Report on Entrepreneurship and Leadership of Sri Lim Goh Tong

Sri Lim Goh Tong is an amazing entrepreneur who was born on 28 February 1918 in Fujian, China. At age of 16, he had to leave school and breadwinner for his family. As China’s situation was unstable, he decided to come to Malaysia (Malaya at that time) at the age of 19 and learned Malay language while working as carpenter. He returned to China in 1940 but went back to Malaya and earned money by becoming a vegetable farmer before he switched to petty trading. Soon after that, he ventured into scrap-metal and hardware trading. Later on, he made his first fortune by engaging in second-hand trading due to urgent demand for heavy machinery after Japanese Occupation ended. Then, late Tan Sri Lim Goh Tong tried different type of related industries including iron mining and construction. When he was venturing out construction industry, he had an idea to build mountain resorts near Cameron Highlands as it would have potential to attract local and foreign tourist. He made some research before proceeding to build the resort. Although it was risky, he ignored negativities and went ahead firmly with his plan. He had to work seven days a week and invest all his money in this project which was called Genting project. When the project was completed, the road to Genting was destroyed by worst rainstorms. It took four months to repair the damages before it finally opened on May 1971. Genting highlands was continued developed for almost 30 years and has diversified into many other industries such as plantations, property, paper, power generation, oil and gas exploration and cruise boat industries.

Sri Lim Goh Tong possessed leadership traits that helped him to become a successful entrepreneur. The first one is enthusiasm, as he became an entrepreneur despite not having proper education. He was also neither speak nor write in English and Malay. Soon, he learned Malay, Cantonese and Mandarin. He did not allow language barrier to be a limitation for him to success and was able to negotiate one of the biggest business contracts in the country. Second, he had visionary leadership style. When he was much younger, he seized the opportunity to venture heavy machinery industry as there was an urgent demand for it for resumed operations in mines and rubber plantation. Later on, he foresees the great potential if he built resorts on a hilltop. Even though the project was risky, he was determined to prove that the project can be done with a huge success. Next is conscientious. His never-ending hard work contributed to his success. Starting from vegetables farmers to an entrepreneur, he never stopped looking for opportunities to develop his business. When he was heading the Genting project, he also did not want to neglect his current business. He was willing to work seven days a week and endlessly travelled to make sure everything has positive progress.

Fourth is social boldness. He held on firmly onto his idea and carries on with his project despite risk of failure or bankrupt to due huge amount of money he invested on Genting project. When he asked his friends to invest, they turned him down and advised him to drop the entire scheme instead as no one can see the project as a success. According to late Tan Sri Lim Goh Tong, since no one has courage to do it, there will be no competition. Another important thing that everyone should have is be bold yet cautious. Tan Sri Goh Tong was bold enough to try things that he has never done before and willing to take risk. However, he was very cautious with his plan. When he was planning the Genting project, he formed an expedition and explored the place, collecting a wealth of data on the topography, drainage, soil conditions and other relevant aspects of the region, which proved to be very useful in drawing up plans for developing the resort and for the safety.

Tan Sri Lim Goh Tong has lived a disciplined life. He likes to get up early and always create a to do list so that he can have a productive day. punctuality was very important for him. He recognized good employees and business partner by the time they arrived on the day of appointment. Recklessly cancelling an appointment with unimportant person has never been done by him as he appreciates people he works with. Other than that, he has a good heart and sympathy. He knew that he must contribute back to society.

So, Tan Sri Lim Goh Tong set up a family foundation called Yayasan Lim. Through this foundation, he was able to help underprivileged people by donating regularly to educational and medical institutions, old folk's homes, various organisations for the physically handicapped and other charitable causes. Lastly, he inspired people to succeed. Good education is essential, but he is a prove that lack of education and training is never a barrier to become a successful person. Self- confidence, attractive personality and willingness to learn are the qualities that made him get business contract. He was the one of the people who become a boss to the smart people.