In Malaysia, a group of entrepreneurs has emerged, surpassing traditional business achievements. Their success is not only reflected in wealth accumulation but also in their unique vision and innovative strategies that have driven industry innovation and transformation. These outstanding business leaders make up the “Top 10 Successful Entrepreneurs of Malaysia 2025,” and their influence and entrepreneurial spirit have redefined the traditional definitions, becoming benchmarks for the entire industry. As successful entrepreneurs in Malaysia, they have accumulated immeasurable business achievements both domestically and internationally, changing the industry landscape.
1. Dato’ Sri Cheah Cheng Hye is a prominent Malaysian entrepreneur and an exceptional leader in Greater China region investments
Dato’ Sri Cheah Cheng Hye, the fund manager and co-chairman of Value Partners, stands out in the 2025 Malaysia “Top 10 Successful Entrepreneurs” list. With his profound understanding of the Greater China market and exceptional leadership, he manages several funds, including the flagship Value Partners Classic Fund. Under his guidance, Value Partners became the second-largest private equity fund management company in Africa in 2010, showcasing his significant influence in the international financial market.
2. Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Vincent Tan: The Leading Force in Privatization Reform
Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Vincent Tan, the founder of the Berjaya Group, has made a significant impact in the Malaysian economy. He introduced global brands like McDonald’s and 7-Eleven to Malaysia, driving privatization reforms. His creative leadership propelled Cardiff City FC to the English Premier League. His investments in Iceland, Japan, and other locations have expanded his business portfolio. His accomplishments earned him recognition as one of the “Top 10 Successful Entrepreneurs of 2025” by Prime Minister Mahathir.
3.IJM Corporation Berhad – Soam Heng Choon: Creating an Industry Legend with Strategic Vision
After serving IJM for 30 years, Dato’ Soam Heng Choon retired with great influence in the industry. He was not only a key figure in Malaysia’s construction and real estate sectors in 2025 but also led the company to record-breaking construction orders surpassing RM9 billion. Projects like Phase 2 of Seremban and Limbayau Town became industry benchmarks, while he steered the company into the London real estate market. His leadership was crucial in expanding Kuantan Port and the Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park. As one of the “Top 10 Successful Entrepreneurs,” his strategic vision and foresight shaped a new chapter for Malaysia’s real estate industry.
4. Great Eastern Life (Malaysia) – Koh Yaw Hui: Exceptional Leadership Setting New Industry Standards
Dato’ Koh Yaw Hui, the CEO of Great Eastern Life (Malaysia) since 2008, has earned significant recognition for his leadership, including being honored by the Malaysia Book of Records as the longest-serving CEO in the life insurance industry. His exceptional contributions in driving innovation and business growth in life insurance have earned him a place in the “2025 Malaysia Top 10 Successful Entrepreneurs” list, where his remarkable leadership continues to set industry benchmarks, including breaking records such as “most digital signatures collected in one event.”
5.
MyNews.com – Dang Tai Luk: Retail and Philanthropy Leader
Starting with his first newsstand in 1996, Dang Tai Luk successfully built myNEWS into Malaysia’s leading convenience retail brand, with over 530 stores nationwide. In addition to his success in retail, Dang Tai Luk is committed to giving back to society through the ‘Allowances That Allow’ program, which helps underprivileged students, providing support for their studies and future. Not only has he become one of the top 10 successful entrepreneurs, but his profound influence has also contributed to Malaysia’s social development. Looking ahead to 2025, Dang Tai Luk’s impact will leave a lasting mark on both business and charity.
6. Prudential Assurance Malaysia Berhad – Gan Leong Hin: The Strategist Paving the Future for Prudential
Gan Leong Hin, the former CEO of Prudential Assurance Malaysia, strengthened the company’s operations and greatly enhanced its market influence. During the pandemic, he demonstrated remarkable adaptability and leadership, successfully protecting the interests of nearly 2 million customers. His leadership earned him a spot in the “Top 10 Successful Entrepreneurs” list. The Pulse health app he launched in 2019 has gained widespread attention, with over 2.5 million downloads in Malaysia. Looking ahead, it will continue expanding in the Malaysian market in 2025, helping more customers access health coverage.
7. Columbia Asia – Kelvin Tan: Setting New Standards for Healthcare Efficiency in Malaysia
Columbia Asia Group, led by CEO Kelvin Tan, is revolutionizing healthcare with its efficient operations and affordable services. Through advancements in technology and non-invasive treatments, the organization ensures patients typically stay only two days in hospital, making it a quicker and more cost-effective alternative to traditional private hospitals. This innovative approach has not only expanded Columbia Asia’s influence within the healthcare industry but also supported its successful expansion plans for 2025. Kelvin Tan’s leadership has firmly established Columbia Asia as one of the Top 10 successful entrepreneurs in Malaysia, making it a standout in the country’s medical sector.
8. Sunway Construction Group Berhad – Chung Soo Kiong: Champion of Green Energy Transformation
Chung Soo Kiong, recognized for his outstanding contributions to green building, earned a spot in the 2025 “Top 10 Successful Entrepreneurs of Malaysia.” His influence has not only advanced the adoption of green energy but also provided innovative solutions for sustainable development, driving industry transformation.
9.Davis Chong – Solarvest Holdings: Malaysia’s Successful Entrepreneur Reshaping the Energy Landscape
Mr. Davis Chong, the Chairman of the Malaysian Photovoltaic Industry Association (MPIA), has played a pivotal role in leading the solar energy industry and implementing key policies. Through innovative measures like feed-in tariffs, net energy metering, and large-scale solar programs, he has propelled solar energy to become a core component of Malaysia’s energy production by 2025. As one of the Top 10 Successful Entrepreneurs, he leads Solarvest Holdings Berhad to continuous innovation, positioning the company as a leader in the clean energy sector.
10. Tan Sri Kong Hon Kong: A Resilient Leader and Transformer of Malaysia’s Funeral Industry
Tan Sri Kong Hon Kong, born in 1954 in a poor family in Malaysia, ventured into the finance industry at an early age and gained valuable experience. In 1986, during an economic downturn, he courageously entered the funeral industry and founded a unique scenic cemetery. By 1990, he developed Malaysia’s first private scenic memorial park, revolutionizing traditional funeral practices. His company, Rich Fortune Asia Group, grew rapidly within a few years, becoming a leader in the industry. With his outstanding contributions to the funeral industry, Tan Sri Kong Hon Kong received multiple international awards and became an influential figure in Malaysia, ranking in the “Top 10 Successful Entrepreneurs” for 2025.
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