By Dr. Ken Kwaku
In the early hours of November 13, 2024, the world lost a giant, and I lost a friend, a mentor, and a guiding light. Tun Daim Zainuddin was not only a pillar of Malaysia but also a bridge to Africa—a continent he championed and believed in like few others from his part of the world.
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From our first meeting in the 1990s, Tun Daim became more than just a friend to me; he was my ultimate mentor. It is difficult to convey the depth of wisdom, warmth, and vision he shared, which continually inspired me. During my tenure as the Director of the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) of the World Bank Group for Africa, his insights and encouragement shaped my strategic approach, empowering countless others across the globe.
Tun Daim saw Africa not merely as a land of potential but as an essential partner in progress. A lifelong advocate of South-South cooperation, he promoted partnerships and provided scholarships to countless students from Tanzania to Senegal, opening doors to brighter futures. His commitment to development extended to building schools and mosques, fostering both education and faith in communities where they were most needed.
At a time when few recognized the strategic importance of Asia-Africa business cooperation, Tun Daim and I worked closely to make this vision a reality. Decades ago, we joined forces with other like-minded leaders, including Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, now the Director-General of the WTO, to advance trade and investment between Africa and Asia. He founded the International Commercial Bank (ICB) and appointed me as the only African to serve on its Global Board. By the early 2000s, the bank had a presence in more than seven African countries, creating pathways for business growth, trade, and economic development that solidified ties between our continents.
Through his leadership, Tun Daim laid the foundation for enduring economic partnerships between Malaysia and African nations. He brought Malaysian companies to invest in Africa, driving growth in sectors like infrastructure, agriculture, and natural resources. His unshakable belief in the power of unity between Africa and Asia led to initiatives such as the Malaysia-Africa Business Forum and the African-Asian Business Forum, which he championed as keys to shared prosperity. Indeed, South-South cooperation has lost an iconic champion.
Beyond his business acumen, Tun Daim was profoundly concerned about the efficiency of government and public service. He didn’t hesitate to share his wisdom with heads of state, emphasizing time management and the importance of strategic focus. His commitment to excellence was a gift he shared with the world, inspiring leaders to strive for more efficient and effective governance.
He was a man who transcended political and economic boundaries. In South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, and across other parts of the African continent, including Ghana, Tanzania, Guinea, Senegal, and the Central African Republic, his influence opened doors, his encouragement fostered partnerships, and his heart built friendships. With each visit, each meeting, and each handshake, he deepened the bond between two worlds. His vision and persistence made Malaysia’s presence in Africa not just about investment but about genuine, sustainable development.
Tun Daim’s legacy is not merely written in the agreements he signed or the projects he launched; it lives on in the countless lives he touched, the futures he believed in, and the hope he inspired in so many. As I mourn the loss of this extraordinary man, I am reminded of the countless conversations we shared—the laughter, the lessons, and his words: “Ken, real success is not what we achieve, but what we inspire others to achieve.” Tun Daim achieved much, but what he inspired in Africa, in Malaysia, and in my own heart is beyond measure.
To his family, his friends, and all who knew and loved him: his light will continue to shine across continents, across generations, in the spirit of every dream he helped bring to life. My dear friend, Tun Daim, thank you for everything.
Rest in Perfect Peace.
