Tan Sri Dr Jeffrey Cheah

Visionary leader, Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah, has built a legacy of excellence and nation-building through his role as founder and chairman of the 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 marks 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.

Cheah’s journey is one that is rooted in the belief that education is the key to lifting people out of poverty. Today, the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation is the largest education-focused social enterprise in Malaysia and has awarded scholarships and grants amounting to RM745 million. 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.

A four-time Forbes Asia Hero of Philanthropy, Cheah was also honoured with the title “Sir” after being conferred the Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire by His Majesty King Charles III in 2023.