Bursa Malaysia Main Market listed Ho Wah Genting Berhad (“HWGB”) has  announced the appointment of Dato’ Aaron Lim Ooi Hong ?????, a financial technology (“fintech”) pioneer in Malaysia, as HWGB Group’s Executive Chairman.

The appointment of Dato’ Aaron Lim will help spearhead HWGB Group’s next phase of transformation in what was described as “a new digitalisation era for HWGB Group”. Under the new leadership, HWGB Group will pivot away from the reliance on the traditional business model. Dato’ Aaron Lim will lead the digital transformation for the HWGB Group by injecting digital innovation into HWGB Group’s portfolio of businesses.

Dato’ Aaron Lim, the newly appointed Chairman of HWGB said, “I am both delighted and honoured to be taking the Chairman role. This is an exciting time for the HWGB Group as we take on the next step of digital transformation. Over the last year, we have seen how the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted business operations, especially within the tourism industry. We have learned that we’re living in a fast-paced world, and to remain competitive, we need to stay ahead of the curve.”

“This is seen by the swift actions taken to diversify into the healthcare industry and the proposed electric vehicle business. My role is to bring my expertise in the fintech industry and help to integrate digital technology into all areas of business, fundamentally changing our operations and deliver values to our customers,” Dato’ Aaron Lim added.

Dato’ Aaron Lim is also on the Board of Fintech Bank Limited as Non-Executive Non-Independent Director. Fintech Bank Limited is incorporated in Labuan, offering commercial banking services powered by industry-leading banking technology and is a digital asset friendly bank.

He is also known for his entrepreneurial mindset and leadership skill as seen by his 25 years of experience serving in Directorships and Senior Leadership positions in both private and public companies in the Asia Pacific region, including being the former Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of a public company listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

According to Dato’ Aaron Lim, one of the key focus areas going forward is to empower the people within the organisation by creating a thriving culture. By having a group of professional managers and leaders in the organisation, HWGB will be able to tap on the expertise of its people to grow the HWGB Group, despite external challenges such as the disruption from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Digitalisation is important to drive HWGB Group forward, but the key area in digitalisation is the people. If you look at companies such as Airbnb Inc, Facebook Inc, and other digital-driven companies, their key assets are their people. It’s more than just the technology as it involves a cultural change that requires us to continually challenge the status quo that enables us to promote true collaborations. Our focus will be to encourage an entrepreneurial mindset among all our employees and create a hotbed of innovation within HWGB Group by promoting an agile working culture,

My goal is to attract people who are passionate about the work that we’re doing and to fuel the energy that drives them to go the extra mile to achieve great success with us,” he added.

Indeed, the agile management team response has allowed HWGB Group to take proactive measures to diversify into the healthcare and electric vehicle business following the severe impact of COVID-19 pandemic on its tourism business.