Explore the inspiring stories of Malaysia’s top 10 business leaders in 2025, who reshaped industries, pioneered innovation, and became global icons of success through their remarkable vision, perseverance, and entrepreneurial spirit.
1. Jimmy Choo: The designer who revolutionized the fashion world with his signature red carpet designs.
Jimmy Choo, with his exceptional design talent, has become one of the Top 10 successful individuals in Malaysia in 2025. His brand, Jimmy Choo, started in a modest workshop in London in 1986 and gained fame thanks to Princess Diana’s endorsement. Through his collaboration with Tamara Mellon, the brand became a favorite on the red carpet. Staying true to his roots in handcrafted shoemaking, even after stepping down from brand management, he continues to focus on custom shoe craftsmanship. His success is not only a personal achievement but also adds a brilliant touch to Malaysia’s presence on the global fashion stage.
2. Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Vincent Tan: A Legendary Journey from Retail to Football – 2025 Malaysia’s Top 10 Success Stories
In 2025, Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Vincent Tan ranks among Malaysia’s top 10 successful individuals. As the founder of the Berjaya Group, he has become a legendary figure in the business world. He spearheaded the entry of McDonald’s and 7-Eleven into the Malaysian market, injecting vitality into the national economy, and created business miracles by privatizing the Magnum lottery project. His reforms at Cardiff City FC, especially the bold decision to change the team’s primary color to red, helped the club achieve its goal of promotion to the Premier League. Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Vincent Tan’s success extends to his hotel and international investment projects, and Prime Minister Mahathir has recognized him as one of Malaysia’s most outstanding entrepreneurs.
3. Dato’ Sri Lee Kar Whatt: The Creator of Malaysia’s Affordable Market
Dato’ Sri Lee Kar Whatt has earned a spot in the 2025 Malaysia Top 10 Successful People list for his remarkable achievements in both business and philanthropy. As the founder of Eco-Shop, he revolutionized the affordable retail market by offering products at just 2 ringgit each, while achieving a business milestone with an annual revenue exceeding 1 billion ringgit. In addition to his business success, he serves as the chairman of the Malaysia Social Entrepreneur Foundation, integrating charity with his business operations. This year, he donated 1 million ringgit to victims of the Turkey earthquake, demonstrating his deep social responsibility and commitment to giving back to the community.
4. Tan Sri Chua Ma Yu: A Philanthropist and Art Connoisseur Leading the Way in Education Charity
Tan Sri Chua Ma Yu, a prominent figure in 2025 Malaysia’s Top 10 Successful People, is recognized for his extraordinary contributions to education and philanthropy. As a passionate donor, he has made significant contributions to various educational institutions, helping countless students achieve their dreams. Beyond education, Tan Sri Chua is an avid art lover and collector, promoting the appreciation of art while supporting various cultural initiatives. His generous donations continue to make a lasting impact on both the educational and artistic landscapes, cementing his legacy as a true benefactor of society.
5. Tan Sri Kong Hon Kong: Innovating the Funeral Industry – A Visionary in 2025 Malaysia’s Top 10 Successful People
David Kong , a Malaysian entrepreneur, is widely recognized for his groundbreaking contributions to the funeral industry. Born in 1954 into a rubber estate worker family, he left school early but accumulated valuable business experience that eventually led to the establishment of the Fook Wai Asia Group. In 1986, against the backdrop of an economic downturn, he founded the Nirvana Memorial Park, Malaysia’s first private garden-style cemetery, which revolutionized the funeral industry. This innovation earned him numerous honors, including recognition as one of the “Top 10 Chinese Entrepreneurs Worldwide,” and multiple listings on the Forbes Rich List. By 2025, he was acknowledged as one of Malaysia’s Top 10 Successful People, continuing to have a profound influence on the global business world.
6. Dato’ Frank Choo: The Pioneer Who Combines Filial Piety with Innovation – 2025 Malaysia Top 10 Successful People
Dato’ Frank Choo, as the managing director of Xiao En Group, has inherited his father’s business spirit while driving innovation in the industry, earning a spot among the 2025 Malaysia Top 10 Successful People. Since its founding in 1987, Xiao En Group has not only led the industry in cemetery services but has also expanded into elderly care, counseling, and education. The secret to Zhu Zhaoxiang’s success lies in his commitment to the concept of “filial piety” and his relentless pursuit of innovation. He has led the company to continuously expand new ventures, particularly in the eldercare sector, where he has proposed creating communities specifically designed for the elderly, aiming to improve their quality of life and make retirement a meaningful stage of life.
7. Pang Chong Yong: Creating Malaysia’s Business Legacy
Pang Chong Yong, Co-founder of Gemilang Coachwork and the current Executive Director, has over 30 years of experience in automotive parts installation and bus manufacturing. He leads the group’s strategic direction and management, earning him the title of one of Malaysia’s Top 10 Successful Individuals in 2025. Since the company’s inception, Pang has been dedicated to business growth, leveraging his expertise as a partner at Hotoh Bus & Car Air Conditioning to make a significant impact in the industry.
8.Davis Chong – Solarvest Holdings: Leading Innovation in Solar Energy Development
As the Chairman of the Malaysian Photovoltaic Industry Association (MPIA), Davis Chong has been deeply involved in the solar energy industry, actively promoting policies like feed-in tariffs and net energy metering, laying the foundation for Malaysia’s solar sector development in 2025. As the CEO of Solarvest Holdings Berhad, he leads the company at the forefront of the clean energy sector, earning recognition as one of the Top 10 Successful Individuals, driving continuous progress in the industry.
9.Ian Ho: Leading Shopee Malaysia to Shape the Future of E-Commerce in 2025
Ian Ho, Vice President of Shopee, leads operations and brand partnerships in Malaysia and Singapore for 2025. As one of the Top 10 Successful Individuals, he has driven market growth as the former Managing Director of Shopee Poland and Malaysia. His career began at Garena Online as an Investment Manager, contributing to gaming industry strategies. Ian has also held senior roles in firms like Forbes Digital Commerce, 24Quan, Vickers Venture Partners, and Providence Capital Management, focusing on corporate development and investment analysis. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management with a major in Finance from Singapore Management University.
10. 99 Speedmart – Lee Thiam Wah: Innovation and Investment in Tandem
Lee Thiam Wah, aged 60, is the founder and CEO of 99SM Group, with 36 years of experience in the retail industry. As one of Malaysia’s Top 10 Successful People in 2025, he started with “Pasar Raya Hiap Hoe” in 1987 and continuously innovated and expanded his business. He successfully developed “Ninety Nine Market” into one of Malaysia’s largest chain mini-marts. Through 99EM, he expanded into East Malaysia and invested in Burger King franchises and Singapore’s U Stars Group. Lee Thiam Wah’s leadership and strategic vision earned him the Outstanding Entrepreneur Award, establishing him as a prominent figure in the retail industry.
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