KUALA LUMPUR: Public Bank’s founder and chairman Tan Sri Dr Teh Hong Piow has been awarded the ‘The Greatest Malaysian Banker of All Time’ by the Asia Pacific Brands Foundation on Saturday, during the Public Bank Management Seminar Dinner held at the Mines International Exhibition and Convention Centre.
President of the BrandLaureate Dr KK Johan presented the award to Teh in the presence of more than 4,000 staff of the Public Bank Group.
Dr. KK Johan in his citation speech said, “For the past 50 years, there is no other banker extraordinaire that has steadfastly grown the bank to record breaking feats, positive growth year after year and for 2017, achieved a net profit to RM5.47 billion reached through organic growth and brilliant strategic moves.
“The brilliant mind of Tan Sri Teh Hong Piow has no match and his astounding knowledge of the banking industry puts him ahead of the competition. Without Teh and Public Bank, I daresay that Malaysia’s banking industry and the country’s economy would not be what it is today. He defines banking leadership and with his principles and philosophy has set standards of good banking practices, which is emulated and respected by his peers”, added Dr KK Johan.
In applauding Teh’s latest award, Public Bank Managing Director Tan Sri Tay Ah Lek said, “Tan Sri Teh is the mark of an ideal leader whose hopes and dreams for Public Bank knows no bounds. The exemplary leadership of Teh as ‘The Greatest Malaysian Banker of All Time’ has not only propelled Public Bank to the forefront of the Malaysian financial landscape but has also gained international respect and acclaim”.
“Teh has contextual intelligence, a profound ability to understand the spirit of the times and harness the opportunities they present to create a successful organisation. These are the attributes that have enabled Public Bank to make stellar returns and create significant value for stakeholders over the years”.
According to Tay, “Teh’s compassion towards his staff and excellence in all his endeavours, call immediately for our total respect and warmest love. Tan Sri Chairman, you are an inspiration not only to your Public Bank family, but also to generations of bankers and a continuing source of enlightenment”.
With this latest award, Teh has received a total of 45 personal to holder awards in recognition of his exemplary commitment to excellence and lifetime dedication to the banking industry.