Only the best: Tan Sri Richard Koh

Only World Group (OWG) was founded in 1973 with the aim of creating amusement centres for families around Malaysia, and there’s no doubt Richard Koh, also known as the ‘King of Malaysian Theme Parks’, has worked hard to achieve this dream. As the company developed, OWG went on to take up significant roles with large-scale global projects such as Resorts World Genting, Universal Studios Singapore, Wet World Water Parks, Sunway Lagoon Resort, Mines Wonderland, Desa Water Park and the first IP theme park in Genting Highlands – and in the world. Always bringing many innovative features and ideas to the industry, he has become a pioneer in designing, building and operating water parks in ASEAN.

OWG was involved in designing, building and managing Wet World Water Park Shah Alam, Wet World Air Panas Pedas Resort and Wet World Batu Pahat Village Resort. It has received accolades in the Malaysia Book of Records for the Longest Water Propelled Coaster for Wet World Water Park Shah Alam (2001).

The official launch of The Top Highest Iconic Entertainment Tower in 2016 heralded a significant milestone in OWG’s history. As part its business expansion, the company commenced setting up multiple family attractions on the tower, including a blend of business and leisure in the form of the exclusive Penang’s Premier Business and Social Club. In addition to the plethora of world-class attractions comprising family, retail, food and beverage outlets as well as an indoor theme park, OWG’s efforts on the state’s tallest skyscraper continue to be driven by its vision to put the iconic landmark on the map.

Today, the company embraces the philosophy of ‘Fun, Food and Good Living’, and Richard works around-the-clock to ensure his mission is executed perfectly so visitors can enjoy each park’s services seamlessly. "Whatever task you’re given, get it done within 24 hours," Richard explains. "Don’t set things aside; treat every task as an urgent matter that you have to resolve to ensure customer satisfaction."

"Don’t set things aside; treat every task as an urgent matter that you have to resolve to ensure customer satisfaction."

His take on leadership involves giving his staff clear directions. "If you give a clear direction and people can understand you, things get done. I believe in giving careful instructions, so staff can easily follow through on my wishes," Richard says. Even though the company has expanded greatly over the years, Richard still has a yearning to keep evolving the business. "I want to continue coming up with new ideas, attractions, food concepts, and ideas for our good living philosophy," Richard states.

The CEO adds that every month the team brainstorms new ideas to keep improving the facilities. He says the theme park has also expanded into technology, media and special effects.

"Whether a business or restaurant concept can work always depends on the person running it," Richard says. "If you put your heart and soul into it and you’re passionate, your business will be successful. If you love what you do you and wholeheartedly put your effort into making it work, it will. Whether it’s a drinks kiosk, a curry house, or a noodle shop, every business you start can be successful if you put in your best. A lot of people are not confident their business will work and worry too much about failure. But for them to be successful, they must really love what they do and give it 100%. Be ready to wake up early in the morning to put in your all, and your business will go far."

"If you put your heart and soul into it and you’re passionate, your business will be successful. If you love what you do you and wholeheartedly put your effort into making it work, it will."

In February 2018, OWG opened Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Adventureland. Located at Resorts World Genting in Genting Highlands, the Adventureland covers 6,000 square metres of floor space and offers three food service outlets and four family attractions. The attractions are Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!, Jurassic Research Centre, Jungle Gym, and Zombie Outbreak.

With such a history of successes, it’s easy to see why Richard expects further growth in the company’s future. So, it’s safe to say that there’s more to come.