Malaysia Tatler examines the key characteristics exhibited by these elusive beasts through creative visual photography as we equate these traits with some of Malaysia’s leading business titans.
The African Elephant - Big-hearted
Intelligent, compassionate, alert and selfless are the human-like qualities to be admired in an African elephant. Yet, despite the elephant’s caring nature, it is not afraid of defending its herd if it senses danger.
In Malaysia, the one such tycoon who personifies the strengths mentioned above is none other than Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar Albukhary. He manages the core of his multi- billion dollar empire via a well-diversified portfolio, driven primarily through three investment vehicle companies—MMC Corporation Berhad, DRB-Hicom Berhad and Tradewinds (M) Berhad.
In 2014, he was hailed as a philanthropy hero by Forbes Asia. The billionaire has reportedly funded numerous humanitarian projects worldwide including the establishment of an AIDS hospital in Uganda and provided aid to help rebuild the lives of Afghan refugees, Pakistani earthquake survivors and Indonesian tsunami victims, among others.
Another example of a big shot exhibiting these remarkable qualities is Tan Sri Vincent Tan. The former insurance agent and secondhand motorcar salesman from Johor has amassed a sensational fortune over the decades making him a regular name on the annual Forbes list of billionaires.
Philanthropy is a big agenda for this man, who has joined Bill and Melinda Gates’ The Giving Pledge in 2011 where he donated a huge chunk of his wealth for charity.
The Leopard - Primed to pounce
A defining trait of the leopard is its patience and perseverance in hunting and executing a kill. Considered to be one of the most successful, if not the most successful of all African predators, the leopard is a skilled stalker and hunter.
It is important for a businessman to always be ready to pounce at opportunities and embark on the next big thing, regardless of risk. Like the leopard, some individuals are always ready to react and leap at any possible opportunity that could guarantee an advancement of any sort for themselves, their companies or the community around them.
In Malaysia, one can look no further than the accomplishments of Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, who like the tycoons mentioned above, has always been seen defying naysayers and believing in what is right. It is through his unwavering passion and determination that AirAsia was able to flourish and expand its operations worldwide.
Luxury empress Dato’ Farah Khan is another individual who showcases a talent of spotting opportunities ahead of the pack. This charismatic doyenne of retail diversified her company from fashion and retail to F&B and hospitality, showing that her keen instinct is right on the mark when it comes to being ahead.
The Cape Buffalo - Bullish charisma
The sheer power of its strength is one of the cape buffalo’s defining features. When buffaloes fight for rank and their female partners, the noise of the clashing and crashing of their horns can be quite terrifying.
Similarly, one would be mistaken to judge from Robert Kuok’s amiable features and genial smile that he is ‘tame’. The Hong Kong-based Johor-born self-made entrepreneur is known for his wide sphere of influence and power in the leading economies of the world.
Today, his company’s portfolio has diversified to include shipping and publishing, among others. Forbes recently estimated Kuok’s fortune to be at USD10.3 billion, most of which is centred on his stake in Kerry Group, the Singapore-listed Wilmar International and SCMP Group Limited.
When it comes to seizing opportunities, he is diplomatic but positively aggressive. He is quick in mind and refined in behaviour. Through shrewdness, hard work and a carefully calculated network, Kuok was offered a chance to step into the China market to expand his sugar business after the booming nation opened its doors to foreign investments.
The Black Rhino - Power packed
Considered today as one of the most endangered animals in Africa, the black rhino is often preferred in hunting excursions due to its rarity but an untrained hunter will find himself in a position of danger if he attempts to target this particular species. It is regarded as a dangerous animal because of its volatile temperament and a more dangerous animal than the white rhino because of its aggressive temperament.
In Malaysia, a prime example of a figure exhibiting these traits is the mysterious Tan Sri Ananda Krishnan. The Brickfields-born man of Sri Lankan descent started MEASAT in the early 1990s and followed by establishing media company Astro and telecommunication conglomerate Maxis Communications – both steady and influential cash cows in Usaha Tegas’ stable of companies.
Like the elusive black rhino of Africa, Tan Sri Ananda Krishnan is not afraid to alternate between a solitary stealthiness and an aggressive stance to defend his business and rise on the top of the business chain. This is without a doubt, a secret to his success.
The Lion - Leonine ambition
There are reasons why traits such as pride, bravery and fierceness are associated to this beast. The dominant lion of a pride is also known for its strength and ferocity when it comes to protecting its alpha male status from ‘challengers’ waiting on the sidelines, attempting to take over the pride.
In business, it can truly be a dog-eat-dog world, almost like the wilderness of Africa! Yet, it takes a special something for a tycoon with a vision to survive—an unstoppable fearlessness to take charge and lead his or her company to achieve success
In Malaysia, a good example of a person with a leonine profile is luxury retail doyenne Kathy Lam who has left a lasting legacy in the scene with her past work with Louis Vuitton.
Another fearless ‘lion’ is none other than the late Tan Sri Lim Goh Tong, the illustrious founder of the Genting Group. He was respected for his courage and vision in transforming the hilly terrains of Genting Highlands into a leading casino resort. Despite the challenges he had faced in turning his dream into reality, he persevered and soldiered on.
Today, Genting Highlands is now synonymous with world-class entertainment and gaming fun.
(Artwork and Photography: Allan Casal)
For the full feature, you can get a copy of Malaysia Tatler March 2015 issue, available on newsstands now or click here to purchase the digital version.
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