🌳 Robert Kuok Family Tree

Robert Kuok is a Malaysian-born Chinese billionaire and business magnate, known as the “Sugar King of Asia.” He built a vast business empire spanning sugar, palm oil, shipping, property, media, and hospitality, including founding Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts.

Below is an outline of his family tree, covering key family members involved in business and public life.

👤 Robert Kuok Hock Nien

  • Born: October 6, 1923, Johor Bahru, Malaysia

  • Ethnicity: Chinese (Fujianese/Hokkien origin)

  • Net Worth: One of Asia’s richest individuals

  • Notable Roles:

    • Founder of Kuok Group

    • Founder of Shangri-La Hotels

    • Former major stakeholder in Wilmar International, South China Morning Post, and Kerry Group

👩‍❤️‍👨 Spouse:

  • Joyce Cheah (deceased)

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Children (he has 8 children in total; several are involved in the Kuok business empire):

🧑 Kuok Khoon Ean

  • Eldest son

  • Chairman of Kerry Holdings Ltd

  • Director in several Kuok Group companies, including hospitality and logistics arms

🧑 Kuok Khoon Hong

  • Nephew of Robert Kuok (often mistaken as son)

  • Co-founder and chairman of Wilmar International, one of the world’s largest agribusiness firms

🧑 Kuok Khoon Hua

  • Son

  • CEO of Kerry Properties (Hong Kong-listed)

  • Involved in real estate, logistics, and trading arms of Kuok Group

🧑 Kuok Hui Kwong

  • Daughter

  • Chairperson of Shangri-La Asia Ltd

  • Plays a major role in the group's luxury hotel chain

📘 Extended Family & Connections

  • The Kuok family has extensive business networks across Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore, and China.

  • Despite Robert Kuok's vast influence, he is known for low public visibility and a reclusive lifestyle.

📌 Quick Facts

  • Full Name: Robert Kuok Hock Nien

  • Born: October 6, 1923

  • Birthplace: Johor Bahru, Johor, British Malaya (now Malaysia)

  • Ethnicity: Chinese (Fujianese/Hokkien descent)

  • Nationality: Malaysian

  • Net Worth: Estimated over $10 billion USD (varies by year and source)

🏢 Career & Business Empire

  • Founder of the Kuok Group, a conglomerate with interests in:

    • Sugar refining (dominated the Malaysian market in the 1960s–70s)

    • Palm oil trading

    • Hospitality (Founded the Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts luxury chain)

    • Shipping, property, logistics, and media

  • Former owner of the South China Morning Post (sold to Alibaba in 2015)

  • Co-founder (through family connections) of Wilmar International, one of the world’s largest agribusiness companies.

  • The Kuok Group operates across Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, and mainland China.

🧘 Traits and Philosophy

  • Known for his discretion, humility, and behind-the-scenes influence.

  • Has rarely given interviews and prefers to stay out of the public eye.

  • Deeply respected for his business acumen, diplomacy, and long-term vision.

  • Authored a best-selling memoir in 2017:
    📘 "Robert Kuok: A Memoir" — offers rare insights into his life, principles, and experiences in both business and politics.

🏛️ Political and Social Influence

  • Served as a quiet adviser to several Malaysian Prime Ministers, including Mahathir Mohamad.

  • Was appointed to the Council of Eminent Persons in 2018 to advise the government after Pakatan Harapan's election win.

  • Seen as a bridge between Malaysia and China, especially in trade and diplomatic channels.

👪 Personal Life

  • Married to the late Joyce Cheah

  • Has 8 children, several of whom are active in the family business

  • Nephew Kuok Khoon Hong is a billionaire in his own right, heading Wilmar International.

​​​🏅 Legacy

Robert Kuok is respected for:

  • Building a multinational empire from humble beginnings

  • Maintaining a low-key but powerful role in shaping Southeast Asian capitalism

  • Being an advisor to Malaysian leaders, including during the Mahathir and Najib Razak eras

  • A symbol of Asian entrepreneurship, resilience, and integrity.

  • Revered across Southeast Asia and Greater China as one of the last great business patriarchs of his generation.

 

 

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📜 Disclaimer
The family tree and biographical information provided in this article are based on publicly available sources and records. While we strive for accuracy, we do not guarantee the completeness or authenticity of the data. This content is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not aim to infringe on any individual's privacy or personal rights. If you believe any information is incorrect or wish to request edits or removal, please contact us at Info@familyrootapp.com.