Kwek Leng Beng, the executive chairman of Hong Leong Group Singapore and City Developments Limited C09 (CDL) has launched the Chinese edition of his biography, Strictly Business: The Kwek Leng Beng Story. The book comes after the launch of the English edition in November 2023 (See also: Kwek Leng Beng: Tycoon, father, son). The book covers Kwek’s illustrious career spanning over six decades.
This time, the launch took place with 150 guests at the Grand Copthorne Waterfront, one of the hotels under CDL’s subsidiary, Millennium Hotels and Resorts.
The book was written by Peh Shing Huei, who also authored Tall Order: The Goh Chok Tong Story and Standing Tall: the Goh Chok Tong Years. Suzane Quek translated the Chinese edition.
“After the launch of the English edition of my biography, it was important that we publish a Chinese edition to reach out to the Chinese-speaking community in Singapore and overseas, as this holds special significance for me,” says Kwek in a Sept 26 statement released by Hong Leong Group. “This book is a written testament of my experiences and the lessons I’ve learnt over the years that have guided my business thinking and shaped my philosophy.”
He adds that the group is “very much a part of” Singapore’s corporate history and that he is proud that the group is flying the country’s flag in five continents today.
In his opening speech, Kwek said that he was “most happy” to share his life’s journey with the public and noted that it was important to learn Mandarin.
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The younger generation must strive and excel at “this important” language, he added.
Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat, who was the guest of honour at the event, highlighted Kwek’s contributions towards Singapore and his achievements in transforming the city-state’s skyline.
“I am pleased that Leng Beng has decided to share his experiences through this book… [he] has a unique and forward-looking vision,” he added in his speech, which was delivered in Mandarin.
