Tan Sri Desmond Lim

Tan Sri Desmond Lim is one of the biggest names in Malaysia’s property development and retail scene. The extremely low-profile business figure is perhaps best known as the owner of the Pavilion KL and as one of Malaysia’s richest people.

Lim first ventured into the property industry in the ’80s, developing residences and offices. Now, he is a major stakeholder in several listed companies including construction and property development group WCT Holdings Bhd, which also owns the Paradigm Malls in Petaling Jaya and Johor Bahru, and property developer Malton Bhd, which was behind Pavilion KL.

He also owns shares in his property investment company Pavilion Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), with projects like Pavilion Bukit Jalil and Pavilion Damansara Heights solidifying his position as a key player in Malaysia’s property sector, and a stake in Nan Hai, a Hong-Kong based consumer electronics manufacturer and property developer.

In 2021, it was revealed that he is set to venture into the grocery retail market with the launch of a premium supermarket brand called The Food Merchant, with plans to open up to 15 stores in five years, as well as into the airport operations industry with a plan to take over Subang Airport.

Today, Lim’s contributions continue to shape the future of Malaysia’s cities, making him one of the most influential figures in the nation’s property development industry.

He is married to Puan Sri Cindy Tan who is the executive director of Pavilion.