October 06

John Broadwood was a Scottish entrepreneur who established one of the most important piano manufacturing firms in Europe. In 1774, he partnered with harpsichord maker Burkat Shudi to create the firm that would innovate piano design and sound. His instruments attracted commissions from musicians and composers, including Haydn and Beethoven. Broadwood expanded production, improved action mechanisms, and popularized the modern grand piano. His legacy endures through the continued operation of Broadwood pianos, which remain prized by performers around the world.

James McGill was a Scottish-born fur trader and landowner who became one of the wealthiest merchants in Montreal. In 1812, he bequeathed his estate and land for the creation of a university, leading to the foundation of McGill University. His philanthropy and vision for higher education transformed Montreal into an academic center in Canada. McGill’s worldly connections and commercial success reflect the economic growth of British North America. Today, the university bearing his name is recognized globally for research and innovation, cementing his legacy in education.

George Westinghouse was a visionary American industrialist and engineer of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He founded the Westinghouse Air Brake Company in 1869 after inventing a safer, more efficient railway braking system. Westinghouse's innovations revolutionized railroad safety and accelerated the expansion of rail transport in North America. He later established the Westinghouse Electric Corporation, majoring in alternating current (AC) power systems and competing with Thomas Edison. His advocacy for AC led to its widespread adoption for long-distance electrical transmission. Westinghouse held hundreds of patents in fields ranging from electricity to mining equipment. His entrepreneurial spirit and technical acumen left a lasting impact on modern industry before his death in 1914.

Born in Johor Bahru in 1923, Robert Kuok built a business empire spanning sugar, palm oil, shipping, and hospitality. He founded the Kuok Group in the 1940s and launched Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts in 1971, creating one of Asia’s most recognized luxury hotel brands. Kuok's strategic investments across commodities and real estate made him one of Southeast Asia’s wealthiest individuals. He is also known for his philanthropic efforts in education and healthcare. Kuok's long-term vision continues to influence business practices across the region.

Born in 1949, Leslie Moonves began his career at the William Morris Agency before joining CBS in the mid-1990s. Rising through the ranks, he became chairman and CEO of CBS Corporation in 2003. Under his leadership, the network launched numerous hit television series and expanded its cable and digital offerings. Moonves was credited with revitalizing the network's programming lineup and driving substantial growth in ratings and revenue. Throughout his tenure, he shaped the modern television landscape, influencing both creative and business aspects of the industry.