Grim tales of owner-driven companies

Far-sighted: Koon saw an opportunity in the Bakun Hydroelectric Dam project when others shied away from it.

THE sprawling but under-worked business empire of Tan Sri Khoo Kay Peng is a grim reminder of risks that run heavy with business organisations driven by entrepreneurs.

Generally, businesses driven by entrepreneurs tend to perform better than those managed by a team of professionals. However, when the entrepreneur himself is no longer in the driver’s seat without a set of professional managers and diverse shareholdings, the empire starts to wobble.