Prominent businessman, media magnate, and philanthropist Tan Sri Tiong Hiew King, the executive chairman of Rimbunan Hijau Group, passed away at about 11am today after a period of illness. He was 91.
Tiong, who was also the founding president of the World Fuzhou Association and the World Zhang Clan Association, was widely recognised for his entrepreneurial achievements and charitable work.
Born on March 18, 1934, in Fujian Province, China, Tiong was the eldest of nine siblings. Coming from a humble background, he was unable to complete a full formal education and left school at 13 to help support his family.
Despite early hardships, he later resumed his studies while working and completed his secondary education at Chung Cheng Secondary School in Tanjong Kunyit. He went on to take correspondence courses from Xiamen University, mastering several languages including Chinese, English, Malay, and Iban.
At 18, driven by patriotic sentiment, Tiong once planned to return to China. His father, while supportive, advised him in a letter to always prioritise caring for his family — a message that would guide him throughout his life.
In 1975, Tiong and his brothers co-founded the Rimbunan Hijau Group, starting from hardware and construction materials before expanding into sectors such as timber, oil palm plantations, hotels, retail, IT, and finance.
Under his leadership, Rimbunan Hijau grew into one of Malaysia’s largest conglomerates, with a presence in Papua New Guinea, China, and other countries.
Tiong was also a media pioneer, co-founding the United Daily News and The Brunei Times, and later becoming a key figure in Malaysia’s Chinese-language press through ownership of Sin Chew Daily, Guang Ming Daily, Nanyang Siang Pau, and China Press.
In 2009, he was conferred the title Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (K.B.E.) by Queen Elizabeth II, recognising his contributions to business and philanthropy in Papua New Guinea.
A year later, in 2010, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding contributions to economic and social development.
Tiong is survived by his wife, one son, four daughters, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
— The Borneo Post
