genting highlands news THE late Tan Sri Lim Goh Tong was a living legend when he was alive. He passed away yesterday at 90 and his success story in turning the forested hills of Genting into a fabulous casino resort will remain unrivalled for years to come. The business empire he left behind encompasses plantations, property, power generation, oil and gas exploration and cruise industries. Lim epitomised the rags to riches story of the Chinese diaspora. He was only 19 when he arrived in Malaya from Fujian Province in China with only a suitcase and US$175. His early businesses were diverse and he was also involved in building the Air Itam Dam in Penang. But the Genting Highlands dream began in the 1960s. It is often said that he built Genting out of his bare hands and in a way he did because he was very hands-on and survived several close brushes with death during its development. But more than that, the saga of Lim and Genting Highlands is the story of a how this pioneering figure had the daring to pursue a vision, sweat and toil to achieve it, seize opportunities, take calculated risks and manage success. A commemorative volume, titled My Dream, published on the 35th anniversary of the Genting Group showed Lim against a panoramic backdrop of the casino resort. He was then at his peak yet he looked so unassuming, wearing a rather pensive smile, chin cupped in his hand and his hair still a lush black.
Lim’s business success story will remain unrivalled for years to come
Tycoon’s sanctuary a showcase of his achievements and memories
genting highland news GENTING HIGHLANDS: Gohtong Villa, the double-storey residence of the late Tan Sri Lim Goh Tong, is on a hill about halfway up Genting Highlands away from the bustle of the famous casino and hotel chain that he founded. Sitting on a huge piece of land, the villa, which has an elevator, cannot be seen from the road below. A 2km long road leads up to Lim’s private sanctuary.
Three vacant plots of land just outside the villa have been converted into temporary car parks for VIPs.
Opposite the main entrance of the 1,860-square-metre bungalow, which was completed in 1998, is a sprawling garden with neatly trimmed hedges and a cornucopia of flora and trees. Directly below the garden is a basement car park, which is big enough for 20-30 cars.
The imposing villa, which faces the north-west, offers visitors a view of Genting Hotel to the north and a beautiful vista of the surrounding hillside.
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