Billionaire Profile
L
Global Rank
#2442

Image: Pat Bi To | Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Lim Kok Thay

CEO, Casinos
MALAYSIA
Real-Time Net Worth
$1.687B
Estimated based on Casinos stock value as of April 20, 2026
-0.25% (24h)
Age
74
Source
Casinos
Industry
Gambling & Casinos
Citizenship
MALAYSIA

Biography

Lim Kok Thay, born in August 1951, is a Malaysian billionaire businessman and the Executive Chairman of Genting Berhad. His career has been marked by his leadership in the global leisure and hospitality industry. Educated at the University of London and Harvard Business School, Lim spearheaded Genting's expansion, including major casino resorts like Resorts World Sentosa in Singapore and Resorts World Las Vegas. His source of wealth stems from casinos and the broader Genting Group, a multinational conglomerate. As of 2026, his estimated net worth is $1.9 billion. He has been instrumental in establishing strategic partnerships and developing renowned leisure brands, solidifying Genting's position in the industry.

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

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Lim Kok Thay was born in August 1951 in Malaysia. He is the second son of Lim Goh Tong, the founder of the Genting Group. His family's early years were marked by modest circumstances. Lim's father arrived in Malaysia from China in 1937 to build his business.

Rise to Success

Lim joined the Genting Group in 1976. He focused on project planning and coordination for the development of the Genting Highlands resort. In 1981, he became president and CEO, and later chairman in 2003. Under his leadership, the Genting Group pursued aggressive global expansion, leveraging the Resorts World brand to establish integrated resorts beyond Malaysia.

Key Business Strategies

Lim's key strategies included expanding Genting's presence globally, with a focus in the leisure tourism and entertainment industry. He oversaw the development of renowned brands, such as Resorts World, and formed strategic partnerships with companies like Universal Studios and Hard Rock Hotel.

Philanthropy

Lim has been devoted to philanthropy. He serves as a member of the board of trustees for Yayasan Lim Goh Tong, the family foundation established by his father to support charitable causes, primarily in education and healthcare for underprivileged communities.

Career Milestones

1976

Joined Genting Group

Appointed as a director of Genting Group.

1981

President and CEO of Genting Group

Assumed leadership roles within Genting.

2003

Chairman of Genting Group

Appointed Chairman of Genting Berhad and Genting Malaysia Berhad.

2010

Resorts World Sentosa Launch

Oversee launch of Resorts World Sentosa in Singapore.

2021

Resorts World Las Vegas Opening

Oversees opening of Resorts World Las Vegas.

2025

Stepped down as CEO of Genting Berhad

Remains Executive Chairman.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Education and Healthcare

Yayasan Lim Goh Tong

Undisclosed

Supports charitable causes primarily in education and healthcare for underprivileged communities.

Community Support

Community Chest

$200K

Donated for their financial year in 2011.