Hotel and property tycoon Robert Kuok, 102, has once again been named Malaysia’s wealthiest individual, according to the latest Forbes World’s Billionaires rankings. Based in Hong Kong, Kuok secured the 204th spot globally with a net worth of US$14.2 billion, making him the highest-ranked Malaysian this year.
Forbes data shows his fortune has risen from US$12.1 billion in 2025, although his global ranking fell from 101st. Alongside Kuok, 14 other Malaysians appeared on the list, highlighting the growing presence of the nation’s billionaires.
Close behind Kuok is Quek Leng Chan of Hong Leong (486th, US$7.6 billion), Lee Thiam Wah of 99 Speed Mart Holdings (595th, US$6.8 billion), and Koon Poh Keong of Press Metal Aluminium Holdings (645th, US$6.8 billion). Other notable Malaysians include Jeffrey Cheah of Sunway Bhd (749th, US$5.6 billion), Lee Yeow Chor (934th, US$4.6 billion) and Lee Yeow Seng (1074th, US$4 billion) of IOI Corp, and Syed Mokhtar Albukhary (1,163rd, US$3.7 billion).
Globally, the Forbes list saw an increase of 400 billionaires compared to 2025, with total wealth hitting a record US$20.1 trillion, up US$4 trillion from last year. Tech moguls dominated the top spots, with Elon Musk leading at US$839 billion, followed by Larry Page (US$257 billion), Sergey Brin (US$237 billion), Jeff Bezos (US$224 billion), and Mark Zuckerberg (US$222 billion).
This year’s rankings underscore the resilience of Malaysia’s wealthiest figures, particularly Kuok, whose diversified empire in property, hospitality, and commodities continues to thrive despite global economic shifts.
