I'm forever grateful for the Kuok Foundation's generosity, which funded my education through a 0% interest grant. This incredible blessing not only supported my academic pursuits but also set me on a path to long-term success, providing a strong foundation for my future. The impact of their support will always be remembered as a life-changing windfall.
# What is the Most Unexpected Income in Your Life?

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    ·06-18
    TOP

    Guess why I'm sharing and re-posting? 

    Besides the fact that I find this very interesting and love learning new facts like this. He is 100 years old and has lived an amazing life! @nomadic_m You truly were blessed 🩵

    13 Facts You Need To Know About Sugar King Of Asia, Robert Kuok

    Let’s explore Robert Kuok’s fascinating life with some fun facts that unveil his extraordinary journey, lasting influence, and remarkable legacy.

    1. Started as an office boy

    Robert kuok (kid)

    Photo via Success Story

    Born in Malaysia on October 6, 1923, Robert Kuok started as an office boy and eventually built a business empire from scratch.

    His journey from a modest beginning to becoming one of the world’s wealthiest individuals is nothing short of remarkable.

    2. The Sugar King of Asia

    Robert kuok sitting

    Kuok’s business interests span a diverse range of industries, but one of his most iconic titles is the “Sugar King of Asia.”

    At one point, he controlled a staggering 80% of the Malaysian sugar market, earning him this sweet nickname.

    3. Shangri-La hotels and beyond

    Shangri-la hotel, hong kong

    Photo via Shangri-La

    Kuok ventured into the hospitality industry by founding Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, a renowned luxury hotel chain.

    His business savvy extended to real estate, including properties in Singapore and Hong Kong.

    4. A global business empire

    Kuok’s empire, known as the Kuok Group of Companies, spans multiple countries, including Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand, Mainland China, Indonesia, Fiji, and Australia. His interests range from sugar refineries to freight shipping. 

    5. A diplomatic bridge builder

    Robert Kuok played a role in fostering diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China.

    He also advised the Malaysian government, demonstrating his influence beyond the business world.

    6. The family legacy

    Kuok’s family members have played significant roles in various fields, including business and politics. 

    His nephew, Kuok Khoon Hong, chairs Wilmar International, while his grand-nephew, Kuok Meng Ru, is involved in the music retail industry.

    7. A memoir of success

    In 2018, Robert Kuok published his memoir titled “ Robert Kuok: A Memoir,” shedding light on his life and journey.

    The book received acclaim and won the Best Book of the Year award in Singapore.

    8. A man of faith

    Hong kong's deep water bay

    Kuok follows Buddhism and resides in Hong Kong’s Deep Water Bay neighborhood on Hong Kong Island.

    His spiritual beliefs likely contribute to his calm and enigmatic demeanor.

    9. Richest man in Malaysia

    With an estimated net worth of $11.8 billion as of April 2023, Robert Kuok is not only the wealthiest Malaysian citizen but also ranks as the 96th wealthiest person globally.

    However, as of April 2023, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index 2023, Kuok’s estimated net worth has risen to $17.7 billion, elevating him to the 97th position among the world’s richest individuals.

    10. Multilingual maestro

    Robert Kuok’s linguistic abilities are impressive.

    He grew up speaking his parents’ Fuzhou dialect, English, and even learned Japanese during Japan’s wartime occupation of Malaya.

    11. Collaborator during wartime

    During World War II, Kuok worked as a collaborator and clerk in the rice-trading department of the Japanese conglomerate Mitsubishi Shoji Kaisha in Singapore.

    12. The family connection

    Kuok founded Kuok Brothers Sdn Bhd in 1949 with his two brothers and a cousin. This family collaboration laid the foundation for his future business success.

    13. Sweet deals

    Kuok’s nickname, the “Sugar King of Asia,” was earned through his savvy investment in sugar refineries.

    At one point, his empire produced a staggering 1.5 million tonnes of sugar, equivalent to 10% of the world’s production.

    https://weirdkaya.com/here-are-13-facts-you-need-to-know-about-sugar-king-of-asia-robert-kuok-who-just-turned-100-today/

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    • nomadic_m
      Had Robert Kuok been a contemporary of Elon Musk and Jensen Huang, he would likely be revered alongside them as one of the most visionary and successful entrepreneurs of our time. While the centuries differ, Kuok's achievements and leadership qualities would have undoubtedly placed him on the same pedestal as these modern-day icons.

      Upon conducting research on $Wilmar International, Ltd.(WLMIY)$ $Shangri-La Asia Ltd.(SHALY)$ $Shangri-La Asia Ltd.(SHALF)$ $Kerry Group plc(KRYAF)$ doesn't look like they're actively traded in the US, certainly not on Tiger brokers. As an alternative, I'm considering exploring Singapore-listed stocks, particularly those constituting the Straits Times Index (STI)

      06-19
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    ·06-17
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    Thank you for sharing! Really interesting to read because I’ve never heard of that foundation. I’ll have to look it up later unless you can give us some background? What an incredible blessing, as you say!!
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    • nomadic_m
      look up Robert Kuok the sugar king. he also owns ShangriLa
      06-17
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