Steel Recon Industries Marks Half a Century of Malaysian Pride at 50th Anniversary Gala

Steel Recon Industries (SRI), Malaysia’s largest manufacturer of firefighting equipment, proudly commemorated its 50th anniversary with a grand gala dinner at the prestigious St. Regis Hotel Kuala Lumpur.

This milestone event honoured five decades of innovation, leadership, and unwavering commitment to leading the fight against fire, solidifying the company’s reputation as a globally recognised Malaysian-made brand for its high-quality products.

A significant moment of the evening was the presentation of a RM50,000 cheque to Persatuan Kebajikan Jabatan Bomba dan Penyelemat Malaysia by Dato’ Ong Yow Siang, Founder and Managing Director to YAS Dato’ Ts. Nor Hisham Bin Mohammad, Director-General, Fire & Rescue Department, symbolising SRI’s ongoing commitment to social responsibility and community impact.

The gala’s theme, ‘50 years of Leading the Fight Against Fire’, reflected SRI’s dedication to safeguarding lives and its pivotal contributions to some of the world’s iconic landmarks, including Darling Harbour (Australia), Allianz Arena (Germany), Petronas Twin Towers, KLIA1 and 2, Tun Razak Exchange (TRX), and the Istana Negara, to name a few.

In his opening address, Dato’ Ong Yow Siang expressed his gratitude, “In the 1960s, we saw an urgent need to build a safer and more self-reliant Malaysia. At the time, firefighting equipment was entirely imported, placing a heavy financial burden on property owners and draining our nation’s resources.

This inspired us to take action, and in 1974, SRI was born. Although our early years were challenging, the industrial boom of the 1980s allowed us to harness local expertise and expand into manufacturing a full range of firefighting products.

Today, I am proud to say that SRI has become a symbol of Malaysian innovation and resilience, dedicated to protecting lives and property both locally and globally.

This celebration of 50 years in business is not merely about reflecting on our achievements; it is a moment to honour the unwavering support of our employees, business partners, and customers who have been integral to our journey,” added Dato’ Ong Yow Siang.

YB Tuan Nga Kor Ming, Minister of Housing and Local Government, unable to attend in person, shared a video message congratulating SRI on its golden jubilee. He praised SRI for being a pioneer in Malaysia’s firefighting industry, the first to export firefighting equipment overseas, and the only Malaysian manufacturer holding certifications and approvals from over 20 international regulatory bodies.

He commended SRI for its commitment to protecting lives and properties over the past 50 years. The evening also honoured 34 employees whose service spanned 10 to 50 years. The first long-service award of the night was presented to Mr Tan Jee Yee, Works Director, who has been with the company for an exceptional 50 years.

Mr. Tan shared his heartfelt reflections, “SRI has been more than a workplace—it’s a place where I’ve grown both professionally and personally. I started working here as a teenager, and now, in my sixties, I continue to contribute to the company with pride.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of raising my own family, watching my children grow, and now even having grandchildren, all while being part of an organisation that values its people as its greatest asset. It’s truly fulfilling to be part of a company that feels like family and continues to make a difference in people’s lives.”

Beyond its employees, SRI also expressed heartfelt gratitude to its valued business partners and customers whose trust and collaboration have been instrumental in shaping the company’s success.

SRI products are widely used in critical applications around the world, including airports, petrochemical plants, manufacturing facilities, airplane hangars, stadiums, and hotels.

The gala dinner featured captivating performances, including a high-energy set by Malaysian rock legend Amy Search and a soulful act by the Shang Sisters, leaving the audience enthralled.