Dexter (fifth from right) with the new MCCC Sabah lineup.
KOTA KINABALU (May 10): Newly appointed president of the Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) Sabah branch, Datuk Dexter Lau Wei Dick, has pledged to continue the Chamber’s legacy of financial strength and strategic business engagement while placing renewed emphasis on youth integration and the development of future women leaders.
Speaking to reporters on Saturday after assuming leadership from outgoing president Datuk Michael Chin, Lau paid tribute to his predecessor’s stewardship, particularly in securing a solid financial footing for the Chamber.
“My many thanks to Dr Michael Chin for leaving such a strong legacy, especially financially. We are currently in a very healthy financial position and have successfully organized many impactful events,” said Dexter.
The Chamber currently has over 200 members, most of whom are prominent business owners in Sabah.
“They are captains of industry in their own right. Our aim is to grow that number to 400–500 by the end of this three-year term,” he said, adding that “membership remains by invitation only, ensuring we maintain the Chamber’s culture and the quality of its network.”
Dexter, who previously served as MCCC Sabah’s deputy president and oversaw both the youth and women’s wings, said the Chamber’s foundation has always been rooted in offering members a platform for growth.
“Our three previous chairmen created a structure for members to find new business opportunities, learn and grow their wealth. Business is about creating wealth, and wealth supports business,” he said.
He also emphasized the importance of “stamina” in leadership, a legacy he hopes to continue.
“Our past leaders showed stamina and commitment. They brought the Chamber and its members to where we are today, and it is now our job to carry that forward,” he pointed out.
Dexter reiterated his belief in leadership rotation and grooming the next generation of business leaders.
“We will continue to uphold the Chamber’s constitution. Each president serves a maximum of two terms before handing the reins to the next generation. This ensures continuity and opens space for new voices,” he said.
He explained that the Chamber has now absorbed the youth division into its main structure, allowing younger businesspeople to sit on the same level as veteran entrepreneurs.
“By dissolving the youth division and integrating them into the main committee, we’ve removed the ceiling that often separates younger and older members. Now they can interact equally, exchange ideas, and grow side by side,” Dexter said.
In a conscious move to promote women’s leadership, Dexter announced a significant reallocation of resources.
“When I was deputy president, I made the decision to close the youth division and reallocate more than RM50,000 in funds to the women’s wing. That money is now being used to train, develop and coach potential women leaders,” he said.
Dexter admitted that the current committee has only one woman member but emphasized that the Chamber would not “force” representation.
“We need to cultivate them, not just fill a quota. My hope is that with the new funding, the women’s wing will rise stronger and develop more future leaders. We’ve even discussed bringing male members into the women’s wing committee meetings, not to dominate, but to learn and share perspectives,” he stressed.
Looking ahead, Dexter said his aspiration is for the Chamber to grow in influence, not just socially, but economically.
“When our members thrive, the Chamber becomes more credible. We want to be in a position to advise policymakers and government offices with real data and grounded business experience,” he said.
Despite remaining politically neutral, he believes the Chamber has a role in guiding economic decisions that impact the business community.
“We’re not here to meddle in politics, but we want to help shape policies that are business-friendly and sustainable,” he said.
Ultimately, Dexter hopes the Chamber will serve as a vehicle for individual business growth.
“Our goal isn’t just for the Chamber to shine, it’s for our members’ businesses to grow in their own industries. Their success builds the Chamber’s brand, not the other way around,” he said.
He ended with a firm commitment to nurturing homegrown business leaders.
“MCCC Sabah has produced many talents, NGO leaders, GLC heads, CEOs. I believe our Chamber has the right DNA to keep doing that,” he said.
The new line-up comprises President Datuk Dexter Lau Wei Dick, Deputy President Kapitan Dr Tan Kai Lee, Vice Presidents Chin Thau Chung @ Jacky Chin, Su Khon Fen, and Lau Jiin Woei, Secretary Ivan Chai Bor Yuan, Treasurer Shawn Tan Cen Ven, Deputy Treasurer Tommy Lo Chun Sian, Trade Affairs Brian Ho Joon Chuan, Assistant Trade Affairs Wong Kwong Fah, Public Relations Goh Chuen Sheng, Assistant Public Relations Yong Wei Hau, and committee members Hon Fook Peng, Civic Chin Vui Khen, and Neilson Chang Wai Chuen.
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