Here Are Forbes' 10 Richest Malaysians In 2025 — With 2 New Entrants
A former police officer-turned-entrepreneur has also made it onto Malaysia's 50 Richest list.
By Sadho Ram — 18 Apr 2025, 11:43 AM
Despite global economic headwinds and a sluggish stock market, Malaysia's richest saw their combined net worth grow to USD90 billion (RM397 billion) in 2025, thanks to a stronger ringgit and a buoyant IPO market
Here's a look at the top 10 names on this year's Forbes list of Malaysia's 50 Richest:
1. Robert Kuok – USD11.4 billion
At 101 years old, the "Sugar King" continues to top the list.
His Kuok Group empire spans agribusiness, hotels, and, more recently, a major data centre venture in Johor.
2. Quek Leng Chan – USD9.8 billion
The Hong Leong Group patriarch saw a USD1 billion boost in wealth, driven by strong performance across his finance-to-food conglomerate.
3. Teh siblings – USD5.9 billion
Heirs to Public Bank founder Teh Hong Piow's fortune, their net worth rose 9% year-on-year, keeping them in third place.
4. Koon Poh Keong & siblings – USD5.4 billion
The aluminium tycoons climbed one spot, thanks to modest gains in their manufacturing business.
5. The Krishnan family – USD5.3 billion (new entrant)
Debuting after the death of reclusive billionaire Ananda Krishnan, the family now controls a massive telecom and energy empire.
6. Lee Yeow Chor & Yeow Seng – USD5.2 billion
Sons of the late IOI Group founder, their wealth remains steady, backed by palm oil and property holdings.
7. Francis Yeoh & siblings – USD3.6 billion
Francis Yeoh helms Kuala Lumpur-listed YTL, founded in 1955 by his late father, Yeoh Tiong Lay, who died in October 2017. The group is investing USD3.3 billion to build Malaysia's first solar-powered data centre in Johor that could deliver up to 500MW of capacity.
8. Lee Thiam Wah – USD3.9 billion (new entrant)
Founder of 99 Speed Mart, Lee became a billionaire after taking his company public in September, raising USD532 million in Malaysia's biggest IPO in seven years.
9. Jeffrey Cheah – USD3 billion
The Sunway founder saw his fortune rise by USD600 million, driven by rising share prices and plans to list the group’s healthcare arm.
10. Chia Song Kun & family – USD2.3 billion
Chia is the executive chairman of QL Resources, an agro-based business group founded in 1985 with his brothers, Song Kooi and Song Swa. The Malaysia-listed company is involved in seafood, marine feed, livestock farming, and palm oil. It also operates FamilyMart stores in Malaysia.
BONUS: Tan Boon Hock – USD490 million (No. 40, new entrant)
A former police officer-turned-entrepreneur, Tan built his fortune through eye surgery clinics and AI-powered traffic systems.
