PART 5; VIPS AND GUESTS AT 25TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF PARKSON

KEE@FSWMAG.COM

Puan Seri Chelsia Cheng, First Lady of Malaysia Datin Seri Rosmah Datuk Mansor and Puan Sri KK Lau

SPEECH BY PRIME MINISTER OF MALAYSIA DATUK SERI NAJIB TUN RAZAK

SPEECH BY

YAB DATO’ SRI MOHD NAJIB BIN TUN HAJI ABDUL RAZAK

PRIME MINISTER OF MALAYSIA

AT PARKSON’S 25^TH ANNIVERSARY GALA NIGHT DINNER

ON 22^ND OCTOBER 2012 (MONDAY), AT 8.30 PM

TAMING SARI GRAND BALLROOM, THE ROYALE CHULAN HOTEL

KUALA LUMPUR

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Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.

Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh, Good Evening and Salam Satu Malaysia.

Your Excellencies,

Yang Berbahagia Tan Sri William Cheng;

Executive Chairman Lion Group cum

Chairman of Parkson Holdings Bhd,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

           We are here tonight to celebrate a coming of age. In twenty five years, Parkson has grown from a single shop into one of Asia’s largest department store chains.

           In the past decade alone, Parkson has been voted Malaysia’s most popular retailer; ranked one of our top five most valuable brands; and named ‘department store of the year’.

          These successes belong to everyone in the Parkson group; to the thousands of employees who staff the stores, from Centro in Jakarta to Parkson in Shanghai. This grand ballroom would struggle to hold them, but without them this anniversary would not be possible. On this happy occasion, I want to offer my congratulations to everyone who has made this company such a success.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

         In the quarter of a century since it started trading, Parkson has reached out across Asia, opening branches and businesses in Vietnam, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and China. From just one city, to more than sixty; from just one store, to more than a hundred. A network which spans the region, but has its roots right here in Malaysia.

          In some ways, Parkson’s journey mirrors Malaysia’s journey. After the turbulence of the late 1990s, our economy expanded steadily, strengthening its trade links, reaching out across our region and the world.

          This outward-facing, confident approach defines our most successful businesses: Air Asia, bringing low-cost travel within reach for millions. Astro, investing in Indonesia and India. And of course Parkson, a pioneer in Asian markets; the first foreign chain to establish itself in Vietnam, and one of the first to do so in China.

           This restless entrepreneurial spirit continues to drive the company forward today.  Parkson plans to open at least 15 new stores each year for the next five years – not just in Malaysia and China, but also in emerging markets like Cambodia and Myanmar.

            Clearly, this is a company that seeks new horizons – and new opportunities. Alongside its core business, Parkson has developed interests in property, mining, steel, agriculture, and computing. Under the stewardship of the Lion Group, it has grown into a diverse and nimble business with a broad income base.

          There are echoes of Malaysia’s story here, too. As our economy has developed, we too have diversified, seeking high-value jobs that will deliver developed nation status. Today, wholesale and retail trade is one of twelve National Key Economic Areas, which are critical to sustaining growth.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

        But as well as economic success, Parkson also reflects the values we wish to encourage in Malaysia. Through promotions and marketing campaigns, foundations and charity drives, Parkson is working to make our society stronger. Its focus is education and medical care: two of the most powerful tools to help those in need.

       Every year, the Lion Group Foundation funds scientific research, and awards scholarships and loans to undergraduates. Every year, Parkson asks the public to donate school supplies, then distributes them to needy school children.

        The Lion Group Medical Assistance Fund helps the less fortunate access medical care, paying for surgery and medication, and purchasing hospital equipment. And later this evening, as part of its anniversary celebration, Parkson will present a contribution to World Vision, a worldwide humanitarian organization.

      These are not just publicity stunts designed to puff up the annual report. They reflect a deeper commitment to improving the lives of the underprivileged. Parkson has recognised that a truly sustainable business is a business that sustains society.

      We need more companies who think this way. It is the kind of corporate ethos that will help Malaysia achieve its economic aims without forgoing human development. So tonight, I want to recognise the Lion Group’s efforts to build a better future for our country.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

         I do not want to take up much more of your time. This is a gala dinner after all, and I am conscious that politician’s speeches can be an unwelcome distraction from the makan! 

        In conclusion, let me again congratulate Parkson on its 25th Anniversary. Tonight we celebrate not just past achievements, but strong prospects for the future. As it looks toward another quarter century of success, Parkson can draw inspiration from its history – and its principles. I wish you all the best.

Thank you.

Wabillahitaufik Walhidayah Wassalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh.

Datin Seri Rosmah Datuk Mansor greeting friends


Puan Seri Chelsia Cheng, Datin Seri Rosmah Datuk Mansor and Puan Sri KK Lau of Magnum

Dato Alfred Cheng, Group Managing Director of Parkson Retail Group and Datuk Seri Chua Soi Lek, president of MCA

Mr and Mrs Ho Kok Keong and Stella Lim of AtHome Interiors at Great Eastern Mall KL

Joyce Yap of Pavilion Group and Tan Sri Albert Cheng, Lion Corporation Executive Director       
Puan Sri Ta, Tan Sri Ta and Datuk Seri Chua Soi Lek

Dato Simon Foong, Datin Mina Foong, Joyce Yap and her son

Aubry Rahim Mennesson and wife Tengku Zatashah, daughter of Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah of Selangor

Tatler Malaysia awarded Aubry Rahim Mennesson and Tengku Zatashah Sultan Sharafuddin of Selangor 'Couple of the Year 2012'

Stella Lim and friends

Raymond Teo and Danny Chai

Habsah Saufi and Dato Tom Abang Saufi

Jonathan Lim and Amin Jauhary 

Mun and Edmund Ser

Justina Seow and Dirk Lubbert
Miss Malaysia World 2009 Thanuja Ananthan and Carven Ong

Dennis Lim of US Polo, JT Lim of Premium Profile and Wong n Lok of  Timberland

Datin Sharmila and Dato Gary Thanasan

A Miss Malaysia finalist---I love her hair colour which matches her gown!

Harry Gan Lizhou and Kee Hua Chee

Harry Gan Lizhou and Kee Hua Chee

Selina Yeop Junior, and yes this is her name, junior and all

Mrs and Mr Arjay

Thanuja and Carven Ong

THE END!