Early Life
Lim Kok Thay was born on August 16, 1951, in Malaysia. His father, Lim Goh Tong, arrived in Malaysia from China in 1937. Lim graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of London and later attended the advanced management program at Harvard Business School in 1979. He took the reins at Genting Group in 1976.
Rise to Success
Lim Kok Thay's career is marked by remarkable achievements in the leisure and entertainment sector. He spearheaded the global expansion of Genting, developing leisure brands such as Resorts World, Maxims, Crockfords, and Awana. Under his leadership, Genting established strategic partnerships with entities like Universal Studios, Hard Rock Hotel, and Premium Outlets. His efforts have been instrumental in the development of integrated resorts globally, including Resorts World Sentosa in Singapore and Resorts World Las Vegas. He was appointed Chairman and CEO of Genting Berhad and Genting Malaysia Berhad in December 2003, further solidifying his influence.
Key Business Strategies
Lim's key business strategies involved the global expansion of Genting Group, focusing on integrated resorts and strategic partnerships. He led the development of numerous leisure brands and forged alliances with major entertainment and hospitality entities. A crucial strategy was the expansion into the UK, establishing Genting UK Plc as the largest casino operator. His strategic vision also included the expansion into the U.S. and the development of Resorts World properties.
Philanthropy
Lim Kok Thay is involved in philanthropy, including supporting communities and charitable organizations. He set up The Community Chest and The Lim Foundation, which has built schools for underprivileged children and medical institutions. In 2012, he donated $200,000 to Singapore's Community Chest, and he also serves as a visiting professor at the Institute of Biomedical Engineering of Imperial College, London.