SMU’s Founding Chairman Ho Kwon Ping is celebrated for his contributions to both academia and business. As the Founder and Executive Chairman of Banyan Tree Holdings, he emphasises that true leadership requires earning and maintaining respect, a principle he highlights in his new book, "Behind The Banyan: Ho Kwon Ping On Building A Global Brand." The book launch was held at SMU on 21 May. He founded and led SMU as Chairman for 25 years, and was the Institute of Policy Studies’ first S R Nathan Fellow for the Study of Singapore. For his contributions to Singapore, Mr Ho is among a small group of people to receive both the Meritorious Service Medal and the Distinguished Service Order. He hopes his book will inspire more stories of local entrepreneurs to come.