Our History
From a small lunch fellowship in Kuala Lumpur in 1978 to 76 chapters across Malaysia today. Built over four 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 1980, 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.
Four decades, six leaders, 76 chapters
A lunch fellowship begins
A small band of Christian businessmen start weekly Abundant Life Centre lunches in Kuala Lumpur. The seed of a national marketplace ministry is planted.
Formally chartered by Demos Shakarian
Under Dr Peter (Abraham) Tong, the Malaysian ministry is chartered as Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship Malaysia by FGBMFI Founder President Demos Shakarian. Founding members include Tan Sri Khoo Kay Peng, Dr Joy Seevaratnam, Ang Chui Lai, Timothy Phua, and Michael Cheng. The first chapter opens on Jalan Ampang.
Chapters multiply, a national vision forms
Chapters spread to Penang, Melaka, Ipoh, Kuala Trengganu, and Seremban. The Malaysian chapters meet in Kuala Lumpur and resolve to form a national body to coordinate the ministry.
The National Board is born
FGB Malaysia’s first official National Board is formed: Dr Tong as National President, Bro Devaraj as National Secretary, Bro Timothy Phua as National Treasurer. The ministry is now organised for nationwide growth.
A new generation takes the helm
Dr Tong, founder of FGB Malaysia, is called home to glory on 10 December 2004. Bro Lee Gee Koon takes over as National President in January 2005. He retires on 31 December 2008 but remains on the Governing Council. Bro Tan Tek Seng, a business owner, is appointed as his successor.
2012 — 2024A decade of growth under Fong Hoong Heng
In September 2012, Bro Tan Tek Seng retires and Bro Fong Hoong Heng, a Chartered Accountant, is appointed National President by the Governing Council. He leads the ministry through more than a decade of steady growth — chapters multiplying across the country, the fellowship passing 76 groups meeting weekly.
2024 — presentA new president takes the helm
Bro Peter Desmond Wee, an Advocate and Solicitor in the High Court of Malaya specialising in Intellectual Property law, was appointed National President. The work continues — still meeting weekly, still wrestling with faith and the marketplace, still building forward.
2026 — 2029President designate
Bro David Yap, National Director for International Relations, is President Designate for the 2026–2029 term.
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.