This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily on July 24, 2018 - July 30, 2018

KUALA LUMPUR: Sabah-based Kwantas Corp Bhd yesterday announced the demise of its group chief executive officer (CEO) Kwan Ngen Chung at the age of 58.

In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, the oil palm plantation company said Ngen Chung passed away yesterday after a short illness.

“The board of directors expresses its deepest sorrow over the death of Mr Kwan Ngen Chung and conveys its condolences to his family. The board acknowledges him for his invaluable contributions and leadership over his 30 years with the group and will always be remembered,” it added.

Kwantas said the group has an experienced and dedicated management team, and the board therefore remains confident about the management’s abilities to lead and achieve the group’s initiatives and plans.

According to Kwantas’ Annual Report 2017, Ngen Chung was one of the co-founder directors of the group. Prior to founding the company, Ngen Chung was principally involved in the oil palm industry. He also has substantial experience in stone quarry operations, road construction and property development.

“Using his vast knowledge and experience obtained in the past 30 years, he and his brother, Kwan Ngen Wah, established Kwantas in 1995,” the report stated.