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LeaderPortfolio
Billionaire Profile
Lau Cho Kun
Global Rank
#2419

Image: AnonymousUnknown author | Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Lau Cho Kun

CEO, Palm oil
MALAYSIA
Real-Time Net Worth
$1.709B
Estimated based on Palm oil stock value as of April 21, 2026
+0.13% (24h)
Age
90
Source
Palm oil, property
Industry
Diversified
Citizenship
MALAYSIA

Biography

Lau Cho Kun, born in 1936, is a prominent Malaysian billionaire. His estimated net worth of $1.7 billion (as of March 2024) positions him among the wealthiest individuals globally. The primary source of his wealth is attributed to his holdings in palm oil and property. Lau's career includes significant achievements in diverse industries, including financial services, plantations, and automotive distribution through his control of Hap Seng Consolidated. Lau Cho Kun resides in Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia and is known for his substantial influence in Malaysia's business landscape, particularly in the region of Sabah.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 4/21/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Born in the 1930s, Lau Cho Kun's early life coincided with significant historical events in Southeast Asia, including the Japanese occupation during World War II and the struggle for Malaysian independence. His family background likely played a role in his later business ventures, with early exposure to commerce laying the foundation for his future success.

Rise to Success

Lau Cho Kun's path to wealth is rooted in the expansion of his family's conglomerate, Hap Seng Consolidated. He is the largest shareholder in Hap Seng Consolidated, which has interests in palm oil, property, financial services, and automotive distribution. His ownership is channeled through Gek Poh Holdings and Lei Shing Hong Investment. Hap Seng Consolidated has been operating Mercedes-Benz dealerships in Malaysia since 1969.

Key Business Strategies

Lau's business strategy involves long-term asset accumulation and diversification across mature industries. This is a common model among Southeast Asian tycoons who build fortunes through capital-intensive industries. He also controls the palm oil division, particularly in Sabah, which represents a core revenue engine.

Philanthropy

Lau Cho Kun's philanthropic footprint is minimal. There are no major foundations or public donations attributed to him or his family.

Career Milestones

1946

Hap Seng Co. Founded

Lau Gek Poh founded Hap Seng Co. in Tawau, Sabah, which would later become Hap Seng Consolidated.

1969

Mercedes-Benz Dealership

Hap Seng Consolidated began operating Mercedes-Benz dealerships in Malaysia.

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