Fintech pioneer Aaron Lim leads Ho Wah Genting’s digitalisation march

MAIN Market-listed Ho Wah Genting Bhd (HWGB) has re-designated Datuk Aaron Lim Ooi Hong as executive chairman to spearhead the group’s next phase of transformation into the digitalisation era.

Under Lim’s leadership, the HWGB group will pivot away from the reliance on the traditional business model.

Previously serving as HWGB’s managing director, Lim, 45, will lead the group’s digital transformation for by injecting digital innovation into the existing business portfolio.

“This is an exciting time for the HWGB Group as we take on the next step of digital transformation,” commented Lim on his recent appointment.

Datuk Aaron Lim Ooi Hong

“Over the past year, we have seen how the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted business operations, especially those 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.”

In this regard, the HWGB group has swiftly taken action to diversify into the healthcare industry and the proposed electric vehicle business.

“My role is to bring my expertise in the fintech industry by helping to integrate digital technology into all areas of business, thus fundamentally changing our operations and deliver values to our customers,” noted Lim.

Lim also sits on the board of Fintech Bank Ltd as non-executive non-independent director. Incorporated in Labuan, the digital asset friendly bank offers commercial banking services powered by industry-leading banking technology.

A graduate of RMIT University (Australia), Lim 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.

According to Lim, one of the key focus areas going forward is to empower people within the HWGB to create a thriving culture.

“Digitalisation is important to drive the HWGB group forward, but the key area in digitalisation is the people,” he observed.

“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.”

Therefore, the key focus will be to encourage an entrepreneurial mindset among all employees within the HWGB group to create a hotbed of innovation 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 agility of its management team has allowed the HWGB group to embark on proactive measures to diversify into the healthcare and electric vehicle business following the severe impact of COVID-19 pandemic on its tourism business.

At the close of today’s trading, HWGB was down 0.5 sen or 1.85% to 26.5 sen with 2.35 million shares traded, this valuing the company at RM159 mil. – July 29, 2021

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