MD: KTS contributed over RM100 million to society
KUCHING: The KTS Group of Companies has contributed over RM100 million to society so far.
Its managing director Dato Henry Lau said this contribution aptly signifies the group’s identity as a civic, cultural, educational and social- minded business entity.
“I am proud and I hope that the group would enhance this contribution to society and also to the needy, with the support from all directors and the entire KTS workforce,” he said at the group’s 55th anniversary celebration at KTS Garden here last night.
Adding on, Henry said upon achieving such a significant milestone, KTS recorded its profound appreciation to the government in providing and creating a stable and favourable environment – politically and socially – all these years for businesses to conduct and help the overall development of society.
Moreover, he said the group is gearing up to face new challenges amidst the fast- paced, everchanging environment to ensure sustainability and continuous growth of its businesses.
In this regard, Henry reminded
I am proud and I hope that the group would enhance this contribution to society and also to the needy, with the support from all directors and the entire KTS workforce. Dato Henry Lau, KTS Group managing director
the workforce to always be prepared for the future.
“(Always) be prepared. When we are at ease and relaxing without being prepared, when the difficult times come, we would face great hardship,” he said, noting that as business has changed tremendously since 55 years ago, speed is now the essence in today’s world.
“Speed of communications and speed of doing things are no more a luxury, but a necessity in business in grabbing opportunities and reducing costs,” he said, illustrating this by saying that now, news can travel around the world in just five minutes.
“We do not only need good products, but also services at comparative costs. But bear in mind that doing things hastily would usually result in mistakes,” he added.
On the timber business, Henry emphasised the need to increasingly invest and apply knowledge in tree plantation in tandem with the protection of environment, its inhabitants as well as flora and fauna as the sector would no longer depend on resources from the natural forest.
“Once in the business of plantation, we are no more unique in our products. We face greater worldwide competition because (it is) not only we who can plant trees; other countries can do the same as well.”
In agriculture, Henry highlighted the importance of adopting mechanisation as the sector could no longer depend solely on labour – otherwise, the sector would be doomed.
For the media industry, he observed the increasing impact that digital technology had on traditional print media businesses, emphasising that the transformation would be carried out with vigilant effort and a sense of urgency.
“We have incorporated a special unit in the hope of meeting the challenges and enhancing opportunities to come,” he said.
Henry said without a doubt, the most significant concern would be the wellbeing of the human resources.
“We must remain comprehensive or apprehensive about the ageing of our workforce; we must assert greater training and education of our workforce, as well as the children’s education and medical welfare.
“While we appreciate the longservice staff members, don’t forget the need to inject new blood to sustain the business and (make it) grow bigger,” he advised.
Henry specially thanked Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem and Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg for their encouragement, as well as leadership in creating an environment in Sarawak conducive to economic and social development.
Henry pledged that with the support from Abang Johari, the KTS Group would continue to grow, serve and do its best to achieve more from the foundation established with hard work, vision and compassion over the last 55 years.
“We care and we will continue to care in what we do. We take pride in what we do, so that we would benefit from it as well.”
The celebration last night also had the presentation of long service awards to 109 staff members out of the total 323.
The longest- serving personnel is director Kiu Chuan Gung, who has served for 51 years.
Henry’s mother Datin Sri Wong Suk Ting, his wife Datin Wendy Lau, KTS group chairman Lau Swee Nguong and deputy director Stephen Lau were among those present.