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Malaysia’s low-key tycoon: the empire of Syed Mokhtar Albukhary

Despite his grip on the country’s infrastructure, he remains a mystery beyond Malaysian borders as his portfolio is largely anchored at home

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Tan Ai Leng

Tan Ai Leng

Published Mon, Jul 14, 2025 · 07:00 AM
    • With an estimated net worth of US$2.2 billion, Syed Mokhtar Albukhary (right) is Malaysia’s 11th richest individual. His daughter Sharifah Sofia Syed Mokhtar Shah holds directorship positions in a few companies.
    • With an estimated net worth of US$2.2 billion, Syed Mokhtar Albukhary (right) is Malaysia’s 11th richest individual. His daughter Sharifah Sofia Syed Mokhtar Shah holds directorship positions in a few companies. GRAPHIC: BT VISUAL

    [KUALA LUMPUR] News of a possible listing of MMC Port Holdings, the country’s largest port operator, has thrown the spotlight back on Syed Mokhtar Albukhary – one of Malaysia’s most powerful yet least visible businessmen.

    Despite his grip on the country’s infrastructure – from ports and airports to logistics and utilities – the 73-year-old tycoon remains a mystery beyond Malaysian borders as his portfolio is largely anchored at home.

    Bloomberg reported recently that MMC has confidentially filed listing documents with regulators aiming to raise as much as US$2 billion, potentially valuing the firm at US$7 billion.

    MalaysiaBillionairesAseanAsean BusinessAsia-Pacific

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