For Riady, whose interview was published in the latest issue of Vantage Point, a publication of Eagles Communications, the financial crisis has also been more of a blessing because it drove him to the place of prayer and meditation of God’s Word.

The billionaire magnate also does not believe in taking the easy way out. For him, the path of faith is fraught with testing rather than being a comfortable road of embracing the attractions along the way, which he defined as temptation.

“There is a difference between testing and temptation," he said. "Temptation is when we want to find an easy way and later we will have problems. Testing is different. It is from God and usually it comes in the form of difficult times, hard work, and so on.

"That is why when we face a problem or crisis, testing and temptation come at the same time. It has to do with our mindset. We keep thinking: can we find an easy way? What is the quickest way to solve something?

"Very often, the quick way is not the right way. It may look good at first but it will give us problems later. We have to keep learning and improving ourselves because our environment is constantly changing.”

With that, he encouraged people to look for new opportunities even in the midst of the recession and also gave a word of comfort, noting that the present crisis will not last forever but is part of an economic cycle with a certain, limited lifespan.

Founded by his father Dr Mochtar Riady, the Lippo group - which consists of devout Christians who believe in honouring God for their business successes - contributes to a variety of causes, particularly education and religion, according to a Business Times report.

It donated $21 million to NUS Business School, $15 million of which went to support the Mochtar Riady Building and $6 million to create two distinguished professorships. The group gives to various churches and schools in Indonesia, Hong Kong, China and Vietnam.

“We set aside millions each year,” said Riady. “And every year it is increasing.”