Malaysia has it’s fair share of wealthy people. But, few may be as well known as the “Sugar King of Asia” Robert Kuok (郭鹤年). According to Forbes, as of April 2023, Robert’s net worth is estimated to be at $11.8 billion, and is allegedly still climbing.
The 99-year-old has maintained his billionaire status on Forbes for many years now. People have often been inspired by the business tycoon and his numerous achievements. However, all stories have a beginning and Robert’s allegedly started from his mother.
As some may know, Robert, born in 1923, received a good education while growing up in Malaysia. He eventually made his way to the business scene. However, shortly after his father passed away, Robert returned to Malaysia and at his mother’s suggestion, formed the Kuok Brothers Co., Ltd. with his two brothers. Their company was known to deal in rice, flour, beans sugar and more and was led by Robert, who was only 26 years old at the time.
But, Robert struck gold when he decided to invest in sugar. Shortly before the global price of sugar went up, the Kuoks imported cheap white sugar from India and heavily invested in its trading. Their move also ensured they had control of 80% of Malaysia’s sugar industry market and 20% of the international market. This then earned Robert Kuok the title of “Sugar King of Asia”.
Robert’s sweet success didn’t stop there. He later moved into other fields such as real estate, shipping, mining, insurance and more. In fact, Robert had been the one to found the world-famous Shangri-La hotel. The business magnate also ensured he invested in businesses in China to develop economic and trade cooperation with them. Even now, Robert has stakes in other companies dealing in daily necessities.
However, Robert Kuok claims his mother, Zheng Ge Ru, had a hand in his successes. Ge Ru allegedly has never been involved in business matters. However, she has taught her children to treat people with sincerity and ethically, regardless of what business it is. Robert himself claims he has carried her pearls of wisdom with him through his life.
Robert Kuok also heavily believes in courage and hard work. “If you are optimistic about a business, even if there are risks, you should boldly do it, unless there is a better (time) to grasp it,” he reportedly stated. “But every kind of business has its dangers. If you always walk away and don’t dare to do anything or can’t do anything, (you will) always be poor.”
Despite his fame and achievements, Robert Kuok is allegedly rather humble. He has admitted to being keen on the sugar and hotel businesses, the very same industries that catapulted him to fame and fortune. However, he has never been comfortable with the titles bestowed upon him for it. “It’s false fame,” he stated. “We are (merely) small businessmen.”
The 99-year-old has reportedly retired from the frontlines of the business. However, he is still somewhat involved in his businesses, despite having officially passed them on to his family. And with Robert Kuok’s passion and persistence, it seems he may still continue building in his legacy.
Source: Tan Tan News
