2025 Malaysia's Top 10: Shaping an Era!

In 2025, Malaysia’s future shines with the brilliance of these ten outstanding leaders. The 2025 Malaysia Top 10 Most Influential People, with their exceptional strategic vision and unique insights, have not only driven business growth and social progress but also shaped the country’s strengthened global competitiveness. Their success has earned Malaysia worldwide respect and recognition.

1. Tan Sri Dr Jeffrey Cheah: Real Estate Pioneer and Philanthropic Leader

Jeffrey Cheah Fook Ling, a Malaysian entrepreneur and founder of Sunway Group, has led the company to remarkable achievements in real estate and construction. He also established Sunway University and the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation, donating nearly $39 million since 2018 to promote education and scholarship programs, showcasing his philanthropic spirit.

2. Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr. Yeoh Tiong Lay: 2025 Malaysia’s Top 10 Most Influential Figures, Business Legend and Education Pioneer

As one of the top 10 most influential entrepreneurs in Malaysia in 2025, Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr. Yeoh Tiong Lay founded the diversified Yeoh Tiong Lay Group, which spans construction, energy, and tourism, injecting vitality into the Malaysian economy. He dedicated himself to Chinese education, supporting institutions like Xinghua Secondary School and promoting the development of Chinese education. His family also transformed Pangkor Island into a luxurious resort, becoming a tourism icon for the nation. Known for his generosity and vision, Yeoh Tiong Lay supports charitable causes and Sino-Malaysian relations, earning great respect in society and receiving multiple honors. His life exemplifies how to create societal value through industry and culture.

3. Chatime Founder: Henry Wang – Defining Brand Value Through Innovation and Responsibility

Chatime, through its global CSR initiative “CommuniTea,” won the “Best CSR Initiative” at the 2024 QSR Media Asia Tabsquare Awards and earned a spot in the “2025 Malaysia Top 10 Most Influential People.” Its “Hope Project” collaborates with Malaysian and other organizations to create job opportunities for autistic youth and raise public awareness. Parent company La Kaffa International operates multiple brands in 63 countries, focusing on sustainability and innovation to lead the industry forward.

4. Columbia Asia – Kelvin Tan: 2025 Malaysia Top 10 Most Influential Figures, a Strong Advocate for Innovative Healthcare

Columbia Asia Group, known for its efficient community hospital model in Southeast Asia, has Kelvin Tan, the CEO of the Southeast Asia region, among the “2025 Malaysia Top 10 Most Influential Figures.” He emphasized that the group’s small hospital model provides cost-effective healthcare services to residents, with 10 medical institutions currently in Malaysia and an average hospital stay of just two days. Expansion plans are steadily underway.

5. Manulife Insurance Berhad – Lee Sang Hui: Pioneering a New Era for Manulife Malaysia

Manulife Malaysia announces Sang Hui Lee as CEO, overseeing insurance and wealth management. With over 25 years of industry experience, Lee will accelerate digital transformation while continuing the client-centric strategy established by his predecessor. Under his leadership, Manulife aims to serve over 300,000 clients and strengthen its leadership in international financial services, solidifying his place among the Top 10 most influential figures in Malaysia’s 2025 financial landscape.

6. 99 Speedmart – Lee Thiam Wah: A Fusion of Creativity and Leadership Driving Malaysia’s Retail Revolution

Lee Thiam Wah, 60, is one of the founders of 99 Speedmart, with 36 years of retail industry experience. Since opening his first mini-market in 1987, he successfully expanded the brand into Malaysia’s largest chain of mini-supermarkets. His strategic vision also extends to investments in Burger King franchises in Malaysia and Singapore, as well as the U Stars Group in Singapore. Lee Thiam Wah has won multiple entrepreneurial awards and is recognized as one of the “Top 10 Most Influential Figures in Malaysia for 2025,” setting a benchmark for the industry.

7. Shopee Malaysia – Ian Ho: Leading Shopee’s Steady Global Expansion

As Vice President of Shopee, Ian Ho oversees operations, brand partnerships, and compliance in Singapore and Malaysia. With experience as Executive Director for Shopee in Poland and Malaysia, and as an Investment Manager at Garena Online focusing on gaming investments, Ian has also held leadership roles at Forbes Digital Commerce and Vickers Venture Partners, focusing on business development and investment analysis. He is poised to be one of the Top 10 Most Influential People in Malaysia by 2025.

8. MyNews.com – Dang Tai Luk: A Leader in Innovative Retail and Social Impact

The success of MyNews founder Dang Tai Luk is rooted in his deep passion for education and the unwavering support of his family. Starting from a traditional newsstand, he transformed it into one of Malaysia’s largest local convenience store chains. In 2025, Dang was recognized as one of the “Top 10 Most Influential Figures,” inspiring countless entrepreneurs. Not only has he worked tirelessly for his own business, but through the “Allowances That Allow” initiative, he has helped impoverished students change their futures. Today, MyNews boasts over 600 retail stores and has partnered with international companies to establish advanced food processing centers, elevating the retail and e-commerce industries.

9.Tan Sri Kong Hon Kong: Leading Innovation in the Funeral Industry, Ranked Among 2025 Malaysia’s Top 10 Most Influential Figures

David Kong (Tan Sri Kong Hon Kong), born in 1954 in Malaysia, initially found success in the finance industry. In 1986, he revolutionized the funeral industry by founding Nirvana Memorial Park, the first private scenic cemetery in Malaysia, changing traditional funeral concepts. Through this project, he established the Rich Asia Group, quickly growing it into an industry leader with multiple memorial parks and related facilities. His business achievements have earned him recognition, including multiple appearances on the Forbes Malaysia Rich List and prestigious awards like the “Lifetime Achievement Award.” He was named one of “2025 Malaysia’s Top 10 Most Influential Figures,” further solidifying his status in the business world.

10. Darren Teoh : Bringing Malaysian Flavors to the World with Creative Cuisine

Darren Teoh, a rising star in Malaysia’s culinary scene, has gained global recognition with his restaurant, Dewakan, which showcases the unique flavors of local Malaysian ingredients. In 2025, Dewakan was ranked 46th on the “Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants” list, and Darren was named one of the “Top 10 Most Influential People.” His cooking philosophy blends authenticity with innovation, creating stunning dishes that elevate Malaysia’s culinary reputation and inspire food lovers worldwide.

2025 Malaysia’s Top 10 Most Influential People: Architects of an Era!