WOW 2025 Celebrates Visionary Leadership and Transformative Branding

WOW 2025, hosted at Sunway University, Kuala Lumpur, surpassed expectations by celebrating leadership, inspiration, and the power of purposeful branding. The event showcased insights from Malaysia’s most distinguished icons, notably Tan Sri Sir Dr. Jeffrey Cheah and Datin Winnie Loo, who shared their journeys in business, branding, and nation-building.

Tan Sri Sir Dr. Jeffrey Cheah: Inspiring Leadership with Purpose

Tan Sri Sir Dr. Jeffrey Cheah, founder and chairman of the Sunway Group, was honoured with the WOW Lifetime Luminary Award for his exceptional contributions to business, education, and society. During his inspiring address, Cheah shared his personal motto, “I aspire to inspire before I expire,” a powerful reflection of his lifelong mission to uplift communities and leave behind a legacy anchored in education, sustainability, and nation-building.

He spoke passionately about the early days of Sunway, recalling how a barren tin-mining wasteland—once dismissed as unusable—became the birthplace of the Sunway empire. “Where others saw an eyesore, we saw potential. Where others saw problems, we saw possibilities,” he said, capturing the hall with his visionary spirit.

Today, that once-forgotten land has become Sunway City, Malaysia’s first fully integrated smart and sustainable city, a global model for green development and the circular economy.

Tan Sri Sir Dr. Jeffrey Cheah emphasized that Sunway’s success is measured not merely in financial growth but in its contributions to society. He reminded attendees that true leadership is not about position or privilege, but about stewardship, integrity, and serving a purpose greater than oneself.

He highlighted the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation—Malaysia’s largest education-driven social enterprise—as the heartbeat of his legacy. All Sunway education institutions have been permanently endowed to the Foundation to ensure that accessible, quality education continues for generations. “We are merely stewards of our wealth. What we leave behind must outlive us,” he said, drawing heartfelt applause.

Cheah also emphasised that innovation and integrity must guide every business. “No business can survive without trust, and no nation can progress without education. These are the cornerstones of everything we build at Sunway.”

His storytelling, humility, and passion left attendees deeply inspired, perfectly embodying WOW’s mission of impactful leadership and legacy-building.

Datin Winnie Loo: Elevating Brands with Purpose

Datin Winnie Loo, President of the Branding Association of Malaysia, delivered an empowering session on purposeful branding. She highlighted that branding extends far beyond marketing—it is an organisation’s identity, values, and promise to society.

Her insights guided attendees on how to build brands that inspire trust, cultivate loyalty, and drive long-term impact through authenticity and purpose-driven storytelling.

WOW WITH HEARTS: Impact Beyond the Stage

In just 1.5 hours, the WOW WITH HEARTS initiative raised RM10,350 for a local orphanage—before the event even began. Children showcased their sketching talents, gaining confidence and pride knowing their creativity directly supported essential food and education needs.

A Gathering of Icons and Regional Influence

Other distinguished speakers at WOW 2025 included Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, Dato Calvin Chan, Joel Neoh, Datuk Syafinaz Selamat, Dennis Lau, Eugene Pook, and Vic Teo, creating a diverse platform of inspiration and learning. With attendees from Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia, WOW 2025 continues to cement its reputation as a regional hub for leadership, branding, and impact.

Behind the Scenes: Leadership and Dedication

The remarkable success of WOW 2025 was made possible through the unwavering dedication of OC Evon Heng, Co-OC Edison Chan, and their hardworking team, who ensured a seamless, powerful, and unforgettable experience for all attendees.

WOW 2025 not only celebrated excellence but also reinforced the values of vision, purpose, and community impact—leaving a lasting imprint on everyone present.