Goh’s success a classic rags to riches tale
KOTA KINABALU: Globaltec Formation Bhd Executive Chairman Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima (Dr) T.C. Goh, JP never lets an opportunity slip by. At a very young age, he knew that seizing opportunities could open the doors to success.
Born in Malacca in 1961, Goh is the son of a fisherman. He had gone fishing with his father since the age of seven. Unfortunately, his father was killed in a mishap when Goh was only 13 years old. The sudden turn of events forced Goh to work in the wet market in order to put himself through school and to keep the family afloat.
Through sheer perseverance, he completed his Senior Three education at Pay Fong High School Malacca.
Looking back, Goh admitted that his teenage years had been difficult, juggling between school and work.
“Every morning, I woke up at 5am to work at the wet market for two hours before I could go home, take a shower and go to school.”
When he was younger, Goh has also worked as a lorry driver’s assistant, vegetable delivery worker, news stringer, bookkeeper and auditor. But he went through all the trials and tribulations in stride knowing that he must be well-equipped when opportunity knocks.
Upon graduating from secondary school, Goh had wished to further his studies at the National Chengchi University in Taiwan. That did not happen because of his family’s financial constraints. Fate has another plan for him. In 1979, Goh noticed a recruitment advertisement for a probation inspector by the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM). The salary then was RM645, plus allowances, which was double the wage of a clerk.
Goh told himself that he could not pass up this opportunity. He applied for the position and was accepted into PDRM where he worked as a translator in the Narcotics Department and later underwent training at the Police Training Centre (Pulapol).
In 1982, Goh was transferred to work at the Special Branch Department in the Sabah Police Headquarters.
“I did not have the opportunity to study in Taiwan, but I seized the chance of becoming a police officer. I would not have had a vibrant life had I not joined the PDRM.”
During the 14 years as a police officer, Goh has been promoted to Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in which he learned administration, crisis management and commanding skills that would later come in handy when he ventured into business.
In 1994, Goh decided to resign from the police force.
“I was only 33 years old when I resigned from PDRM.
“Quitting my job as a police
In 1994, Goh decided to resign from the Royal Malaysian Police after serving for 14 years and went on to become a shrewd entrepreneur and prominent corporate figure.
officer prior to retirement age entailed losing my pension and Employees Provident Fund (EPF). It was very disconcerting.”
Nonetheless, Goh spotted an opportunity to start a mini cinema business which he did with friends and secured the dealership for Asia Television in Sabah. He later joined Repco Holdings Bhd.
Another opportunity arose during the financial crisis in 1997. The embattled Repco was taken over by national debt restructuring agency, Pengurusan Danaharta Nasional Bhd, which appointed Goh to participate in the management and restructuring of the company.
The effort to revive Repco succeeded. Goh subsequently joined forces with Sandakan Turf Club (STC) Chairman Datuk Yap Pak Leong in acquiring the shares of Repco.
In 2004, Goh assumed the position of Managing Director at Repco.
Two years later, Goh was approached by a friend asking him to assist a company in trouble. He acquired the company’s shares and unintentionally became the major shareholder of AIC Corporation Sdn Bhd. He stepped in and carried out restructuring in the company to tackle its RM140 million debt.
His success in turning the company around propelled him to a new peak of his career. Goh was coined a ‘business doctor’ for his ability to revive a dying organization.
In July 2011, Goh acquired Jotech Holdings Bhd, AIC Corporation Sdn Bhd and AutoV Corporation Bhd via share swap and merged the three listed companies under Temasek Formation Sdn Bhd, a special purpose company with a market value of RM700 million. He holds 20 per cent share in the company.
“My motto is to seize every opportunity. If opportunity is nonexistent, create one.”
The landmark merger enabled Goh to expand the existing manufacturing services and a more diversified portfolio ranging from healthcare, science, automobile, electronic devices and semiconductors, with businesses across the Asian and Southeast Asian region, including China, Vietnam, Taiwan and Indonesia.
Speaking from experience, Goh stressed that problem-solving skills is vital to ensure a smooth sailing business. Goh said he also retained the previous personin-charge as small shareholder post-acquisition, who received increasing salary and bonus, in order to create a sense of belongingness.
In 2014, Globaltec Formation Bhd acquired the stakes of Australian listed NuEnergy Gas in its foray into coalbed methane extraction, a new clean, green energy.
“I believe the coalbed methane business will be our main source of revenue in the future and bring considerable profit to the company.”
He said Globaltec Formation Bhd currently had 65 per cent stake in NuEnergy Gas, with six production sharing contracts (PSCs) in Indonesia for the exploration and production of coalbed methane.
“We have entered production stage and expected to produce the first supply next year. This will rake in sizeable revenue to the company as well as being in line with environmental considerations.
“Coal will be phased out eventually but the demand for coalbed methane is high.”
Indonesia ranks the fifth largest in coalbed methane reserves globally. The company will start off by drilling 250 coalbed methane wells within 40 square kilometres at Tanjung Enim in Indonesia.
“Our PSC tenure is 30 years, enough to keep the company busy for the next 10 years.”
Goh never forgets to give back to the community as his financial situation improves.
“I get to where I am today owning to the opportunities given to me. Now I want to do the same for others.”
He therefore sponsored the Sabah Rhinos which went on to clinch an unprecedented win in the Malaysian League.
Meanwhile, The Federation of Chinese Association Sabah (FCAS) led by Goh was entrusted by the State Government to organize the Chinese New Year Carnival since 2013 and Sabah FCAS International Dragon Boat Race from 2014 onwards. In view of the overwhelming response, the State Government has decided to provide financial support to make both events an annual affair.
In 2013, the State Government appointed the FCAS to host a dinner for 1,000 guests from the Chinese community. Among the dignitaries present were the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Haji Aman, ministers, high-ranking officers and Chinese community leaders. The dinner turned out to be a great success.
Goh has also led many other community associations as a way of contributing to the society.
He was conferred the Ahli Setia Darjah Kinabalu (ASDK) award and the second highest state award, Panglima Gemilang Darjah Kinabalu (PGDK) which carries the title ‘Datuk’ by the Sabah Head of State in 2004 and 2006 respectively.
He was appointed as a Justice of Peace (JP) by the Head of State of Malacca in 2011 and later the Darjah Sri Sultan Ahmad Shah Pahang (SSAP) award which carries the title ‘Dato’ Seri’ by the Sultan of Pahang in 2013.
In 2014, Goh was awarded the Seri Panglima Darjah Kinabalu (SPDK) by the Sabah Head of State which carries the title ‘Datuk Seri Panglima’.
This year, Goh was bestowed the Panglima Setia Mahkota (PSM) award by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V, which carries the title ‘Tan Sri’ in recognition of his significant contribution to the country and society.
He also received an Honorary Doctorate of Civil Laws from European University, Switzerland in April 2012.