This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily, on March 23, 2016.

KUALA LUMPUR: Tan Sri Tan Kim Hor, the co-founder of Tan Chong Group, lived by the adage that “if you are not healthy, whatever plans you have in mind are useless”.

This was one of the most unforgettable words of wisdom he imparted to his family. Kim Hor passed away from heart disease on Monday. He was 93.

The former patriarch of Tan Chong Group was a giant of the motor trade in Malaysia and Singapore, having co-founded Tan Chong & Sons Motors Sdn Bhd in 1957 with his brother.

After the 1985 passing of his brother Tan Sri Tan Yuet Foh, who was credited for obtaining the rights to import Datsun (now Nissan) cars from Japan, Kim Hor ran the Tan Chong Group of companies, which subsequently expanded into various businesses under several listed entities like Tan Chong Motor Holdings Bhd, APM Automotive Holdings Bhd and Tan Chong International Ltd in Hong Kong.

Aside from business, Kim Hor was also an active member of the Kepong division of MCA.  

In 2004, Kim Hor and his family split from Tan Chong Group to set up various businesses under Warisan TKH Holdings Bhd and Greatpac Holdings Bhd.

Industry players described Kim Hor as a corporate figure who was greatly involved in community service and philanthropy activities.

“He was a trustworthy man as he did what he promised to do. He was also actively involved in charitable work, donating to Chinese community-based charity hospitals such as Tung Shin Hospital [in Kuala Lumpur],” Bina Puri Holdings Bhd group managing director and executive director Tan Sri Tee Hock Seng told The Edge Financial Daily.

Kim Hor was also known as a dedicated father.

Datuk Tan Hoe Pin, the fourth son of Kim Hor, said although his father was busy with his work, he always make time for his family members.

“My father’s joyous moments were about spending time with his family. And even in his later years, he didn’t really retired from work as he would frequently visit the company,” recalled Hoe Pin, who is executive director of Wawasan TKH.

“Talking to him over the last few years, he was happy that he had achieved a family of about 100 members. This was his biggest joy,” Hoe Pin said, adding that his father was satisfied with what he had achieved — a fulfilling and meaningful life.

Hoe Pin said Kim Hor lived a healthy lifestyle, always reminding his family members to drink more water.

Datuk Tan Boon Pun, who is the third son of Kim Hor and chief executive officer of Wawasan TKH, described his father as one who would never complain about his work, family or about serving the community.

Boon Pun said his father always reminded his children to invest so as not to waste their savings, and this had in a way led to the growth of Tan Chong Group today.

“He always said our daily necessity is financed by operating profit, [as a] big part of our fortune is through wealth accumulation derived from properties’ appreciation,” he added.

Hoe Pin concurred, saying his father was proud and happy with his contribution in schools.

According to him, Kim Hor, who had no opportunity for schooling during his youth, opined that his children should have proper education.

“For someone who has no formal education, only two to three years of schooling, he was a great businessman,” said Hoe Pin.

Hoe Pin and Boon Pun also opined that honesty and integrity are some key family and business values that Kim Hor had imparted to them.

“He wanted us to be responsible, not only to look after our family, but also spend time [serving] in educational and charitable organisations,” said Hoe Pin.

“We inherited his goodness, so when we go out and talk, people believe us,” Boon Pun added.

The who’s who of Kuala Lumpur’s Chinese business and cultural associations turned up to pay their last respects at the residence in Bukit Tunku last night. The wake will continue until Saturday and the funeral will be held on Sunday.