Datuk Andrew Lim Tatt Keong

Group Executive Chairman of USP Resources Sdn Bhd Group of Companies and GAMA Group of Companies

“Stay humble, be yourself and never give up”

Datuk Andrew Lim Tatt Keong, a distinguished figure in the Malaysian retail industry, has had an extraordinary career path that saw him transition from a successful legal practitioner to becoming the Group Executive Chairman of both USP Resources Sdn Bhd Group of Companies and GAMA Group of Companies. He is also the Deputy Group Chairman of the SOGO Seibu Group of Companies in Malaysia.

Born, raised, and schooled in Penang, Datuk Lim received his Bachelor of Laws degree from the University College Cardiff, Wales, UK, and passed the BAR exams from Middle Temple (London) in 1981 and he was admitted as an advocate and solicitor in Malaysia in 1982. Datuk Lim embarked on his legal career by practising in his late father’s legal firm, Messrs Lim Cheng Poh, Lim & Rahim, where he specialised in various legal matters, including banking, corporate, commercial, conveyancing, international contracts, and international trade. It was while practising law that he developed a keen interest in the retail industry.

Datuk Lim took up the opportunity to venture into retail business by buying into the GAMA Group of Companies in 2000, and subsequently, he also acquired the SOGO Seibu Group of Companies in 2002.

His extensive legal background proved invaluable to him during his transition from legal practice into the retail industry. 

“Having served as the company’s legal advisor, I was already privy to the intricate details and financial figures of the business. This familiarity made it relatively easier for me to analyse the company’s operations and make informed decisions“

Drawing from his twenty years of legal experience, he successfully addressed various challenges, managing irrational expenditures, implementing prudent financial practices, and reducing unnecessary expenses to turn the company around.

His legal expertise accorded him a unique insight into distinguishing truth from facts, allowing him to approach problem-solving with a discerning eye to systematically assess and analyse challenges and find effective solutions. Datuk Lim’s methodical approach became instrumental in avoiding hasty decisions made during stressful situations.

Established in 1967, GAMA Supermarket & Departmental Store was originally known as Pulau Pinang Supermarket, located at Chowrasta Market on Penang Road, Penang. Its flagship store, Wisma GAMA, opened in 1980 and went on to become one of the pioneers of the Malaysian retail industry. The store was the first to introduce the concept of a supermarket-cum-department store, which revolutionised the way Malaysians shopped. This milestone was recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records 2022, in which GAMA was awarded the recognition of being the “First Registered and Oldest Supermarket and Departmental Store in Malaysia.”

Under Datuk Lim’s visionary leadership, GAMA Departmental Store witnessed remarkable growth as one of Malaysia’s leading retail establishments. The company’s commitment to providing quality merchandise, fair prices, and exceptional customer service is reflected in its motto, “We Serve You Better,” and GAMA has earned the trust and patronage of its customers over the past 57 years.

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic and the advent of online shopping, Datuk Lim anticipates a resurgence of in-store shoppers, recognising the unique experience physical stores offer. Looking to the future, he envisions transforming malls and departmental stores into lifestyle experience centres, catering to the evolving preferences and demands of modern internet savvy consumers.

Datuk Lim attributes all his success to his experienced and dedicated team, some of whom have been with GAMA for decades. He emphasises the importance of valuing employees, prioritising customers, and building strong partnerships with brand partners. For young entrepreneurs, he advises never to give up, highlighting the significance of resilience and continuous learning. He also stresses the critical importance of possessing both emotional intelligence (EQ) and intellectual intelligence (IQ) for long-term leadership success.