Kuok Khoon Hong

$4.23 B

Ranked #977 in World

About Kuok Khoon Hong

Malaysian-born Kuok Khoon Hong, esteemed co-founder and CEO of the leading agribusiness conglomerate, Wilmar International, holds prominence as the world's top palm oil purveyor. With an illustrious career ignited at Kuok Oils and Grains, Hong's vision spearheaded the establishment of leading refineries across Asia. His 2021 net worth stood at US$3.7 billion. A pledge of SG$7 million underscores his dedication to philanthropy amidst global challenges. Hong's family lineage and entrepreneurial children cement the Kuok legacy in both business and philanthropy.

Born

January 01, 1950 in Mersing, Johor, Malaysia

Age

76 years

Source Of Wealth

Palm Oil

Industries

Manufacturing

Citizenship

Singapore

Residence

Singapore

Children

Parent

Kuok Hock Swee (Father), Tan Sek Meng (mother)

Kuok Khoon Hong was born around 1949 in Mersing, Johor, Malaysia. He was the second of four children born to Kuok Hock Swee and Tan Sek Meng. His father was an elder cousin of Malaysian Chinese billionaire Robert Kuok. Kuok Khoon Hong received his early education at Sri Mersing Primary, St Joseph's School, and the English College in Johor Bahru.

Kuok Khoon Hong: Family

Kuok Khoon Hong is married and has four children: three sons and one daughter. His eldest son, Kuok Meng Han, is a biotech entrepreneur and founder of Camtech. His second son, Kuok Meng Ru, was an amateur singer/songwriter before co-founding BandLab Technologies.

Kuok Khoon Hong: Career Highlights

Kuok Khoon Hong earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree from McGill University in 1973. He began his career trading soft commodities at Kuok Oils and Grains, eventually rising to the position of managing director. During his time at Kuok Oils and Grains, he developed the Pasir Gudang Edible Oils refining complex in Johor and China's first edible oil refinery, South Seas Oils and Fats.

In 1991, Kuok Khoon Hong left the Kuok Group to co-found Wilmar International with Martua Sitorus. Wilmar grew rapidly, initially in the Indonesian edible oil market, then expanding into Sumatran oil palm plantations, Indonesian edible oil refineries, mainland China, and India. In 2007, Wilmar merged Kuok Group's edible oil, trading, and oil palm plantation assets into Wilmar in exchange for a 31% stake.

Kuok Khoon Hong: Companies

Kuok Khoon Hong is the co-founder, chairman, and CEO of Wilmar International, one of Asia's leading agribusiness groups and the world's largest palm oil trader. He is also the chairman of Perennial Real Estate Holdings Ltd.

Kuok Khoon Hong: Major Achievements

Kuok Khoon Hong has played a significant role in the development of the palm oil industry in Asia. He is credited with transforming Wilmar International into a global agribusiness giant.

In 2012, he was elected an Honorary Fellow of Magdalene College, Cambridge University. In 2019, he received the Chinese Government Friendship Award.

Kuok Khoon Hong: Awards & Achievements

Kuok Khoon Hong has received numerous awards and recognitions for his contributions to the business and agricultural sectors. Some of his notable awards include:

Honorary Fellow of Magdalene College, Cambridge University (2012)
Chinese Government Friendship Award (2019)

Kuok Khoon Hong: Personal Life & Legacy

Kuok Khoon Hong is known for his philanthropic efforts. He has donated millions of dollars to various charitable causes, including education, healthcare, and disaster relief. He has set up and funded several schools in Indonesia, as well as elderly homes and orphanages in China. He has also established the KKH Scholarship at Singapore Management University and Singapore University of Technology and Design, as well as the KKH Bursary at Magdalene College of Cambridge University.

Kuok Khoon Hong: Trivia

Kuok Khoon Hong is an avid golfer and enjoys playing the piano.

Wealth History

Timeline

c. 1949

Kuok Khoon Hong was born in Mersing, Johor, Malaysia.

1973

Earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree from McGill University.

1991

Left Kuok Group to start Wilmar with Martua Sitorus.

2007

Merged Kuok Group's edible oil, trading, and oil palm plantation assets into Wilmar in exchange for a 31% stake.

2012

Elected an Honorary Fellow of Magdalene College, Cambridge University.

2019

Received the Chinese Government Friendship Award.

Kuok Khoon Hong : FAQs

What is Kuok Khoon Hong's current net worth?

Kuok Khoon Hong's current net worth is $4.23 billion.

What is Kuok Khoon Hong's current global rank among billionaires?

Kuok Khoon Hong holds the 977th position globally among billionaires.

What is Kuok Khoon Hong's current ranking within the Singapore?

Kuok Khoon Hong holds the 8th position in Singapore.

What was the change in Kuok Khoon Hong's net worth compared to the previous year?

Kuok Khoon Hong's net worth increased by 780.37 million dollars compared to the previous year 2025, when his net worth was 3.45 billion dollars.

What are Kuok Khoon Hong's main sources of wealth?

Kuok Khoon Hong's main source of income comes from Palm Oil.

In which industry does Kuok Khoon Hong primarily operate?

Kuok Khoon Hong is primarily involved in the Manufacturing industry.

How old is Kuok Khoon Hong?

Kuok Khoon Hong is 76 years old.

How many children does Kuok Khoon Hong have?

Kuok Khoon Hong has 4 children.

Who is Kuok Khoon Hong and what is his role in Wilmar International?

Kuok Khoon Hong, born around 1949 in Mersing, Johor, Malaysia, is the co-founder, chairman, and CEO of Wilmar International, an influential agribusiness group in Asia and the world's largest palm oil trader. He is also the chairman of Perennial Real Estate Holdings Ltd and had an estimated net worth of US$3.7 billion as of January 2021.

What milestones define Kuok Khoon Hong's career path?

Kuok Khoon Hong earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree from McGill University in 1973, began his career at Kuok Oils and Grains, and became a managing director. He helped develop significant edible oil refining complexes in Malaysia and China, left Kuok Group in 1991 to co-found Wilmar with Martua Sitorus, and in 2007, he merged Kuok Group’s related businesses into Wilmar, obtaining a significant stake. He has also been recognized with awards from academic institutions and governments for his successes.

What philanthropic efforts has Kuok Khoon Hong contributed to?

Kuok Khoon Hong has donated to a range of causes, including SG$7 million to The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund for COVID-19 relief in Singapore. He has established educational scholarships, funded schools in Indonesia, and contributed to the creation of homes for the elderly and orphanages in China.

Can you tell us about Kuok Khoon Hong's family background?

Kuok Khoon Hong, the second of four children of Kuok Hock Swee and Tan Sek Meng, was born in Mersing, Johor, Malaysia. His father was an elder cousin of the renowned Malaysian Chinese billionaire Robert Kuok. Kuok Khoon Hong received his early education in Johor Bahru and later married and had four children, with his eldest son, Kuok Meng Han, being a biotech entrepreneur and his second son, Kuok Meng Ru, co-founding BandLab Technologies.

How did Kuok Khoon Hong's education influence his career?

After completing his early education in Mersing and Johor Bahru, Kuok Khoon Hong graduated from McGill University with a Bachelor of Commerce degree, which provided the foundation for his entry into the commodity trading industry. His academic background helped him develop the skill set required to establish and grow Wilmar International into a global agribusiness giant.