Billionaire Profile
Lee Yeow Chor
Global Rank
#1067

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Lee Yeow Chor

CEO, IOI Corporation Berhad
MY
Real-Time Net Worth
$3.7B
As of December 2025
Age
58
Source
Palm oil, property
Industry
real-estate
Citizenship
MY

Biography

Dato' Lee Yeow Chor, a prominent Malaysian billionaire, is the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive of IOI Corporation Berhad (IOI Corp), one of the world's leading integrated palm oil plantation groups. With a net worth of $3.7 billion as of late 2024, Lee's wealth primarily stems from his ownership and leadership within the palm oil and property sectors. His career began after graduating with a law degree from King's College London and later a Postgraduate Diploma in Finance and Accounting from the London School of Economics. He joined IOI Group in 1994 and currently resides in Putrajaya, Malaysia. Under his guidance, IOI Corp has expanded its global presence and is recognized as one of the most cost-efficient palm oil producers. Lee's strategic vision has contributed to the success and growth of IOI Corporation Berhad.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Lee Yeow Chor was born in Malaysia, and grew up on a rubber plantation where his father ran a Chinese food shop. He later attended King's College London, where he earned a law degree, and subsequently obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Finance and Accounting from the London School of Economics. Prior to joining the IOI Group, he served in the Attorney General's Chambers and the Malaysian Judiciary Service.

Rise to Success

Lee Yeow Chor inherited stakes in IOI Group, a palm oil and property empire built by his father, Lee Shin Cheng, who passed away in 2019. Following his father's death, Lee Yeow Chor, along with his brother Lee Yeow Seng, took over the management of IOI Group. Lee Yeow Chor is currently the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive of IOI Corporation Berhad (IOI Corp). His brother, Lee Yeow Seng, leads the real estate arm as group CEO of IOI Properties. IOI Corporation Berhad was incorporated on October 31, 1969.

Key Business Strategies

Lee Yeow Chor has been instrumental in steering IOI Corp, focusing on sustainable practices and global expansion. IOI Corp's main business is palm oil. IOI Corp has operations in Malaysia and Indonesia. In 2025, IOI Corporation Berhad's revenue was $2.63 billion USD. For 1QFY26, quarterly revenue grew from RM2.6 billion to RM3 billion.

Philanthropy

The search results do not provide specific details on Lee Yeow Chor's philanthropic activities.

Career Milestones

1990-1994

Served in Attorney General's Chambers and Malaysian Judiciary Service

Served as a Magistrate.

1994

Joined IOI Group

Became a General Manager.

2013

Executive Director of IOI Properties Group Berhad

Appointed as Executive Director.

2019

Took over management of IOI Group

Became Group Managing Director and CEO of IOI Corporation.