Lee (centre) with his team after winning the Sin Chew Business Lifetime Excellence Achievement Award 2023.
DEVELOPER, philanthropist and sports aficionado Datuk Seri Lee Tian Hock has been named the winner of the Sin Chew Business Lifetime Excellence Achievement Award for 2023.
The Matrix Concepts Holdings Bhd founder and group executive deputy chairman received the award from Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook at a dinner held at Sunway Resort Hotel in Petaling Jaya, Selangor after he was adjudged winner by a panel of 15 judges.
The award, in its 10th edition, acknowledges outstanding Chinese businesses that strive for excellence and have contributed to the establishment of Chinese enterprises in large numbers.
Describing the award as “very meaningful and significant to entrepreneurs”, Lee said he was just an ordinary businessman and there was no distinction between others and himself.
“Based on my 40-plus years of experience in this field, I believe that doing things and treating people with sincerity is the key to success,” he said.
“Our business has always adhered to honest management, a people-oriented approach and maintained consistency across the organisation.”
Lee founded Matrix Concepts in 1997 with the goal of providing affordable and high-quality housing to Malaysians.
The company was listed on Bursa Malaysia in 2013.
His vision and commitment over the past two decades have enabled Matrix Concepts to become one of the top real estate developers in Malaysia.
Lee’s vast experience and business acumen have also earned him and Matrix Concepts many distinctions, including the Malaysia Property Award and the Malaysia SME Platinum Business Award.
These include being in the Top 10 of the Malaysia Developers Award as well as maintaining its place as a top 10 developer at the Excellence in Real Estate Awards.
Matrix Concepts has also received widespread industry recognition for the quality of its housing, impressive financial performance, and sustainable development projects.
It has since expanded its business into hotels, education and healthcare.
It has also spread its wings to Australia and Indonesia, and has a current market value exceeding RM2.2bil.
Also present were Media Chinese International Ltd’s executive director and group chief executive officer Tiong Kiew Chiong as well as Chinese community leaders and entrepreneurs.
Lee said Matrix Concepts held steadfastly to its corporate motto that enterprises should not only pursue targets to grow larger but also continuously improve, use part of their profits for social welfare and assist organisations that run into problems.
Quoting Zong Qinghou, one of China’s most influential business moguls and founder of Hangzhou Wahaha Group, Lee said he has always subscribed to the belief that people need to change their perspectives on wealth.
“Aside from what is required for one’s personal survival, wealth belongs to society.
“Those who become wealthy should share their riches with others to promote social balance and respect,” he added.
Lee also thanked Matrix Concepts group managing director Ho Kong Soon and the staff for their focused efforts in ensuring the company’s continued growth.
“This has allowed me to be worry-free and have more free time and space to participate in social work and contribute back to the community.
“I would also like to thank my wife and family for their support and tolerance along the journey.”
Matrix Concepts has over the years bagged a series of awards in different categories organised by several organisations including Star Media Group.
In 2020, it was also given the Best Taxpayer award by the Inland Revenue Board.
Lee is known for his philanthropic work and has donated millions of ringgit to schools, including his alma mater, Chung Hua High School in Port Dickson, private organisations, sports bodies, places of worship and clan associations over the years.
He was instrumental in saving two private hospitals, Mawar Medical Centre and Chinese Maternity Hospital (now CMH Specialist Hospital).
He has also given generously to the Negri Sembilan Chinese Assembly Hall, Negri Sembilan Chinese School Committee Council, Negri Sembilan United Lee’s Association and Malaysian Federation of United Lee’s Associations.
He has also spent money to help promote basketball, which led to the state team, represented by Negri Sembilan Matrix, winning the Agong’s Cup over several years.
Lee had also rewarded the players with cash, apartments, and condominiums for bringing glory to the state.
For his passion and commitment to basketball, Lee was elected president of the Malaysian Basketball Association in 2022.
And the first thing he did after taking over was to make a personal donation of RM1mil to enable the association to continue carrying out its programmes and activities.
