Billionaire Profile
L
Global Rank
#897

Image: Unknown Author | CC0 | via Wikimedia Commons

Lee Yeow Chor

CEO, Palm oil
MALAYSIA
Real-Time Net Worth
$4.787B
Estimated based on Palm oil stock value as of April 20, 2026
-0.73% (24h)
Age
59
Source
Palm oil, property
Industry
Diversified
Citizenship
MALAYSIA

Biography

Lee Yeow Chor, a Malaysian citizen, is a prominent billionaire with a net worth of $4.6 billion as of 2024. His wealth primarily stems from his involvement in the palm oil and property industries. At 59 years old, he serves as the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive of IOI Corporation Berhad, a major player in the palm oil sector. Lee holds a law degree from King's College London and is a barrister from Gray's Inn. He has been instrumental in the IOI Group's success, with a career that includes leadership roles in both IOI Corporation and IOI Properties Group.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 4/20/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Lee Yeow Chor, born in Malaysia, is the son of the late Lee Shin Cheng, who built the palm oil and property empire known as the IOI Group. Lee grew up on a rubber plantation. He holds a law degree from King's College London and is a barrister from Gray's Inn, demonstrating a strong educational foundation.

Rise to Success

Lee Yeow Chor's career has been marked by significant achievements within the IOI Group. Prior to joining the IOI Group as a General Manager in 1994, he served in the Attorney General's Chambers and the Malaysian Judiciary Service. He was also the Chairman of the Malaysian Palm Oil Association (MPOA) in June 2020, and the Chairman of Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) for 11 years. He is the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive of IOI Corporation Berhad, and a Non-Executive Director on the Board of Bumitama Agri Limited.

Key Business Strategies

Lee Yeow Chor's leadership has been crucial in the strategic direction of IOI Corporation. The company focuses on the cultivation of oil palm, processing of palm oil, and investment holdings. IOI Corporation has approximately 98 estates and 15 palm oil mills, and is known for its efficient plantation practices.

Philanthropy

Lee Yeow Chor is a trustee of Yayasan Tan Sri Lee Shin Cheng, the charitable arm of the IOI Group. However, specific amounts and initiatives were not found.

Career Milestones

1990-1994

Served in the Attorney General's Chambers and the Malaysian Judiciary Service

Held various positions, including Magistrate.

1994

Joined IOI Group

Became a General Manager within the IOI Group.

1996

Appointed to the Board of Directors

Became a Board Director of IOI Corporation Berhad and IOI Properties Berhad.

2013

Appointed Executive Director of IOI Properties Group Berhad

Became Executive Director on 25 February 2013 and was subsequently re-designated as Non-Independent Non-Executive Director on 18 December 2013.

2015-2018

Board Member of Bank Negara Malaysia

Served as a Board Member.

2020

Chairman of the Malaysian Palm Oil Association (MPOA)

Elected as Chairman in June 2020.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Charity

Yayasan Tan Sri Lee Shin Cheng

Undisclosed

Trustee of the charitable arm of IOI Group

Controversies & Challenges

2016

RSPO Suspension

IOI Corporation's RSPO certificates were suspended due to non-compliance with principles on deforestation and land rights.