Dexter Lau
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Datuk Dexter Lau | |
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Dexter Lau | |
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| Born | 17 June 1979 Kota Kinabalu |
| Other names | Lau Wei Dick |
| Citizenship | Malaysia |
| Alma mater | University of Kent (LLB) Lincoln's Inn Peking University Kellogg School of Management Wharton School University of Pennsylvania |
| Occupation | Businessman, Investor, Lawyer |
| Spouse(s) | Yee Tsai Siew |
| Children | Andrew Lau Ching Yee, Elizabeth Lau Jing Yi, Catherine Lau Jing Ying |
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| Family | Dr Benedict Vicpaul Lau (brother) Dr Lindfay Laura Lau (sister) |
Dexter Lau @ Lau Wei Dick (Chinese: 刘威泽; born 17 June 1979) is a Malaysian corporate executive, corporate leader, investor, businessman, entrepreneur and philanthropist. Lau is a Barrister-at-Law admitted to Lincoln's Inn in the United Kingdom, and he is also registered as an Advocate and Solicitor of the High Court in Sabah and Sarawak, Malaysia.
In 2003, Lau joined Kim Teck Cheong Consolidated Berhad (KTC), a company established in 1938 by his grandfather, Lau Yeong Ching. Initially founded as a small sundry shop, KTC evolved into a department store following World War II. Under Lau Kok Sing's leadership, the company navigated challenges such as the global oil crisis and the US stock market crash in the 1970s, becoming a key distributor of consumer packaged goods in Sabah.[1]
Lau joined the family business, he worked in different departments before becoming the executive director in 2014. Under his leadership, KTC grew into a multi-industry conglomerate. [2] KTC made its debut on Bursa Malaysia's ACE Market in 2015, and on June 15, 2023. [3] KTC currently operates in several regions, including Sabah, Sarawak, Labuan, Kuala Lumpur, Brunei, and Indonesia.
Lau has been active in the Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) , assuming various roles since 2010. In May 2025, he was elected President of MCCC Sabah. He is also noted for being the first chairman from Sabah to lead the MCCC National Business Sectors Committee.[1]
Early life
Lau was born in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, as the oldest child in a respected family. His father, Lau Kok Sing, is a businessman and philanthropist, and his mother, Lim Su Chin, enriches their cultural heritage. Lau's grandfather emigrated from Fujian, China, in 1910 and founded the retail business Kim Teck Cheong (金德昌), which symbolizes profit and morality. Influenced by family values, Lau emphasizes strategic leadership and community, crediting his parents and grandparents’ wisdom in shaping his beliefs.[4]
Education
Lau began his education at Tadika Tzu Yu Bersepadu Kota Kinabalu, the oldest kindergarten in Kota Kinabalu, before moving on to SJK (C) St James Kota Kinabalu and SRS Datuk Simon Fung primary schools. He completed his high school education at Maktab National before finishing at Caulfield Grammar School in Melbourne, Australia. Lau earned his Bachelor of Laws (LLB Hons.) from the University of Kent, UK, postgraduate diploma in Bar Vocational Course at the Inns of Court School of Law (ICSL) City St George's, University of London and qualified as a barrister at Lincoln’s Inn in London. He intended to pursue a Master of Laws (LL.M) at Boston University, but his plans changed after 9/11. With support from his mentors, he returned to Sabah in 2002 and became an advocate for Sabah and Sarawak. He was admitted to the Malaysian Bar, becoming an advocate for Sabah and Sarawak. Committed to continuous learning, Lau furthered his education at Peking University, the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.[5]
Career
Lau began his career as a barrister before joining his family's company, KTC, in 2003 as General Manager, where he improved operations. By 2009, he became Vice President, focusing on efficiency and technology upgrades. In 2014, he was appointed Executive Director, overseeing various sectors like Consumer Packaged Goods and telecommunications. Lau emphasizes sustainability, digital innovation, and localization to enhance KTC's global presence.[6] Under his leadership, KTC expanded logistics and diversified into bakery manufacturing, enhancing its presence in East Malaysia and Brunei.[7]
In 2024, the company's revenue experienced growth, coinciding with the launch of KTC Technologies and concurrent expansion into textiles and footwear. By 2025, KTC acquired land in KKIP to establish its integrated hub.[8]
Philanthropy
In addition to his business pursuits, Lau is involved in philanthropic initiatives, contributing to various community-focused efforts in his region. KTC’s CSR initiatives include providing scholarships to students, assisting disaster victims and underprivileged communities through efforts such as the Iftar Tour during Ramadan, and donating essential items to communities[9].
Recognitions
2025: Elected as Executive Committee Member of Federation of Public Listed Companies Berhad[10]
2025: Elected as National Council Committee Member of Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce (MCCC)[11]
2025: Appointed as Honorary Advisor to the Malaysia Chinese Women Entrepreneurs Association (MCWEA)[12]
2025: Elected President of Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce (MCCC), Sabah[13]
2022: Elected as National Council Committee Member of Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce (MCCC)
2021: Conferred the Panglima Gemilang Darjah Kinabalu (PGDK) that carries the title ‘Datuk’ by the Governor of Sabah, Malaysia[14]
2019: Elected as Vice President of Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce Sabah Chapter
2019: Named by Tatler Malaysia as one of Malaysia's Top 300 influential figures[15]
2017: Listed among Prestige Magazine’s Top 40 under 40[16]
2014: Non-Independent Executive Director of Kim Teck Cheong Consolidated Berhad
Honours
Sabah • Commander of the Order of Kinabalu (PGDK) – Datuk (2021)[17]
References
- ↑ Santos, Jason (17 July 2016). "From sundry store to Bursa-listed firm". Daily Express.
- ↑ Rahim, Ellfian (December 1, 2022). "Datuk Dexter Lau on his Entrepreneurial Journey". The Peak Malaysia.
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ↑ "Kim Teck Cheong to transfer to Bursa Msia Main Market June 15".
- ↑ "Kim Teck Cheong's Dexter Lau Reveals 4 Crucial Aspects Of Working In A Family Business".
- ↑ "We are Family".
- ↑ "Businessman takes Sabah's entrepreneurial voice to world stage".
- ↑ "MCCC Sabah builds strategic business ties".
- ↑ "KTC buys RM40mil plot in Sabah industrial hub".
- ↑ "1. KTC's CEO Datuk Dexter Lau shines on the world stage". Retrieved 13 August 2025.
- ↑ "Federation of Public Listed Companies Berhad appoints Dexter Lau as Executive Commitee member". December 27, 2025.
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ↑ "Sabah leaders secure key national roles in Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce".
- ↑ "Datuk Dexter Lau appointed Honorary Advisor to MCWEA".
- ↑ "Sabah businessman Datuk Dexter Lau takes over as MCCC Sabah Chapter president".
- ↑ "Seven receive 'Datuk Seri Panglima', 66 Datuk title".
- ↑ "THE300LIST Malaysia Tatler Society".
- ↑ "40 UNDER 40".
- ↑ "Seven receive 'Datuk Seri Panglima', 66 Datuk title".
External links
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