KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 6 — Tan Sri Robert Kuok, the Malaysia-born business magnate known for his remarkable business acumen and political influence, marked his 100th birthday today with a gathering of elite figures celebrating his lifetime achievements., born in 1923 in Johor to Fujianese parents, Kuok belongs to a distinguished group of Asian entrepreneurs whose businesses evolved with the newly independent nations, rising from the shadows of wartime horrors and colonial injustice.
“Your visionary leadership and remarkable contributions to the industry have left an incredible mark. Here’s to a century of achievements, good health, and continued happiness!” the company’s founder Lee Shau-kee, 95, and his sons Peter Lee Ka-kit, 60, and Martin Lee Ka-shing, 52 was quoted as saying.chairman Joe Tsai, a newspaper once owned by Kuok, also offered his best wishes and acknowledged Kuok's mentorship.
In 2018, he accepted a position on an advisory council to Malaysia's new multiracial government following the defeat of Umno back then. “Now, if that doesn’t drive you forward in life to make as much money as possible so you can thumb your nose at those bankers, then what will?” he was quoted as saying by the news portal.Forbes currently estimates his wealth, spanning various industries, at US$10.3 billion , making him Malaysia's richest individual and the world’s 155th richest person.
In the weeks following the election, Kuok met with Dr Mahathir in the prime minister's office, a moment captured by cameras.