Yeoh Tiong Lay
Yeoh Tiong Lay | |
|---|---|
| Born | December 18, 1929 Malaysia |
| Died | October 18, 2017 (aged 87) |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, philanthropist |
| Known for | Founder of YTL Corporation |
Yeoh Tiong Lay (; born 18 December 1929 – died 18 October 2017) was a prominent Malaysian entrepreneur and philanthropist noted for his billionaire status. He was the founder of YTL Corporation, Malaysia’s foremost conglomerate, with diversified interests spanning construction, utilities, hospitality, real estate development, and technology sectors. While YTL’s core operations are based in Malaysia, the company also maintains a substantial footprint across Asia, Australia, and the United Kingdom, including ownership of the utility firm Wessex Water.
In 2013, Yeoh contributed US$11 million to establish the Yeoh Tiong Lay Centre for Politics, Philosophy & Law at King's College London.
Early life
Of Malaysian Chinese heritage with roots tracing back to Kinmen and Zhangzhou Hokkien ancestors, Yeoh was the third oldest among his siblings. He completed his secondary schooling at Hin Hua High School located in Klang, Malaysia.
Career
Yeoh ranked among Malaysia’s wealthiest figures, with his family's estimated net worth reaching approximately US$3 billion as of October 2017.
Personal life
In 1952, Yeoh married Tan Kai Yong; their marriage lasted until his passing in 2017.
He was a father to seven children, including notable figures such as Francis Yeoh and Yeoh Soo Keng, all of whom hold leadership roles within YTL Group’s various business units. At the time of his death, Yeoh had 27 grandchildren — including Ruth Yeoh, Michelle Yeoh, Rebekah Yeoh, and Rachel Yeoh — as well as five great-grandchildren.
A dedicated philanthropist, he supported numerous educational causes and served as chairman of his former school, Hin Hua High School.
Yeoh passed away on 18 October 2017.
Malaysian honours
- :
- Awarded the Medal of the Order of the Defender of the Realm (PPN) in 1967
- Conferred Officer rank of the Order of the Defender of the Realm (KMN) in 1983
- Bestowed Commander title of the Order of Loyalty to the Crown of Malaysia (PSM), carrying the honorific Tan Sri, in 1985
- :
- Granted Grand Commander status of the Order of Kinabalu (SPDK) with the title Datuk Seri Panglima in 2013
- Held position as Pro-Chancellor at Universiti Malaysia Sabah, serving alongside Sabah’s Chief Minister
- :
- Recipient of the Meritorious Service Medal (PJK) in 1967
- Knighted as Knight Commander of the Order of the Crown of Selangor (DPMS), entitled Dato, in 1983
- Elevated to Knight Grand Commander rank within the Order of the Crown of Selangor (SPMS), receiving the title Dato' Seri in 1996
International honours
- :
- Awarded 3rd Class, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon distinction from the Order of the Rising Sun in 2008 by the Emperor of Japan, recognizing efforts to enhance Malaysia-Japan relations.
- :
- Received 4th class decoration from the Order of Brilliant Star in 2015, presented by President Ma Ying-jeou for contributions toward Taiwan’s cultural and educational progress.