“He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” — Proverbs 11:25
From a poor estate boy to leading one of Malaysia’s largest coconut-based companies, my journey is not a story of personal achievement but of God’s amazing grace. Every success belongs to Him.
From Poverty to Purpose
I was the third youngest of ten children. When I was nine, both my parents died in a tragic motorcycle accident, leaving us orphaned and burdened with debt. My eldest brother sacrificed his own future to keep our family together.
Life was hard. I collected latex after school to help feed the family. Yet it was poor Indian estate workers and compassionate teachers who often fed and encouraged us. Their kindness planted in me a lifelong desire to help the poor—a value that later became the foundation of LINACO’s corporate social responsibility.
Learning to Trust God
At eighteen, I accepted Christ while searching for the love of a heavenly Father. Although I entered business as an estate contractor and achieved early success, I struggled with unethical business practices and cried out to God for a new direction.
In 1983, God opened the door for me to pioneer Malaysia’s first coconut cream powder factory. The journey was difficult. We lived frugally, sacrificed much, and persevered through many financial challenges.
In 1992, I founded LINACO with my siblings. From a small rented office and a two-acre factory, God grew the company into an international food manufacturer with a 24-acre manufacturing complex.
God Turns Setbacks into Breakthroughs
Our greatest crisis came in 2005 when contaminated products forced us to recall shipments from Europe. Financially, we were at our lowest.
As I sought God, He simply said, “Look into the future.”
Soon afterward, a major Malaysian company approached us to become our strategic partner. They invested despite knowing our difficulties because they believed in our future. That partnership restored the company and positioned LINACO for greater growth.
Later, what had once been costly waste—discarded coconut water—became one of our biggest business opportunities through a partnership that transformed waste into a profitable product. Truly, God can turn problems into blessings.
Family: God’s Greatest Legacy
Business success came with a price. I often neglected my wife Grace and our children during the early years.
Our eldest son Jimmy became rebellious, abusing alcohol and rejecting authority. After exhausting every effort, my wife and I surrendered him completely to God. In time, God transformed his life. He studied in Australia, attended Bible College, discovered his calling in the marketplace, and today serves as Managing Director of LINACO.
Our younger son Joseph also returned from Australia to join the company. Today both sons lead the business with strong Christian values.
The greatest inheritance we can leave our children is not wealth, but a godly legacy.
Finding My Calling Through FGBMFI
Joining FGBMFI transformed my Christian life. I discovered my calling to serve God in the marketplace.
God opened doors for ministry throughout Malaysia, especially among indigenous communities in Sabah and Sarawak. Through Faith Comes By Hearing, thousands of audio Bibles have been distributed to remote villages, enabling many to hear God’s Word in their own language.
I learned that business is not separate from ministry—it is a platform for ministry.
Blessed to Be a Blessing
God never blesses us simply for ourselves.
Every Monday since 2004, we have gathered for Sunrise Prayer before work. God has faithfully answered prayers and blessed the company.
With His blessings, LINACO invests in communities regardless of race or religion, caring for the poor, widows, orphans, and marginalized families. We believe lasting transformation comes not merely through giving, but through creating opportunities, restoring dignity, and investing in lives.
Faith Through Cancer
A cancer diagnosis ten years ago reminded me that my life belongs entirely to God.
Through multiple surgeries, countless prayers, and His sustaining grace, I learned to trust His voice above my own fears. Whether I live or die is in His hands. My desire is simply to finish the assignment He has given me.
Looking Ahead
Today, my sons lead the company while I devote more time to God’s Kingdom.
Looking back, I see one unchanging truth:
God has been faithful every step of the journey.
Business and ministry are not competitors—they complement one another. As we seek first God’s Kingdom, He faithfully provides, opens doors, and multiplies our influence.
My story is still being written.
As long as God grants me breath, I will continue to serve Him, build others, and be a blessing—because he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.