Dato' Sri Ir Chong Ket Pen

Almost 20 years ago, after serving as an engineer in the public sector, Dato’ Sri Ir Chong Ket Pen founded Protasco Bhd with a fellow partner. Gradually, Protasco grew into a road construction and maintenance specialist before diversifying into property development, education, trading, manufacturing, engineering and consultancy services.

When the 1997 financial crisis hit, Protasco had almost 200 employees and a diversified portfolio. Work was scarce; whilst loans and costs had shot up. The management took necessary measures to overcome the crisis, including salary reductions and implementation of shorter working hours, while not compromising its employees’ welfare or the company’s productivity.

Dato’ Sri Chong holds steadfastly to two simple principles: teamwork and “either find a way or make one”. These principles are the foundation of success for both the man and the company.

Protasco Bhd has consistently maintained an operational profit since its listing in 2003, registering an annual net profit growth of at least 15% over the last few years. In 2014, the company chalked up another milestone by crossing RM1 billion in turnover for the very first time.