The Malaysian business community in Cambodia voiced sadness and sorrow over the devastating loss of prominent and veteran businessman Teh Sing who passed away on April 26 due to illness at the age of 69 years.

Teh, who was president of the Malaysian Business Chamber of Cambodia (MBCC), is no stranger when it comes to Cambodia, having first stepped on Cambodian soil back in 1992, 29 years ago.

He started his journey in Cambodia as a sales director for Cambrew Ltd, manufacturer and distributor of Angkor Beer and the Pepsi range of soft drinks. He retired from Cambrew as chief operating officer in June 2006, according to MBCC.

Having formed a deep connection with Cambodia, Teh stayed on and started his own company, Gangga Pte Ltd focusing on consultancy, advertising and promotions.

Teh has been a key figure in the MBCC, having been the founding member and president of the Malaysia Club in 1993 and then as MBCC president from 1997 until 1999. In 2006, he was re-elected as MBCC president, a position he held until the end.

“He has been a key figure when it comes to connecting Malaysian nationals and Malaysian companies operating in Cambodia and enhancing networking opportunities and information sharing between Malaysia and Cambodia,” MBCC said.

His passion and dedication to this cause are second to none. He has always preached to Malaysians doing business in Cambodia to respect and obey the law of Cambodia and, to contribute and give back to the society that has provided the opportunity for them to do business here, according to MBCC.

“He is a proponent of bringing in Malaysian investments and businesses to Cambodia through the creation of several development-friendly investment policies that benefit both the Malaysian investors and, the Cambodian labour and economy,” MBCC added.

Malaysian ambassador to Cambodia Eldeen Husaini Mohd Hashim told The Post on April 26 that Teh is among the pioneer Malaysians who came to Cambodia “living the dream”.

He has vast experience in the ups and downs of working and living in Cambodia so much so that he is the dean among Malaysian here, according to Eldeen.

“Brother Teh Sing is not only a president of Malaysia Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia but also a dear friend and brother to me. Our thoughts and prayers are with him.

“If I were to list his contributions towards enhancing bilateral relation between the two countries it will be endless. He has been close collaboration with all nine Malaysian ambassadors including me in becoming the bridge that connect us,” he said.

During the ambassador’s tenure, Teh “had several official engagements with us, especially during the honourable prime minister’s official visit to Cambodia in 2019.

“He is also actively involved in the rescue mission of Malaysians stranded in Cambodia due to the Covid-19 crisis last year and he has been our prime contact in terms of engaging Malaysians here in Cambodia,” he added.

According to the ambassador, Teh also led many business forums – such as dialogues between Malaysian businesses and the prime minister, with the trade and foreign ministers in 2019 that led to “positive outcomes”.

“He will truly be missed by many who know him as being a very humble but firm individual. He always gives me valuable advice and guidance every time and anytime on many issues.

“My condolences go to his family and relatives and close friends. Teh Sing is truly a hero and a great Malaysian whom I proudly called ‘abang’ [brother].

“Dear ‘abang’ Teh Sing, rest in peace, you’re gone from our sight, but never from our hearts,” Eldeen said.