KUALA LUMPUR: Iconic Worldwide Bhd managing director Datuk Tan Kean Tet was awarded the Darjah Gemilang Pangkuan Negeri (DGPN), which carries the title Datuk Seri, in conjunction with the governor of Penang, Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak's 73rd birthday celebration.

The investiture ceremony took place on 23 July at the head of state's official residence.

Born in Penang in 1962, Tan started his career in the aquaculture industry in 1991.

After 20 years of running his own aquaculture companies, he ventured into property development through the incorporation of Iconic Group Sdn Bhd in 2011.

He subsequently expanded the business into the hospitality sector with the launch of the Iconic Hotel.

Iconic Hotel is a 4-star business class hotel situated in Icon City, Penang.

In 2019, Tan emerged as the substantial shareholder of Iconic Worldwide Bhd and was appointed as executive director on 23 April 2019.

He was re-designated as the managing director on 30 August 2019.

He has successfully led the company in completing several property development projects with an approximate gross development value of RM730 million.

Among its notable projects are Icon City, Iconic Skies, Iconic Vue and Iconic Point.

In September 2020, Iconic Worldwide announced its plans to diversify into the manufacturing of personal protective equipment (PPE), which includes disposable face masks and gloves.

Apart from being a successful entrepreneur, Tan is also actively involved in facilitating cultural diversity and the country's long-term development through education, culture, and social welfare charities.

During the pandemic, Tan donated a substantial amount of gloves and disposable face masks to the state government, non-profit organisations, and educational and medical institutions.

Tan currently holds several important positions in Penang's associations and educational institutions.

Tan was awarded the Darjah Setia Pangkuan Negeri (DSPN) award in 2016 for his contribution to the country.

The award also granted him the title of Datuk.