SIBU: Rimbunan Hijau Group will remain firmly rooted in its traditional industries while actively exploring new sectors and embracing digital innovation as part of its forward-looking strategic direction.
Marking its 50th anniversary milestone, the Group’s managing director Datuk Tiong Thai King reaffirmed the company’s commitment to progress and transformation in the face of ongoing global economic uncertainties.
“In today’s once-in-a-century global transformation, we are witnessing the disruptive effects of trade wars, tech wars, and tariff wars.
“These are structural challenges that weaken multilateral trade and efficiency, and we must be alert to them,” he said in his speech at the RH Group Golden Jubilee celebration dinner at the Tun Taib Mahmud Chancellor Hall, University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) last night (May 13).
He emphasised that amid these challenges, technological innovation would serve as the key driving force for future corporate development.
“By harnessing smart and digital management, embracing new technologies and business models, and leveraging AI to empower and add value, Rimbunan Hijau will find new engines of growth.
“This is an inevitable path, one we must pursue without hesitation,” he said.
Tiong also paid tribute to the leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, lauding his visionary guidance in steering Sarawak towards a green digital future.
“Under his leadership, we are witnessing the full release of development energy and opportunity from championing clean energy and sustainable development to promoting the digital economy and technological innovation,” he said.
He said Sarawak’s adoption of big data and AI to drive progress in the green digital economy not only reflects the Abang Johari’s political wisdom and bold leadership, but also positions the state alongside leading global economies in science and technology.
Tiong also thanked all past chief ministers for their continuous support, which he said had been instrumental to the Group’s success over the decades.
Looking ahead, he said Rimbunan Hijau’s future focus would not solely be on expansion, but also on preserving and promoting its core culture and values.
“I am full of confidence in the future of the Rimbunan Hijau Group. The road ahead will have its challenges, but it is precisely these challenges that will drive us to continue innovating,” he said.
He added that the Group would remain guided by its founding spirit and values which is integrity, responsibility, harmony, friendship, and mutual trust in its efforts to create opportunities for employees, deliver value to partners, and contribute meaningfully to society.
At the dinner, Tiong and his elder brother RH founder Tan Sri Tiong Hiew King received highest long-service honour in the company’s 50-year history.
Tiong, with teary eyes, extended his gratitude to his brother, who always encouraged them that no matter the hardship, they must never be afraid or back down and most importantly, they needed courage and determination.
“We came from a humble background. My brother joined the workforce right after junior high school, giving up his chance to pursue further studies so he could support and raise his siblings.
“After I returned from university, I joined him in business, and together we ventured into entrepreneurship. It was never an easy journey.
“Back then, we were united by one goal: to one day provide a better life for our parents and family. That was the founding dream and aspiration of Rimbunan Hijau,” he said.
