KUALA LUMPUR – Prominent corporate figure VKK Rajasekaran has officially entered the race for the presidency of the Kuala Lumpur & Selangor Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KLSICCI), pledging to restore the chamber’s influence and relevance within the Indian business community.
With 23 years of involvement in KLSICCI, Rajasekaran believes the chamber is well positioned to reclaim its standing as a respected voice for entrepreneurs and business owners at a time when companies are navigating increasingly challenging economic conditions.
He said KLSICCI possesses a rich legacy that should be strengthened and adapted to meet the needs of today’s business environment.
According to him, KLSICCI enjoyed significant prominence during the late 1990s and early 2000s, serving as an important platform that connected Indian entrepreneurs to opportunities, industry leaders and key decision-makers.
Many business owners, he said, still remember a period when the chamber played a visible and influential role in shaping business conversations and opening doors for its members.
“KLSICCI has a proud history and a respected name. It was once regarded as one of the most influential business organisations within the Indian community.
“That reputation was built through strong leadership, active engagement and a commitment to helping businesses grow. Those values remain important today,” he said.
However, Rajasekaran stressed that business organisations cannot rely solely on their past achievements if they want to remain relevant.
He noted that entrepreneurs today face a vastly different landscape compared with two decades ago, with rising operating costs, digital transformation, changing consumer behaviour and growing competition creating new challenges across almost every sector.
“The business environment has changed significantly. Whether you are a retailer, contractor, manufacturer, service provider or technology entrepreneur, the challenges are becoming more complex.
“Businesses are looking for guidance, connections and opportunities that can help them remain competitive and sustainable,” he said.
Rajasekaran believes KLSICCI must play a stronger role in helping members navigate those challenges by serving as a bridge between entrepreneurs and the wider business ecosystem.
He said many companies, particularly small and medium enterprises, possess the capability and ambition to grow but often struggle to access the right networks, information and opportunities.
“Many business owners do not need handouts. They need access. They need the right introductions, the right information and the right opportunities at the right time.
“That is where a chamber can make a real difference by bringing people together and helping businesses move forward,” he said.
Rajasekaran also highlighted the emergence of a younger generation of Indian entrepreneurs who are building businesses in technology, digital services, professional consulting, logistics, e-commerce and other high-growth sectors.
According to him, KLSICCI must remain relevant to these entrepreneurs while continuing to support traditional industries that have long contributed to the strength of the Indian business community.
“We have experienced business leaders who have built successful enterprises over many years and we have younger entrepreneurs bringing new ideas and fresh perspectives.
“The chamber should be a platform where these generations connect, collaborate and learn from one another,” he said.
Rajasekaran said his campaign theme, ‘From Legacy to Leverage’, reflects his belief that KLSICCI’s history, reputation and network should be transformed into practical advantages for members.
He said the chamber’s legacy should not simply be remembered but utilised to create greater opportunities for entrepreneurs seeking growth in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
“We have strong foundations. We have credibility. We have relationships built over many years.
“The challenge now is to leverage those strengths in a way that benefits members and creates new opportunities for the future,” he said.
Rajasekaran added that his decision to contest is driven by a desire to see KLSICCI regain its position as a dynamic and influential institution capable of supporting businesses through both opportunities and challenges.
With the chamber set to elect its new leadership on June 14, he expressed confidence that KLSICCI can once again become a central platform for business growth, collaboration and leadership within the Indian business community.
“KLSICCI has tremendous potential. With the right direction and commitment, I believe we can strengthen its influence, enhance its relevance and ensure it continues to serve the interests of members for many years to come,” he said. -MalayaDailyToday
