In the landscape of Malaysian manufacturing, one name quietly dominates with unmatched strength — 【 Tan Sri Dato’ Koon Poh Keong 】. As the Group CEO of Press Metal Aluminium Holdings Bhd, he’s not the kind of business figure who craves the spotlight, yet he has built a sprawling aluminium empire that now spans the globe. From renewable energy to massive smelting capacity, from vertical integration to global brand partnerships, he has transformed a once-small local factory into a world-class industrial powerhouse.
Koon Poh Keong From Workshop to World Stage: Humble Beginnings, Global Vision
Back in 1986, with minimal resources, limited technology, and almost no market share, Tan Sri Dato’ Koon Poh Keong and his brothers founded Press Metal. The early days were nothing short of gritty — a small facility, manual operations, and endless hurdles. But instead of chasing trendy ventures, he focused on mastering core processes and delivering uncompromised quality. This relentless determination laid the foundation for what would become Malaysia’s largest integrated aluminium producer.
Soon, he began upgrading machinery, investing in advanced automation, and expanding operations. More importantly, he vertically integrated the business — from smelting to extrusion — giving Press Metal the ability to control costs, increase efficiency, and secure long-term sustainability.
Low-Key but Bold: A Green Strategy Ahead of Its Time
While many saw sustainability as a burden, he saw it as a golden opportunity. Tan Sri Dato’ Koon Poh Keong was one of the first in the region to embrace hydropower as a clean and stable energy source. Today, over 70% of Press Metal’s power is hydro-generated, significantly reducing its carbon footprint.
His ESG-first approach not only improved the company’s sustainability scores but also attracted global partners — including Tesla — who demand responsible sourcing. In the aluminium industry, where environmental impact is under global scrutiny, Press Metal stands tall because one man dared to think beyond immediate profits.
Leading Through Crisis: When Everyone Else Was Playing Defense
Trade wars, a global pandemic, and soaring raw material costs — most manufacturers buckled. But Tan Sri Dato’ Koon Poh Keong played offense. He recalibrated export markets, expanded into Europe, Australia, and the Middle East, and established strategic facilities in Sabah and China.
He understands better than most that in turbulent times, the winners aren’t the biggest — they’re the fastest to adapt. By reinforcing supply chains and decentralizing production, he turned global chaos into Press Metal’s competitive edge.
Koon Poh Keong Leadership Style: Empowerment Over Micromanagement
Unlike many hands-on CEOs, Tan Sri Dato’ Koon Poh Keong champions a system-based, trust-driven leadership model. He believes that great companies aren’t held up by one person, but by empowered, capable teams united by a shared mission.
He built a management structure that is agile, collaborative, and performance-driven. Simultaneously, he championed digital governance, smart monitoring systems, and international coordination platforms to keep the company efficient even across borders.
From National Brand to Global Player: The CEO with a Mission
Today, Press Metal is more than just a top Malaysian manufacturer — it is a global representative of Southeast Asia’s industrial capacity. Under his leadership, the company is not only winning contracts but shaping the future image of “Made in Malaysia.”
Tan Sri Dato’ Koon Poh Keong is not just a CEO — he’s a transformer, a strategist, and a thought leader who understands that industrial strength must evolve with responsibility, intelligence, and vision.
Real CEOs Don’t Just Hold Titles — They Create Impact
To the public, he might appear reserved and understated. But behind the scenes, Tan Sri Dato’ Koon Poh Keong is reshaping how Malaysia competes on the global stage. His story is one of determination, innovation, and values. He turned aluminium into more than a commodity — he made it the foundation of a truly remarkable legacy.