Tan Sri Lim Hock San, LBS Bina Group Berhad (LBS) Group Managing Director, who is also Chairman of the Malaysia-Guangdong Chamber of Investment Promotion (MGCIP), became the first Malaysian business leader to be honoured with the coveted ‘World Chinese Business Leaders Lifetime Achievement’ Award, at an award ceremony held during the 3rd Asia Pacific CEO Forum in Macao recently.
In addition to that, Lim was invited as a panel speaker for the ‘Belt and Road’ forum
session held in conjunction with the forum. The session explored new strategies and
collaborative platforms to empower entrepreneurs as they enter the new era of the ‘Belt and Road’ initiative.
During the forum, Lim highlighted that the longstanding bilateral relations between
Malaysia and China remain resilient, underpinned by strong economic and trade co-
operation as well as people-to-people and cultural exchanges. For example, the increase of Chinese tourist arrivals to Malaysia has benefited the local travel and hospitality industry.
The strong bilateral trust between the two nations is also evident in the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tun Dr Mahathir’ Mohamad’s, second official visit to China recently, in which he reiterated the government’s support for the ‘Road and Belt’ initiative. He also believes it will bring mutual benefits to other participating countries. The leaders and governments of Malaysia and China are also pressing ahead to realise the opportunities arising from the next phase of the ‘Belt and Road’ initiative.
Responding to participants’ questions relating to seizing opportunities from the ‘Belt and Road’ initiative, Lim, explained, “Malaysia is well-placed to tap the ‘Belt and Road’
initiative on the back of its open policies, vast infrastructure developments, as well as
familiarity in dealing with the Chinese people and business community following established trade and economic ties. Malaysia has all the right ‘ingredients’ to be the strategic partner and connector for the ‘Belt and Road’ markets. Many Malaysian entrepreneurs, especially the small and medium-sized enterprises, are eager to tap the opportunities presented by the ‘Belt and Road’ initiative.
The ‘Belt and Road’ initiative is a strategic platform for local entrepreneurs to expand their global footprint. They can work with relevant organisations, including trade associations, chambers of commerce and clan associations, in seeking the
right opportunity and to gain better insights on what is really needed by the Chinese
markets.”
Lim, a visionary business leader, assuming the role of Chairman of the Federation of
Malaysia Lim Association; the Federation of Hokkien Associations of Malaysia; and National An Xi Clan Association in Malaysia, shared his personal experiences in leading LBS to capitalise on the enormous opportunities arising from the ‘Belt and Road’ initiative.
LBS is the first Malaysian company to joint venture with SANY Group of China in setting up an Industrialised Building System (IBS) plant in Nilai. The establishment of a new IBS factory is not only aligned with LBS’ mission to build more quality affordable housing, it also heeds the Government’s call to build one million affordable homes over the next 10 years.
In the near future, LBS hopes to collaborate with potential Chinese entities to develop its existing landbank of 4,005 acres. LBS ventured into the China market in the early 1990’s. Todate, LBS has invested in the Zhuhai International Circuit (ZIC) which is strategically located in the booming Greater Bay Area. ZIC is currently undergoing a programme to transform it into an integrated urban development comprising racing circuit, a cultural park, commercial and business units and mixed-use properties.
Lim is confident that ZIC will play a vital role in shaping the growth the Greater Bay Area given its strategic geographical location and economic potentials. He concluded by citing LBS’s investment in ZIC as an example of how Malaysian businesses are establishing a wider presence in China following the introduction of the ‘Belt
and Road’ initiative.
