Datuk Dexter Lau (right) shares insights on business growth and market expansion with Tan Sri Andrew Sheng and Datin Paduka Azalina Adham during a panel discussion at Kembara Borneo 2026 – Sabah in Kota Kinabalu on Oct 14.
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah businesses seeking to expand into national and regional markets must strengthen their management, workforce and business strategies before seeking financing, says Kim Teck Cheong Consolidated Berhad (KTC) executive director Datuk Dexter Lau.
He said access to capital alone would not guarantee sustainable growth, as investors also assessed a company’s financial performance, operational capabilities and management stability.
Speaking at Kembara Borneo 2026 – Sabah here today, Dexter advised entrepreneurs to develop realistic business plans based on their capabilities and market position instead of focusing solely on securing funds.
“You must have a plan,” he said during a panel discussion titled “Building Sabah’s Next Growth Champions: Capital, Scale and Market Access”.
Dexter, who is also a Federation of Public Listed Companies Malaysia (FPLC) executive committee member and Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) Sabah president, shared lessons from KTC’s growth from a Sabah-based business into a company with a national presence.
He said business owners must understand their financial position, including revenue, gross profit margins, operating expenses and financing costs, while keeping abreast of competitors and market conditions.
A capable workforce and stable management team were also crucial, as staff turnover and leadership gaps could disrupt operations and weaken investor confidence, he added.
Dexter said investors looked beyond growth projections to assess whether companies had the resources, management and operational discipline to use capital effectively and deliver sustainable results.
Recalling KTC’s experience in preparing for its public listing, he said the scrutiny by the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) prompted the group to review its business practices, strengthen leadership and improve operational management.
The process, although challenging, helped build a stronger organisation and laid the groundwork for further expansion, including into regional markets.
He said a public listing should not be viewed solely as a fundraising exercise but also as an opportunity to strengthen corporate governance, accountability and management practices.
Dexter urged Sabah entrepreneurs to use platforms such as Kembara Borneo to engage with regulators and capital market professionals, seek advice and identify gaps in their businesses before pursuing financing.
Meanwhile, panel moderator and Capital Market Advisory Committee member Tan Sri Andrew Sheng highlighted the importance of networking in helping Sabah companies establish connections with global markets and explore new business opportunities.
The panel also featured SC managing director Datin Paduka Azalina Adham.
Organised by the SC and Capital Markets Malaysia (CMM), Kembara Borneo 2026 – Sabah aims to raise awareness among micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and mid-tier companies (MTCs) of capital market financing opportunities and strengthen collaboration among government agencies, investors, financial intermediaries and industry players.
