Top 10 Richest Men In Malaysia According To Forbes (2025)

Malaysia is a nation of rich cultural heritage, lush landscapes, and, yes, a growing number of billionaires. These ultra-wealthy individuals have made fortunes across industries such as palm oil, real estate, manufacturing, banking, and even gambling. Forbes’ 2025 billionaire list shows that while Malaysia may be smaller in population compared to economic giants like China or the U.S., it is home to some incredibly influential tycoons whose impact stretches far beyond the country’s borders.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the top 10 richest men in Malaysia according to Forbes, their net worth, industries, and stories of success.

1. Robert Kuok – $12.1 Billion

Industry: Palm oil, shipping, property (Diversified)
Age: 101

Robert Kuok, often referred to as “The Sugar King of Asia,” is Malaysia’s richest man and one of the most respected business figures in the region. Born in Johor Bahru in 1923, Kuok built his fortune initially through sugar trading before expanding into palm oil plantations, shipping, property, and hospitality.

He is the founder of the Kuok Group, a global conglomerate with interests across Asia, including the Shangri-La Hotels chain, which is known worldwide for luxury hospitality. Even at over a century old, Kuok’s name commands immense respect in the business world, and his legacy is secured as one of Asia’s most legendary entrepreneurs.

2. Quek Leng Chan – $9.9 Billion

Industry: Banking, property (Diversified)
Age: 83

Quek Leng Chan is the co-founder of the Hong Leong Group Malaysia, which operates in banking, manufacturing, property, and hospitality. A shrewd businessman, Quek transformed Hong Leong into one of Malaysia’s most prominent corporate groups.

His fortune stems largely from property developments, financial services, and strategic investments. Quek is known for his sharp deal-making skills, and his influence extends across Southeast Asia.

3. Koon Poh Keong – $4.2 Billion

Industry: Aluminum (Manufacturing)
Age: 63

Koon Poh Keong is the co-founder and CEO of Press Metal Aluminium Holdings, Malaysia’s largest aluminum producer. His journey is a true rags-to-riches story, having started from a small family business in Sarawak before scaling up to a global aluminum manufacturing powerhouse.

Press Metal supplies to major industries, including construction, automotive, and packaging, and its expansion across Asia has significantly boosted Koon’s net worth in recent years.

4. Lee Thiam Wah – $3.7 Billion

Industry: Retailing (Food & Beverage)
Age: 61

Lee Thiam Wah is the founder of 99 Speedmart, a chain of convenience stores with thousands of outlets across Malaysia. Born with polio and from humble beginnings, Lee started with a small grocery store before creating what is now one of Malaysia’s leading minimarket brands.

His success story is an inspiration to entrepreneurs worldwide, showing how determination and market insight can lead to remarkable achievements.

5. Jeffrey Cheah – $3.5 Billion

Industry: Property, healthcare (Real Estate)
Age: 80

Jeffrey Cheah is the founder and chairman of Sunway Group, a diversified conglomerate with interests in property development, construction, education, and healthcare.

Sunway City in Selangor, one of Malaysia’s most prominent integrated developments, is a testament to Cheah’s vision for sustainable urban communities. He is also a noted philanthropist, especially in education, through the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation.

6. Lee Yeow Chor – $3.1 Billion

Industry: Palm oil, property (Real Estate)
Age: 58

Lee Yeow Chor is the Group Managing Director and CEO of IOI Corporation Berhad, a leading Malaysian conglomerate with major operations in palm oil plantations, property development, and resource-based manufacturing.

Taking over leadership after the passing of his father, Lee Shin Cheng, Lee Yeow Chor has continued to expand IOI’s international footprint, especially in the palm oil industry.

7. Lee Yeow Seng – $2.3 Billion

Industry: Palm oil, property (Real Estate)
Age: 47

Lee Yeow Seng, the younger brother of Lee Yeow Chor, also inherited a significant stake in IOI Group. While Yeow Chor manages the corporate side, Yeow Seng is more involved in IOI Properties Group Berhad, focusing on real estate ventures in Malaysia and abroad.

Together, the Lee brothers maintain the family’s multibillion-dollar empire.

8. Syed Mokhtar AlBukhary – $2.2 Billion

Industry: Engineering, automotive (Construction & Engineering)
Age: 73

Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar AlBukhary is a prominent Malaysian businessman with holdings in logistics, plantations, property, and infrastructure. His companies, such as MMC Corporation and DRB-HICOM, are involved in ports, railways, and the automotive sector, including ownership stakes in Proton and Lotus Cars (before Lotus was sold).

Syed Mokhtar is also known for his philanthropy, particularly in education and social welfare.

9. Lim Kok Thay – $1.8 Billion

Industry: Casinos (Gambling & Casinos)
Age: 73

Lim Kok Thay is the chairman and CEO of Genting Group, a global player in resorts, casinos, and hospitality. Genting operates world-class resorts in Malaysia, Singapore, the U.S., and the UK.

While the pandemic affected gaming and hospitality revenues, Genting has bounced back, with Lim Kok Thay steering it toward recovery and new expansions.

10. Kie Chie Wong – $1.7 Billion

Industry: Investments (Metals & Mining)
Age: 76

Kie Chie Wong is a lesser-known billionaire outside Malaysia, but he has made his fortune through strategic investments in metals, mining, and other diversified assets. His wealth comes from decades of low-profile but highly profitable business ventures.

Key Takeaways from Malaysia’s Billionaire List

1. Palm Oil Dominance – Palm oil remains a major wealth driver in Malaysia, with multiple billionaires in the sector.

2. Diverse Portfolios – Most of Malaysia’s richest have diversified investments, spanning multiple industries.

3. Global Expansion – Many Malaysian billionaires operate not only domestically but also across Asia, Europe, and the U.S.

4. Philanthropy – Figures like Robert Kuok, Jeffrey Cheah, and Syed Mokhtar are well known for giving back to society.

5. Family Dynasties – Several fortunes, such as those of the Lee brothers and the Kuok family, are family-controlled and passed down through generations.

Conclusion

Malaysia’s richest men represent a mix of self-made entrepreneurs, second-generation tycoons, and industry pioneers. From Robert Kuok’s global hospitality empire to Koon Poh Keong’s aluminum manufacturing success, these billionaires highlight the diverse economic strengths of Malaysia.

Their stories also show how resilience, vision, and calculated risk-taking can build empires that last generations. As Malaysia continues to develop, expect these names—or their successors—to keep shaping the country’s business landscape.