Public Bank founder receives ‘The Greatest Malaysian Banker of All Time’ award
KUCHING: Public Bank founder and chairman Tan Sri Dato Sri Dr Teh Hong Piow was awarded the ‘The Greatest Malaysian Banker of All Time’ by Asia Pacific Brands Foundation (APBF) during the Public Bank Management Seminar Dinner at the Mines International Exhibition and Convention Centre on March 10.
Brand Laureate president Dr KK Johan presented the award to Teh in the presence of more than 4,000 staff of the Public Bank Group.
Johan in his citation speech said: “For the past 50 years, there is no other banker extraordinaire that has steadfastly grown the bank to record-breaking feats, positive growth year after year and, for 2017, achieve a net profit of RM5.47 billion through organic growth and brilliant strategic moves.
“The brilliant mind of Tan Sri Teh Hong Piow has no match and his astounding knowledge of the banking industry puts him ahead of the competition. Without Tan Sri Teh Hong Piow and Public Bank, I daresay that Malaysia’s banking industry and the country’s economy would not be what it is today.
“He defines banking leadership and, with his principles and philosophy, has set standards of good banking practices that are emulated and respected by his peers,” he said.
Johan said the APBF had specially crafted a trophy to present to Teh to symbolise his weight in the industry as a banking giant.
“It is a trophy that is very elaborate, specially crafted and designed like no other trophies designed before. A masterpiece only meant for the Great Master Banker. No one has received it before and is worthy of it except the honourable founder chairman of Public Bank, Tan Sri Dato Sri Teh Hong Piow. This award is meant only for the greatest and the best!”
Public Bank managing director Tan Sri Dato Sri Tay Ah Lek, meanwhile, extended his congratulations to Teh on behalf of the bank’s board of directors, management and staff, and described Teh as an ideal leader whose “hopes and dreams for Public Bank knows no bounds.”
“The exemplary leadership of Tan Sri chairman as ‘The Greatest Malaysian Banker of All Time’ has not only propelled Public Bank to the forefront of the Malaysian financial landscape, but has also gained international respect and acclaim.
“Tan Sri chairman has contextual intelligence, a profound ability to understand the spirit of the times and harness the opportunities they present to create a successful organisation. These are the attributes that have enabled Public Bank to make stellar returns and create significant value for stakeholders over the years,” he said.
According to Tay, the chairman’s compassion towards his staff and excellence in all his endeavours call immediately for their total respect and warmest love.
“Tan Sri chairman, you are an inspiration not only to your Public Bank family, but also to generations of bankers and a continuing source of enlightenment,” he added.
With this latest award, Teh has received a total of 45 personal to holder awards in recognition of his exemplary commitment to excellence and lifetime dedication to the banking industry.