Published by The Vibes
KUALA LUMPUR – PETRA Group chairman Datuk (Dr) Vinod Sekhar has received AsiaOne Magazine’s “Person of the Year Award” in recognition of his contributions to business and society.
In his address after receiving his new laurels, the billionaire entrepreneur and philanthropist expressed his hope that the award will inspire the business community to operate differently in light of the new challenges created by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Seeing how the pandemic has affected the global market, he also reiterated his former call for businesses to focus on sustainable growth that supports communities instead of just focusing on profit-oriented growth.
“I hope this award will inspire other business and economic leaders to realise it is important for us to operate differently. The pandemic has shown our weaknesses in our society, our social programmes and socio-economic structures.
Business leaders, economic leaders, whether professionals or owners can no longer step away from societal development.”
Speaking to The Vibes later, the 53-year-old admitted that his health is not what it used to be but receiving the “Person of the Year Award” has given him more incentive to continue serving the community and his business interests as best as he can.
The son of the late Tan Sri B.C. Sekhar, who was a major player in developing Malaysia’s rubber and palm oil industries, voiced his hope that he will be as respected and fondly remembered as his father, especially by his two children: Petra and Tara.
“I have a heart condition that most would say is terminal. It operates at 20%. So, all I have left now is legacy. What will I be remembered for? Did I make a real difference? Would my daughters be as proud of me, as I am (proud) of my father?
“So, this award gives me a certain amount of petrol to keep going to achieve more and get to that position. (There’s) still a long way to go,” said Vinod.
However, he also admitted that he is not infallible as there were times he had failed in some of his endeavours but it never deterred his intention to continuously improve the lives of his surrounding community.
“I’ve always tried to use my strengths to help others. It’s worked sometimes and there have been times I have failed. But to me the key is to always keep trying. We will never always get it right as none of us are perfect. But we must always keep trying,” stressed the tycoon.
Furthermore, he said that the magazine’s award is not only a recognition of his efforts, but also a recognition towards his PETRA Group colleagues and their efforts towards pursuing social capitalism – a term that Vinod himself had coined to describe companies that focus on lifting everyone whilst making a profit.
Over the past two decades under his leadership, Vinod had ensured that his companies put in work to help lift the country and create a Malaysia that benefits all, not some.
He added that it is crucial for the country to achieve its full socio-economic potential and become a “lighthouse for the world”, seeing the strength that the nation has due to its multicultural, multiracial and multireligious make up.
When asked regarding the criticisms laid out against him by his detractors in the past, he simply dismissed their words as nothing important.
“Action speaks louder than words, and the term sticks and stones come to mind. But really, if I cared what people I don’t know thought of me, I would be a politician,” he joked.
AsiaOne Magazine’s Person of The Year Award 2020-2021 was presented to Vinod during the Asia-Africa Business and Social Forum which recognised Asia, the Middle East and Africa as a region poised to become “the most powerful marketplace and world engine of growth in the next decade”.
Among the awards presented to the globe’s most prominent individuals are the Covid-19 Commitment Award 2020-2021, Knight of Honour Award, Global Leaders of the Year Award, Greatest Brands and Leaders Award, Women Empowerment Principal Leadership Award, Most Influential Young Leader Award, and the Fastest Growing Brands and Leaders Award. Awardees alongside Vinod included Madam Ho Ching (head of Temasek Holdings and wife of Singapore PM Lee Hsien Loong) and African billionaire Aliko Dangote. Vinod Sekhar is the first Malaysian to be so honoured by AsiaOne for this award. – The Vibes, August 28, 2021