KUALA LUMPUR: The founder and executive chairman of Westports Holdings Bhd, Tan Sri Gnanalingam Gunanath Lingam, has sadly passed away at the age of 78. Westports announced the news in a filing with Bursa Malaysia, stating that Gnanalingam passed away peacefully.
Gnanalingam, who founded the company, was a source of inspiration to many. He touched the lives of those around him with his compassion, generosity, and kindness. His vision and leadership have transformed Westports and Port Klang into Malaysia’s premier gateway port and one of the transshipment hubs in Southeast Asia.
“In this time of grief, we extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences to Gnanalingam’s family,” Westports expressed in their statement.
Appointed as director of the company in 2009 and executive chairman in 2013, Gnanalingam also served as the executive chairman of Westports Malaysia Sdn Bhd (WMSB), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the company. He held this position since 2000, following his role as the managing director from 1995 to 1999.
Educated at the Royal Military College and the University of Malaya, Gnanalingam also attended the Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Programme in 1983.
In 1994, Gnanalingam secured the concession to operate Westports, a testament to his dedication and hard work. His contributions were recognized when he was named Transport Man of the Year in 2001 by the Ministry of Transport.
Throughout his career, Gnanalingam received several awards and accolades, including the Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Platinum Award in 2007 and the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Malaysia Achiever of the Year Award. He was also honored as the Outstanding American Alumnus in the field of Logistics and Transport in 2007.
In 2017, Gnanalingam was recognized as the Value Creator: Most Outstanding CEO by the Edge Billion Ringgit Club for his visionary leadership in transforming Westports into Port Klang’s leading terminal operator.
