Kuok Khoon Hong, born in 1949 in the coastal village of Mersing, Johor, Malaysia, rose from humble beginnings to become one of Asia’s most influential agribusiness magnates. His entrepreneurial roots trace back to his father, Kuok Hock Swee, a self-made food distributor who later merged his enterprise with the Kuok Group, led by Khoon Hong’s cousin, the legendary Robert Kuok.
As the second of four children, Khoon Hong grew up in a family grounded in discipline, resilience, and commercial acumen. Educated at Sri Mersing Primary, St. Joseph’s School, and English College in Johor Bahru, he later pursued a Bachelor of Commerce at McGill University in Canada, graduating in 1973 with a broadened perspective on global trade.
Khoon Hong began his career at the family-run Kuok Oils and Grains business in Singapore, quickly rising through the ranks. He led major developments including the Pasir Gudang edible oil refining complex in Johor and China’s first edible oil refinery, South Seas Oils and Fats—early milestones that would define his sharp strategic mind and pioneering approach.
In 1991, driven by a bold vision, Khoon Hong co-founded Wilmar International with Indonesian entrepreneur Martua Sitorus. They started with SGD 2 million in seed capital—secured in part by mortgaging Khoon Hong’s family home—and set out to transform Asia’s fragmented edible oils industry. What began as a modest commodities trading firm rapidly expanded across the region, with palm oil plantations and refineries in Indonesia, and major footholds in China and India.
A defining moment came in 2007, when Wilmar merged with the Kuok Group’s oils and plantation assets, dramatically expanding its scale. In 2006, Wilmar listed on the Singapore Exchange with a valuation of SGD 2.38 billion; by early 2025, its market capitalization had surged to over SGD 21 billion. With over 300 subsidiaries and 92,000 employees, Wilmar is now a global agribusiness leader—earning Khoon Hong the title “Palm Oil King.”
Yet, alongside his aggressive expansion, Khoon Hong made sustainability a core principle. In 2019, Wilmar launched satellite monitoring to enforce zero-deforestation commitments, aiming to balance environmental responsibility with business growth. These efforts were vital, especially amid challenges such as volatile commodity prices, rising debt in 2022, and regulatory pressures over cooking oil pricing in Indonesia.
Beyond the boardroom, Khoon Hong is a dedicated philanthropist. In 2020, Wilmar contributed SGD 7 million to support underprivileged students in Singapore. He also endowed scholarships and bursaries at institutions including Magdalene College, Cambridge University; Singapore Management University; and the Singapore University of Technology and Design. His giving extends to infrastructure projects—such as building schools in Indonesia and elderly care facilities in China.
Today, as Chairman and CEO of Wilmar, Khoon Hong continues to steer the company’s strategic direction. He also serves as Non-Executive Chairman of Adani Wilmar and chairs Perennial Holdings. With an estimated net worth of US$3.4–3.8 billion, he remains among Singapore’s wealthiest individuals. In 2019, he was awarded the prestigious Chinese Government Friendship Award for his contributions to China’s development.
Kuok Khoon Hong’s journey—from a Malaysian fishing village to the helm of a global agricultural empire—is a masterclass in vision, perseverance, and ethical leadership. By integrating plantation operations with global refining, responsible sourcing, and philanthropic impact, he has set a benchmark for sustainable success in the 21st century. His legacy is one of enduring enterprise—built not only to thrive but to uplift.