The 2026 Forbes World’s Billionaires list has officially been released, highlighting a year of significant wealth growth for Malaysia’s elite. While the global top spot is held by Elon Musk (US$839B), Malaysia continues to hold its own with 15 individuals making the global rankings.
From centenarian tycoons to the “King of Mini-marts,” here is the definitive 2026 ranking of the Top 10 Richest Malaysians, in descending order:
No. 10: Lillian Teh Li Ming
One of the heirs to the late Tan Sri Teh Hong Piow, Lillian Teh holds a significant stake in Public Bank Berhad, Malaysia’s third-largest lender.
Her fortune is a testament to the enduring stability and legacy of the banking empire her father built over six decades.
- World Ranking: #2052
- Net Worth: US$2.0 Billion
No. 9 Kie Chie Wong
A seasoned investor originally from a Sarawak timber family, Wong has lived in Australia since the 1980s.
The bulk of his wealth comes from a savvy, long-term minority stake in Fortescue, an Australian iron ore giant that has benefited from the global commodities boom.
- World Ranking: #1676
- Net Worth: US$2.5 Billion
No. 8 Syed Mokhtar AlBukhary (MMC Corp / DRB-HICOM)
A low-profile but high-impact tycoon, Syed Mokhtar controls a vast array of national assets.
His empire includes ports and logistics via MMC Corp, and the national carmaker Proton through DRB-HICOM. He remains a central figure in Malaysia’s transport and energy infrastructure.
- World Ranking: #1163
- Net Worth: US$3.7 Billion
No. 7 Lee Yeow Seng (IOI Properties)
The younger son of the late Lee Shin Cheng, Yeow Seng is the CEO of IOI Properties Group.
He has focused on expanding the group’s real estate footprint, particularly in Singapore’s prime commercial districts with the iconic IOI Central Boulevard Towers.
- World Ranking: #1074
- Net Worth: US$4.0 Billion
No. 6 Lee Yeow Chor (IOI Corp)
The elder brother of Yeow Seng, Lee Yeow Chor serves as the Group Managing Director of IOI Corporation Berhad. His wealth is rooted in palm oil, managing one of the world’s most efficient and integrated plantation and oleochemical conglomerates.
- World Ranking: #934
- Net Worth: US$4.6 Billion
No. 5 Jeffrey Cheah (Sunway Group)
The founder of Sunway Group, Cheah is famous for transforming former tin mines into the thriving Sunway City.
His diversified wealth is driven by the group’s massive success in property development, high-tier education, and a rapidly growing healthcare network.
- World Ranking: #749
- Net Worth: US$5.6 Billion
No. 4 Koon Poh Keong (Press Metal)
Tan Sri Paul Koon is the CEO of Press Metal Aluminium Holdings, Southeast Asia’s largest integrated aluminium producer.
His fortune has thrived on the global “green shift,” as aluminium is a critical component for the electric vehicle and renewable energy sectors.
- World Ranking: #645
- Net Worth: US$6.5 Billion
No. 3 Lee Thiam Wah (99 Speedmart)
The “King of Mini-marts” is the biggest climber of the era. Following the successful listing of 99 Speedmart Holdings Bhd, Lee’s wealth reached new heights.
He manages a network of over 2,600 convenience stores that have become an essential part of Malaysian daily life.
- World Ranking: #595
- Net Worth: US$6.8 Billion
No. 2 Quek Leng Chan (Hong Leong Group)
The patriarch of the Hong Leong Group, Quek’s wealth is an intricate web of banking, manufacturing, and real estate.
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His primary engine of growth remains Hong Leong Bank, a cornerstone of the Malaysian financial sector.
- World Ranking: #498
- Net Worth: US$7.6 Billion
No. 1 Robert Kuok (Kuok Group)
At 102 years old, the legendary “Sugar King” remains Malaysia’s richest man. His Kuok Group controls a massive global portfolio, including Shangri-La Hotels, Wilmar International (palm oil), and PPB Group.
In 2026, he continues to adapt his empire, notably pivoting into Johor’s booming data center industry.
- World Ranking: #204
- Net Worth: US$14.2 Billion
The 2026 rankings highlight a significant shift in the Malaysian billionaire landscape. While commodities like palm oil and banking remain the “old guard” of wealth, the rise of individuals like Lee Thiam Wah and Koon Poh Keong proves that agility in retail and sustainability-linked manufacturing is the new frontier.
