CAPTAINS OF INDUSTRY
the a-listers 2015
Tan Sri Lee Oi Hian
This Ipoh-born businessman was the one who steered Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd through diversification programmes including moving from rubber into oil palm cultivation. His background in agricultural science and business proved useful to him although his real education came after spending 15 years under his father’s tutelage at KLK. Married to Puan Sri Dato’ Sandra Lee, he is a loving father to four children and is beloved by his employees for his exemplary leadership.
Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing
Describing himself as a perfectionist with a low tolerance for mediocrity, non-violence advocate Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing is a name most Malaysians are familiar with. Although he started off in communications, it is in the field of education that he truly excelled in, with branches of his tertiary institution LimKokWing University of Creative Technology now available in cities such as Phnom Penh in Cambodia, Mbabane in Swaziland and Gaborone in Botswana.
Tan Sri Leong Hoy Kum
This fast-talking, personable and visionary group managing director and CEO of Mah Sing Group Berhad is recognised in the industry for his many accomplishments in shaping the conglomerate from a plastics manufacturing business into a successful name in property development. A testament of his solid leadership lies in the fact that Mah Sing is still soaring in profits even though 20 years have passed since its founding. His eldest daughter Jane is also a rising star within the organisation.
Tan Sri Mohd Ariffin Yusuf
Having forayed into entrepreneurship after coming up with the idea of selling pharmaceutical products to hospitals, the managing director of Primabumi Group is no less ambitious in his pursuits for success. He is currently the director of Caring Pharmacy Group Berhad and Amani Development Sdn Bhd as well as many other corporations. This loving husband makes time in his busy schedule to travel with his wife Puan Sri Abedah Seman.
Tan Sri Liew Kee Sin
The former leader of SP Setia Bhd recently joined his son Tian Xiong at Eco World Development Group Bhd as a non-independent and non-executive director. This articulate gentleman also holds the positions of chairman of Battersea Project Holding Company Limited and managing director of Qinzhou Development Consortium Sdn Bhd. The father of four is married to Puan Sri Liew Ting Ting and is hailed as one of the nation’s leading corporate figures.
Tan Sri Mohd Khamil Jamil
His accomplishments in business have made him a venerable figure but this personable corporate head chooses to keep away from the limelight. Collecting art is a cherished passion of his as his home with Puan Sri Azian Abdul Talib and four children is adorned with both commissioned and purchased pieces from local artists. The managing director of DRB-Hicom also enjoys collecting cameras and reading books.
Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay
The third richest man in Malaysia according to Forbes Asia 2014 with shares worth RM21.32 billion is also one of the most hardworking tycoons in the nation. The CEO and president of Genting Berhad runs casinos in the Bahamas, London, and New York besides the homegrown casino in Genting Highlands. His wife Puan Sri Cecilia Lim is often spotted at social events while this low-key businessman prefers to make appearances at trade-related events.
Tan Sri Mohd Saleh Sulong
This prominent and competent industrialist is in fact an accountant before he made his mark in the automotive industry and has since continued to make extensive contribution to the development of this field via his enterprise Masdef Malaysia. This company chairman is often called to witness the signing of important trade-related agreements due to his wide sphere of influence. He is married to Puan Sri Dato’ Akmal Abdul Salam.