From the latest list provided by Forbes, we introduce you to the Top 10 Wealthiest Malaysian Entrepreneurs for 2021! These are the nation’s richest whose collective wealth rose to nearly US$90 billion (RM371 billion) in spite of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic which ravaged the nation’s economy since early 2020.
Our list of the richest entrepreneurs from Malaysia include:
1. Tan Sri Robert Kuok
This business magnate is the oldest and the richest! Standing at a net worth of US$12.2 billion (RM50.4 billion), this tycoon presides over a property and commodities empire, the Kuok Group.
Along with being the founder of the Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts chain, Robert even has a unique side to him! A philosopher, he has a flair for philosophy especially on matters of business decisions.
Wealth should be used for two main purposes.
One: for the generation of greater wealth.
Two: part of your wealth should be applied to the betterment of mankind.
2. Tan Sri Quek Leng Chan
Next on the list is the man at the value of US$9.6 billion (RM39.7 billion), the executive chairman of the privately held Hong Leong Co. (Malaysia) which interests lie in finance, food, and property.
A high risk taker in businesses, Quek is a gambler who always win, coming out in many instant victorious.
3. Tan Sri Koon Poh Keong & Siblings
Taking 3rd spot of the richest is not one but five people and all siblings too! This uncanny powerhouse family lead by Koon Poh Keong, are worth at US$6.4 billion (RM26.5 billion).
They have founded what we known today as Southeast Asia’s largest integrated aluminium producer, Press Metal Aluminium Holdings. Banding together since 1986, these siblings have came a long way to where they are now.
4. Tan Sri Ananda Krishnan
4th on the list is the self-made billionaire, Ananda Krishnan! This zealous tycoon has built up his net worth to US$5.8 billion (RM23.9 billion).
The CEO of Usaha Tegas Group Holdings, Ananda have business interests throughout telecom outfit Maxis, media firm Astro Malaysia Holdings, and oilfield services provider Bumi Armada.
5. Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Dr Teh Hong Piow
Commanding a net worth of US$5.5 billion (RM22.7 billion), is the man who started Malaysian banking behemoth, Public Bank. Teh is now retired as a nonexecutive chairman who still has substantial stakes in the bank as well as in the listed insurance business LPI Capital.
Teh was even crowned once with the title of the Greatest Malaysian Banker of All Time by the Asia-Pacific Brands Foundation.
6. Dato’ Lee Yeow Chor & Lee Yeow Seng
Claiming 6th spot on the list is the 2 brothers from the 2nd-generation rich of IOI Group. Together, they are valued at US$4.9 billion (RM20.3 billion).
The palm oil and property empire is built by their father, the late Lee Shin Cheng. The eldest, Yeow Chor is the group managing director and chief executive of IOI Corporation. While on the other hand, Yeow Seng is the executive vice-chairman of IOI Properties.
7. Kuan Kam Hon
With a net worth of US$3.8 billion (RM15.7 billion), is the founder and chairman of Hartalega Holdings, Kuan Kam Hon.
They are one of the world’s largest producers of nitrile rubber which host an annual production capacity of 40 billion gloves. Hartalega has even more than doubled their shares due to the increase in demand during the Covid-19 pandemic.
8. Tan Sri Dr Lim Wee Chai
The one to occupy the next spot is Lim Wee Chai, the founder of Top Glove Corporation which he started along side with his wife. He is valued at US$3.5 billion (RM14.5 billion).
His company is one of the world’s largest producers of rubber gloves. They have over 50 factories with an annual capacity of 100 billion gloves made.
9. Tan Sri Dr Chen Lip Keong
The 9th richest man in Malaysia is our own casino tycoon, Chen Lip Keong! The Founder and CEO of the first casino company listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange, NagaCorp, Chen is valued at US$3.4 billion (RM14.1 billion).
The billionaire is also the first person to have won Cambodia’s casino license. As such, even the first to do business principally in Cambodia.
10. Tan Yu Yeh & Yu Wei
Lastly, the 10th spot is taken by the brothers, Yu Yeh and Yu Wei! Both of them are valued at US$2.7 billion (RM11.2 billion).
The Tans has gotten their wealth through the starting of Mr. D.I.Y, a home improvement retail chain which the eldest has founded. The company was listed on the Malaysian stock exchange recently which made the siblings both billionaires.
