As Syarikat Ong marked its 50th anniversary, Managing Partner Agnes Wong took a moment to reflect on the firm’s remarkable journey. In doing so, she dedicated the prestigious Legendary Brand Award to her late father-in-law, Ong Hang @ Wong Phang, the visionary founder of the company. This award, presented by the Branding Association of Malaysia (BAM), serves not only as a recognition of the firm’s enduring success but also as a deeply personal tribute to the man who built its foundation.

From a Visionary Beginning

Syarikat Ong was founded in 1974 with a clear mission – to help Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) to navigate the complexities of corporate compliance and tax regulations. Formed with a deep sense of integrity and a commitment to service, Ong Hang @ Wong Phang built the firm into a trusted pillar for countless businesses in Malaysia.

However, as the years passed, an unexpected yet meaningful succession plan began to unfold.

A Path Forged by Trust

Agnes, fresh out of Monash University, Australia, and armed with an accountancy degree, hadn’t expected to take on the family business. Her father-in-law had always envisioned his son Sui Ting, Agnes’s husband, as his successor. But life had other plans. “I wasn’t working for him at first. I had a job with a larger company, but when my mother-in-law needed help, I stepped in,” recalled Agnes. What started as a temporary role soon evolved into a lifetime commitment to Syarikat Ong.

It wasn’t an easy decision for the family to pass the reins to Agnes, but her husband, recognising her capabilities, fully supported the transition. “We both realised that the company didn’t need two people running it, so he encouraged me to take the lead while he
continued to pursue his career in another field,” she shared. Her father-in-law’s hesitation to transfer the business was not out of doubt in her abilities, but because of traditional expectations that his son should take over.

Yet, over time, her father-in-law saw Agnes’s dedication and allowed her to take the helm. “It took him 15 years to make that decision, but eventually, he gave me the entire shareholding. I returned most of it to my husband, but retained enough to run the business,” she explained.

Leadership Rooted in Respect

The true hallmark of this succession story is the deep respect and trust that defined the relationship between Agnes and her father-in-law. “My father-in-law often disagreed with me on certain matters but never once complained. He trusted me to make decisions and, even when I made mistakes, he quietly supported me,” she reflected.

A quote from her father-in-law often comes to mind: “As long as you’re still in the game, you have a chance to win. It may not happen now, but maybe (it might happen) in the next round. The key is to stay in it.” This philosophy has not only guided Agnes but has become ingrained in the firm’s approach to business.

Honouring a Legacy, Shaping a Future

Even as Agnes accepted the Legendary Brand Award on behalf of Syarikat Ong, she honours her father-in-law’s enduring legacy. “I wasn’t his first choice, but I became the best choice,” she said with a heartfelt smile.

As Syarikat Ong looks to the future, it remains rooted in the values of integrity, trust and perseverance that shaped its past. Agnes is committed to preserving these values while leading the company into new challenges and opportunities. “What I love most isn’t accountancy itself, but the ability to decode clients’ problems and offer real solutions,” she shared.

With 50 years of dedication behind it and a future anchored in the same core principles, Syarikat Ong continues to stand as a trusted partner for SMEs across Malaysia.

@Paparazzi