Top 10 Malaysian Leaders & Icons 2024

Malaysia has seen the emergence of numerous exemplary individuals who have gone above and beyond, achieving remarkable success. These exceptional leaders and icons have faced every hurdle with unwavering resolve, demonstrating their exceptional leadership abilities. In recognition of these iconic figures, let’s take a closer look at 10 role models who have brought immense pride to Malaysia.

Datuk Redzuawan Bin Ismail (Chef Wan)

Speaking of icons, who better to start with than Malaysia’s very own celebrity chef and culinary icon none other than Datuk Dr. Redzuawan bin Ismail, famously known as Chef Wan! Prior to his successful career as a chef and TV personality, he worked as an accountant for seven years. However, he couldn’t ignore his burning desire to showcase the flavors of Malaysian cuisine and indulge in his love for cooking. Fast forward twenty years, Chef Wan has now become a household name, by being one of Malaysia’s most celebrated chefs and respected TV personalities. 

Achievements

As the food ambassador for Tourism Malaysia, Chef Wan has been a familiar face on international food television shows for over twenty years. His culinary prowess has even attracted the attention of prominent individuals like the Sultan of Brunei and Bill Clinton. Chef Wan, a culinary expert who honed his skills in the bustling kitchens of New York and Paris, has become a global sensation. His passion for cooking and his unique Malaysian flavors make him truly one-of-a-kind.

This year, he created a buzz with the opening of the third location of his growing restaurant chain, “De.Wan 1958 by Chef Wan,” at Bangsar Shopping Centre. The restaurant offers a delicious array of Malaysian cuisine with a modern twist. The first branch at The LINC Kuala Lumpur is renowned for its peaceful and cheerful ambiance, embodying Chef Wan’s personality. It’s an ideal spot for weddings and corporate events. It is an undeniable fact that he’s the most celebrated chef in the country.  Recently, Chef Wan was honored with the Food Ambassador Award and crowned Master Chef of the Year at the World Top Gourmet Awards.

From an accountant to a celebrity chef to even a successful business owner, Chef Wan has conquered it all!

Michelle Yeoh

It’s impossible to create a list of Malaysian icons without mentioning the incredible Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh. She’s undoubtedly the most prominent Malaysian figure in the film industry, and her fame is here to stay!

Achievements

Before her blockbuster career in the movie world, Michelle was gracing the stage as a ballerina while enrolled in the Royal Academy of Dance in London.  Sadly, a back injury put an end to her ambitions of becoming a professional ballet dancer. In 1983, she clinched the prestigious Miss Malaysia World crown before making her breakthrough in the film “Yes, Madam” alongside Jackie Chan. Michelle’s undeniable talent in the industry was evident, and the rest, as they say, is history. She is known for her exceptional skills as one of the top female action movie stars. She is particularly famous for executing her risky stunts.

In addition to her action prowess, she has received praise for her acting abilities. The film industry’s reigning queen, Michelle Yeoh, was finally bestowed with her first Oscar Award in 2023 for her exceptional performance in “Everything Everywhere All at Once“. She made history by becoming the first Asian actress to win the Academy Award for Best Actress category. Her incredible career further strengthened her fame as a living icon, and the years to come will cherish her lasting legacy. 

Lee Chong Wei

Datuk Lee Chong Wei, born on October 21, 1982, is a former player of badminton from Malaysia. Growing up in Perak, Lee Chong Wei had a burning desire to play basketball as a child. Thankfully, his parents stepped in and advised against it, concerned about the scorching heat. They successfully persuaded him to take up badminton instead of basketball.

Achievements

With time passing by, Badminton turned into his ultimate love and he eventually grabbed the interest of badminton legend, Misbun Sidek. This led to Chong Wei joining the national team at the tender age of 17. In 2003, he competed in the Malaysian Open and reached the final, but unfortunately, he had to settle for second place. However, this loss only fueled his hunger for success, and the very following year he won his first two crowns.

Chong Wei’s Olympic journey has been remarkable, earning him three silver medals. He joins the prestigious list of only six Malaysians who have won an Olympic medal. In 2008, he made a groundbreaking achievement by becoming the first Malaysian to reach the finals in the men’s singles event and secured a silver medal, setting a new benchmark for Malaysian athletes.

Following a tough battle with nose cancer and subsequent health challenges, Lee announced his retirement on 13 June 2019. He was later selected as Malaysia’s chef de mission for the 2020 Summer Olympics.

After an impressive career, Chong Wei was honored with a spot in the Badminton World Federation Hall of Fame, sharing the stage with his Chinese rival Lin Dan, a true icon in the sport. They famously met in the Olympic finals twice. For 349 weeks, Chong Wei dominated the singles rankings, enjoying a remarkable 199-week streak from August 21, 2008, to June 14, 2012. It is a feat that will be hard to surpass anytime soon.

Chong Wei’s exceptional prowess in badminton has firmly established him as one of the premier athletes in the sport. His impressive achievements over the years have resulted in him being recognized with the prestigious title Datuk and hailed as a national hero by the Malaysian Prime Minister, Dato’ Sri Najib Razak. 

Khairul Aming Kamarulzaman  

Not your typical overnight success story! Khairul Aming Kamarulzaman, popularly recognized as “Khairul Aming” on the internet, is a content creator who primarily focuses on food content and sharing his recipes. 

At the age of 20, he took the next step in his academic journey by enrolling in Mechanical Engineering at Vanderbilt University in the United States. Fueling his passion for photography and videography, he acquired his first DSLR camera at the age of 21. His skills were truly exceptional, as he won a travel video contest during his semester break, earning an impressive US$5000 (approximately RM24,000 in today’s currency) for his captivating documentation of his journey across the United States.

Despite lacking any prior background in food manufacturing and FMCG production, he fearlessly took on the challenge of developing his first product – a Sambal. Personally managing every aspect, from R&D to production and logistics, he also invested a considerable amount of his savings. Unfortunately, his hopes for triumph turned into disappointment as the sambal did not sell.

Achievements

His journey to stardom kicked off in 2018 when he started posting daily videos of his culinary creations. Initially, he had a modest following of around 800, but little did he anticipate skyrocketing to an impressive 4 million. He’s the mastermind behind those awesome video recipes that he uploads on his Facebook page, RasaPop.

In the era of influencers, he boldly stepped into the spotlight. Instead of a regular recipe video, it turned into a recipe video by @KhairulAming. His audience moved from trusting RasaPop to adoring him, @KhairulAming. His charming personality and quirky recipe demonstrations captured the hearts of all. Fans eagerly await the arrival of his popular video series, “30 Hari, 30 Resepi,” which showcases 30 creative recipe ideas for the entire month of Ramadhan. The @KhairulAming brand has flourished, attracting a staggering 8.4 million followers across all social channels. Their videos consistently achieve over a million views, showcasing their widespread popularity. 

At the beginning of 2021, he started executing his initial business strategy by offering more products to his customers. He introduced “Sambal Nyet Berapi”, a revamped version of his first product “Sambal King” with RasaPop.  Achieving remarkable success, the business achieved RM1 million in sales in just 3 months. His tweet revealing the revenue received over 73,000 likes, demonstrating the strong backing from his audience. Within a year, the business expanded to RM14 million in revenue, prompting the opening of a second production facility. He hit a milestone in 2022, making RM21.5 million in sales from 1.5 million jars of “Sambal Nyet Berapi”. On top of that, he received accolades for being the Best New Seller and offering the Best Customer Service at Shopee Seller Summit 2023. Khairul’s exceptional talent and popularity led to him being named the Creator Of The Year in the People’s Choice category at the TikTok Awards MY 2023, as determined by the votes of the public.

Khairul Aming’s journey from starting small to becoming a sambal tycoon in Malaysia is truly inspiring. Success doesn’t happen overnight; it’s a long journey. To master his skills and pursue his passion, he needed persistence and a whole lot of patience. He’s proof that hard work can transform your passion into a career. Only when he achieved considerable success did he decide to quit his job. Even as a side hustle, he’s fully committed and giving it his all, working tirelessly. It’s amazing how passion and determination can take you to unimaginable heights!

Dato’ Sri Siti Nurhaliza Binti Tarudin

Dato’ Sri Siti Nurhaliza Tarudin is hailed as Malaysia’s entertainment royalty, adored by a wide range of fans. Her exceptional singing prowess and amiable nature have endeared her to Malaysians, especially the younger demographic. Rising to fame at a young age, she has become an influential figure in the music industry, inspiring millions of fans to pursue their dreams as artists.

Brace yourself for the story of this extraordinary lady who hails from Kuala Lipis, Pahang, but was born in the neighboring town of Temerloh. Singing has been her forte since her school days, and she actively participated in various contests at both district and state levels. Her career took off in 1995 when her debut single “Jerat Percintaan” became a massive hit, propelling her to fame. Adding to her achievements the journey to stardom truly began when she emerged victorious in the renowned singing competition ‘Bintang HMI‘ organized by Radio Television Malaysia (RTM) in 1995. Since then, she has been on an unstoppable ascent, reaching new heights with each milestone.

Achievements

An unforgettable moment in her career was when she graced the stage at the Commonwealth Games closing ceremony in 1998, entertaining none other than Queen Elizabeth herself. Over time, she graced international arenas with her solo concerts and shows in various Asian countries, including a memorable performance at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall in London in 2005.

Garnering a huge fan base on Instagram, she has not only gained recognition for her heavenly vocals but has also made a significant impact in the Malaysian cosmetic industry with the establishment of her company “SimplySiti“.

Dato’ Sri Siti Nurhaliza, adept in social media, consistently keeps abreast of the latest developments in Asia’s entertainment sphere. With a fanbase of 9.1 million on Instagram, she keeps her finger on the pulse by engaging with her followers. In addition to that, she also has her own YouTube channel, which has gained over one million subscribers since it was launched in January 2017.

Throughout her career, Siti Nurhaliza has been recognized with numerous awards, from local to global recognition. These include prestigious accolades like the Anugerah Industri Muzik (AIM) Awards, the Anugerah Bintang Popular Awards, and even the MTV Asia Awards.

Siti has then gone on to win awards and grow her music business “Siti Nurhaliza Productions” to the very top of the industry while performing all over the world. The voice of the nation, Siti will go down in Malaysia’s history as one of the best vocalists of her time.

May her business prosper and her kind-heartedness enable her to carry on with her philanthropic efforts!

Jeffrey Cheah Fook Ling

Tan Sri Sir Dr. Jeffrey Cheah, the visionary behind Sunway Group, has established himself as a prominent figure in Southeast Asia. With 13 business divisions spanning over 50 locations worldwide, Sunway Group has become a leading conglomerate in the region. Cheah is a highly influential figure known for his dedication to education, healthcare, and sustainable development.

Jeffrey Cheah was born in Pusing, a tiny town in Perak, Malaysia. He made his way to Australia to pursue a business degree at Victoria University (formerly Footscray Institute of Technology) in Melbourne. After finishing his studies, he returned to Malaysia and took on a job as an accountant at a motor assembly plant. Not long after, he decided to branch out on his own. In 1974, he established a tin-mining company with a starting capital of RM100,000. Today, Sunway Group is recognized as one of Malaysia’s top conglomerates.

Achievements

Tan Sri Sir Dr. Jeffrey Cheah is well-known for transforming Sunway City Kuala Lumpur into a self-sustaining neighborhood and creating the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation, which is Malaysia’s biggest education-focused social enterprise. The newly established Sunway Sanctuary is a fresh take on retirement communities for the elderly, offering luxurious living spaces, outstanding amenities, tailored senior activities, and top-notch healthcare.

With three-time recognition as a Forbes Asia Hero of Philanthropy, he embodies a strong passion for education, healthcare, and sustainability. He is the visionary behind Sunway City Kuala Lumpur, a self-sufficient township that encompasses three universities, an international school, a public primary and secondary school, and a world-class medical center.

The Jeffrey Cheah Foundation, established by Cheah, manages Sunway Education Group under a non-profit model. It has provided RM670 million in scholarships and set up chairs at renowned universities such as the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford.

Hold on to your hats! Tan Sri Sir Dr Jeffery Cheah, the mastermind behind Sunway Group, has just been named an honorary “Sir” Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire by King Charles III of the UK. This prestigious recognition is a well-deserved tribute to his remarkable achievements in higher education, health services, and philanthropy. 

Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah’s philosophy centers around the idea of giving back to the community it serves, a principle he holds dear.

Anthony Tan

Anthony Tan hails from Malaysia, born into one of the nation’s affluent families. He is the son of the CEO of Tan Chong Motor Holdings Bhd, a prominent automobile distributor in the country. Anthony had the opportunity to learn from successful businessmen, shaping his entrepreneurial mindset. He would sell his comic books after reading them to make some extra money. He attended Harvard Business School, where he earned his MBA. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of Bath in the United Kingdom. 

Achievements

While studying at Harvard, Anthony came up with the idea of developing an app that would streamline the taxi booking process by providing driver details. This innovative solution aimed to offer a more convenient and secure alternative to the traditional method of booking taxis in Malaysia. Despite facing skepticism from his lecturers, Anthony’s determination to succeed was fueled even more. 

With humble beginnings in a small garage and a group of friends, Anthony Tan co-founded Grab (originally known as MyTeksi) along with his Harvard Business School classmate, Tan Hooi Ling. Grab started as a ride-hailing service in Malaysia but has since expanded to become a comprehensive super app offering various services, including ride-hailing, food delivery, digital payments, and more.

Anthony Tan was a highly sought-after business leader with promising career opportunities. Today, Grab is also known for its food delivery services. This, in particular, has helped many restaurants put their name on the map as people now have more access to them. If Anthony had listened to people who doubted him, he would not have risen to where he is now!

Anthony Tan’s incredible journey with Grab showcases the immense power of tech startups in transforming emerging markets like Southeast Asia. His exceptional leadership has been instrumental in shaping Grab into a top-notch super app, symbolizing innovation and progress in the region.

Anthony Francis Fernandes

Tony Fernandes, the CEO of AirAsia and Tune Group, is a renowned Malaysian entrepreneur who has had a major influence on shaping the travel culture and future in Asia. Fernandes was born in Kuala Lumpur and attended the Alice Smith School for his education. From 1976 to 1983, he studied at Epsom College boarding school in England. He later graduated with a degree in accounting from the London School of Economics.

Achievements

Tony Fernandes, the mastermind behind one of the globe’s major budget airlines, kickstarted AirAsia from scratch. The famous duo of Tony Fernandes and Datuk Kamarudin acquired the troubled airline for a mere RM 1 and inherited MYR40 million in debt. Through his determination and vision to offer cost-effective air travel to Asians, the airline successfully cleared its debt within a remarkable two-year timeframe! It grew from a local Malaysian carrier to the biggest low-cost carrier in Asia in terms of passengers served.

Tony’s leadership not only propelled the budget airline to the top but also led to the success of his other ventures. He established the Tune Hotel chain, which focused on providing customers with quality hotel services at affordable rates. Additionally, Tony ventured into Formula 1 with his Lotus Team and remains the majority owner of Queens Park Rangers, a team in the English Championship. Through ventures such as Epsom College, AirAsia Food, and AirAsia Ride, Tony embodies the essence of entrepreneurship.

Tony recently resigned as the CEO of AirAsiaX to concentrate on his holding company, Capital A. Nevertheless, he remains determined to assist AirAsiaX in reaching new heights and recovering from the setbacks caused by the pandemic. Tony is undeniably one of Malaysia’s most accomplished entrepreneurs, and there’s no doubt that he will continue to forge ahead with his endeavors.

Throughout his career, Tony Fernandes has received some prestigious honors and awards. Notable among these are the Commander of the Order of the British Empire, which was granted to him by Queen Elizabeth II in 2011, and the Commander of the Legion d’Honneur, bestowed by the French government for his exceptional contributions to the aviation sector and the economy of France.

Tony Fernandes stands out as one of the most easily recognizable Asian business leaders, renowned worldwide for his boldness and creativity. He made a name for himself as the leader of AirAsia, a budget airline that revolutionized travel and connectivity across the region.

Lee Thiam Wah

If you’re on the hunt for groceries, pet food, or a fizzy drink, chances are you’ve made a trip to 99 Speedmart for your shopping needs. Lee entered the world in 1954, surrounded by his 11 brothers. His father toiled away as a construction worker, while his mother sold street food. However, when Lee was just 8 months old, his life took a drastic turn. He was diagnosed with Poliomyelitis, a debilitating disease caused by the poliovirus, which confined him to a wheelchair. Despite receiving only six years of primary education due to financial constraints, Lee’s determination led him to achieve great success as a businessman.

Lee started selling small items outside his family home to make some money, all while finding time to learn whenever he could. Surprisingly, he managed to accumulate a decent amount of cash from this venture. With the money he earned, Lee opened a small grocery shop called “Pasaraya Hiap Hoe“. Little did he know, this grocery store would pave the way for his future success. Eventually, he sold it to gather funds for what we now recognize as “99 Speedmart”.

Achievements

Despite being in a wheelchair and having only completed six years of primary education, Lee Thiam Wah started his entrepreneurial journey by selling snacks on the roadside. By the time he turned 23, he had managed to save up to RM17,000, which he used to open a sundry shop. This marked the beginning of his successful career in the retail industry. In 1992, Lee sold his business for RM38,000 and ventured into the world of mini-markets by opening the first 99 mini-market. Fast forward to 2000, he rebranded his store as 99 Speedmart. 

Over 24 years, Lee has achieved remarkable success, establishing today, there are over 2,000+ outlets of 99 Speedmart and you can find one on practically every corner. You can even find the store outside of Malaysia, as Lee opened the first overseas outlet in Singapore in 2019. 

Lee has emerged as the primary shareholder in Alliance Bank Malaysia. His journey is a true inspiration, proving that no matter the circumstances, determination, and perseverance can conquer all obstacles. His story is a testament to the limitless potential within each of us.

Datuk Wira Ameer Mydin

Standing up for the local population and offering budget-friendly products. The managing director of Mydin, Datuk Wira Ameer Ali Mydin, leads the way for Malaysia’s top halal wholesaler and retailer. Dato’ Hj Ameer Ali was born in Penang on 4 June 1956. He is the third of seven siblings. With a scholarship from MARA, he pursued his studies in the United States. After working as a banker at the Arab Malaysian Merchant Bank for eight years, he decided to follow in his father’s footsteps and continue his legacy through entrepreneurship.

Achivements

With the strong and continuous support from his family members and staff, he took a leap of faith in 1989, bidding farewell to the banking profession. His ultimate vision was to elevate his family business into a vast empire. The MYDIN legacy traces back to 1918 when it was initiated by Mr. Gulam Husen Jamal, Ameer Ali’s father. The first MYDIN store was established in Kota Bharu, Kelantan. With a vision to innovate and expand MYDIN, he transformed it into a sprawling hypermarket.

Ameer’s unwavering determination and relentless effort have driven Mydin to expand to a remarkable 68 branches across Malaysia. His visionary leadership has played a crucial role in Mydin’s growth into a successful retail chain distinguished by exceptional customer service and a personal touch.

Ameer’s passion for social causes is truly extraordinary. He actively participates in several corporate social responsibility programs, specifically those aimed at helping the less fortunate, including single mothers, orphans, and disaster victims. Furthermore, he generously shares his wealth of experience by delivering motivational speeches to aspiring entrepreneurs.

Dato’ Wira Ameer Ali and his team have played a key role in establishing Mydin as a popular household name. When you think of MYDIN, you think of a one-stop shop for groceries and a go-to destination for SMEs to source their supplies.    

Thank you for reading!