Billionaire Profile
L
Global Rank
#940

Image: Unknown Author | CC0 | via Wikimedia Commons

Lee Yeow Chor

CEO, Palm oil
MALAYSIA
Real-Time Net Worth
$4.462B
Estimated based on Palm oil stock value as of March 6, 2026
-0.97% (24h)
Age
59
Source
Palm oil, property
Industry
Diversified
Citizenship
MALAYSIA

Biography

Lee Yeow Chor is a Malaysian business leader and the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive of IOI Corporation Berhad, a leading integrated palm oil company with global operations. His source of wealth stems from the palm oil and property sectors. Born on January 1, 1967, he is 59 years old and holds an LLB from King's College London and a Postgraduate Diploma in Finance and Accounting from the London School of Economics. He is also a barrister from Gray's Inn, London. Lee has been a driving force in IOI Group, and he is known for his hands-on management style and commitment to environmental and social sustainability. He is also the Chairman of the Malaysian Palm Oil Association.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 3/6/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Lee Yeow Chor was born on January 1, 1967, and grew up in Malaysia. He is the eldest son of the late Tan Sri Lee Shin Cheng, the founder of the IOI Group. Lee's father instilled in him the importance of hands-on management and attention to detail, which he learned by visiting company plantations and construction sites.

Rise to Success

Lee Yeow Chor's career began with serving in the Attorney General's Chambers and the Malaysian Judiciary Service as a magistrate for four years before joining the IOI Group in 1994. He holds a law degree from King's College London and a Postgraduate Diploma in Finance and Accounting from the London School of Economics. He is a barrister from Gray's Inn, London. After his father's passing in 2019, Lee officially took over the helm of IOI Corporation. Lee Yeow Chor, along with his brother Lee Yeow Seng, have been instrumental in expanding the IOI Group's presence, including major developments in Singapore. He was appointed the chairman of the Malaysian Palm Oil Association since June 2020.

Key Business Strategies

Under Lee's leadership, IOI Corporation has focused on environmental and social sustainability. Lee implemented a 'No Deforestation, No Peat, and No Exploitation' (NDP) policy to address environmental concerns. His vision is to be a leading and sustainable Malaysian business corporation with a global presence. The company has also emphasized employee safety and health. Lee is known for his hands-on approach, visiting plantations and construction sites.

Philanthropy

Lee is a trustee of Yayasan Tan Sri Lee Shin Cheng, the charitable arm of the IOI Group. The IOI Group provides scholarships and educational grants to students via the IOI Foundation.

Career Milestones

1990-1994

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

Served as a magistrate.

1994

Joined IOI Group as a General Manager

Began his career within the IOI Group.

2019

Group Managing Director and Chief Executive of IOI Corporation Berhad

Took over the helm after the passing of his father.

2020

Chairman of the Malaysian Palm Oil Association

Appointed as Chairman.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Education, Community Development

Yayasan Tan Sri Lee Shin Cheng

Unknown

Trustee of IOI Group's charitable arm.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"Our vision is we want to be a leading player in both palm oil and property."

Leadership Principles

Hands-on Management

Emphasizes being involved in the details and going to the ground.

Sustainability

Adherence to environmental, social, and governance principles.

Integrity, hard work, and passion

Upholding his late father's motto.