Cover Successful entrepreneurial fathers Tan Sri Robert Kuok, Mukesh Ambani, Li Ka-shing, the late Henry Sy, Sr, and Terry Gou
Successful entrepreneurial fathers Tan Sri Robert Kuok, Mukesh Ambani, Li Ka-shing, the late Henry Sy, Sr, and Terry Gou
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Juggling the demands of a thriving business and a growing family can be challenging. Discover how these entrepreneurial fathers manage to excel in both arenas, offering valuable tips, and personal stories
Balancing the demands of business and family is a challenge many entrepreneurs face, particularly in the dynamic, rapidly evolving economies of Southeast Asia.
In countries like Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, successful business personalities have not only built impressive enterprises but have also managed to impart valuable life lessons to their families.
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These entrepreneurs have managed the challenges of leadership, innovation, and legacy, often drawing from their personal experiences and cultural values. Their insights provide valuable perspectives on entrepreneurship, business acumen, and the importance of family.
Here are five notable entrepreneurs from around Asia whose quotes can serve as a source of inspiration.
Mukesh Ambani
Above Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani leads a global conglomerate with interests in petrochemicals, refining, oil, telecommunications and retail (Photo: Getty Images)
Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani leads a global conglomerate with interests in petrochemicals, refining, oil, telecommunications and retail (Photo: Getty Images)
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Chairman and MD, Reliance Industries
“Having courage, self-belief and a can-do spirit empowers you to overcome any adversity. Realising your potential is the pursuit of the ordinary.”
That advice comes from Mukesh Ambani, the father of three who leads Reliance Industries, one of India’s most valuable conglomerates. With a net worth of US$110.4 billion, he is regarded as Asia's richest person. He played a pivotal role in expanding his company into various sectors, such as energy and petrochemicals.
Furthermore, Ambani’s philanthropic efforts, led by the Reliance Foundation, are dedicated to initiatives in education, healthcare, urban renewal and rural development.
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Li Ka-shing
Above Hong Kong billionaire Li Ka-shing is considered one of the most influential businessmen in the region, earning the nickname “Superman” for his business acumen (Photo: Getty Images)
Hong Kong billionaire Li Ka-shing is considered one of the most influential businessmen in the region, earning the nickname “Superman” for his business acumen (Photo: Getty Images)
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Founder, CK Hutchison Holdings
“Vision is perhaps our greatest strength, it has kept us alive to the power and continuity of thought through the centuries, it makes us peer into the future and lends shape to the unknown,” said Li Ka-shing, who has built an empire that spans across various industries, from humble beginnings in plastics to a global conglomerate.
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This has enabled Li Ka-shing to anticipate market trends and innovate strategically, leading to the successful navigation and shaping of the future of his businesses. CK Hutchison Holdings, his multinational conglomerate, operates in over 50 countries and spans diverse industries including ports, telecommunications, retail, energy, and infrastructure.
He also emphasises the transformative nature of believing in the power of possibility, asserting, “By first acknowledging the possibility of success, we pave the way for its realisation through increased probabilities.”
Tan Sri Robert Kuok
Above Tan Sri Robert Kuok has a vast business empire that spans various industries, including sugar, hospitality and real estate (Photo: Robert Kuok Facebook)
Tan Sri Robert Kuok has a vast business empire that spans various industries, including sugar, hospitality and real estate (Photo: Robert Kuok Facebook)
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Founder, Kuok Group
Malaysian business magnate and philanthropist Tan Sri Robert Kuok started as a modest rice trader and became one of Asia’s wealthiest individuals. Kuok had diversified his business interests, earning him the moniker “Sugar King of Asia” due to his dominance in the Malaysian sugar market.
“I always tell my children that the most important thing in life is to be honest and to have integrity,” he once said.
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In 1971, Kuok established the first Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore, marking the beginning of his foray into the hospitality industry. His hotel and resort chain quickly gained global recognition for its luxurious accommodations and exceptional service.
Despite his immense wealth and success, Kuok has remained grounded in his values and committed to giving back to society through his foundation. He once said, “Success is not about how much money you make, but about how much you can give back to society.”
Henry Sy, Sr
Above The late Henry Sy, Sr inspired inspired generations of entrepreneurs and leaders on how he built his empire from a shoe store in Manila
The late Henry Sy, Sr inspired inspired generations of entrepreneurs and leaders on how he built his empire from a shoe store in Manila
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Founder, SM Investments
“There is no such thing as overnight success or easy money. If you fail, do not be discouraged; try again,” said the late Henry Sy, Sr who built a business empire from a single small shoe store in Manila.
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Known as the “Father of Philippine Retail”, his shoe store evolved into SM, a brand synonymous with shopping malls in the Philippines. Sy's business ventures expanded beyond retail. He founded SM Investments Corporation (SMIC), which became the holding company for his diverse business interests, including retail, real estate, banking, and tourism.
“I have always believed that hard work, perseverance, and faith in God will bring success,” he said.
Terry Gou
Founder, Foxconn
Founder and former chairman of Foxconn Terry Gou once said, “I never think I am successful. If I am successful, then I should be retired.”
With a modest investment of US$7,500 and a workforce of 10 employees, Gou established Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd., later known globally as Foxconn.
Initially, the company produced plastic parts for television sets and received an order from Atari to manufacture console joysticks, laying the foundation for Foxconn's future expansion. Foxconn became a crucial supplier for Apple, producing components for devices such as the iPhone and iPad.
“The core of any business is to earn money. You have not done your job well until you find a stranger who is willing to open his/her wallet to give you money for the product or service you offer,” he once said.
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