Early Life
Robert Kuok was born on October 6, 1923, in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, to a family of Chinese descent. His father was a rice trader who instilled the values of hard work and perseverance. He attended Raffles Institution in Singapore and later studied at the University of Malaya, although his formal education was cut short by World War II.
Rise to Success
Kuok's business journey began with trading rice and sugar after the war. In 1949, he founded Kuok Brothers Sdn Bhd, a trading company. He gained the nickname "Sugar King of Asia" after gaining control of about 10% of the global raw sugar market. He expanded into hotels, founding the Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts chain in 1971.
Key Business Strategies
Kuok's business strategies included vertical integration, controlling the supply chain from raw materials to sales. He also invested in strategic locations and diversified into various sectors, including property, shipping, and logistics. A significant portion of his wealth comes from his stake in Wilmar International, the world's largest listed palm oil trader.
Philanthropy
Kuok is known for his philanthropic efforts, primarily through the Kuok Foundation, established in 1970. The foundation focuses on education and poverty alleviation. He has also supported healthcare and cultural initiatives in Malaysia and China.