How Gary Lam turned a simple meal among seven people into a global executive community built on trust, relationships and business opportunities
KUALA LUMPUR, 15 August 2026 — Eleven years ago, Gary Lam sat down for a meal with seven people. There was no grand business plan. No sophisticated networking platform. Gary simply enjoyed good food and thought it would be interesting to gather people together to eat, talk and get to know one another.
But something became clear during those meals. People connect differently when they sit together, share food and have time to know each other. Conversations become more natural. Trust develops. Business discussions become less transactional. That simple observation became the foundation of Asia CEO Community.
What began around a dining table in Hong Kong gradually grew into larger gatherings, executive events and a global community where business leaders could meet first as people and discover business opportunities afterwards.
One of The Real Measures
For Gary, this remains central to the community’s philosophy. Over 11 years, those relationships have produced some of the moments Gary considers most rewarding was when members reconnecting after events, discovering common interests, introducing one another to opportunities, and helping each other find funding or new markets.
One experience remains particularly memorable. Several years ago, a technology startup in Singapore was facing serious financial pressure and needed substantial funding to continue growing. Through relationships within the Asia CEO Community network, the company was connected with a Malaysian investor who provided significant funding.
The investment did more than prevent the startup from closing. It helped the company scale into the business it is today. For Gary, this is the real measure of a community.
Why Malaysia?
After Hong Kong, Malaysia became a natural choice for the community’s next major chapter. Located at the heart of Southeast Asia, Malaysia offers a strategic platform for regional business. Its multicultural and multilingual environment also makes it particularly accessible to investors, entrepreneurs and business leaders from different countries and backgrounds.
There was another personal reason. Gary likes Malaysia. Its warmth, hospitality and food made the country an especially natural fit for a community that was born from the simple idea of people eating together.
But the strategic value goes much further. Malaysia can serve as a bridge between businesses across ASEAN and the wider Asian market precisely the kind of cross-border connectivity that Asia CEO Community was created to facilitate.
Malaysia Chapter Marks a Remarkable Growth Journey
Malaysia Emerges as the Fastest Growing Asia CEO Community Chapter in 2026. Gary says he has been particularly encouraged by the Malaysia Chapter’s growth in 2026. Thid year began with an important milestone: an MOU between Asia CEO Community and MATRADE, creating a platform to support Malaysian exporters seeking to expand globally.
With Asia CEO Community’s global network spanning 45 chapters, the partnership creates opportunities to connect Malaysian businesses with international relationships, potential investors and market opportunities. For businesses seeking funding, the wider network can also provide access to global investors and potential sources of capital.
Gary believes the partnership can help create a stronger foundation for Malaysian companies seeking to grow beyond Malaysia and compete internationally. He also credits Dato’ Vimmy Yap, Malaysia Chapter President, for driving the initiative forward.
Gary Lam, the Founder and Global President of Asia CEO Community said:
“I am very happy to see the growth of our Malaysia Chapter, especially in 2026. The MATRADE partnership is an important milestone because it can help Malaysian exporters connect with global markets and investors through our international network. I would like to express my appreciation to Dato’ Vimmy Yap, our Malaysia Chapter President for making this happen.”
Building a Community Beyond Business
Another milestone for the Malaysia Chapter in 2026 has been the introduction of Nova Circle, Explore Circle and Care Circle. The initiative expands the community beyond conventional business networking by creating opportunities for leadership development, shared experiences and giving back. For Gary, this reflects the original spirit of Asia CEO Community. Business may bring people together, but friendship and trust are what make relationships last.
Gary’s Wishlist for the Next 11 Years
Gary’s ambition is straightforward: to continue expanding Asia CEO Community and connect more leaders who can build meaningful relationships and grow together. He sees the future not simply in a larger membership base, but in a stronger network of relationships across Asia.
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