Category Archives: Cover Story

Up-close and personal with the person gracing the cover of EZ

EZ 55 - Cover Story, EZ 61 (2)

Faces of Penang 2019

September 27, 2019 EZ Malaysia

FACES OF PENANG 2019: Influential Captains & Upcoming Leaders

YAB Chow Kon Yeow
YB Steven Sim Chee Keong
YB Sim Tze Tzin
YB Yeoh Soon Hin
Tan Sri Datuk Alex Ooi Kee Liang & Puan Sri Datuk Joanne Phor Li Wei
Dato’ Seri Damien Chua Wei Kee
Dato’ Cher Chen Chiang
Datin Poon Lee Fah
Allen Tan
Alvin Poh Hsien Yang
Anne Lee
Sean Lau Chee Seong & Cheryl Ng Chai Hong
Caren Lee Gie Lun
Chris Daniel Wong
Dr Lim Ban Keong
Fifi Ch’ng
Eric Tiw Haojie
Joseph Goh Kah Leong
Jimmy Foo Kok Keong
June Goh Hooi Choon
Tan Loy Sin
Leon Lee
Ooi Chok Yan
Tan Li Mei
Syed Aidid Syed Mohamad
Chef Petr Feher
Dr Tan Boon Cheong
Tan Wei Xin
Toh Bok Piew & Desmond Toh
Vincent Chew & Ann Lee
William Koay
Wilson Yeoh & Edwin Yeoh
Waqar Saeed Bhatti
Wong Soon Ping
Boey Tze Nin
Chef Audee Cheah
Franco Tan
Esther Loh
Katharine Joan Chua
Kevin Wong
Ooi Wei Ming
Ravin Vello
Seah Kok Heng
Stephen Soon
Nigel Law
Oo Lean Hooi

EZ54 - Cover Story

Where Medical Education Thrives

May 3, 2019 EZ Malaysia

“The cornerstone of RUMC being a successful medical school lies not only in the quality of the education it provides, but also in its students’ motivation in pursuing a career in medicine.”

RCSI & UCD Malaysia Campus (RUMC) is Malaysia’s first accredited private medical school, owned and established by the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) and University College Dublin (UCD), two world-renowned medical universities in Ireland.

As the demand for doctors continues to grow, there is a greater need to ensure that Medicine graduates are industry-ready. It goes without saying that the road to becoming a doctor is paved with ambition, discipline, and dedication from the get-go. And perhaps above all, it begins with the right drive and attitude that make RUMC’s students stand out from the rest.

RUMC is the first Irish Foreign University Branch Campus (FUBC) in Malaysia. This is where students begin their transnational journey in Dublin, Ireland and receive an Irish medical education as they undertake a high quality two-and-a-half year’s pre-clinical study at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) and University College Dublin (UCD).

Upon completion, the students return to Penang, Malaysia for a two-and-a-half year’s clinical phase where they will receive on-site training as they interact with patients at Penang General Hospital, Seberang Jaya Hospital, and Taiping Hospital.

This means that RUMC doctors-in-training would have better access to patients, allowing them to focus and nurture their patient-care and medical skills to its full potential. Graduates are conferred a National University of Ireland (NUI) degree, a globally-recognised medical education qualification, and are industry-ready thanks to the immersive clinical years.

The cornerstone of RUMC being a successful medical school lies not only in the quality of the education it provides, but also in its students’ motivation in pursuing a career in medicine. Today, RUMC is amongst the top medical schools in the country in preparing students for Housemanship.

“As an elite FUBC, our staff works in an environment that drives forward the pursuit of knowledge and aims to impact society around us”, said Professor Stephen Doughty, President & CEO.

RUMC’s unique relationship with the Malaysian Ministry of Health allows exclusive use of the Penang General Hospital for the students’ clinical training. Students graduate as doctors, receiving an internationally recognised medical degree, namely the MB BCh BAO (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery and Bachelor of Obstetrics) followed by a two-year placement as House Officers.

“Today, RUMC is amongst the top medical schools in the country in preparing students for Housemanship.”

The University is recognised by the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) and Irish Medical Council (IMC) as graduating high performing doctors. Students are recognised for practice in the USA, Canada and others by the ECFMG and FAIRMER with the institution listed as an Irish medical school in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS).

In ensuring that its top-of-the-class standard is maintained, RUMC’s medical education is delivered by a faculty of experienced and highly qualified practitioners and academics, supported by a diverse executive team and staff.

Established as Penang Medical College (PMC) in 1996, RUMC was awarded University status by the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) as a Foreign University Branch Campus in 2018, one of the highest levels for a foreign-owned institution in Malaysia.

EZ 53 - Cover Story

Penang’s New Property King 槟城新房产之王

March 5, 2019 EZ Malaysia

Tan Sri Datuk Alex Ooi

Ideal Property Group executive chairman 宏升集团执行主席

“We want to ensure that the living space of the community consists of value added features such as major public amenities and upgraded infrastructures.”

Royalty is a novelty. So unless you’re born into it or through marriage, most of us just live ordinary lives. But in the property world, you can become royalty through the old fashioned way of hard work and merit. That is how executive chairman of Ideal Property Group, Tan Sri Datuk Alex Ooi became the “Property King” of Penang. He has definitely earned this commendable title through his dedication and passion. From nothing, he started Ideal Property Group in 1997 and is now an award winning and well known Penang institution with an array of impressive local and international projects under its belt.

Some of its notable developments include the Attwood Business Centre with a gross development value (GDV) of USD15 million in Cambodia in 2006 and I-Avenue in 2007. Ooi has wrapped up SummerSkye Residences with Solaria Residences and is looking forward to the completion of One Foresta in January 2019.

With such a vast portfolio of projects and more in the pipeline, the 46 year old remains humble and says that property is a passion, rather than an ambition. He is also the chairman for FIABCI Malaysia Chapter Penang Branch, the vice president for Penang Chinese Chamber and Commerce and Convenor for Penang Development, Construction and Management Committee (a Group under Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce).

Ooi strongly envisions the improvement of Penang’s transportation infrastructure and currently has a 20% stake in SRS Consortium Sdn Bhd, the project delivery partner of the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP). The PTMP is a RM27 billion investment that was formed by the Penang state government to improve transportation by providing alternative transportation modes to combat worsening traffic congestion – such as Light Rail Transit (LRT) and monorail lines.

“While I have multiple roles, what’s really important to me is CSR for the Penang community. Some of my causes were to build infrastructure and amenities like markets, hawker stalls, community centers, a fire station for the Sri Tanjung voluntary firemen. I’ve also supported the build of the St.John service centre, constructed the new access road of Persiaran Rajawali and widened the road along Jalan Tun Dr. Awang. We’ve also raised the road level and upgraded the drainage system in Relau, Bayan Lepas for flood mitigation purposes,” says Ooi, who is also a dedicated family man.

“While I have multiple roles, one thing that is important to me is carrying out CSR for the Penang community.”

He believes that Ideal Property Group has been successful because of its consistent CSR projects. On the business side, Ooi maintains his competitive advantage by delivering sustainable community-oriented development rather than offering just tower blocks as shelter.

“We’re prudent in planning developments where the surrounding environment is well taken care of. We want to ensure that the living space of the community consists of value added features such as major public amenities and upgraded infrastructures,” he said.

By doing this, the Property King will continue to reign as he will create more community-oriented and affordable development and at the same time, deliver more property gems and ultimately contribute to the nation’s economy.

“我们希望社区的生活空间获得保障，包含齐全的公共设施和不断升级基设等配套增值功能。”

皇室是相当新奇的。除非你是含着金钥匙出生，或者通过婚姻，但是大多数人都只能过着普通生活。而在房地产行业，却可以通过传统的刻苦工作和功绩成就的方式受封为王。

宏升集团执行主席丹斯里黄继樑就是这样成了槟城的“公寓之王”。他的高度奉献精神和激情无疑是赢得这个尊贵称号的理由。他白手起家，于 1997 年创立了宏升集团，如今已是一家获奖无数的知名机构，旗下拥有一系列令人印象深刻的本地和国际开发项目。

其中一些引人瞩目的开发项目包括 2006 年在柬埔寨的 Attwood Business Centre，总发展价值（GDV）达 1500 万美元，还有 2007 年的 I-Avenue。

黄继樑已把 SummerSkye 与 Solaria 住宅计划合并，并期待 2019 年 1 月圆满完成 One Foresta 项目。而他在面对如此庞大的项目组合，尚有更多筹备中的计划，仍然保持谦逊态度，认为房地产开发工作是一种激情，而不是雄心。同时，他还是世界不动产联盟马来西亚分会槟城支会主席、槟州中华总商会产业发展、建筑及管理组副主任（槟州中华总商会属下组织）。

“即使身兼数职，但对我来说重要的一件事是为槟城社区履行社会责任。我的一些目标是建立公共和便利设施，比如市场、小贩摊位、社区中心、Sri Tanjung 的志愿消防队员的消防站。我也支持了圣约翰服务中心的建设，还有 Persiaran Rajawali 设新通道的工程，包括 Jalan Tun Dr. Awang 的道路拓宽。我们还提高Relau的道路水平和提升排水系统，以缓解防范水患问题。”他认为，宏升集团之所以成功，是因为坚定贯彻企业社会责任项目（CSR）。在商业策略方面，黄继樑持续透过建设社区为主要导向的发展，而不仅是提供楼宅作为住处以保持市场竞争优势。

“我们在规划所有开发项目都很谨慎严苛，确保周边环境良好。我们希望社区的生活空间获得保障，包含齐全的公共设施和不断升级基设等配套增值功能。”

因为秉持着这个信念，“公寓之王”将继续统治下去，他将创造更多面向社区、让人负担得起的开发计划，同时发掘更多的房地产瑰宝项目，最终为国家经济做出贡献。

By Karina Foo

EZ 52 - Cover Story

Guide To Your Investment Journey 指引您的投资旅程

October 3, 2018 EZ Malaysia

Several months ago in 2017, Malaysia’s stock market seemed robust and full of potential, however, today there are rumours of an impending slump in the market due to various factors. On that note, Malaysia’s first quarter performance in 2018 has indicated a less than impressive earnings performance. Although investment experts explain that markets tend to rise and fall, it is always wise for one to be cautious and well-informed of how to navigate the volatile market place, while achieving positive outcomes.

To strike a good balance, the buzzword today is to consider goal-based investing which is to simply prioritise a series of key life goals and objectives, and duly put away funds with a view to accumulating these goals a somewhat complex affair.

“Recognising that our customers need help in navigating a complex market environment with the aim of optimizing returns from their investments, we have set in place a five-year strategy that is aimed at delivering greater value to our customers. One of the core areas of our FIT22 strategic direction to gain greater market share in the affluent segment through differentiated products and services which offer greater value and helps customers to strengthen financial portfolio and achieve their goals,” explains Dato’ Khairussaleh Ramli, Group Managing Director, RHB Banking Group.

Less than a year ago, the global investment environment was awash with positive sentiment. Technology stocks were the darlings of the fund management industry, and seemingly everyone wanted a piece of premium tech equity. Malaysia’s own stock market was rosy; for a while in the 2017 in- vestment climate, it almost seemed impossible to lose money.

Fast forward to today, and the conversation has turned distinctly from one of unbridled optimism in company earnings, to whispers of the next market slump. Malaysia’s stunning General Election results this year further threw a wrench in an already softening financial market. Malaysia has seen a less than impressive earnings performances in quarter 1 of 2018. But why is this relevant? Markets may rise and fall, but the need to fund major financial milestones is constant. The market may well be softening, but you can ill-afford the same fate for your finances.

Building the nest egg 构筑安乐窝

So, you’ve resolved to take the bull (market) by the horns and get your long-term finances in order. Well done, but the challenge is only just beginning. Goal-based investing, that is, prioritising a series of key life goals and objectives, and then putting away funds with a view to accomplishing these goals, can be a complex affair. Not everybody has the funds to accomplish all of their goals, so prioritising is key.

In this regard, Encik Nazri Othman, Acting Head of RHB Group Retail Distribution opine allocating different weightages according to the urgency of these goals. Once you know how much you’re willing to commit to which goals, start working on these goals as early as possible, and let the compounding interest do all the hard work. As a general rule, a goal with a longer-term horizon can have a more aggressive investment allocations, while shorter-term goals should ideally be played more safely. Short-term investing typically lasts no more than three years or so, which means you’d need a larger than normal initial investment amount. Alternatively, one might have to commit to fairly frequent top-ups in order to achieve the goal, if there is any shortfall. However, being short-term does not mean being reckless; over a shorter-term investment horizon, your allocations should mainly go into defensive as- sets such as investment grade bonds with shorter maturity dates, as well as resilient blue-chip equities with strong dividend track records.

Advise from the experts is always welcome, but even so, investors should never take their eyes off the prevailing investment climate. Managing volatility can mean all the difference in terms of having enough for your children to take their pick of the top universities. It may be understandably tempting to make a play for a bit of alpha and go bargain-hunting in the current softening environment. However, undervalued equities should not be the sole reason for diving headfirst back into the current equity market. So, what is a person to do in this softening environment?

In the view of Calvin Goon, Head of Affluent, WM & Banca, RHB Bank, investors to stay invested, but to also periodically rebalance their portfolios in order to keep up with market forces and the overall outlook. After all, money hidden under the bed is money that isn’t working for you. Softening markets can offer alluring opportunities to bargain hunt, sure, but it is also a good time for goal based investors to strategize and go defensive with their portfolios. Calvin further explained that funds have flowed out from equities and the high yield space, into investment grade bonds. Investors would be well advised to revise their asset allocations to favour inflation-friendly commodities like precious metals, downside protected structured products, as well as investment grade bonds. These assets will be more appropriate in late economic cycles or even periods of recession.

Cover Story, EZ 51 – Cover Story, EZ 61 (2)

Penang Medical College Awarded University Status 槟城医学院升格为大学

July 16, 2018 EZ Malaysia Leave a comment

PMC_President Higgins — Michael D Higgins, President of Ireland and patron of PMC

PMC_Prof Stephen — Professor Stephen Doughty, President & CEO of PMC

Penang Medical College (PMC) was recently awarded the Foreign University Branch Campus status by the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE). Malaysia’s newest Foreign University Branch Campus (FUBC) is now named the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) and University College Dublin (UCD) Malaysia Campus – or “RCSI & UCD Malaysia Campus” (RUMC) for short.

Degrees awarded by the National University of Ireland are globally recognised and programmes offered range from foundation, bachelors, to masters and doctoral levels.

“Ireland and Malaysia have an extensive history of links and collaboration in the field of education and this accolade, the first Irish foreign university branch campus in Malaysia, is further evidence of the growing relationship between Ireland and Malaysia. We hope to see many more students moving between Ireland and Malaysia as RUMC grows and develops,” said the Irish Ambassador to Malaysia, His Excellency Eamon Hickey, who has been instrumental in cementing Irish-Malaysian education links in the region.

The PMC campus is centrally located close to the heart of George Town and within a five-minute walk of Penang Hospital, where most of the clinical teaching takes place. Located at the Sepoy Lines grounds, a four-storey academic complex houses the modern facilities essential for training medical professionals.

Established over 20 years ago, Penang Medical College provided Malaysia’s first registrable medical degree from a Malaysian private higher education institution and is wholly-owned by Irish institutions, the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) and University College Dublin (UCD). It remains the first and only full Irish university in Malaysia and the region. The PMC Clinical Skills and Education Centre in Seberang Jaya was launched in 2015 and is located next to the Seberang Jaya Hospital.

“Congratulations to Penang Medical College for being upgraded to become the tenth FUBC in Malaysia. This indicates a strong global recognition of the Malaysian higher equation system and of Malaysia as an education hub. We hope RCSI-UCD Malaysia Campus will continue to contribute towards Malaysia’s higher education excellence and nation building”, said Datin Paduka Ir. Dr. Siti Hamisah Binti Tapsir, Director-General of the Ministry of Higher Education.

Nearly 1,700 medical doctors have now graduated from PMC with globally recognised medical degrees of the National University of Ireland (NUI) and practice in Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, Ireland, UK, Switzerland, Malta, Australia, New Zealand, USA and many other countries.

Once the Brexit process is completed in 2019, RUMC will be the only foreign branch campus in Malaysia linking the European Union with Malaysia.

An official launch ceremony will be held later this year to celebrate and mark this momentous achievement as the first of many RUMC milestones moving forward.

PMC_Irish Ambassador — Irish Ambassador Designate Presents RM2.26M in Scholarships to PMC Students

PMC_Award Winners 2018 — Awards Winners 2018

“庆贺槟城医学院升格为马来西亚第十间外国大学分校（FUBC）。这也显示了全世界对于马来西亚高等综合系统和马来西亚作为教育中心的高度认可。我们希望RCSI-UCD 马来西亚校区将为我国的高等教育缔造卓越成就与贡献国家建设。”
– 马来西亚高等教育部总监 YBhg. Datin Paduka Ir. Dr. Siti Hamisah Binti Tapsir 表示。

槟城医学院 (PMC) 最近被马来西亚高等教育部 (MoHE) 授予了国外大学分校等级。这间马来西亚最新的外国大学分校 (Foreign University Branch Campus – FUBC) 目前被命名为爱尔兰皇家外科医学院 (RCSI) 与都柏林大学学院 (UCD) 马来西亚校区——或简称为 “RCSI & UCD Malaysia Campus (RUMC)”。而爱尔兰国立大学颁发的学位是获得全球公认，升学课程从基础、学士到硕士和博士学位兼具。

“爱尔兰和马来西亚在教育领域有着广泛的联系和合作历史，而随着这项荣誉升格，造就了马来西亚首间爱尔兰外国大学分校，进一步证明了两国之间飞跃促进的友好关系。随着 RUMC 成长与发展，我们希望看到更多的学生在爱尔兰和马来西亚之间积极互动。“爱尔兰驻马来西亚大使 Eamon Hickey 表示。阁下在巩固爱尔兰与马来西亚教育联系方面发挥了关键作用。

PMC 校区位于乔治市的中心地带，距离槟城医院步行 5 分钟，是大多数临床教学的地方。一座四层的学术综合楼坐落在 Sepoy line，具备训练医学专业人员所需的现代化设施。

槟城医学院成立于 20 多年前，也是首家马来西亚私立高等教育机构获得注册医学学位，由爱尔兰教育机构、爱尔兰皇家外科医学院(RCSI) 和都柏林大学学院 (UCD) 所拥有，并且仍然是马来西亚和该地区第一家也是唯一保持完整爱尔兰文化的大学。另外，位于诗布朗再也的 PMC 临床技能和教育中心于 2015 年启动，比邻诗布朗再也医院。

“庆贺槟城医学院升格为马来西亚第十间外国大学分校 (FUBC)。这也显示了全世界对于马来西亚高等综合系统和马来西亚作为教育中心的高度认可。我们希望 RCSI-UCD 马来西亚校区将为我国的高等教育缔造卓越成就与贡献国家建设。”马来西亚教育部高等教育总监 YBhg. Datin Paduka Ir. Dr. Siti Hamisah Binti Tapsir 表示。

目前已有近 1700 名医生毕业于槟城医学院，并获得了全球认可的爱尔兰国立大学 (NUI) 医学学位，并在马来西亚、文莱、新加坡、爱尔兰、英国、瑞士、马耳他、澳大利亚，新西兰与美国等国家执业。

一旦 2019 年英国退欧进程完成，RUMC 将成为马来西亚唯一将欧盟与马来西亚连接起来的外国分校。今年内预计将举行正式的推介仪式，庆祝并纪念这一重大成就，这也是 RUMC 向前迈进的首要里程碑之一。

by Monica

EZ 50 - Cover Story, EZ 61 (2)

Common Enemy Forges New Coalitions 缔结新盟驱众怒，得人心者得天下

June 1, 2018 EZ Malaysia Leave a comment

Tun Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad

Prime Minister of Malaysia

60 years ago in 1957, various ethnic groups mainly from the Malay, Chinese and Indians forged together and our first Prime Minister proudly declared the independence of Malaya by shouting ‘Merdeka’. Marking the end of British colonialism. Few years later in 1963, Sabah and Sarawak joined and Malaysia was complete. From a humble beginning, Malaysia has became one of the Asian tigers when it came to developments and progress of the nation. It was not until late 1990s when the global financial crisis hit and the economy of this country started to slide. It is undeniable that the race and religion have always been an issue that many choose to be silent of until a decade ago when the opposition parties gained momentum in the political platform threatening the ruling Barisan National. This power shift led some Malay parties and leaders to play the race and religion cards with the hope to cling onto power. Tension was rising and minority groups especially the Chinese was targeted. Topping this were the introduction of GST and the 1MDB scandal that caught the world attention citing impropriate fund management and money laundering. The last two elections saw the shift of support from the Chinese to the opposition parties and but it was never enough.

60 years later, Former Malaysia Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir surprised the nation by becoming the leader of the opposition pack Pakatan Harapan. The so-called ‘Malay Tsunami’ and the dominance of Barisan National finally come to an end when the majority Malay ethnic group finally decided that enough is enough. The General Election 14 Of Malaysia on 9th May saw an unprecedented movement where the Malays, Chinese, Indians, Sabahans, Sarawakians and others came together and removed the only ruling party that had been in power since Merdeka. This time the common enemy what’s not the British empire but sad to say it was Mohd Najib Tun Razak, the Prime Minister who is also the leader of UMNO and Barisan National. The very person who was sworn in to do right for the people and to do better for the country on the contrary has done so many wrongs that not only frustrated the people but made Malaysia a laughing stock in the international arena.

The voices of the people is loud and clear. Peace, harmony and a strong economy are what the people wanted. The fall of Najib marks the end of the ‘RAHMAN’ myth and the beginning of a familiar face, the legendary Tun Dr. Mahathir. The person who made Malaysia a brand in the world scene and now this world’s oldest elected leaders at the age of 93 is back to make Malaysia great again.

PH Leaders — DS Shafie Apdal, Lim Guan Eng, TS Muhyideen Yasin, Tun Dr. Mahathir, Anwar Ibrahim, Dr. Wan Azizah, Hj Muhammad Sabu, Lim Kit Siang

60 年前的 1957 年，主要来自马来人、华人和印度人的各种族群联合结盟，由我国第一任首相自豪的高呼“默迪卡”宣布马来亚独立，结束了英殖民统治时期。几年后的 1963 年，沙巴和砂拉越加入马来亚联邦，组成马来西亚。从一个不起眼的开始，马来西亚逐渐强大成长，成为“亚洲四小虎”之一。直到 20 世纪 90 年代末，全球金融危机使我国经济严重受挫。无可否认，种族和宗教一直是让许多人选择沉默以对的问题。直到 10 年前，当时的反对党在国阵执政的威胁之下势头渐起。这起势力让欲掌握权力的马来党派和领导人以此炒作种族和宗教的议题。紧张局势日益上升，少数民族尤其是华裔成为了箭靶。引进 GST 和不恰当的资金管理及洗钱而引起世界关注的 1MDB 丑闻，让局势白热化。过去两次的选举看到了华裔对反对党的支持，但这远远不够。

60 年后，马来西亚前首相敦马哈迪医生成为了反对党希望联盟的领导人，使全国感到惊讶。国政的统治地位终于在多数马来人也觉得受够了—所谓“马来海啸”的时候结束。5月 9 日的第 14 届马来西亚大选发生了史无前例的转变，马来人、华人、印度人、沙巴人、砂拉越人团结一致，推翻了独立后执政的唯一政党。这次可悲的共同的敌人不是大英帝国，而是巫统也是国政领导人的首相—拿督斯里纳吉。这位宣誓效忠国家并为人民做的更好的人犯了许多错误，不仅使人民感到挫败，也让马来西亚成为了国际笑柄。

人民的声音如此清晰响亮，和平、和谐和繁荣是人民的心愿。纳吉的倒台意味着“拉曼”神话的结束，及无人不知的敦马哈迪医生传奇的开始。曾让马来西亚在世界占据一席之地，现在是全世界最高龄的国家领导人，回来重新执政让马来西亚再次变得更强大。

Cover Story, EZ 50 - Cover Story, EZ 61 (2)

Hard Working Equals Success 努力乃是成功之道

May 23, 2018 EZ Malaysia Leave a comment

Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Tan Khoon Hai

Executive Chairman of SWS Capital Bhd.

Tan Sri Dato’ Seri is passionate about giving back to the community and works tirelessly in support of social welfare and education charities.

Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Tan Khoon Hai was born in Muar, Johor but fate and a chequered career led him to the bright lights of cosmopolitan Penang where, through sheer talent and determination, he succeeded in carving out an illustrious career for himself. At the same time, he managed to integrate effortlessly into the local Chinese community, contributing his time and talents in a variety of important roles.

Tan Sri Dato’ Seri comes from a poor family, the fourth of eleven children. After graduating from secondary school, he left for Kuala Lumpur where he studied for an accounting qualification while working in various jobs to support himself. An honest and unassuming young man, he got along easily with people and was well-liked by his peers. These qualities have served him well and today, he is a well-respected figure in the business world where he has built up an impeccable reputation and is looked up to as a role model. Highly-accomplished, he is a qualified company secretary, business management consultant and accountant with his own accounting firm which provides a wide range of services catering to various sectors including industries, plantations, public and long-haul bus services, and housing development. He has served on the boards of several companies including, until recently, Pensonic Holdings Sdn Bhd where he was Executive Director and played a significant role in taking the company public in 1995. He is currently the Executive Chairman of SWS Capital Bhd and Chairman of EKA Noodles Bhd. besides being a substantial shareholder in both companies.

An honest and unassuming young man, Tan Sri Dato’ Seri got along easily with people and was well-liked by his peers.

From a very early stage, the young Tan Khoon Hai knew deep down that he would never achieve his full potential by working for other people, and so he made the decision to strike out on his own. The first ten years proved to be some of the most challenging of his career. Working more than ten hours a day, he would ride his motorcycle everywhere, travelling far and wide to meet his clients and do their accounts. Later on, his entrepreneurial ambitions took him down a different career path and saw him venturing into the world of business where his high level of financial acumen and sound judgement helped him succeed in building his fortune.

Tan Sri Dato’ Seri has weathered many storms throughout his career. In the process, he has come to believe that, in order to achieve success, one must not only work hard and accept challenges – one must also be willing to obtain and accept help from others. In his opinion, when one’s personal talents are supplemented by the help and goodwill of others, success will surely be just around the corner. Therefore, he has these words of advice for young people: work hard, persevere and cultivate a good attitude, then at the right time, success will be yours to reap.

Tan Sri Dato’ Seri is passionate about giving back to the community and works tirelessly in support of social welfare and education charities. He currently holds positions in several associations and educational institutions, among them the Federation Of Chen (Tan) Clan Associations of Malaysia, where he is Honorary Advisor, and Penang Fujian Merchants Association, of which he is Chairman cum Trustee. Moreover, heritage and cultural conservation being issues close to his heart, he established the Jin Xiu Art Gallery & Tea House, located in a restored historical building in the heart of Georgetown, with the aim of promoting local arts, culture and the work of new, up-and-coming Malaysian artists.

丹斯里拿督斯里陈坤海不仅坚信努力才会成功，坚守为人处事不拖沓要有决断力，也坚持“取诸社会，用诸社会”

所谓不是猛龙不过江，诞生于柔佛州麻坡的丹斯里拿督斯里陈坤海硕士越过麻河，北上至人才济济的槟城，凭着惊人的能耐以一己之力创出一番事业，成功融入本地华社担任多个举足轻重的要职。

祖籍永春县五里街吾东村的陈坤海诞生于清贫的大家庭，共有十一个兄弟姐妹的他排行第四。中五毕业后，他就离乡背井到吉隆坡进修半工半读考取海外会计师资格。他为人谦虚敦厚，交友广阔人缘极佳，在商业界拥有良好声誉，为工商界闻人和儒商典范。此外，他不仅是会计师，也是公司秘书及商业管理顾问。并拥有本身开设的会计公司，其所营业之业务包括工业、种植业、公共与长途巴士服务业及屋业发展。

提到创业的过程，陈坤海坦言当时深觉“工字不出头”，不想汲汲营生一辈子所以决定创业，人生将来或许有转机。起初十年是最辛苦的，每天工作十多小时，骑着一部摩托车到处去承接做账的工作；后来进军商场，靠着智慧和眼光赚了一些钱，生活才渐渐有起色，公司也越做越好。“我也不是说打工不好，也可以养家糊口，就端看个人怎么想而已。”

他表示，成功的秘诀除了勤力和奋斗之外，贵人也很重要，获得贵人扶持加上自身的能力与才华，才能相辅相成，一同迈向成功之道。他在 1977 年在槟城当会计师楼学徒时就结识了槟城遍视利控股有限公司 (Pensonic Holdings Berhad) 的创办人拿督斯里周荣吉。在为一些商家服务时，他贡献自己的知识和专长，协助商家申请新兴工业地位、提供代客加工服务、塑造品牌，最终完成上市大计，现已功成身退。

陈坤海现是 SWS 资本有限公司 (SWS Capital Berhad) 主要大股东兼主席及一家面 (EKA) 有限公司主席兼大股东，他寄语年轻人：“只要秉持拼搏精神、坚持努力不懈、端正心态，天时地利人和之下，成功机会指日可待。”也呼吁年轻人多参与宗乡团、商会组织，从中可获得更多交流平台和商业机会。

有说创业难，守业更难，孩子现帮忙打理生意，陈坤海表示：“正因如此，所以我的孩子必须要更努力，家业才得以长存。”他会从旁引导他们走正道，只期望孩子们恪守本份，不做不该做的事，不赚不该赚的钱。“他们这一代至少比那时的我幸运，生活条件比以前好，只要肯努力，未来前途并不会过的太差。”

丹斯里拿督斯里陈坤海不仅坚信努力才会成功，坚守为人处事不拖沓要有决断力，也坚持“取诸社会，用诸社会”，对社会福利及教育慈善事业不遗余力，同时担任多间社团及教育机构要职，包括马来西亚陈氏宗亲总会名誉顾问及槟城福商公会主席兼信托人。此外，他更成立了“锦绣画廊茶艺馆”，宗旨在于让艺术文化迈向企业化，成为马来西亚新生代艺术家的发展平台，并通过互联网让他们进行更广泛的交流及宣传画家的作品。他说：“有了这个发展平台，艺术家的天赋才华才得以施展、理想也得以实现。”他表示未来仍会继续投入企业发展工作及参与慈善与福利活动。

丹斯里拿督斯里陈坤海于 2010 年荣膺最高元首端姑米占再纳阿比丁陛下封赐皇室英明将领荣誉勋章 PSM 丹斯里勋衔，较早时分别在 2008 年荣膺槟州元首阁下封赐 DGPN 拿督斯里衔及 2002 年荣膺 DSPN 拿督勋衔。

Cover Story, EZ 49 - Cover Story, EZ 61 (2)

Hope Springs Eternal 希望之泉永存

January 10, 2018 EZ Malaysia Leave a comment

Dato’ Dr Colin Lee Soon Soo
Consultant Fertility Specialist and Gynaecologist

Alpha Fertility Centre’s pregnancy rates are comparable to the very top IVF facilities around the world

AFC的成功妊娠率可与世界上顶尖的体外受精设施相媲美。

A formidable force on the frontier of in vitro fertilisation (IVF) Dato’ Dr Colin Lee is the leading consultant fertility specialist and gynaecologist in Malaysia and Asia.

Armed with 32 years of medical practice, the founder and former medical director of Tropicana Medical Centre, TMC Fertility Centre and Damansara Fertility Centre, set up the new Alpha Fertility Centre (AFC) in 2011, with special interest in preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD).

His list of ground-breaking work reads like a powerhouse academic journal. Dato’ Dr Lee successfully brought to life the world’s first micro-injection baby in 1989, the world’s first human co-culture blastocyst baby in 1991. His efforts include the development of a mathematical formula for determining the appropriate quantum of ovarian drilling for polycystic ovary syndrome patients and, an elaborate protocol and communication system for embryo transfer. He is also the first person in Asia and Australia to deploy micro-array comparative genomic hybridization (MaCGH) for genetic testing of all 23 chromosomes in embryos. The world’s first pregnancy and delivery following PGD-CGH diagnosis of chromosome inversion, the world’s first pregnancy and delivery in a patient born without a vagina, and the world’s first reported delivery following the salvage of a presumably abnormal embryo are all milestones on his impressive resume.

It is my fervent wish to see more couples attain the joy of a complete family.

“IVF has been in Malaysia for 30 years. Twenty years ago, the pregnancy rates were only at about 10%. Now it has touched 80% for each embryo transfer. Malaysia has comprehensive and arguably the most wide-ranging fertility services in Asia and Australia. Malaysians used to go to Singapore to undergo fertility treatment. Today the reverse is apparent as Malaysia is now the leading destination for IVF treatment in the region.”

Under the expertise of Dato’ Dr Lee, AFC has documented remarkable pregnancy rates through published international medical journals and congresses. “AFC’s pregnancy rates are comparable to the very top IVF facilities around the world.” By no means a small feat, these high success rates are achieved by handshaking the latest technology with specialised training. “We are the first to use the Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection chamber in South East Asia; the latest Cryotec® freezing technology for embryos/blastocysts that provides 100% survival rates for post-thaw embryo/blastocyst; the PIEZO-ICSI that achieves higher fertilisation rates and less injuries to eggs; and Microsort which selects the best and the most appropriate sperm to be injected into the egg. We recently purchased two Embryoscope Time Lapse incubators, for selection of the best embryos for transfer.”

Dato’ Dr Lee is insatiable in his quest for optimum methodologies and higher pregnancy rates for his patients. “In future, preimplantation genetic screening and the freezing of embryos for 100% survival rates would be standard features for all IVF procedures. At the AFC, 80% of IVFs are done with PGS. I have trained 13 fertility specialists over the last 20 years and wish to train more so that I can leave a legacy, in that respect. It is my fervent wish to see more couples attain the joy of a complete family.” Straight from his heart, Dato’ Dr Lee also hopes to be able to make effective IVF treatment affordable and accessible to couples who are financially challenged.

A well-equipped embryology lab and expertise are vital to the success of fertility treatment. “If there is a weak link in an IVF process, that will become the limiting factor of the pregnancy rate.” AFC subscribes to a high level of excellence and innovation. “In this global and borderless environment, we believe we have what it takes to be the best as we continue to position Malaysia in the world fertility map.”

AFC的成功妊娠率可与世界上顶尖的体外受精设施相媲美。

在马来西亚和亚洲的体外受精或试管婴儿(in vitro fertilisation – IVF) 领域，拿督李顺树医生所带领的团队是强大的开拓力量，本身更被誉为行业领先的生育专家顾问和妇科医生。

作为丽阳医疗中心(Tropicana Medical Centre), 丽阳助孕妇中心 (TMC Fertility Centre) 和白沙罗助孕中心 (Damansara Fertility Centre) 的创办者及前总裁，拿督李顺树医生具备32年的医疗实践作业，并且在2011年创立新的阿儿法助孕中心 (Alpha Fertility Centre – AFC)，更专注于胚胎移植前基因诊断 (PGD)。

他的开创性学术工作清单读起来犹如内容丰富的学术期刊。1989年，李医生成功地把首例微注射婴儿带到世界上，而全球第一个人工共培养的囊胚婴儿—诞生于1991年。他致力于建设一个数学公式，以确定多囊卵巢综合征患者适当的卵巢打孔量，还有针对胚胎移植的详细协议和通讯系统。他也是亚洲和澳大利亚第一位将微阵列比较基因组杂交技术(MaCGH)应用于胚胎中所有23条染色体基因检测的专家。同时，利用移植前基因诊断-微阵列比较基因组杂交(PGD-CGH)技术检测出染色体倒置，成功受孕后分娩。还有，世界上首例无阴道的患者得以怀孕并分娩。全世界第一次成功保住疑是异常胚胎并顺利生产；这是他令人印象深刻的履历里程碑。

“试管婴儿技术在马来西亚已存在30年。20年前，胚胎移植怀孕率只有10%左右。现在每个胚胎移植成功率皆达至80%。马来西亚在亚洲和澳大利亚可说是拥有最全面、最广泛的助孕生育服务。马来西亚人过去常去新加坡接受生育治疗，如今，情况正好相反，因为我们已成为该区域体外受精治疗的重心地带。”

在李医生的专业领导下，AFC通过出版的国际医学期刊和代表大会记录了进展非凡的妊娠率。AFC的成功妊娠率可与世界上顶尖的体外受精设施相媲美。“这绝非小成就，这些高成功率是通过对最新技术进行专业训练而取得。我们是东南亚首个使用单精子注射 (Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection – ICSI)温箱；最新的Cryotec®胚胎或囊胚冷冻技术提供解冻后的胚胎或囊胚具备100%的存活率。还有能够达到较高的受精率和减少损害卵子的压电式胞浆内单精子注射(PIEZO-ICSI)，分类出最佳与合适的精子注入到卵子中。我们最近也购买了两部胚胎实时监控器，用于精选胚胎进行
移植。”

我怀着热切盼望的心情目睹更多的夫妻因获得一个完整家庭而感到快乐。

而显然拿督李顺树医生对于为患者寻求最佳方法和更高怀孕率的技术方向无法轻易满足。“在未来，胚胎植入前基因筛查 (PGS) 和胚胎冷冻技术，讲究100%的存活率将是所有体外受精过程的特定标准。而在AFC，80%的体外受精是通过PGS完成的，过去的20年里，我训练了13位生育专家，并希望培训更多的人，让他们继承这方面的遗产。我怀着热切盼望的心情目睹更多的夫妻因获得一个完整家庭而感到快乐。”在他的内心深处，也期望那些经济条件拮据的夫妻能够负担得起和接受有效的体外受精治疗。

一个精细装备的胚胎学实验室和专业知识对于生育助孕治疗的成功起着关键作用。“如果体外受精过程中存在某个弱项，那么怀孕率将受限。而AFC倡导卓越和创新高水平技术，在这个全球无边界的环境中，我们相信，我们能够做到最好，继续把马来西亚定位于全球主要辅助生育的地图中。”

EZ 48 - Cover Story, EZ 61 (2)

Rise to the Challenge 奋起应战

November 9, 2017 EZ Malaysia Leave a comment

Calvin Goon

Head, Affluent Segment of RHB Banking Group

“The Malaysian banks are pursuing SMEs as part of an expanded mandate to help grow its affluent base,” said Mr. Calvin Goon, Head of Affluent Division of RHB Banking Group.

Rising above economic challenges, growing the affluent target segment Mr. Calvin Goon, Head of Affluent Division of RHB Banking Group explains how to move the market forward during challenging times.

It is no secret that industry observers of Malaysia’s wealth management landscape believe that the next decade will be increasingly challenging for the high net worth (HNW) individuals who are constantly seeking higher yields while grappling with an uncertain economic outlook. Factors such as the growing complexity in China’s credit space, Brexit and the Euro uncertainty are cause for major concerns as with the issue of central banks shifting gear from accommodative to tightening which pose serious challenges to banks in moving the affluent market forward.

High net worth individuals from Malaysia and around the world are concerned with three main issues, namely inheritance, global economy and tax. In turn, banks are looking to introduce new propositions, products and solutions to address clients’ concerns. Looking to small- and medium-sized enterprise space (SMEs), there are many untapped opportunities for the banks to work on.

“These clients are more sophisticated and will demand customised products and solutions. They prefer more attentive services due to the nature of their business.”

“The Malaysian banks are pursuing SMEs as part of an expanded mandate to help grow its affluent base,” Mr. Calvin Goon, Head of Affluent Division of RHB Banking Group says. “The potential synergy will be beneficial during this challenging period.”

Taking into consideration this group of SMEs as well as the HNW investors, a more specialised and personalised approach is required. In line with this, RHB Bank created the Private Clients and Business Services segment to hold their assets that are in excess of USD1 million and above.

“These clients are more sophisticated and will demand customised products and solutions,” explains Mr. Calvin Goon. “They prefer more attentive services due to the nature of their business.”

Growing the affluent market means working harder for the clients with customised solutions. The engagement between the bank and these clients is vital, as it boils down to the overall client experience and the impression built from these efforts. It inevitably means not losing any of their capital while seeking returns.

With the inflation surge becoming a global phenomenon, Malaysians also find their incomes eroding from the depreciation of the Ringgit over the past few years. The solution to this could very well be linked to foreign currencies. By providing the benefits of diversification and lessening of risks, these measures could verily mitigate the rising economic challenges.

跨建这个高端市场意味着需要更加努力与更全面为顾客提供专属的金融服务。

在经济挑战中崛起，跨展高端富裕客户为目标市场。阮晨祐,兴业银行集团（RHB Banking Group）高端市场部门资深副总裁解释如何在充满挑战性的市场中前进

马来西亚财富管理观察员相信在接下来十年，高净值人士持续在不确定市场前景中寻找更高的利益时会面对更多挑战。市场因素如中国信贷尺度越加繁杂，英国脱欧和欧洲的不稳定导致国家银行实施紧缩政策。如此一来，这使得银行业者为推动高端市场添加更严峻的挑战。

来自马来西亚及世界各地的高净值人士关注三大方面，即遗产税，全球经济及税务。因此，银行业在不断地寻找新的方案及产品来协助顾客，尤其是针对中小型企业市场，银行有很多可发展的机会。

大马的银行业正在积极寻求中小型企业家，来着重发展建其高端客户。阮晨祐说道“这样的合作在这充满挑战的时期会带来双赢的益处”。

针对中小型企业家及高净值的投资者，他们需要更专属及量身定做的方案。了解这样的需求，兴业银行特别创建了私人客户及商业服务给予拥有资产高达美金 100 万或以上的人士。

“这群客户会比较精细及会要求量身定做的产品及财富规划的方案”。阮晨祐解释道。“由于他们日理万机的关系，他们更喜欢细致的服务”。

跨建这个高端市场意味着需要更加努力与更全面为顾客提供专属的金融服务。这需要顾客及银行的紧密互动与了解，以提升顾客的整体体验。这也意味着银行在极力寻求回抽的同时也要确保客户风险偏好及没有任何损失。

由于通货膨胀成为全球性课题，再加上马币近几年来不断贬值，马来西亚人也发觉他们的收入锐减。外币成为主要解决此问题的方法。在提供多元化及加强风险控制，这些措施可以减轻不断上升的经济挑战，并协助客户达到其财富目标。

EZ 47 - Cover Story, EZ 61 (2)

A New Chapter & Passion for Learning 学习激情的新章

June 30, 2017 EZ Malaysia Leave a comment

Professor Stephen Doughty

President & CEO of Penang Medical College (PMC)

CoverStory3 — Professor Stephen Doughty, attended INPenang Awards 2017 to receive the INPenang Best Medical College/University Award

“I always had a desire for discovering new knowledge. My undergraduate degree included 2 years of research work and that led me to undertake my PhD in Oxford in computational chemistry and Computer-Aided Drug Design.”

When Professor Stephen Doughty moved to Malaysia with his wife and five boys all between the age of 1 and 10 about 12 years ago, it was the beginning of an exciting journey dedicated to the pursuit of helping establish a new learning institution and sharing of knowledge. Apart from taking up a new role as the Dean of Faculty of Science, then progressing up the ranks to being Vice-Provost (Teaching and Learning) at the University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus in Kuala Lumpur, it was also the start of a new life away from home – the UK, friends, and family. As with any move to a new country, this family of seven has set themselves up with a cross-border challenge – embracing the whole Malaysian experience from getting accustomed to the relentless tropical weather, learning its culture and language to tasting the variety of delectable cuisines Malaysia has to offer.

12 years later, Professor Doughty joined Penang Medical College (PMC) as its fourth president in September 2016. Stephen joined the School of Pharmacy at the University of Nottingham in 2001 having previously worked at the University of Bradford, UK. His research interests are focused on molecular modelling and computer-aided drug design with a particular interest in modelling proteins for rational drug design.

“I always had a desire for discovering new knowledge. My undergraduate degree included 2 years of research work (which isn’t normal!) and that led me to undertake my PhD in Oxford in computational chemistry and Computer-Aided Drug Design,” said Professor Doughty.

A strong believer in pushing back the boundaries of knowledge and undertaking new research to answer questions that have yet to be explored, Professor Doughty continues to actively research and publish new findings. “ this is what has kept me in academia and drives my desire to want to see PMC flourish as a university, where the whole community is engaged in the pursuit of acquiring and developing knowledge.”

“We want to establish ourselves as the place to come to for Penang’s human capital needs in supporting services like medical tourism.”

Professor Doughty has high expectations and sees great potential for PMC. Celebrating its 20th year as a medical institution in 2016, it is the beginning of a new chapter – not only is it affecting people who are connected to PMC but also its communities surrounding the institution. He believes that academic institutions must be contributing to society both globally in terms of expanding knowledge and also locally in terms of enhancing the lives of those communities in close proximity to PMC.

“I see it [PMC] growing in the next 10 years as we continue to develop new courses. We want to establish ourselves as the place to come to for Penang’s human capital needs in supporting services like medical tourism. The areas that we could move into are not only in providing doctors but also support and healthcare staff as well as area such as computer scientists for healthcare and research purposes.

Wholly owned by RCSI and UCD, PMC has been internationally recognised since 1996 and was rated by House Officer Performance in Malaysia 2009 – 2011, the Institute for Health Systems Research Malaysia, as among the top medical schools in preparing graduate doctors for their early careers. With plans to upgrade the college status to a university as the next step, it wishes to enhance students’ learning experience with plans to develop new courses as well as expand the physical infrastructure that now houses 500 students. Apart from keeping abreast with developments of lecturers and students, they are also placing importance in attracting the best quality staff and maintaining a good relationship with their partners.

“我们想建设自身作为槟城人力资本需求的定点，用于支持类似医疗旅游服务。”

约12年前，Stephen Doughty 教授与妻子、还有5名1岁到10岁的儿子们移居到马来西亚。这是激奋人心旅程开始，他致力于搭建新的学习机构和知识分享。除了扮演理科院院长的角色之外，还在马来西亚诺丁汉大学吉隆坡校区担任副校长（教学与学习）。另外，这也是他们远离家乡英国，朋友和家人，开展新生活。不过，与任何国家的新移民一样，这个七口之家已征服跨界挑战 – 体验马来西亚的整体生活，首先习惯热带天气，学习其文化和语言，品尝各种多元食物。

Doughty教授在12年间也持续前进，直至2016年9月他加入槟城医学院（PMC）担任第四任院长。另外，他于2001年加入诺丁汉大学药剂学院，此前曾在英国布拉德福德（Bradford）大学工作。他的研究兴趣集中在分子建模和电脑辅助药物设计，特别关注用于合理药物设计的蛋白质建模。

“我一直渴望发掘新的知识。本科学位包括两年的研究工作（这非正常状态！），导向我在牛津获取计算化学和电脑辅助药物设计博士学位。”

Doughty教授强烈支持推进知识界限，持续积极钻研和发表新的成果，不断进行研究以回答这个有待探索的问题。“这正是我留在学术界的理由，我希望看到槟城医学院进阶成为大学的驱动力，而整个社会都在追求获取和发展知识。”

他对于槟城医学院抱持很高的期望和预见它的巨大潜能。2016年，槟城医学院作为医疗机构庆祝成立迈向20周年，这是新一章的开端——不仅影响到与医学院相关的人，也带动该机构周围的社区。他认为，学术机构在扩大知识的同时，也必须在全球范围内对社会做出贡献，包括提升与医学院密切相关的社区生活水平。

“随着我们持续开发新的课程，未来10年槟城医学院将会不断增长。我们想建设自身作为槟城人力资本需求的定点，用于支持类似医疗旅游服务。我们涉足的领域不仅仅是提供医生，包含技术支持和医务保健人员，甚至还有电脑科学家等聚焦卫生保健和研究用途的领域。”

自1996年起，由爱尔兰国立大学皇家外科学院（RCSI）和爱尔兰皇家内科医学院（UCD）全资拥有的槟城医学院早就获得了国际认可，也被马来西亚卫生系统研究所依据2009-2011年度马来西亚住院（实习）医生表现，评价作为早期职业准备的最顶尖医学院。随着计划将医学院的地位提升到大学阶级，院方将加强学生的学习经验，策划开发新的课程，扩展目前500名学生的物质基础设施。而除了讲师和学生的发展要跟上，同时也重视吸引优秀的员工，并与合作伙伴保持良好的关系。

by Monica Tong