By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Nov 22: Housing developer and education advocate Dato Prof Lau Siu Wai has received the Sarawak State Outstanding Entrepreneurship Award at the Sarawak Entrepreneur of the Year Awards (EOYS) 2025.
Although he had been honoured in previous EOYS editions, the special award this year recognised the 95-year-old’s continued entrepreneurial excellence, inspiring leadership and lasting impact on the community.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg presented the award at the ceremony held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) last night (Nov 21).
In a video aired during the event, Lau highlighted his 72 years of contribution, saying he had succeeded in building 15,000 houses, the Meritz Hotel and Bintang Megamall, as well as establishing Miri Secondary School, Pei Min Middle School and Riam Road Middle School—institutions that have provided thousands of Primary 6 graduates and school dropouts an opportunity to continue their studies.
He also recalled his lone trip to Perth, Australia in 1998 to convince Curtin University to set up an offshore campus in Miri.
“With my sincerity, enthusiasm and a few tears, I succeeded in influencing the vice-chancellor to say, ‘Yes, we are going to Miri’,” he said.
Now at age 95, Lau said he still wishes to work hard but admits his body is growing weak, urging the younger generation to do their best and follow in his footsteps to make Miri a better place to live.
Meanwhile, five recipients were named under the Master Entrepreneur Category—Jordan Ong Chung Siang of the SME Association of Sarawak, Aaron Tay Kok Tung (Kuching Chinese General Chamber of Commerce and Industry), Goh Kim Sim (Sarawak Housing and Real Estate Developers’ Association), Tommy Raymond Jok (Orang Ulu Chamber of Commerce and Industry) and Chan Mou Kei (Sarawak Chamber of Commerce and Industry).
Launched in 2004 by the Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment Sarawak (MINTRED) in association with the Sarawak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) and Ernst & Young (EY), the EOYS celebrates exceptional entrepreneurial talent and leadership from across Sarawak.
Also present were SCCI honorary life president Dato Sri Abang Abdul Karim Tun Abang Openg, SCCI president Datuk Philip Ting Ding Ing and SCCI’s 74th Gala Dinner organising chairperson Dr Jye Ying Lu. – DayakDaily
