Early Life
Born in Mersing, Johor, Malaysia, around 1949, Kuok Khoon Hong is the nephew of Malaysian billionaire Robert Kuok. He received his early education in Malaysia before pursuing higher education. He received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the National University of Singapore in 1973.
Rise to Success
Kuok started his career trading soft commodities at Kuok Oils and Grains. He became the managing director and developed the Pasir Gudang Edible Oils refining complex in Johor and China's first edible oil refinery. In 1991, he co-founded Wilmar International with Martua Sitorus. Starting with seed capital from his family home, Wilmar grew rapidly in the Indonesian edible oil market, developing oil palm plantations and refineries. A key moment was the 2007 merger with the Kuok Group's assets, significantly expanding Wilmar's scale.
Key Business Strategies
Wilmar's success is built on an integrated agribusiness model encompassing the entire value chain. This includes oil palm cultivation, oilseed crushing, edible oils refining, sugar milling and refining, and the manufacturing of consumer products. Strategic moves include acquisitions, vertical integration, and joint ventures. His focus on sustainable palm oil production has positioned Wilmar as an industry leader.
Philanthropy
Kuok Khoon Hong is also a dedicated philanthropist, supporting various educational and social initiatives. He established the KKH Scholarship at Singapore Management University and Singapore University of Technology and Design, as well as the KKH Bursary at Magdalene College, Cambridge University. Wilmar has also contributed to schools in Indonesia and elderly homes and orphanages in China. In 2020, Kuok and Wilmar donated $7 million to The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund.
