Early Life
Lim Kok Thay was born on August 16, 1951, in Malaysia. He is the second son of Lim Goh Tong, the founder of the Genting Group. His early life and childhood were marked by hard work and determination.
Rise to Success
Lim Kok Thay began his career in 1976 when he was appointed as a director of the Genting Group. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from the University of London. He also attended the advanced management program at Harvard Business School. Under his leadership, the Genting Group expanded its global footprint, particularly in the leisure, tourism, and entertainment industries. Lim was appointed as the Executive Chairman and CEO of the Genting Group in January 2004. In 2015, Lim acquired Crystal Cruises. In 2015, Lim also acquired Crystal Cruises from Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha for $550 million.
Key Business Strategies
Lim Kok Thay's key business strategies include expanding Genting's presence globally, diversifying into new sectors such as energy and biotechnology, and forming strategic partnerships. In March 2025, Lim stepped down as group CEO after two decades, remaining executive chairman. Genting is allocating $5.5 billion to expand its New York casino resort after securing a gaming license.
Philanthropy
Lim Kok Thay has supported various charitable organizations through his position as a trustee. He has also been recognized for his commitment to fostering knowledge and innovation. He is a visiting professor at the Institute of Biomedical Engineering of Imperial College London and an honorary professor of Xiamen University in China.
