Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr Sir Jeffrey Cheah KBE AO

Visionary leader Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr Sir Jeffrey Cheah has built a legacy of excellence and nation-building through his role as founder and chairman of Sunway Group.

A champion of sustainable development, Cheah is best known for transforming Sunway City Kuala Lumpur into a model of urban sustainability, housing world-class institutions for education, healthcare and research. The establishment of Sunway Sanctuary in 2023 marked a reimagining of the retirement community for the elderly, providing exquisite living spaces, remarkable facilities, curated senior activities and exceptional healthcare.

In 2024, Cheah further expanded his vision for sustainable urban development by breaking ground for the Sunway Ipoh Mall. Expected to open by 2027, this landmark project will span over one million square feet of net lettable area, making it the largest mall in Perak. The group is also the first conglomerate in Malaysia, and among the first in Asia, to implement a carbon-pricing framework into its businesses in line with the company’s commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

In March 2026, Cheah orchestrated Malaysia’s largest initial public offering in almost a decade with the Bursa Malaysia listing of Sunway Healthcare Holdings, raising RM2.86 billion (US$732 million) as shares rose 28 per cent on debut to accelerate regional hospital expansion. That April, he unveiled the Jeffrey Cheah Performing Arts Centre in Sunway City, fulfilling his vision of establishing the township as a regional cultural hub with an inaugural August season featuring Puteri Gunung Ledang The Musical, Butterfly Lovers and international productions.

Cheah’s journey is one that is rooted in the belief that education is the key to lifting people out of poverty. Crossing a historic milestone in 2026, the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation has awarded more than RM1 billion in scholarships and grants, cementing its stature as the largest education-focused social enterprise in Malaysia. His foundation’s partnerships with global powerhouses like Cambridge, Harvard and MIT bring cutting-edge knowledge to Southeast Asia, advancing Malaysia’s place on the global academic map.

Recognised globally for his civic leadership, Cheah was also conferred an Honorary Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (KBE) by His Majesty King Charles III in 2023 in recognition of his contributions to education, healthcare and community development.