text by Halim Surin
Tan Sri Tan Kean Soon, founder and Executive Deputy Chairman of T7 Global Berhad
In the world of oil and gas, few names resonate as strongly as Tan Sri Tan Kean Soon. As the founder and Executive Deputy Chairman of T7 Global, his journey from humble beginnings to industry magnate is a testament to vision, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
For fellow businessmen and aspiring entrepreneurs, Tan Sri Tan’s story is inspiring and a masterclass in leadership and innovation.
Speaking to The Peak at T7 Global’s headquarters on Jalan Tun Razak in Kuala Lumpur, the magnitude of Tan Sri Tan’s achievements was evident; the walls of his office were adorned with royal warrants for his awards and photographs of him with the movers and shakers of Malaysia.
“There’s no more space,” he remarked. “The walls are already full.”
While such visible success might satisfy some, Tan Sri Tan revealed another side when he took The Peak into the boardroom to view scale models of the company’s oil platforms.
“This one is off the coast of Songkhla,” Tan Sri Tan said. “Tseven Shirley, named after my wife.”
Next to it was the platform ‘Tseven Elise’. “My granddaughter.
For Tan Sri Tan, family is the cornerstone of everything he does and naming the company’s platforms after his wife and granddaughter is a tribute to the immense support and inspiration they have provided him in his journey.
“My wife has been my pillar of strength through the ups and downs of my entrepreneurial journey, and my granddaughter represents the future and legacy that I hope to build,” he says.
Tan Sri Tan Kean Soon, founder and Executive Deputy Chairman of T7 Global Berhad
The genesis of T7 Group through his jump into the world of oil and gas (O&G) can also be attributed to a family member—his uncle—who entrusted Tan Sri Tan with the responsibility of being a sales representative at his O&G trading company straight after high school.
The extensive knowledge of the oil and gas industry and accumulating valuable sales experience gained from the job inspired Tan Sri Tan to start his first company, CP Energy & Services Sdn Bhd in Kemaman, uprooting himself from all things familiar, driven by a strong entrepreneurial zeal.
“In the early days of CP Energy & Services, we faced numerous challenges such as securing funding, building a customer base, and establishing a strong reputation,” he recounts.
“We overcame these obstacles through perseverance, a clear vision, and by building a team of dedicated professionals who shared our goals.” – Tan Sri Tan Kean Soon, founder and Executive Deputy Chairman of T7 Global Berhad
Tan Sri Tan Kean Soon
Setting up a strong foundation for resilience and strategic thinking, the company expanded from Kemaman to Kuala Lumpur, and eventually to Vietnam, Brunei, and Africa at the turn of the millennium, having secured blue chip clients such as Petronas, Shell, and Esso.
These successes led to a venture with Tanjung Offshore Bhd (TOB) in 2014 which was eventually rebranded as T7 Global in 2016, reflecting their new vision to expand globally. “Today, T7 Global operates in diverse sectors including aerospace, construction and infrastructure, alongside our main core oil and gas business,” he says.
Despite many personal milestones, Tan Sri Tan continues to credit his uncle for giving him the initial spark.
“My uncle has been my greatest mentor and role model, teaching me the value of hard work, integrity, and resilience,” he says.
Tan Sri Tan Kean Soon
Looking back at the hard work that led him to where he is today, Tan Sri Tan offers the new generation of business leaders a piece of advice that is rooted in resilience and integrity, from his experience navigating the challenges of the volatile O&G industry.
“New business leaders need to stay resilient, be adaptable, and never stop learning,” he says. “Building strong relationships and maintaining integrity in all business dealings are also crucial for long-term success.”
For him, adaptability, continuous learning, and maintaining a forward- thinking approach are crucial for any business keen on staying ahead of industry trends, instead of being swept away by them.
This is particularly seen in how Tan Sri Tan navigated the early growth of CP Energy & Services, which grew rapidly from five to 60 employees in just a matter of a couple of years, allowing the company to expand its business offering with a wider range of products and services.
As early as the turn of the millennium, he already set his sights on adopting sustainable business practices which—in tandem with his investment in employee training and employing advanced management systems—not only enhanced their market competitiveness but also garnered widespread acclaim.
With the world rapidly changing, that commitment to innovation and sustainability did not waver.
“T7 Global has adapted by continuously innovating and investing in new technologies,” says Tan Sri Tan. “We have also placed a strong emphasis on sustainability and corporate social responsibility to address the evolving needs of people and societies.”
Today, T7 is committed to its efforts on sustainability, including reducing the environmental footprint of its operation, promoting biodiversity, and implementing sustainable practices across all of its operations.
Despite learning much about the business while already working in the industry, the ethos of continuous learning led Tan Sri Tan to pursue his MBA at Kuala Lumpur Infrastructure University College (KLIUC). This experience was instrumental in shaping his strategic thinking and leadership skills, with Tan Sri Tan recalling one particular project he worked on with a diverse team of international students.
“We were tasked with developing a business plan for a hypothetical company, and the multicultural perspectives we brought to the table, not only enriched the project, but also taught me the value of diversity in business,” Tan Sri Tan says.
It’s not all work with him though. “Leisure time is crucial for maintaining balance. I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling to new places, and indulging in my passion for golf,” the Tan Sri says. For him, golf not only helps him unwind but provides an excellent platform for networking and strategic discussions.
While nowhere close to hitting the brakes, Tan Sri Tan envisions a post retirement life where he can continue to contribute to society through philanthropic efforts and mentorships, which echoes his ethos of lifelong learning as well as the mentorship he received from his uncle.
“Sharing my experiences and guiding the next generation of entrepreneurs would be immensely fulfilling,” he says.
What he’s confident about is that the future for T7 Global is bright and full of potential. The next couple of years is crucial as the company aims to expand its global footprint, enhance its service offerings, and continue to lead in innovation and sustainability towards their goal of being a trusted partner for their clients, providing comprehensive solutions that drive progress and create value.
“More broadly, I hope for a future where businesses play a pivotal role in addressing global challenges such as climate change, inequality, and technological disruption, fostering a more inclusive and sustainable world for all,” he says.
Tan Sri Tan Kean Soon, founder and Executive Deputy Chairman of T7 Global Berhad
Tan Sri Tan Kean Soon’s journey and vision for T7 Global are a beacon of inspiration for the business community. His story underscores the importance of resilience, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to excellence. As T7 Global continues to evolve and expand, it stands as a testament to what can be achieved with visionary leadership and unwavering determination.
This is a testament to his great leadership of the company, which according to Tan Sri Tan’s yardstick, is about inspiration and impact. “Great leadership means being able to inspire and motivate others, making informed decisions, and leading by example. It’s about creating a positive impact on both the organisation and the community.”
