, adding a warm and personal touch to the Guizhou visit.
Other forum speakers included Professor Chen Xiaoyun, Chairman of the Board of Kuala Lumpur University of Science and Technology and Chairman of Star Youth Culture Research Insitute; 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.
