Asean Business logo
SPONSORED BYUOB logo
BEHIND THE NAME

Malaysia’s 8th richest man Jeffrey Cheah wants Sunway business to last 10 generations

Having weathered two crises, the founder pairs professional management with slow-burn succession to keep the business and family intact

Jamille Tran
Published Mon, Apr 27, 2026 · 02:30 PM
    • Sunway Group's founder and chairman Jeffrey Cheah says international expansion will increasingly be driven by the next generation.
    • Sunway Group's founder and chairman Jeffrey Cheah says international expansion will increasingly be driven by the next generation. PHOTO: SUNWAY GROUP

    Inside Asia’s family empires: How they are transforming to seize the next stage of growth

    [HO CHI MINH CITY] Sunway Group’s founder and chairman Dr Jeffrey Cheah was running out of cash and options when help arrived from Singapore. 

    Twice, the business he built came close to collapse.