Organising People: MLM and Sustainable Business Models

Solares IRS: Pioneering M.I.C.E. in Africa

When I first arrived in Mauritius in 2005, it wasn’t just the turquoise coastline or the gentle rhythm of Flic-en-Flac that drew me in—it was the possibility. A possibility to build something that went beyond real estate, something that could reshape the island’s economic horizon.

“I was commissioned to help lead the vision behind one of the first approved Integrated Resort Scheme (IRS) projects in the country, Solares IRS. From the beginning, the mission wasn’t simply to sell luxury housing units. The Cheekhooree Brothers, whose family legacy is rooted in generations of sugar cane farming, saw this land not only as a valuable inheritance, but as a platform for transformation. Together, we wanted to create an economic catalyst, a place that could attract ideas, investment, and people of influence.

The vision for Solares was bold and holistic. It wasn’t a single development, it was an ecosystem. The project blueprint included three casinos, a world-class shopping mall, concert halls, luxury hotels, and dedicated technology parks to attract digital and innovation-based enterprises. We also designed a hospital and medical centres, fully optimised for medical tourism, recognising Mauritius’s potential to become a regional wellness and recovery destination.

And because accessibility underpins inclusivity, we put in place an innovative island-wide transport arrangement. Visitors from all corners of Mauritius, whether from Port Louis, Curepipe, Mahébourg or Goodlands, could reach Solares with ease via a network of free shuttle buses. This was not just about convenience; it was about democratising access, ensuring that Solares belonged not only to those who could drive there, but to everyone who had a reason to participate, be it for work, entertainment, learning, or trade.

Of course, working within the IRS framework required a keen eye for practicality. With the scheme mandating that all residential units be priced at a minimum of USD 500,000, we had to ensure that value matched regulation. To make the equation work, for both investors and residents, we designed many of the apartments as dual-key units. This configuration allowed owners to maximise returns and flexibility: living in one section while renting the other, or accommodating extended family, guests, or caretakers without compromising privacy. It was a solution rooted in both economic logic and lifestyle adaptability.

That’s where M.I.C.E., Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions, came into focus for us. In the global tourism landscape, M.I.C.E. is a powerful force. It brings not just affluent travellers, but decision-makers, entrepreneurs, and global leaders. When done right, M.I.C.E. tourism turns a destination into a crossroads of innovation and influence.

Solares IRS was envisioned as more than a high-end development. We imagined a space where CEOs would retreat with their boards, where international delegates could meet under palm trees instead of sterile conference halls, and where ideas would be exchanged over Mauritian sunsets. A place where hospitality meets enterprise.

I’ve seen what M.I.C.E. can do when it’s integrated into the DNA of a place. Visitors don’t just come for a night, they extend their stays, bring families, explore the island, and invest. Every event becomes an opportunity for local chefs, artisans, musicians, and service providers to shine. And every delegate that leaves Mauritius carries a story, and often, a reason to return.

We wanted Solares to spark that cycle. The kind of place that draws conferences on sustainability, digital innovation, and African-Asian business cooperation. A venue where investors don’t just look at brochures, they walk the sugarcane fields, meet the people, and taste the culture.

The Cheekhooree Brothers understood this intuitively. They didn’t just want buildings on their ancestral land, they wanted legacy. And legacy, as we agreed, is built not on concrete, but on contribution.

That’s why we focused on integrating infrastructure that could support high-calibre events: multi-purpose pavilions, green-certified meeting spaces, curated gardens for private launches, and seamless access to regional airports. But beyond bricks and logistics, we prioritised storytelling, crafting an experience that positioned Mauritius not only as a postcard paradise, but as a serious, sophisticated hub for global dialogue.

One key takeaway from doing this project: it takes unity. True unity, between visionaries, landowners, policymakers, planners, and local communities. Without alignment among the key players and stakeholders, the potential falls apart. Determination is not a luxury in this line of work, it is a necessity. And yes, it takes guts. Guts to challenge old habits, to imagine differently, and to stay the course when the road bends more than expected.

M.I.C.E. within an IRS context, I’ve learned, is about more than hospitality. It’s about nation-building. It creates employment, demands talent, strengthens sectors like logistics and marketing, and elevates service standards across the board. When paired with strong local partnerships, like the one I found in the Cheekhooree family, it becomes a platform for shared prosperity.

And yes, the residences matter. But what gives those homes lasting value isn’t just the view, it’s the vibrancy of what happens around them: the conferences that inspire, the partnerships that take root, the events that bring the world a little closer to Mauritius.

For me, Solares isn’t just a project. It’s a belief that real estate can carry a soul. That development doesn’t have to be extractive, it can be expansive, inclusive, and deeply human. And it all began in 2005, with a vision shared by a few sugar cane farmers and a team of professionals, acting as dreamer from abroad...”

Democratising Education: Aeternum University

“We believe that a new university, through Project Aeternum, can be far more than a national institution. If we build it with clarity of purpose and bold vision, it can become a transformative force—democratising education not only for Malaysia, but for our region and the wider world. Our goal is to connect educational networks across ASEAN and the OIC. But we also see this university reaching beyond, serving China, India, and Africa—regions with growing populations and urgent educational needs. In doing so, Malaysia can help define a new, inclusive model of higher learning—rooted in access, equity, and global relevance.

This vision is made real through the dedication of its founder, Kee Siang Lim, whose role is nothing short of catalytic. As the architect of Project Aeternum, Kee Siang brings a rare combination of discipline, foresight, and deep compassion. He sees education not merely as a pathway to success, but as a force for justice and human upliftment. His vision is to create a university where no learner is left behind; where economic status, geography, or background never limits anyone’s potential to learn, grow, and contribute.

Kee Siang envisions a university grounded in Asian values, yet global in ambition. One that reflects the pluralistic spirit of Malaysia while serving as a launchpad for students from the Global South. Under his stewardship, Project Aeternum is designed to be lean but high-impact, committed to rigorous academic standards yet fuelled by digital innovation and meaningful institutional partnerships. His leadership rests on a simple, profound belief: education must be both excellent and accessible.

This vision arrives at the right moment. Across Southeast Asia, demand for higher education is rising fast. Many universities are already overcrowded. Rural and underprivileged students still face barriers—distance, cost, and lack of opportunity. We have spoken to countless individuals who long to learn, yet cannot afford the journey. With this new university, we can change that. We can deliver hybrid classes, harness online platforms, and establish satellite campuses beyond the cities. These efforts will help bring education to the very doorsteps of those who need it most.

But access alone is not enough. We see this university as an engine of economic growth. Universities generate employment, attract research funding, and spark entrepreneurial ecosystems. By focusing on emerging fields—such as renewable energy, artificial intelligence, and sustainable agriculture—we can align talent development with the needs of tomorrow’s industries. This will enhance Malaysia’s competitiveness on the global stage.

Yet a university is more than a place of study. It is a meeting ground of ideas, cultures, and leadership. Malaysia’s rich diversity grants us a unique advantage here. We want this university to reflect who we are—a truly multicultural institution. It must welcome students from every background and teach in Bahasa Malaysia, English, Mandarin, and Tamil. Our diversity is not simply a strength, it is a story we are proud to share with the world.

Malaysia has long played a leadership role within ASEAN. But we believe we are also ready to lead within the Islamic world. As an active member of the OIC, we can serve countries where access to quality education remains scarce. Project Aeternum can offer programmes in Islamic finance, halal industry development, and ethical leadership—areas where Malaysia already excels. We can open doors for students from nations like Indonesia, Pakistan, Egypt, and Nigeria—supporting them to build futures grounded in knowledge and innovation.

We also see extraordinary potential for South–South collaboration. By partnering with universities and ministries in fellow developing nations, we can co-create joint degrees, shared research agendas, and dynamic exchange programmes. Together, we can tackle common challenges such as climate change, food security, and digital inclusion. This is how we grow stronger—not through competition, but through collaboration.

Our reach must extend beyond the familiar. We believe Malaysia can become a centre for students from China, India, and across the African continent. These regions face surging demand for higher education, and many local institutions are under strain. Malaysia offers a compelling alternative: affordable, English-medium education, with global recognition and cultural alignment. We can play a vital role in human capital development in Africa. We can deepen academic ties with India and China. We can become trusted partners for the next generation of global leaders.

We also understand that education is more than credentials—it is diplomacy in action. Through Project Aeternum, we can host international conferences, cultural festivals, and student exchanges. We can foster peace, mutual understanding, and shared values. This is soft power at its most authentic, people connecting through learning.

For this university to succeed, it must be built for the future. It must be digital-first, equipped with robust online infrastructure and open-access resources. We must reach those who are remote, those who work, and those who live on the margins. We will offer flexible admissions, scholarships, and support for learners on non-traditional paths.

Industry collaboration will be vital. Our courses must align with the realities of the world beyond graduation. Our students must leave prepared—not just intellectually, but practically. Ready to adapt. Ready to lead.

Academically, our focus must be future-facing. We want this university to become a global leader in sustainability, climate science, food systems, and public health. Malaysia already holds expertise in these fields. We now have the chance to deepen it, to lead critical research, and to prepare future leaders for these urgent domains.

In building Project Aeternum, we are not merely creating a university. We are shaping a shared vision—for Malaysia, for our region, and for the world. A university that embodies our values, celebrates our diversity, and reflects our commitment to inclusive progress. And with Kee Siang Lim at the helm, as founder and visionary, we are not simply building a school; we are building a legacy. A global benchmark for education that is inclusive, forward-looking, and truly transformative...”

民主化教育: 永恆大學 Aeternum University

“我們相信, 一所嶄新的大學, 透過 ‘永恆計畫’ Project Aeternum, 能夠超越國家機構的界限, 成為一股深遠的改變力量。只要我們懷抱清晰的目標與堅定的遠見, 它就能推動教育民主化, 不僅為馬來西亞, 也為整個區域, 甚至更廣大的世界。我們的目標是連接東協 ASEAN 與伊斯蘭合作組織 OIC 之間的教育網絡, 但我們也看見這所大學能更進一步, 服務中國、印度與非洲, 這些地區人口迅速增長, 教育需求殷切。透過這個平台, 馬來西亞有機會定義一種全新的包容性高等教育模式, 以 ‘可及性’、’公平性’ 與 ‘全球關聯性’ 為核心的教育典範。

這個願景得以實現, 來自於創辦人林其祥 Kee Siang Lim 的奉獻與推動, 他的角色無疑是整個計畫的催化劑。作為 ‘永恆計畫’ 的設計者, 林其祥具備罕見的紀律、遠見與深切的人文關懷。他視教育不僅是通往成功的道路, 更是一種正義的力量, 一種提升人類尊嚴的工具。他的願景, 是建立一所 ‘不遺落任何一位學習者’ 的大學, 一所不讓經濟地位、地理限制或出身背景成為障礙的學府。

林其祥所構想的大學, 根植於亞洲價值, 卻擁有全球視野。他希望這所大學能反映馬來西亞多元文化的精神, 同時成為全球南方國家學生的啟程平台。在他的領導下, ‘永恆計畫’ 將採取精簡高效的策略, 堅守嚴謹的學術標準, 同時結合數位創新與機構夥伴合作。他的領導信念很簡單, 也很深刻: 教育必須既卓越, 又可及。

這樣的時機來得恰到好處。整個東南亞對高等教育的需求迅速攀升, 許多大學已經人滿為患。來自鄉村與弱勢社群的學生仍面臨重重障礙, 距離遙遠、費用高昂、機會稀缺。我們遇過無數渴望學習的人, 卻因為無法負擔而被迫放棄夢想。透過這所新大學, 我們可以改變現狀。我們將提供混合式課程、活用線上學習平台, 並在大城市以外設立衛星校區, 讓教育真正進入每一個需要它的社群。

但只有可及性還不夠。我們也視這所大學為經濟發展的引擎。大學能創造就業、吸引研究經費, 並啟動創新與創業的生態系。若我們聚焦於未來產業, 如再生能源、人工智慧、永續農業等領域, 我們就能培養契合未來需求的人才, 進一步提升馬來西亞在全球的競爭力。

然而, 一所大學的價值, 遠超過學術研究或職涯訓練。它是思想、文化與領導力交匯的所在。馬來西亞豐富的多元文化, 正賦予我們得天獨厚的優勢。我們希望這所大學能充分反映我們的身份, 真正包容多元的學府。它應歡迎所有背景的學生, 並使用馬來語、英語、華語與淡米爾語進行教學。我們的多樣性不只是優勢, 更是我們與世界分享的故事。

馬來西亞長期在東協擔任教育領導者的角色。我們也相信, 我們已準備好在伊斯蘭世界中扮演更重要的角色。作為 OIC 的活躍成員, 我們有能力支援那些教育資源不足的國家。’永恆計畫’ 將開設伊斯蘭金融、清真產業發展、倫理領導等課程, 這些領域正是馬來西亞所擅長的。我們可以為印尼、巴基斯坦、埃及與奈及利亞等國的學生開啟知識與創新的大門。

同時, 我們也看見 ‘南南合作’ 的巨大潛力。透過與其他發展中國家的大學與教育部門合作, 我們可以共同開設雙聯學位、啟動合作研究與學生交流計畫。我們可以一同面對氣候變遷、糧食安全與數位包容等全球挑戰。我們的成長, 來自於合作, 而非競爭。

我們的觸角不應止步於熟悉的區域。我們相信, 馬來西亞可以成為中國、印度與整個非洲大陸學生的學習中心。這些地區對高等教育的需求日益增加, 而當地教育體系正承受巨大壓力。馬來西亞提供一個具吸引力的選擇, 學費合理、英文授課、全球認可, 並擁有文化上的親和力。我們可以協助非洲培養人力資本, 深化與中印兩國的學術連結, 成為下一代可信賴的教育夥伴。

我們也深知, 教育不只是學歷與就業, 它更是一種外交實踐。透過 ‘永恆計畫’, 我們能舉辦國際會議、文化節與交流活動, 促進和平、理解與共享價值觀。這是最具意義的軟實力, 透過學習建立人與人之間的連結。

要讓這所大學真正成功, 我們必須為未來而建。它必須具備強大的數位基礎設施與開放學習資源。我們要觸及偏鄉學生、在職成人與處於社會邊緣的學習者。我們將提供彈性的入學制度、獎學金與支持機制, 讓每條學習道路都被看見、被接納。

產業合作亦不可或缺。我們的課程必須貼近市場現實, 讓學生不僅具備知識, 更具備實務能力與適應變化的韌性。

在學術上, 我們將聚焦於未來所需的領域。我們希望這所大學能在永續發展、氣候科學、糧食體系與公共健康領域成為全球領航者。馬來西亞在這些領域已有深厚的基礎, 現在正是深化、突破與領導的時機。

在打造  ‘永恆計畫’ 的過程中, 我們不只是創建一所大學。我們是在形塑一個願景, 為馬來西亞、為這個區域、也為世界。我們希望這所大學能展現我們的價值、擁抱我們的多元, 並實踐我們對包容性進步的承諾。有林其祥作為創辦人與靈魂人物的引領, 我們不只是在建造一所學校；我們正在締造一段傳承, 一個具備包容性、前瞻性與全球影響力的教育典範...”