Silverlake Group Founder spoke on trade, technology and more

Silverlake Group Founder and Chairman Mr Goh Peng Ooi spoke to UTAR students and shared his vision and insight for the future on Trade and Technology Wars, Symmetry and Pretrained, and Culture— a Mathematical Review of Current World and the Future. It was an intellectual discourse based on research that engaged the students and set them thinking logically of the future and the possibilities for trade and technology.

This talk was organized by the UTAR Institute of Management and Leadership Development on 1 August 2023 at UTAR Sungai Long Campus for students and staff.

Mr Goh Peng Ooi, the first tech-billionaire in Malaysia, is an electrical engineer by education and profession. He has been working on mathematical and digital sciences since 1977. Being an astute entrepreneur, he founded Silverlake in 1989 and grew the business into a successful enterprise. The Silverlake Group is now represented across the world and listed on stock exchanges. Mr Goh is also a philanthropist at heart and contributes back to the community. He has received numerous awards in recognition of his professional contributions. He also holds the position of advisor, governor, and member in various universities and organisations.

From left: Prof Dato’ Ewe presenting a token of appreciation to Mr Goh

The talk was moderated by AAET Executive Secretary Dr Fok Kuk Fai who introduced Mr Goh Peng Ooi and gave a profile of Mr Goh’s achievements and contributions. 

Dr Fok moderating the talk

Mr Goh presented his talk based on his research, his knowledge and his experience. He shared his knowledge and findings on theories and explained their impact on the progress of technology.

He started by shedding light on the Sierpinski Triangle, pointing out that every triangle in the Sierpinski Triangle is either upright or inverted. According to him, a triangle can represent a person, a trilemma.

On top of that, Mr Goh also taught the audience how to study the economy effectively, and how to multiply wealth by understanding how money works.  Later, Mr Goh also explained the Triffin Trilemma, which was identified by Robert Triffin in the 1960s, as well as the category theory and the evolution within multiple trilemmas. 

Mr Goh presenting his intellectual talk

In addition, Mr Goh mentioned that the world is focusing on the middle-income category, making things affordable to the masses. To illustrate, he shared an example of the floor vacuum cleaning robot that he bought and used. According to him, the machine was able to clean the floor and clean itself after the cleaning process. He bought it because the price was reasonable and China was able to produce affordable goods. He pointed out that people were buying and spending because of the affordability in price.

Mr Goh also emphasised the point of learning from mistakes and provided the audience with important advice. He said, “Learning from mistakes is one of the most powerful ways of learning.” The audience understood and agreed with him.

After the Q&A session, Mr Goh ended his talk with a good advice, saying that, “Your mind must be clear to make good choices in life.”

Prof Dato’ Ewe presented a token of appreciation to Mr Goh to thank him for taking time from his busy schedule to share his knowledge and expertise with the staff and students.

Also present at the talk were the ASEAN Academy of Engineering and Technology (AAET) President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat who is also UTAR President; Vice President for Internationalisation and Academic Development and AAET Fellow Ir Prof Dr Goi Bok Min; Director of Division of Community and International Networking Assoc Prof Dr Lai Soon Onn; Director of Institute of Management and Leadership Development Prof Dr Cheng Ming Yu; Director of Silverlake Axis Mr Chee Hin Kooi; Personal Assistant to Executive Chairman Tan Tiongheo, and UTAR Faculty of Accountancy and Management Asst Professor and AAET Executive Secretary Dr Fok Kuk Fai.

Group photo after the talk

Seated from left: Prof Goi, Prof Dato’ Ewe, Chee, Tan, and Dr Lai