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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.
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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.
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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.
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4. Koon Poh Keong & siblings – USD5.4 billion
The aluminium tycoons climbed one spot, thanks to modest gains in their manufacturing business.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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10. Chia Song Kun & family – USD2.3 billion
The major shareholder of Hap Seng Consolidated Bhd rounds out the top ten with a diversified portfolio in plantations, property, and autos.
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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.
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The bottom line:
30 out of the 50 individuals on the list grew their wealth in the past year.
And while some familiar faces dropped off, newcomers like Lee Thiam Wah and the Krishnan family signal changing tides among Malaysia's elite.
The minimum net worth to make the list? USD335 million.
