UOB Malaysia recently launched The Business Circle in Malaysia, an initiative aimed at equipping future leaders of Asia’s family- owned businesses with the necessary acumen to manage their enterprises and fast-track growth. Initially launched in Singapore in 2019 and later
in Thailand in 2023, The Business Circle has grown to encompass a network of more than 1,000 family-operated companies, ranging from large corporations to small- and medium-sized entities (SMEs) throughout the region. As part of this programme, members have exclusive access to a platform for knowledge sharing, opportunities for networking to foster potential partnerships, and customised financial solutions provided by the bank.
the launch.
To celebrate the launch of The Business Circle in Malaysia, the bank organised a gala dinner at Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur’s grand ballroom. The event drew attendance from entrepreneurs, business leaders, industry partners and representatives of government bodies, including the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, Malaysian Investment Development Authority and Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation.
Prior to dinner, guests got to know each other outside the grand ballroom and enjoyed pre- dinner cocktails curated by Johnnie Walker Blue Label. The event also featured displays of luxury Swiss timepieces by Breguet and Italian furniture brand Molteni&C.
The dinner kicked off with a heartfelt speech from UOB Malaysia’s CEO Ng Wei Wei, highlighting the importance of hereditary businesses in steering the region’s sustained economic progress. “Through The Business Circle, we aim to leverage UOB’s extensive regional footprint and expertise to provide Malaysia’s next-generation leaders of family-led firms with a platform for knowledge exchange and networking across borders and industries,” she said. “This is to ensure that the younger generations have the right knowledge, capabilities and connections to bring their businesses to greater heights.”
During dinner, Ng moderated a dialogue session with Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Liew Chin Tong, providing insights into Malaysia’s growth opportunities and advising next-generation leaders on adopting nation- building principles to accelerate the growth of their businesses while actively contributing to the nation. Following this, a question-and-answer segment was opened to the floor, covering topics such as supply chains, sustainable practices, investments and more. Throughout the night, glasses of Johnnie Walker Blue Label circulated around each table, accompanied by live performances to entertain guests and facilitate further networking.
More photos of the UOB Malaysia’s The Business Circle event
Photography: Paulius Staniunas / All Is Amazing
Lead image: (from left) Beh Wee Khee, UOB Malaysia; Gan Ai Im, UOB; Ng; Liew; Eric Lian, Group Head of Commercial Banking, UOB; and Rosalind Lee, UOB.
