From left to right: Roland Chua, Leon Lee, Choong Pin Hoong, Dato’ Sri Edwin Tan Pei Seng, Andy Yek Hock Siang
Cover From left: Roland Chua, Leon Lee, Choong Pin Hoong, Dato’ Sri Edwin Tan Pei Seng, and Andy Yek Hock Siang
From left to right: Roland Chua, Leon Lee, Choong Pin Hoong, Dato’ Sri Edwin Tan Pei Seng, Andy Yek Hock Siang

The globally renowned cognac brand recognises five outstanding young entrepreneurs across Malaysia

World-renowned cognac house Hennessy has named its five inaugural members of the Hennessy X.O Circle of Excellence, which honours the exceptional quality of outstanding leadership amongst young entrepreneurs in Malaysia.

The five pioneer members are Roland Chua, group chief executive officer of the Kin Ho Group; Leon Lee, chief executive officer (CEO) of Zeon Properties Group; Choong Pin Hoong, director of Syarikat Letrik Chen Guan Sdn Bhd; Dato’ Sri Edwin Tan Pei Seng, executive chairman of Paragon Globe Bhd and group managing director of Joland Group; and Andy Yek Hock Siang, managing direction of C.R.W.N Idea Sdn Bhd.

See also: Michelin Guide 2023: Dewakan and Restaurant Au Jardin among Malaysia’s first Michelin restaurants

Tatler Asia
The five members of the Hennessy X.O Circle of Excellence
Above The five members of the Hennessy X.O Circle of Excellence
The five members of the Hennessy X.O Circle of Excellence

Chosen for their courage to break away from convention and commitment to the spirit of inclusion towards fostering growth and progress driven by impactful, intuitive, and exemplary leadership, they are guided by four core values: pushing boundaries, open mindset, advocating collective intelligence, and innovativeness.

“The Hennessy X.O Circle of Excellence recognises these exceptional entrepreneurs who represent the same trailblazing spirit of Hennessy, and to inspire strength in the journey of progress," notes Aiko Inouye Lee, senior Brand manager of Hennessy X.O, Moet Hennessy Diageo Malaysia. 

Let's get to know these five young leaders better.

Roland Chua

Tatler Asia
Roland Chua, group chief executive officer, Kin Ho Group
Above Roland Chua, group chief executive officer, Kin Ho Group
Roland Chua, group chief executive officer, Kin Ho Group

Based in Johor, Chua has been interested in wood production and pallet manufacturing ever since he was a child. His company, now in its 40th year of operations, has remained adaptable to the changing market and kept up with technological developments, running on the combined knowledge and experience of its team members. Chua prioritises efficiencies and oversees the company's evolution and consistent integration of modern technology to foster its gradual transition into Industrial Revolution 4.0 mode by 2023. 

See also: Champagne for days: Find your perfect one based on your favourite drink

Choong Ping Hoong

Tatler Asia
Choong Pin Hoong, director, Syarikat Letrik Chen Guan Sdn Bhd
Above Choong Pin Hoong, director, Syarikat Letrik Chen Guan Sdn Bhd
Choong Pin Hoong, director, Syarikat Letrik Chen Guan Sdn Bhd

Two years after graduating from university in 2009, Choong forayed into his family's business, a Selangor-based mechanical and electrical contractor company. Now its director, he champions the philosophy that “one must have the guts to invest in failures". Combining old and new approaches in an traditional industry means giving his team more opportunities to take ownership and leadership in their roles and company-related decisions, and providing them with the necessary tools to do so. 

Leon Lee

Tatler Asia
Leon Lee, chief executive officer, Zeon Properties Group
Above Leon Lee, chief executive officer, Zeon Properties Group
Leon Lee, chief executive officer, Zeon Properties Group

Lee oversaw the growth of Zeon Properties Group from a humble Penang-based company to a nationwide leader in its field, offering the complete spectrum of property-related products and services. An advocate of collective intelligence who values the unique qualities of every hire, Lee emphasises sustainability, comprehensive planning, and green concepts by using sustainable materials in his work. 

See also: Top female property leaders to know in Malaysia

Dato’ Sri Edwin Tan Pei Seng

Tatler Asia
Dato’ Sri Edwin Tan Pei Seng, executive chairman, Paragon Globe Bhd and group managing director, Joland Group
Above Dato’ Sri Edwin Tan Pei Seng, executive chairman, Paragon Globe Bhd and group managing director, Joland Group
Dato’ Sri Edwin Tan Pei Seng, executive chairman, Paragon Globe Bhd and group managing director, Joland Group

Under Tan and his brother's guidance, Joland Group has expanded its borders over the last decade, leading its growth from a small developer with projects under the Paragon brand into a diversified conglomerate with stakes in hospitality, education, and retail mall management. He advocates for an open-minded management team with strong talent to encourage progress and innovation within the company. 

Andy Yek Hock Siang

Tatler Asia
Andy Yek Hock Siang, managing director, C.R.W.N Idea Sdn Bhd
Above Andy Yek Hock Siang, managing director, C.R.W.N Idea Sdn Bhd
Andy Yek Hock Siang, managing director, C.R.W.N Idea Sdn Bhd

Yek got his career start in construction where his passion for home makeovers bloomed. It was this very passion that influenced the trajectory of his career, inspiring him to set out on his own. Originally from Bintulu, Sarawak, Yek rapidly grew his business across the East Malaysian state. Within two decades, he moved into producing his own line of sanitary ware, kitchenware, and home improvement products under the Gucini name. 

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Images: Hennessy Malaysia

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Amanda Fung
Writer, Tatler Dining, Tatler Malaysia
Tatler Asia
Amanda Fung

Amanda is a KL-born and raised third culture kid, who lives to eat. If not found reading, writing for Tatler Dining, or snacking, she is most likely playing with her dog, Katsu, sourcing new Birkenstocks, or looking for a new restaurant to venture to. 

Follow her on Instagram at @feedingamanda.