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KUALA LUMPUR: The founder and CEO of Berjaya Corporation Bhd, Tan Sri Vincent Tan, has announced that he will donate half of his wealth to charities when he is no longer around, while also appealing to the richest Malaysians who have passed 70 years. to do the same.
The billionaire said doing so would help the underprivileged to own affordable housing, as housing is a basic human need and essential to a person’s sense of dignity, security and inclusion.
“I think it is unwise to leave all your wealth to your family only when, after all, our accumulated material wealth is possible with the support of Malaysians and government concessions and licenses and other help from many people we meet in our lives. of wealth. accumulation, “he told The Star in an exclusive interview published today.
“I am also passionate about building affordable housing for Malaysians. Berjaya has successfully designed and built a 900 square foot 5 bedroom, 4 bath / toilet unit and a 750 square foot 4 bedroom 3 bath / toilet unit. The private sector must be prepared to sell affordable houses with a price range of 250,000 and 300,000 RM for a 900 square foot apartment in different cities and towns in Malaysia, ”he said.
In the interview with The Star Advisor Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, Tan, said that he did not get rich from something he invented but that he was lucky to receive many opportunities such as getting the McDonald’s and Starbucks franchise, as well as buying 7- Eleven for A good price for a group from Malaysia.
“It is fair to return half of my wealth to the people and the country. It’s the right thing to do, ”he added.
Tan said that in doing so, he is a signatory to the Giving Pledge started by American billionaires Bill Gates and his wife Melinda and Warren Buffet.
The mogul surprised Malaysian companies with the recent appointment of Abdul Jalil Rasheed as the new CEO of Berjaya Corp, and said this is his first step to take a back seat.
Jalil, 38, a former CEO of Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB), is Berjaya’s first CEO who is not a member of the family.
“Now I’m 69 years old and next year I’ll be 70. I think that’s enough. I’ve been working since I was 17 when I joined a bank as a clerk and I’ve been working non-stop for 52 years, “he said.
Tan also revealed that it was his wish that none of his sons participate in the group’s publicly traded companies and let professional managers run them.
“My children can start their own business as they have already done. We need to have a clear demarcation of listed and private entities ”, he emphasized.
About his charity work, Tan said that he had been a great supporter of the Tzu Chi Foundation, an international humanitarian organization, and that he would dedicate more time to their cause.
“The best decision I have ever made is to become a vegetarian after meeting Master (Tzu Chi) Cheng Yen. I feel physically healthier, mentally more alert and spiritually richer, ”said Tan. Named
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