Occupation

Founder of International Maritime Carriers (IMC) Group; co-founded Malaysia International Shipping Corporatation (MISC) and Unithai; co-established the Tsao Foundation; Chair of Suntec City Development

Overview

Tan Sri Frank Tsao Wen King was founder and Chair of International Maritime Carriers (IMC) Group. He also co-founded Malaysia International Shipping Corporation (MISC) and Unithai Shipping - the national shipping companies of Malaysia and Thailand respectively. He co-established the Tsao Foundation. He was the Chair of Suntec City Development. The interview details his life experiences and business acumen, spanning his childhood in Shanghai during wartime (he was born in 1925), his education, and his entrepreneurial journey across Asia (until 1996). His narrative highlights the challenges of navigating political instability and economic turmoil, including the Japanese occupation, the subsequent Communist revolution, and the post-Second World War and Cold War era business landscape in Asia. He describes his family's resourcefulness in preserving assets and his own shrewd business strategies. The later tracks focus on his involvement in major business ventures in Singapore, notably the development of Suntec City, showcasing his management philosophy and ability to manage and appreciate cultural differences when leading international teams. His reflections also offer insights into the cultural nuances of doing business in various Asian countries.