Eco World Development Group Bhd executive chairman Tan Sri Liew Kee Sin has been named an honorary Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE). This was announced in a statement on Oct 4.

Liew was honoured for his services in carrying out regeneration and development projects in the UK, and for his contribution to UK-Malaysia trade and investment ties.

Liew said in the statement: “I am deeply honoured to receive this award and would like to acknowledge the contributions of so many of my current and former colleagues, as well as bankers and business partners, in everything that we have collectively achieved together.

“I would also like to thank the British and Malaysian governments for their generous and unwavering support when the various projects and ideas for development, inbound and outbound investments were presented to them, which have contributed immeasurably to the success of both the Battersea consortium as well as EcoWorld International today in the UK. This treasured award will certainly motivate me to do more to make a positive difference as we all endeavour to play a meaningful role to help make our shared planet a better place.”

Liew, who was formerly S P Setia Bhd’s CEO, brought together a consortium including Sime Darby Bhd and the Employees Provident Fund Board that won the bid to redevelop the Battersea Power Station from an electricity-generating station that had been dormant for decades into an integrated retail, office, leisure and housing real estate.

He was appointed as the first chairman of the Battersea Project Holding Company in 2012, a position he held until September 2015. Under his stewardship, the Battersea project was the largest-ever inward investment from Malaysia into the UK.

Liew also founded Eco World International Bhd (EcoWorld International), which over the last decade has entered into joint ventures with UK companies Ballymore and Willmott Dixon to deliver large development projects in the UK.

With him at the helm, EcoWorld International also helped to bring into the UK several new Asian lenders such as UOB and Bangkok Bank, in addition to existing Malaysian banks such as CIMB Bank Bhd and Malayan Banking Bhd (Maybank) that had been operating in the UK, as well as engaging UK companies in its supply chain procurement contracts.

British High Commissioner to Malaysia H E Charles Hay said: “I am pleased that Tan Sri Liew has been recognised for his immense contribution to the bilateral trade and investment ties between the UK and Malaysia. 

“The iconic Battersea regeneration development and other projects in the UK that he led have created huge economic benefits as well as tremendous value in the green and regeneration agenda. 

“His remarkable acumen, vision and determination are attributes admired by his peers and inspirational to others,” he added.

Hay will be presenting the honorary award to Liew on behalf of King Charles III at a later date. Liew was also recognised as UK-Malaysia Business Personality of the Year by the British Malaysian Chamber of Commerce at its inaugural Business Excellence Awards in 2018.