Cover 19 Malaysians feature on the Forbes 2025 Billionaires List
19 Malaysians feature on the Forbes 2025 Billionaires List
1 / 1
With a net worth of US$3.7 billion, Lee Thiam Wah is now one of 19 Malaysians on the Forbes 2025 Billionaires List
Congratulations to Lee Thiam Wah, who has officially joined the ranks of the Forbes 2025 Billionaires List. The founder and CEO of 99 Speed Mart Retail Holdings is one of 19 Malaysians on this year’s list, and the fourth-richest Malaysian with a net worth of US$3.7 billion.
Lee has built an impressive retail enterprise that started with just one small shop in 1987. Fast forward to 2025, and 99 Speedmart now boasts over 2,400 stores across Malaysia. The convenience store chain has become a household name by filling the gap between traditional provision shops and larger hypermarkets, offering convenient access to daily necessities for many Malaysians.
Malaysia's representation on this year’s Forbes list includes 19 individuals. Leading the pack is Robert Kuok of Kuok Group, who maintains his title as Malaysia's wealthiest person with a net worth of US$12.1 billion.
Hong Leong Group’s Tan Sri Quek Leng Chan is ranked No. 274 on the list with a net worth of US$9.9 billion; while Press Metal Aluminium Holdings Bhd group chief executive officer Tan Sri Paul Koon comes in at No.868 with US$4.2bil. IOI Group’s Datuk Lee Yeow Chor is also on the list with a net worth of US$3 billion, as well as his brother Lee Yeow Seng with a net worth of US$2.3 billion.
Emma Chong is the Managing Editor of Tatler Malaysia, overseeing the editorial direction and vision for the print, digital and social media arms of the title. She has over 15 years experience in fashion and lifestyle publishing, and has led print and digital editorial teams at ELLE Malaysia, Time Out Kuala Lumpur, The Luxe Nomad and more.
Outside of work, Emma spends her time wrangling children (only her own) and boosting the Malaysian economy through her support of local fashion and homeware brands.
