Sime Darby Berhad Marks Anniversary with “Futures Made Better – Sime Darby at 110”

Taking readers back in time, the book showcases Sime Darby’s history from its establishment in 1910 as Sime, Darby & Co. Ltd., through the merger of two smaller firms of plantation managers, Sime and Moorhouse, and Darby and Watson. The company’s colourful journey shines through the insights of its corporate and business developments as it grew in Malaya, Malaysia and beyond.  

Among its notable milestones include the merger with two other major Malaysian corporations — Kumpulan Guthrie Bhd and Golden Hope Plantations Bhd in 2007, which created the world’s largest oil palm plantation company in terms of planted area, and subsequently the establishment of Malaysia’s leading diversified conglomerate with businesses in property development, the automotive industry, heavy equipment and engineering.

A decade later, the company evolved yet again, setting an unprecedented transformation in Malaysia’s corporate history, from a diversified conglomerate into three independent pure-play entities — Sime Darby Plantation Berhad, Sime Darby Property Berhad and Sime Darby Berhad, which consists of industrial, motors, logistics and healthcare businesses.

Today, Sime Darby Berhad is a lean, focused and driven multinational that continues to share a great deal of commonality with the Sime Darby of 1910, not only in terms of business but also in its ethos of pioneering spirit, a global mindset, the desire for growth and the ability to endure challenges and obstacles. Sime Darby’s spirit of resilience, adaptability and the drive to explore new markets is clearly depicted throughout the book. Equally evident is its strongly rooted values of integrity, accountability and sustainability as it trailblazes many firsts in Malaysia and abroad. 

Ahead of its time, Sime Darby established a philanthropic vehicle as part of its efforts to strike a balance between its economic aspirations and its social and environmental obligations. Yayasan Sime Darby (YSD)’s contributions and efforts have grown by leaps and bounds over the years as it embraces the five pillars of its mission – Education, Environment, Community & Health, Sports and Arts & Culture.
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Featuring anecdotes of its previous leaders, the book presents distinctive leadership styles in the different eras tied together in a common thread of determination to succeed, exploration of new industries and markets, while constantly innovating. 

Sime Darby Berhad Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Jeffri Salim Davidson said, “Our 110th anniversary is a meaningful milestone for Sime Darby. Looking back on our journey, we are proud to learn and appreciate our history. What is truly remarkable is the foresight, imagination and strong leadership demonstrated by our forefathers which has permeated over the decades, and which has ultimately shaped the Sime Darby that we know today. A multinational company with presence in 18 countries, Sime Darby truly reflects the extraordinary growth of a humble Malayan company into a global multinational player.”

Commenting on the future of the Group as it moves forward in its extraordinary journey, Dato’ Jeffri added, “We are excited about the prospects ahead. While we are currently facing an unprecedented global crisis, we are confident that Sime Darby will be able to withstand this challenging period as we work together with our employees across the region and our stakeholders, towards a more sustainable future for all.”

The exclusive “Futures Made Better – Sime Darby at 110” is available for download for free in PDF format at https://www.simedarby.com/futures-made-better 

For further information, please contact: 

Tan Yee Pheng
Group Communications
Sime Darby Berhad
Tel: +60193816330
Email: tan.yee.pheng@simedarby.com