Timothy Ong

Timothy Ong Teck Mong or also known as Dato Ong or Dato Timothy Ong,[1] is a Brunei businessman who serves as the Government of Brunei's Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB) interim chairman. BruCapital Holdings chairman, The Edge Asia Inc. co-chairman, Asia Inc. Forum (AIF) chairman, Hotel Associates chairman, National Insurance Company of Brunei Darussalam deputy chairman, and SPC independent director are just a few of his many professional roles.[2] Notably, he was among the richest man in the country.[3]

In this Chinese name, the family name is Ong (王).
Dato Paduka

Timothy Ong

DPMB SNB
Timothy Ong in 2017
Born
Ong Teck Mong

Brunei
Alma materAustralian National University (BA)
London School of Economics (BSc)
OccupationBusinessperson
OrganizationAsia Inc Forum
Known forBusinessman involved in both domestic and international politics
Parent
  • Ong Boon Pang (father)
Signature

Biography

Education

Born to a prominent Chinese in Brunei, Ong Boon Pang.[3] At the ANU, where he majored in Economics and Political Science, Dato Ong received the highest grade in his class and earned a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in 1976. In 1982, he graduated with distinction from the LSE with a MSc in international relations.[2]

Career

Dato Ong is involved in politics both domestically and internationally. He was co-chairman of the APEC Business Advisory Council in 2000 and 2001. From 1993 to 1995, he served as Brunei's representative in the APEC EPG, and he presided over the ASEAN-Japan Business Meeting.[4] He held the positions of deputy chairman of the Pacific Economic Cooperation Council (PECC) and co-chairman of the APEC CEO Summit 2003 in Thailand in 2003. In 2004 and 2006, he served as senior advisor to the APEC CEO Summits in Santiago and Hanoi. Additionally, he is a member of a number of regional councils, including the EWC, TNC, Asian Advisory Board for Prudential Financial, and AIM.[2]

In the 2010 WEF Global Competitiveness Index (GCI) published on 9 September 2010, Brunei's economy improved its ranking by seven positions, moving up to 32nd place out of 133 nations assessed. This advancement placed Brunei ahead of regional economic powerhouses like India, Thailand, and Indonesia. Dato Ong recognized the importance of further improving the business environment and considered the report a valuable tool for identifying necessary actions. He emphasized the need to use this positive ranking as an opportunity to review and enhance various aspects, stating that the country was well-positioned to implement its National Development Plan.[5]

In 2011, reports surfaced of a power struggle between Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and his younger brother, Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, in Brunei. This controversy intensified when Dato Ong, who served as acting chairman of the BEDB (Brunei Economic Development Board), was suddenly removed from his position. Although no concrete evidence of wrongdoing was provided, speculations arose that he might have received commissions related to housing projects. There were also claims of a police visit to his home to request his passport, to which he offered no comment during a brief phone call that ended abruptly.[6]

Other works

AIF's founder and chairman, a knowledge-based organization that organizes business gatherings in the Asia Pacific area, is Dato Ong. Additionally, he serves on the boards of several notable ASEAN businesses, including Yoma Strategic Holdings in Singapore and Myanmar,[7][8] PHINMA Education in the Philippines, and Baiduri Bank in Brunei.[9] His family apparently sold a portion of their ownership in the Brunei Hotel to Prince Mohamed's family.[6] It can also be noted that he owns the Radisson-managed Sheraton Hotel of Brunei.[10]

Political positions

Dato Ong held various opinions about prominent figures. He regarded Aung San Suu Kyi as courageous, authoritative, and self-assured without arrogance. He admired President Jokowi's manner, which resonated well with Indonesians, earning their admiration. In his view, Lee Kuan Yew's place in history was unquestionable due to his strong leadership, ability to implement unpopular ideas, and resistance to pandering to popular sentiment. He also found inspiration in Washington SyCip for his intellectual capacity, clear thinking, and effective communication skills.[11] He also mentioned several people having "extraordinary career" such as Bill Gates, Narayana Murthy, Donald Trump and Andrew Forrest.[12]

Dato Ong added that Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, his former boss at the BEDB, is someone he truly like.[11] He believed that the prince possessed a unique ability to inspire others by providing clear goals and then granting them the freedom to excel. The prince was also meticulous in ensuring that everyone understood the objectives. Despite his high intelligence, his approach was not conventionally intellectual in nature.[11]

Honours

Dato Ong has earned the following honours;[13][14]

National

Foreign

References
  1. "Dato Timothy Ong". Progresif. 2019-08-17. Retrieved 2023-09-23.
  2. "Dato Paduka Timothy Ong Teck Mong" (PDF). Asia Inc. Forum. Retrieved 2023-09-23.
  3. Lee, Khoon Choy (2013). Golden Dragon and Purple Phoenix: The Chinese and Their Multi-ethnic Descendants in Southeast Asia. World Scientific. pp. 536, 538. ISBN 978-981-4383-44-8.
  4. "ASEAN-Japan Business Meeting". www.doyukai.or.jp. Retrieved 2023-09-23.
  5. "Praise and Pointers – Oxford Business Group". 2010-07-21. Retrieved 2023-09-23.
  6. Correspondent, Our. "Power Struggle in Brunei?". www.asiasentinel.com. Retrieved 2023-09-23.
  7. "Appointment of Non-Executive Independent Director" (PDF). yomastrategic. Retrieved 2023-09-23.
  8. "Dato Timothy Ong Teck Mong – Executive Bio, Work History, and Contacts – Equilar ExecAtlas". people.equilar.com. Retrieved 2023-09-23.
  9. admin (2023-08-18). "Building the Future". Borneo Bulletin Year Book 2023. Retrieved 2023-09-23.
  10. de Vienne, Marie-Sybille (2011). "The Chinese in Brunei: From Ceramics to Oil Rent". Archipel. 82 (1): 41. doi:10.3406/arch.2011.4254.
  11. "Leadership – Dato Timothy Ong". YES Inspire | Magazines. 2016-02-26. Retrieved 2023-09-23.
  12. "Career – Dato Timothy Ong". YES Inspire | Magazines. 2016-02-26. Retrieved 2023-09-23.
  13. "Timothy Ong". BIMP-EAGA 2005. Retrieved 2023-09-24.
  14. Report to APEC Economic Leaders (PDF). Shanghai: APEC Business Advisory Council. 2001. p. 18.
  15. "Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation" (PDF). APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC). 1998. Retrieved 2023-09-23.
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