Royal Selangor: The art of family diplomacy
One of Malaysia’s oldest businesses and most recognizable brands, Royal Selangor has a history of family conflict and company break-ups. In the past few decades, it has overcome this legacy by establishing a set of family institutions. The quest for family harmony is also mirrored in Royal Selangor’s growth strategy: The company has drawn on goodwill on the part of the Malaysia’s monarchical rulers, and has consistently supported the country’s push into international tourism, high-end manufacturing and luxury retail.
In regions such as Southeast Asia, family-controlled companies have not only played an important business role but have also acted as agents of broader social, economic and nation-building change. This case belongs to a series of company cases that exemplify best practices in family, ownership, succession and business governance. It illustrates the unique perspectives that leading family-owned and family-controlled businesses in emerging markets in Asia bring to global learning on family business. It invites participants to learn about local family firms and understand their view on shaping positive and sustainable visions for the future, anchored in an increasingly global environment.
Royal Selangor, Consumer Goods, Luxury Goods and Jewelry, Manufacturing
2013
Cranfield University
Wharley End Beds MK43 0JR, UK
Tel +44 (0)1234 750903
Email [email protected]
Harvard Business School Publishing
60 Harvard Way, Boston MA 02163, USA
Tel (800) 545-7685 Tel (617)-783-7600
Fax (617) 783-7666
Email [email protected]
NUCB Business School
1-3-1 Nishiki Naka
Nagoya Aichi, Japan 460-0003
Tel +81 52 20 38 111
Email [email protected]
IMD retains all proprietary interests in its case studies and notes. Without prior written permission, IMD cases and notes may not be reproduced, used, translated, included in books or other publications, distributed in any form or by any means, stored in a database or in other retrieval systems. For additional copyright information related to case studies, please contact Case Services.
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Though often invoked as a source of continuity, identity, and strategy, legacy remains conceptually underdeveloped and practically elusive. Leaders frequently grapple with how to preserve what matters from the past while enabling renewal, especial...
This article examines the role of businesses and managers in driving sustainable development, with a focus on family firms. Drawing on the mixed gamble perspective, we compare the progress of family and non-family firms toward achieving SDG 7 (aff...
Maurizio Sella, historic president of Banca Sella Holding, Cavaliere del Lavoro and Cavaliere di Gran Croce, has passed away at the age of 83. For almost sixty years, he worked in the company founded by his ancestors in 1886, helping to transform ...
In family businesses, philanthropy is no longer an occasional gesture ‘from the heart’ left to the initiative of a few, but a deliberate and shared choice that strengthens cohesion, identity and the ability to generate impact. In other words, the ...
Family businesses are the backbone of the Italian economy, accounting for around 85% of all companies. Despite their importance, they face a challenge in generational transition that is so critical that it has given rise to common beliefs that hav...
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
in Academy of Management Perspectives 18 December 2025, ePub before print, https://doi.org/10.5465/amp.2025.0240
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
IMD Global Family Business Center, December 2025
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
in Review of Managerial Science 25 November 2025, ePub before print, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11846-025-00960-4
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
in We Wealth November 2025, issue 84
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications