By Sharen Kaur - April 15, 2025
KUALA LUMPUR: As Malaysia welcomes Chinese President Xi Jinping on a landmark visit, reflections naturally turn to the roots of Malaysia–China economic ties — and to the visionary pioneers who helped lay them.
"As Xi's visit opens a new chapter in bilateral ties, it is also a timely moment to honour those who came before — the early trailblasers who ventured in when few did and who continue to redefine what Malaysia–China cooperation can achieve," said a market observer.
Long before China's rise as a global technology leader, and years before diplomatic visits formalised the relationship, a small group of Malaysian entrepreneurs ventured into unfamiliar territory with foresight and courage. Among the trailblasers was Tan Sri Lim Kim Hong, the founder and chairman of I-Berhad.
In 1984, Lim took a bold step by setting up a joint venture mattress factory in Tianjin — the first Malaysian to do so. His decision went beyond chasing low production costs. What drew him in was the remarkable drive he observed in China's workforce and the country's readiness to absorb and adapt advanced manufacturing techniques.
"They had the hunger," he would later recall — describing a nation eager to learn and grow.
At a time when much of the business world viewed China with hesitation, Lim's early move stood out as daring and visionary.
"Most Malaysians were unsure then," said Datuk Abdul Majid Khan, president of the Malaysia–China Friendship Association and former Malaysian ambassador to China.
"Even I was cautious. It was only after Tun Dr Mahathir's visit in 1985 and a larger mission of 200 delegates in 1987 that real confidence emerged. But Lim was already there and succeeding. That gave others the confidence to follow."
Over the next decade, Lim established 14 ventures along China's coastal cities, spanning industries from steel cables and air conditioning to power generation.
His sustained involvement earned him the distinction of being appointed economic advisor to Jiangyin Province — one of the first Malaysians to receive formal recognition from a Chinese provincial government.
At one point, Lim's company also initiated talks with Maybank and a Chinese financial institution to create what could have been the first foreign financial entity in China — a reflection of the deep trust and cross-border collaboration he had helped cultivate.
Nearly 40 years later, Lim remains a key connector between Malaysia and China — though his mission has evolved.
Today, he seeks to bring Chinese leadership in artificial intelligence to Malaysian shores. At i-City, his flagship digital city development in Shah Alam, he is working with AI and robotics firms to explore urban applications of smart technology.
"China leads in execution. Malaysia must match that hunger," Lim told Business Times.
Lim's next vision for i-City goes beyond infrastructure — embedding AI into the very fabric of daily life, from transportation and energy to healthcare and public services.
Xi arrived in Malaysia today for a three-day state visit, invited by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia. This marks his second official trip to Malaysia in 12 years, following his previous visit in 2013.
During his last state visit in 2013, both countries elevated their diplomatic relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Malaysia and China established diplomatic ties on May 31, 1974. Having celebrated the 50th anniversary of these relations last year, both nations continue to enjoy a strong and growing bilateral partnership.
Source: https://www.nst.com.my/business/corporate/2025/04/1202334/bridge-builders-honouring-malaysias-china-pioneers-president-xis
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