PETALING JAYA: The late Waz Lian group founder and chairman Tan Sri Ta Kin Yan (pic) was well known for his generosity and genuine nature, dedicating much of his time to philanthropic work.
Fajarbaru Builder Group Bhd
group executive chairman Tan Sri Chan Kong Choy said the passing of Ta saddened him deeply.
“He was a fantastic man, very generous and kind. He will never say no when help is needed. I have lost a good, close friend. One of the best persons I have come across in my life. My condolences to the family.”
Carlsberg Brewery Malaysia Bhd chairman Tan Sri Chor Chee Heung said the news of Ta’s passing came as a shock as Ta was only in his early seventies.
“I was saddened by the news. I first got to know him when I became a deputy minister through introductions by mutual friends.
“Ta was a jovial and generous person with diverse business interests.
“He was always friendly to everyone and was always willing to help his friends. He was also a very generous person who contributed to a lot of charities,” he said.
Ta passed away on June 15 at the age of 72. According to company officials, Ta, who just celebrated his birthday last month, passed away in his sleep.
The founder of Majestic Gen Sdn Bhd, Ta also held positions in several associations, societies and/or organisations locally and/or overseas such as the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia, The Community Chest and The Socio-Economic Research Centre.
Waz Lian commenced operations in 1987 with club management before venturing into hotel and resort management and then property development.
Meanwhile, former MCA president Tan Sri Liow Tiong Lai said Ta’s passing was a loss to both the Chinese community and the nation.
“I am deeply shocked and saddened by his demise. He did a lot of charity work, particularly community projects, and maintained a close connection with the Chinese community. Being a man of honour, he was a role model to many,” Liow told StarBiz.
Liow, who was elected as MCA Youth Chief in 2005, added that Ta was exceptionally kind and supportive of the youth movement, especially in the fundraising and community work efforts.
“Whenever we carried out community work on the ground, he was always the first to come forward and offer his support. He was always there, giving encouragement to the youth and sharing his thoughts with them.
“He was a true leader, never asking for anything in return for his assistance. He did not just do this once but he spent many years helping out the youth,” he said.
Having known Ta for more than two decades, Bernama chairman and Star Media Group adviser Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai described the businessman as a “generous and genuine person”.
“He made it a point to keep in touch with his friends.
“He was certainly not the type who only called someone when he needed something or a favour, unlike many. No one was too big or small to him,” he said.
Wong noted Ta donated generously to schools, charities and non-governmental organisations, but insisted on remaining anonymous.
“His demise came as a shock to me as I had just received his daily motivational messages that he sent out to friends without fail. I also attended his birthday party last month. We will miss him but we will surely treasure his friendship forever,” he said.
For Maju Holdings Sdn Bhd group executive chairman, Tan Sri Abu Sahid Mohamed, Ta was “more than a business associate”.
“He was a good friend and we were comrades for many decades. No doubt, we had many business deals together but we were first and foremost, buddies.
“I will miss him dearly and I pray for his family that they will be strong during this time,” he said.