Embracing his identity as a “kampung boy,” Edward grew up in a small town, Labis, Johor, surrounded by the lush greenery and simplicity of village life. Those early experiences shaped his character, instilling in him values of humility, hard work, and a deep appreciation for the simple things. Even as life took him on a remarkable journey, he carried with him the essence of a kampung boy, living and behaving in a way that reminded all who met him of the heartwarming simplicity of his roots.

After pursuing a degree in Economics and Business Administration at the University of Waterloo in Canada, Edward returned home, where he married his lovely wife, Kim Chin, and they raised three wonderful boys. One of them are with us here today.

In 1996, Edward became a chartered member of the Rotary Club of Cheras, and became the club’s president during Rotary Centennial year, in 2004-2005 where his uncomplicated approach and dedication to service shone brightly. In 2017, he joined the Rotary Club of Kuala Lumpur City Center as a charter member with a fervent mission to promote Mandarin within the Rotary community.

Driven by a vision for diversity and innovative impact, Edward initiated the Global Mandarin Development Conference in March 2019. This groundbreaking event brought Rotarians from China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and four others in Southeast Asia together, laying the groundwork for future collaboration and inclusion. As the conference enters its sixth year, it stands as a testament to his enduring commitment to fostering connections and understanding among Mandarin-speaking communities.

But Edward’s vision didn’t stop there. He forged a partnership to create a joint Mandarin Bulletin between District 3300 and District 3310, aspiring to develop the “Huayang Bulletin” that will connect Mandarin-speaking Rotary Clubs across Thailand, Cambodia, the Philippines, and Indonesia. This initiative reflects his dedication to collaboration and shared growth within the Rotary family.

As a pioneer of the “Edward Khoo Club Projects Assistance Grant” with Yayasan Kelab-kelab Rotary Malaysia, Edward has significantly impacted lives by supporting humanitarian projects. His generosity has transcended borders, helping build houses, drinking water facilities, and providing bicycles to those in need in Cambodia.

Edward’s compassion shone brightly during one of Malaysia’s worst floods in 2021. After the waters receded, he hosted the 3rd Global Mandarin Development Conference in 2022 to raise funds, ensuring 2,500 school children affected by the floods received bags filled with dictionaries and school supplies, reigniting their hope for a brighter future.

Beyond his remarkable service to Rotary, Edward is an accomplished entrepreneur, owning businesses that span healthcare, medical laboratory services, IT, agriculture, and engineering. During the pandemic, he took a step back from the front lines of his ventures, allowing him to focus on his family and contribute more to Rotary.

In a new chapter of his mission promoting Mandarin in Rotary, Edward became involved with the Rotary Leadership Institute in Taiwan since 2019. He had successfully conducted trainings in Taiwan, Cambodia, and Thailand, and organized several Mandarin leadership trainings within our District that have successfully empowered Mandarin-speaking leaders and trainers, contributing to three years of successful District Training Assembly (DTA) conducted in Mandarin.

His extraordinary commitment to sustainable philanthropy is honored by his recognition in the Arch C. Klumph Society, The Rotary Foundation’s highest donor tier, reserved for those who have contributed $250,000 or more to advance its global humanitarian mission. This prestigious distinction is a testament to his profound investment in building a better world.

At his core, Edward remains a simple man of the kampung; hard work and sustainability are near to his heart. His generosity seems boundless, and he shares his knowledge and experiences with others, fostering a collaborative spirit wherever he goes. With Edward Khoo, we shall continue to live a life of purpose, embodying the ideals of Rotary with grace and humility.