Yeoh Tiong Lay

$2.10 B

Ranked #973 in World

About Yeoh Tiong Lay

Yeoh Tiong Lay, the Malaysian billionaire and founder of YTL Corporation, passed away in 2017, leaving behind a legacy as a notable figure in construction, utilities, hotel management, and technology sectors with operations across Asia, Australia, and the UK, where they own Wessex Water. Born to a Malaysian Chinese family with roots in Kinmen and Zhangzhou, Yeoh amassed a fortune, with his family's net worth estimated at US$3 billion in October 2017. A philanthropist at heart, Yeoh, married to Tan Kai Yong for 65 years, fathered seven children who continued his ventures in YTL Group, and contributed significantly to educational initiatives. His honors include prestigious awards from Malaysia, Sabah, Selangor, Japan, and Taiwan, marking him as a respected business leader and humanitarian.

Born

December 18, 1929 in Klang, Selangor, Federated Malay States (now Malaysia)

Died

October 18, 2017 (aged 87)

Source Of Wealth

Construction, Property, Power

Industries

Diversified

Citizenship

Malaysia

Education

Doctorate, Heriot-Watt University

Spouse

Puan Sri Datin Seri Tan Kai Yong

Children

7, including Francis Yeoh and Yeoh Soo Keng

Tan Sri Dato' Seri Yeoh Tiong Lay was born on 6 December 1929 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He was a Malaysian Chinese of Kinmen and Zhangzhou Hokkien roots. The third eldest child in the family, he completed his secondary education at Hin Hua High School in Klang, Malaysia.

Yeoh Tiong Lay: Family

Yeoh Tiong Lay was married to Tan Kai Yong for 65 years until his death in 2017. They had seven children: Francis Yeoh, Yeoh Soo Min, Victor Yeoh Seok Kian, Yeoh Seok Hong, Michael Yeoh, Yeoh Soo Keng, and Mark Yeoh, all of whom are involved in the YTL Group. He also had 27 grandchildren (including Ruth Yeoh, Michelle Yeoh, Rebekah Yeoh, and Rachel Yeoh) and 5 great-grandchildren.

Yeoh Tiong Lay: Career Highlights

Yeoh Tiong Lay was one of the richest individuals in Malaysia. The family's net worth was estimated at US$3 billion (October 2017). He was the founder of YTL Corporation, Malaysia's largest conglomerate with interests in construction, utilities, hotels, property development, and technology. YTL operates in Asia, Australia, and the United Kingdom (owns Wessex Water).

Yeoh Tiong Lay: Companies

Yeoh Tiong Lay was the founder and chairman of YTL Corporation, a Malaysian conglomerate with interests in construction, utilities, hotels, property development, and technology. The company operates in Asia, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

Yeoh Tiong Lay: Major Achievements

Yeoh Tiong Lay was a successful businessman and philanthropist. He was instrumental in the growth of YTL Corporation into one of the largest conglomerates in Malaysia. He was also involved in various charitable societies in Malaysia and supported educational establishments. He was the chairman of Hin Hua High School, his alma mater.

Yeoh Tiong Lay: Awards & Achievements

Yeoh Tiong Lay received numerous awards and honours for his contributions to business and society. Some of his notable awards include:

Malaysia:
Medal of the Order of the Defender of the Realm (PPN) (1967)
Officer of the Order of the Defender of the Realm (KMN) (1983)
Commander of the Order of Loyalty to the Crown of Malaysia (PSM) – Tan Sri (1985)
Sabah:
Grand Commander of the Order of Kinabalu (SPDK) – Datuk Seri Panglima (2013)
Selangor:
Knight Commander of the Order of the Crown of Selangor (DPMS) – Dato' (1983)
Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Crown of Selangor (SPMS) – Dato' Seri (1996)
Foreign Honours:
Japan:
3rd Class, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon of the Order of the Rising Sun (2008)
Taiwan:
4th class of the Order of Brilliant Star (2015)

Yeoh Tiong Lay: Personal Life & Legacy

Yeoh Tiong Lay was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

He was also a respected businessman and philanthropist. He passed away on 18 October 2017 at the age of 88. His legacy lives on through his family and the many businesses and organizations he founded and supported.

Yeoh Tiong Lay: Trivia

Yeoh Tiong Lay was a keen golfer and enjoyed playing the piano. He was also a patron of the arts and supported various cultural organizations in Malaysia.

Wealth History

Timeline

1929

Yeoh Tiong Lay is born in Malaysia.

1952

Yeoh Tiong Lay marries Tan Kai Yong.

1967

Yeoh Tiong Lay is awarded the Medal of the Order of the Defender of the Realm (PPN) by the Malaysian government.

1983

Yeoh Tiong Lay is awarded the Officer of the Order of the Defender of the Realm (KMN) by the Malaysian government and is knighted as Dato' by the Sultan of Selangor.

1985

Yeoh Tiong Lay is awarded the Commander of the Order of Loyalty to the Crown of Malaysia (PSM) by the Malaysian government and is conferred the title of Tan Sri.

1996

Yeoh Tiong Lay is awarded the Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Crown of Selangor (SPMS) by the Sultan of Selangor and is conferred the title of Dato' Seri.

2008

Yeoh Tiong Lay is awarded the 3rd Class, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon of the Order of the Rising Sun by the Japanese government.

2013

Yeoh Tiong Lay is awarded the Grand Commander of the Order of Kinabalu (SPDK) by the Governor of Sabah and is conferred the title of Datuk Seri Panglima.

2015

Yeoh Tiong Lay is awarded the 4th class of the Order of Brilliant Star by the Taiwanese government.

18 October 2017

Yeoh Tiong Lay passes away at the age of 88.

Yeoh Tiong Lay : FAQs

What is Yeoh Tiong Lay's net worth?

As of 2017, Yeoh Tiong Lay's net worth was $2.10 billion.

What are Yeoh Tiong Lay's main sources of wealth?

Yeoh Tiong Lay's main source of income comes from Construction, Property, Power.

In which industry does Yeoh Tiong Lay primarily operate?

Yeoh Tiong Lay is primarily involved in the Diversified industry.

What is Yeoh Tiong Lay educational background?

Yeoh Tiong Lay holds a Doctorate from Heriot-Watt University.

Is Yeoh Tiong Lay dead?

Yes, Yeoh Tiong Lay died on October 18, 2017 (aged 87).

How many children does Yeoh Tiong Lay have?

Yeoh Tiong Lay has 7 children.

Who was Yeoh Tiong Lay and what was his significance in Malaysia?

Yeoh Tiong Lay was a Malaysian billionaire businessman and philanthropist, recognized as the founder of YTL Corporation, Malaysia's largest conglomerate with interests in construction, utilities, hotels, property development, and technology. His leadership and entrepreneurship significantly impacted Malaysia's economic development.

What are the key sectors and regions where YTL Corporation operates?

YTL Corporation operates in various sectors including construction, utilities, hotels, property development, and technology. Its operations are widespread across Asia, Australia, and the United Kingdom, where it owns Wessex Water, showcasing its global footprint.

How did Yeoh Tiong Lay contribute to society outside of his business endeavors?

Beyond his business successes, Yeoh Tiong Lay was deeply involved in philanthropic efforts, supporting charitable societies in Malaysia and educational establishments, including serving as the Chairman of Hin Hua High School, his alma mater. His contributions to society were recognized through various honors and awards.

What honors and awards did Yeoh Tiong Lay receive throughout his life?

Yeoh Tiong Lay was honored with several prestigious awards throughout his life, including the Malaysian Medal of the Order of the Defender of the Realm, the Commander of the Order of Loyalty to the Crown of Malaysia, the Grand Commander of the Order of Kinabalu in Sabah, and foreign honors such as the 3rd Class, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon of the Order of the Rising Sun from Japan and the 4th class of the Order of Brilliant Star from Taiwan.