ANN/THE STAR – Prominent tycoon Robert Kuok has reclaimed his position as Malaysia’s wealthiest individual, boasting a net worth of USD11.4 billion as reported by the 2024 Billionaires List compiled by Forbes.
Kuok holds the 176th spot on the list and stands as the sole Malaysian representative within the top 200 billionaires worldwide. At 100 years old, Kuok oversees the Kuok Group, a conglomerate with diverse investments spanning hotels, real estate, and commodities.
Despite his continued financial success, Kuok’s ranking has slightly declined from the previous year, dropping to 176th from 146th, with a net worth of USD 11.8 billion.
Aside from Kuok, 14 other Malaysians made the Forbes 2024 Billionaires List.
The next wealthiest Malaysian is Tan Sri Quek Leng Chan of the Hong Leong Group, who is ranked 287th on the list with a wealth of USD8.8 billion, while media and telco magnate Tan Sri Ananda Krishnan comes in at 624th with USD4.9 billion.
Press Metal Aluminium founder Tan Sri Koon Poh Keong came in ranked 871 with a net worth of USD3.7 billion.
Brothers Datuk Lee Yeow Chor and Lee Yeow Seng of plantations and property conglomerate IOI Group are next on the list with a net worth of USD3.1 billion and USD2.3 billion respectively.
Genting Group’s Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay also made the list with a net worth of USD2.3 billion.
Other Malaysians on the list are Australia-based investor Kie Chie Wong, who is a minority shareholder in Fortescue Metals Group (USD2.2 billion); Sunway Group’s Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah (USD2 billion) and Hap Seng Consolidated’s Tan Sri Lau Cho Kun (USD1.5 billion).
Children of the late Tan Sri Teh Hong Piow, who founded Public Bank, were also on the list.
Diona Teh Li Shian, Lillian Teh Li Ming, Lillyn Teh Li Hua and William Teh Lee Pang each had a net worth of USD1.4 billion.
