According to the Forbes 2025 Billionaires List, 19 Malaysians have secured positions among the world’s wealthiest individuals, with a combined net worth of approximately US$57.3 billion.
Leading the Malaysian cohort is 101-year-old Robert Kuok, whose net worth has risen to US$12.1 billion.
Following him is Tan Sri Quek Leng Chan of Hong Leong Group, ranked 274th globally with a net worth of US$9.9 billion.
Tan Sri Koon Poh Keong, CEO of Press Metal Aluminium Holdings Bhd, stands at 868th place with US$4.2 billion.
Lee Thiam Wah, founder and CEO of 99 Speedmart Retail Holdings Bhd, has joined the billionaire ranks with a net worth of US$3.7 billion.
His company went public on Bursa Malaysia in 2024, raising RM2.36 billion.
Lee’s journey began in 1987 with his first shop in Klang; by 2000, he had unified his stores under the 99 Speedmart brand, which now boasts nearly 2,700 outlets.
Other notable Malaysians on the list include Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah of Sunway Group with US$3.5 billion, Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay of Genting Group at US$1.8 billion, and Tan Yu Yeh of MR DIY, who has a net worth of US$1.3 billion.
The late Tan Sri Teh Hong Piow’s children—Diona Teh Li Shian, Lillian Teh Li Ming, Lillyn Teh Li Hua, and William Teh Lee Pang—each inherited US$1.6 billion, continuing their father’s legacy in Public Bank Bhd.
This year’s list highlights the diverse sectors contributing to Malaysia’s economic landscape, from banking and real estate to retail and manufacturing.
