Tan Chin Nam
Tan Chin Nam | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia |
| Died | October 21, 2018 (aged 92) Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia |
| Occupation(s) | Businessman, real estate developer |
| Known for | Founder of IGB Corporation Berhad, development of Shangri-La Hotel Malaysia, Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Mid Valley Megamall; Australian thoroughbred horse racing investor; chess official |
Tan Chin Nam (18 March 1926 – 21 October 2018) was a prominent Malaysian businessman and real estate developer. His family retains majority ownership of IGB Corporation Berhad. Recognized as one of Malaysia's most affluent entrepreneurs, Tan led numerous enterprises spanning the property and hospitality industries.
Among his notable developments are Malaysia's Shangri-La Hotel, Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur, and significant retail complexes in both Malaysia and Singapore, with the large-scale Mid Valley Megamall being a prime example. In Australia, he played a key role in restoring iconic landmarks such as Sydney's Queen Victoria Building and the Capitol Theatre. Additionally, Tan was deeply involved in Australian thoroughbred horse racing investments.
His autobiography, titled Never Say I Assume!, was released by MPH Malaysia in 2006.
Early life
Tan was born on 18 March 1926 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, as the sixth child among twelve siblings.
He was the primary investor behind one of Australia's leading horse trainers, Bart Cummings, maintaining a successful collaboration for over three decades until Cummings passed away in 2015.
Tan held stakes in several of Cummings' celebrated horses, including Think Big, which he co-owned with Queensland property magnate Rick O'Sullivan and later Tunku Abdul Rahman. Think Big secured back-to-back victories at the Melbourne Cup in 1974 and 1975. He also owned multiple Group One winner Saintly. Among his achievements was owning the victorious Viewed in the 2008 Melbourne Cup, making him one of only four owners to claim four Melbourne Cup wins. His portfolio also included the 2009 and 2010 Cox Plate champion So You Think, as well as Faint Perfume, winner of the 2009 Crown Oaks.
Tan operated Think Big Stud, a breeding facility situated along the Wingecarribee River near Burradoo, New South Wales.
Chess
In 1975, Tan recognized the substantial potential for expanding chess in China. Following an eight-year prohibition during the Cultural Revolution, chess activities resumed in 1974. Partnering with Chinese authorities, he initiated the "Big Dragon Project," with the objective of establishing China as a global chess powerhouse by 2010. In 1982, Tan became the inaugural Asian Deputy President of FIDE and served as president of Malaysia’s chess federation for many years.
Since 2004, Tan has sponsored the annual Dato' Arthur Tan Malaysian Open chess tournament held in Kuala Lumpur.
Honours
- :
- Companion of the Order of the Defender of the Realm (JMN) awarded in 1978
- :
- Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Crown of Terengganu (SPMT), granting him the title Dato' in 1996
Death
Having retired from business activities during the 1990s, Tan passed away on 21 October 2018 at age 92 in Kuala Lumpur. The Dato Tan Chin Nam Stakes race at Melbourne’s Moonee Valley Racecourse commemorates his legacy.