Our History
From a small lunch fellowship in Kuala Lumpur in 1978 to 76 chapters across Malaysia today. Built over nearly five decades by businessmen who chose to bring their faith into the marketplace.
Our roots
FGB Malaysia is one of the earliest marketplace ministries in Malaysia. It traces its origin to 1978, when a small band of Christian professionals and businessmen, touched by the Holy Spirit, began to believe they could transform the world they worked in. They started weekly lunch meetings at the Abundant Life Centre on Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur — a fellowship for the marketplace, not the pulpit.
Eager to connect with like-minded businessmen elsewhere, the founders attended an evangelistic banquet in Singapore. That introduction led them to FGBMFI — the global Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International, founded by Demos Shakarian. In 1979, under the leadership of Dr Peter (Abraham) Tong, the Malaysian ministry was formally chartered by Demos Shakarian himself. The first chapter opened in Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur.
From a clinic waiting room to 76 chapters
A healing, and a doctor filled with the Spirit
Dr Abraham (Peter) Tong was baptised in the Holy Spirit after his wife, Sarah (Maureen) Tong was miraculously healed of a serious medical condition. His conversion to move in the power and anointing of the Holy Spirit was infectious among his close friends including Ang Chui Lai and Koh Eng Kiat. For the Holy Spirit to be manifested in their daily lives Dr Tong started to hold weekly lunch time meetings in his clinic’s waiting room. Working people from not only around the area but also further afield started to be regular at these meetings. Attendance started to increase beyond the capacity of the waiting room.
The Abundant Life Centre opens
Dr Tong and his friends rented an office space close to his clinic in the Hwa Li Building and officially started the Abundant Life Centre, probably the first dedicated marketplace ministry in Malaysia. God moved in marvellous ways. International speakers, often uninvited, would somehow appear at the ALC to bless the people there. Signs and wonders followed and attracted more and more participants.
1979Chartered by Demos Shakarian
Khoo Onn Theam, the Asian Director for Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International (FGBMFI) was tasked with establishing the ministry in Asia. After Singapore, it was natural for him to move into Malaysia. It was opportune that Dr Tong was also thinking of formalising the ALC ministry. He responded to the invitation to be part of the worldwide FGBMFI ministry. Together with six others, Dr Tong received the charter from Demos Shakarian, the founder of the FGBMFI ministry, in Singapore for the establishment of FGBMFI Malaysia. Chapters were chartered, first in Kuala Lumpur and then to other major cities in the country; Penang, Melaka, Ipoh and Seremban.
A decision to become a national body
The chapters were loosely and informally held together by Dr Tong. There was no formal structure and the ministry was without a legal identity. A decision was made to form a national body with a legal identity. It was decided that FGBMFI Malaysia should be a company under the Companies Act 1965.
Incorporated under the Companies Act
On 14 Feb 1986 Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship Intl. Berhad, a company limited by guarantee without a share capital, was registered with the Registrar of Companies under the Malaysia Companies Act 1965
The name becomes Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship Berhad
The company was advised by the Registrar of Companies that since our activities are in Malaysia and not international, the word “Intl.” has to be taken out. This explains why our legal registered name is Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship Berhad. However, our ministry name remains as FGBMFI as in our official logo.
Power to form chapters — and the move into Sabah and Sarawak
An important alteration was made to the company’s constitution. The Berhad’s board of directors was given the power to set up local committees and chapters. This facilitated the setting up of the National Board and the Council of Elders as committees of the Berhad. The ministry spread its wings and chapters were established in Sabah and Sarawak.
Demos passes; Malaysia chooses neutrality
The founder Demos Shakarian passed into glory. The international organization was devolved into two separate but similar ministries, FGBMFI and BMFI, Business Men’s Fellowship International. Each of Demos’ two sons headed up each ministry. Unwilling to be drawn into international politics, Malaysia together with some other nations, decide to be neutral and independent until there is reconciliation and reunification. However, we continued to fellowship and work with national ministries from both international organizations.
The first Chinese-language chapter, in Raub
In April the first Chinese language chapter was launched in Raub, Pahang. The Fellowship was one of the very few national FGBMFI ministries operating in two languages.
Into membership of NECF Malaysia
FGBMF Berhad was accepted into membership in the National Evangelical Christian Fellowship of Malaysia. Since then, we have considered NECF to be our umbrella organization in Malaysia and have actively supported their various initiatives.
The first Tamil-speaking chapter, in Penang
The first Tamil speaking chapter was launched in Penang. FGBMFI Malaysia was then the only national FGBMFI ministry operating in three separate languages.
The First Asian Chinese Convention
Encouraged by Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan, in August Malaysia organized the First Asian Chinese Convention in the Sunway Lagoon Convention Centre. 1,220 delegates including 420 from China, Hong Kong, USA, Canada, Indonesia, Singapore and Taiwan participated. In addition, 250 Chinese pastors and full-time workers were invited. Bro Hugo Chan and Andrew Chang both of Hong Kong, Bro Tony Tseng of Taiwan and Rev Oh Beng Khee of Singapore ministered to the Convention delegates. The night evangelistic rallies saw 700 new believers added to His Kingdom. The excitement and enthusiasm generated spurred the formation of more and more Chinese chapters in Malaysia.
Regional conferences replace the national convention
Instead of holding an Annual National Convention, Annual Members Conferences were held in each of the then five regions. This reduced the necessity of members from East Malaysia and others in the peninsula from travelling to Kuala Lumpur. Instead, the key national leaders had to travel to all the five regions over 5 weekends from the first weekend of October till the first weekend of November.
Twenty-one years, and 84 chapters
In March FGBMF brothers gathered at the Crystal Ballroom, Ming Court Vista Hotel, KL to celebrate 21 years of FGBMF ministry in Malaysia, acknowledging our beginning from the Abundant Life Centre. By then the Malaysian Fellowship had grown to 84 chapters. It was a night of celebration to recognise and honour those men who have over the period contributed to the development and growth of the ministry. It also reaffirmed the FGBMFI Vision and Mission. The key note address was given by Rev.Dr.Prince Guneratnam, the chairman of the National Evangelical Christian Fellowship.
The Second Asian Chinese Convention
The previous year’s convention was so successful that the Second Asian Chinese Convention was organized with the same level of success. FGBMFI Malaysia was once again the host organiser of the Second Asian Chinese Convention held again at Sunway Pyramid Convention Centre. The convention was attended by 1,452 delegates of which about 500 were from China, Hong Kong, USA, New Zealand, Australia, South Korea, Indonesia, Singapore and Taiwan. Among the Malaysians were 200 Chinese pastors and fulltime workers.
A broader leadership base — and the first Member’s Handbook
Since its incorporation, the Fellowship had been managed by the three “wise men” of Dr Tong, Dr J.S. Devaraj as national secretary and Timothy Phua as national treasurer. In 2000 Timothy decide to focus on his growing church, The Word Centre, and was replaced by Lee Gee Koon. Later Dr Stephen Goh succeeded Devaraj. These three were the only officers of the National Board. Desiring to be more inclusive, the National Consultative Council was established for the views, opinions and ideas from the younger leaders to be considered. The establishment of a broader leadership base gave rise to the first edition of the Member’s Handbook.
The Governing Council is formed
With the steady progression of his medical condition since 1996, Dr Tong decided to enlarge the leadership structure. The younger leaders were officially recognised as members of the National Board. The three “wise men” continued in their respective positions on the National Board. However, there was the recognition that in the not-too-distant future these positions would have to be taken over by others. This gave rise to the formation of the Governing Council. This body provided spiritual oversight and the necessary checks and balances over the National Board. The Governing Council acted as the proxy for the Berhad Board which is the ultimate legal authority in the Fellowship. The first members of the Governing Council were also the three wise men of Dr Tong, Dr Goh and Gee Koon.
Dr Tong is called home
on 10th December Dr Tong was called home to the Lord and the Fellowship entered into a new era. Lee Gee Koon took over leadership of the Fellowship in 2005 and was National President as well as Chairman of the Governing Council.
A lighthouse of our own in Kelana Square
On 28 April a dedication service was held to thank God for providing us with our own lighthouse, an office unit in Kelana Square, Petaling Jaya. The purchase of the unit without bank loan was made possible through the generous giving of members and well-wishers.
Tan Tek Seng becomes National President
Tan Tek Seng became National President but was not appointed as Chairman of the Governing Council. Since then, the positions of National President and Chairman of the Governing Council were kept separate.
The first Bahasa Malaysia chapter, in Bundusan
Our first Bahasa Malaysia chapter was launched in Bundusan, Sabah. We are the only FGBMFI national ministry operating in four different languages.
Fong Hoong Heng takes the helm
Fong Hoong Heng became the longest serving National President since Dr Tong, at close to 12 years, Dr Tong, until the term limit of a total of 9 years for that position was introduced in the 2022 handbook. Also, the 2013 Handbook clarified for our legal structure to be better understood by our members. It was made clear that the Berhad Board is the spiritual custodian and legal trustees of the Fellowship. The appointment of all the National Board members was vested in the Governing Council upon the recommendation of the National Board.
Look East: student camps in Sabah
As part of our Look East Emphasis (LEE), the Bundusan chapter organised two student camps to strengthen the faith of the secondary school students in Sabah. This initiative was adopted by the National Board as a national project to formalise the Persatuan Pelajar-Pelajar Kristian (PPK) in schools. The camps promoted a closer rapport between the local churches with the Christians teachers and students.
1,600 students at the PPK Conference
Although planned for 1,200 the PPK Conference held on 9-11 June had 1,600 students attending. About half of them have not attended the PPK camps. The two night sessions were opened to the public with many youths from Penampang and Kota Kinabalu attending. An average of 2,300 attended in each of the two nights.
“Bonded in His Love” — the Asia Convention
AN FGBMFI/BMF Asia Convention was held at the Majestic Hotel on the theme of "Bonded in His Love”. The objective was to unite the ministry nations in the Asia Pacific region in an environment of love and bonding regardless of our international affiliation. The national presidents from the participating nations including Indonesia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, Singapore. Australia and New Zealand were invited as speakers.
Reaffiliation with FGBMFI International
Later that year, at the Indonesia National Convention, Richard Shakarian, the International President and son of our founder Demos Shakarian, invited Malaysia to be reaffiliated to International. With our reaffiliation Richard and his international team visited Malaysia after the convention.
Governance revised after reaffiliation
The Handbook was again revised to improve the governance processes and also to take into consideration our reaffiliation to International. Our National President, by virtue of his position, may be appointed as an International Director by the International President. All other appointments of our leaders by FGBMFI international must have the approval and recommendation of our National Board. The National President was appointed to a renewable term of three years and other leaders to a renewable term of two years.
Forty years, celebrated at the Majestic
The Fellowship celebrated its 40th Anniversary in style on May 24th with a Gala Dinner at the iconic Majestic Hotel, Kuala Lumpur. About 670 people gathered for a night of fellowship, fun and feasting. Members and their wives from various parts of the globe, together with pastors, friends and well-wishers graced the evening. A new corporate video was launched together with a new official FGB song.
Term limits introduced
The term limit of nine years on the National President was introduced. The term limit on other leadership positions was limited to eight years in the same position. The roles of the Governing Council and the national Board were further clarified. The process for the appointment of the National President by the Governing Council was specified.
Malaysia hosts the International Directors’ Meeting
In February, Malaysia as honoured with the responsibility of organizing the FGBMFI international Directors meeting at the Majestic Hotel, Kuala Lumpur. We had the honour of witnessing the election of our new International President: Francis Owusu from Ghana. 36 International Directors from 19 nations joined the meeting in person, the rest through Zoom. The meeting received enthusiastic response from all delegates and ended with a farewell dinner. Concurrently an Asia/Pacific Leaders meeting was held at the same location. Leaders from national ministries regardless of international affiliation were invited.
A National President appointed by consensus
Fong Hoong Heng's tenure closed after four terms spanning twelve years. The National Board put forward two names for the succession — Peter Desmond Wee and Samuel Tan — and the vote was tied. The Governing Council resolved it through the Fellowship's 5 Cs consensus-building process, appointing Peter Desmond Wee as National President for the 2024–2026 term.
The DCDM Vision is born
The Fellowship counted 82 chapters at the start of the year, but their internal health told another story: by year's end 13 had been converted into prayer groups and one had closed, leaving 69 active. Out of a season of prayer over that decline came DCDM — Double Chapters, Double Members. Conceived not as a numerical campaign but as a strategy for renewal, it was carried by a committee under Dato’ Peter Chin and focused on chapter planting, reactivating dormant groups, leadership development and recruitment.
A record two years of evangelistic events
Across the National President’s first two years the Fellowship held 60 evangelistic events — 35 in 2024 and 25 in 2025 — drawing more than 10,000 attendees between them. The published Impact Reports record 941 salvations and 394 rededications over the two years, alongside 1,013 responses to the altar call in 2024.
The Governing Council becomes the Council of Elders
The Governing Council was renamed the Council of Elders in this edition of the Handbook. The process for appointment of National President was also amended. Although the ultimate decision is vested in the Council of Elders there remained the desire to involve the National Board in the process. The process allows the National Board to nominate and recommend the candidate to the Council for appointment. The legal, operational and legal structures were explained even more clearly.
Chapters and membership turn the corner
Eleven new or reinstated chapters were formed in 2025 and five more by February 2026, in both English and Chinese. Membership rose from 612 in 2024 to 692 in 2025, and to 717 by early 2026 — a clear reversal from decline to recovery, and the first fruit of the DCDM Vision. A further 34 chapters are targeted across Malaysia for 2026–2027.
Men’s Camp, and the launch of Ladies of The Fellowship
One hundred and eighty-eight men gathered at the Royale Chulan, Seremban from 15–17 January for three days of fellowship, worship and renewal, with Sr Pr Dato’ Dr Daniel Ho, Rev Abel Cheah, Joescher Chee, Dato’ Seri Idris Jala and Pr Leon Jala speaking on purpose, leadership and transformation. The camp drew next-generation leaders alongside long-serving members, and saw the historic launch of Ladies of The Fellowship (LoTF) — open to the wives of FGB brothers, under National Coordinator Elisa Wee.
Hope is where the heart is
FGB Malaysia wants to spread our message of hope and compassion. We believe that a single action can make a difference in the community, and that collective action can greatly impact the world. Through advocacy and outreach, our chapters work each week to contribute their part to the greater good.