Billionaire Profile

Global Rank

#2444

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Burhan Karim

CEO, Musim Mas Holdings

Real-Time Net Worth

$1.5B

As of December 2025

Age

Source

Palm oil

Industry

manufacturing

Citizenship

Biography

Burhan Karim is an Indonesian businessman, director of Musim Mas Holdings, one of the world's largest integrated palm oil firms. With an estimated net worth of $1.5 billion as of December 5, 2025, Burhan Karim is ranked #2444 globally. His wealth primarily stems from his involvement in the palm oil industry. The family business, originating from the Nam Cheong Soap Factory founded by his father in 1932, expanded into palm oil refining, opening the first refinery in Indonesia in 1970. Burhan runs Musim Mas alongside his brothers, Bachtiar and Bahari. The company's operations span the entire palm oil value chain, managing plantations, refineries, and consumer goods production. Musim Mas is a key supplier to major multinational food and consumer goods companies and has been a leader in sustainable palm oil production.

Wealth Over Time

Portfolio Holdings

Musim Mas

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Burhan Karim, born in Indonesia, is the son of Anwar Karim and Mikie Wijaya. His family's entrepreneurial journey began in 1932 when his grandfather, Lee Bun Liau, established the Nam Cheong Soap Factory in Medan, North Sumatra. This factory served as the foundation for what would become Musim Mas.

Rise to Success

The Karim family's foray into the palm oil industry began in 1970 when Anwar Karim opened Indonesia's first palm oil refinery in Belawan, North Sumatra. Musim Mas was officially established in 1972. Burhan runs Musim Mas alongside his brothers Bachtiar and Bahari. Under their leadership, Musim Mas has grown into a global conglomerate, expanding its operations across the Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the Americas.

Key Business Strategies

Musim Mas has adopted several key strategies for success: integrated operations from plantations to consumer goods, allowing for control over the entire value chain; a strong focus on sustainability and obtaining certifications such as the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO); and a commitment to innovation, launching new subsidiaries and brands.

Philanthropy

The Karim family is involved in philanthropy through the Karim Family Foundation, which supports various causes, including sports development, arts and culture, education, and mental health. The foundation has donated to local charities and supported athletes. The family has also contributed to the National University of Singapore (NUS) to establish a professorship in sustainability.

Career Milestones

1932

Nam Cheong Soap Factory Founded

Burhan Karim's grandfather, Lee Bun Liau, founded Nam Cheong Soap Factory in Medan, North Sumatra, the precursor to Musim Mas.

1970

First Palm Oil Refinery

The Karim family opened the first palm oil refinery in Indonesia.

1972

Musim Mas Established

PT Musim Mas was officially established in Tanjung Mulia, Medan.

1997

Leadership of Musim Mas

Burhan Karim, along with his brothers, took over the management of Musim Mas after their father's death.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Sports, Arts & Culture, Mental Health, Education

Karim Family Foundation

$0.2B

The Karim Family Foundation supports sports development, arts & culture, mental health, and education.

Sports

Donation to Loh Kean Yew

$0.2B

The Karim Family Foundation donated to Loh Kean Yew for winning the Badminton World Federation World Championships.

Education

Donation to NUS

$0.002B

The Karim family gifted to the National University of Singapore (NUS) to start a professorship in sustainability.

Health

Donation to Singapore General Hospital and Alzheimer's Disease Association

$0.005B

The Karim family donated to various causes, including the Singapore General Hospital and the Alzheimer's Disease Association, in 2020.