Tan Sri Lim Hock San Is First Malaysian Business Leader To Receive Highest Recognition At 3rd Asia Pacific CEO Forum
Petaling Jaya, 21 May 2019 – 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, Tan Sri 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, Tan Sri 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’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.
The ‘World Chinese Business Leaders Lifetime Achievement’ Award recognises outstanding Asia Pacific’s business leaders for their vision, exemplary leadership and community commitment. (Centre) LBS Bina Group Berhad Group Managing Director, Tan Sri Lim Hock San, celebrates the glorious moment with (fourth from left) LBS Executive Director, Datuk Wira Joey Lim; and members from the Malaysia-Guangdong Chamber of Investment Promotion (MGCIP).
Responding to participants’ questions relating to seizing opportunities from the ‘Belt and Road’ initiative, Tan Sri 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.”
Tan Sri Lim, a visionary business leader, assuming the role of Chairman of the Federation of Malaysia Lim Associations; 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. To date, 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. Tan Sri 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. Tan Sri Lim 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.
About LBS Bina Group Berhad
LBS has a distinct pedigree which dates back to 1980s when Dato’ Seri Lim Bock Seng – a young and aggressive man with vision – founded the original construction business in Petaling Jaya. After a decade of rapid growth, LBS set its sights higher and ventured into the property development sector in 1992 where it started its first project, the Jelapang Maju Light Industrial Park in Ipoh, Perak. After taking over the baton from his father, Tan Sri Lim Hock San has grown and developed LBS into one of the major players in property development in Malaysia. LBS Bina Group Berhad (5789) was listed on the Main Board of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad in 2002 with business expanded to Zhuhai, the People’s Republic of China.
Under the leadership of Managing Director, Tan Sri Lim Hock San, the Group re-strategized its business model, and launched a brand new image, identity and direction as part of its long term objective to be an internationally recognised developer, building and inspiring lifestyle spaces that enhance community living. To mark this new direction, the Group has extended its portfolio of quality homes to the high-end market and has embarked on a progressive journey of change, which includes the areas of product, customer experience, after-sales services, sustainability, green technology and design.
In recognition of his entrepreneurship, Tan Sri Lim was awarded the Asia Pacific Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2012 by Enterprise Asia. In July 2012, as an acknowledgement of his active involvement in the development of Zhuhai City, China, Tan Sri Lim Hock San was appointed a committee member of the Zhuhai Municipal People’s Political Consultative Conference (Zhuhai CPPCC). Under the stewardship of Tan Sri Lim, the Group was awarded the ‘Best Company for Leadership of Property Development’ at the 2014 International Alternative Investment Review (IAIR) Awards. Another exemplary accomplishment of Tan Sri Lim was the conferment of The Brand Laureate Hall of Fame – Lifetime Achievement Brand ICON Leadership Award 2015. Tan Sri Lim was presented the award in recognition of his perseverance through many years, resilience that has withstood the test of time, demonstration of strong leadership, deep industry knowledge and impeccable values of integrity and responsibility through LBS.
In appreciation of his contribution to the lasting relationship between Malaysia and China, Tan Sri Lim was conferred the Lifetime Achievement Award 2015 during the World Chinese Economy Summit 2015 (WCES). The World Economic Summit honours entrepreneurs for their dedication, selfless service and innovative leadership. LBS marked new milestones in 2016, as the company was awarded the 5 Star Best Development Marketing Malaysia award for its lifestyle-concept development BSP21, and the 5 Star Interior Design Show Home Malaysia award for its Corallia semi-detached homes, at the prestigious Asia Pacific Property Award (APPA) 2016. LBS also clinched the BrandLaureate Most Valuable Brand Award for Property Industry 2016 award in recognition of its esteemed reputation as a trusted property developer at the BrandLaureate Best Brands Awards 2015 – 2016.