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Billionaire Profile
Surin Upatkoon
Global Rank
#2684

Surin Upatkoon

CEO, Telecom
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Real-Time Net Worth
$1.48B
Estimated based on Telecom stock value as of September 10, 2026
+0.07% (24h)
Age
76
Source
Telecom, lotteries, insurance
Industry
Telecom
Citizenship
Thailand

Biography

Surin Upatkoon is a Thai billionaire businessman with a net worth of $1.6 billion. His wealth stems from diverse investments, primarily in the telecom, lotteries, and insurance sectors. Upatkoon's career began in the textile industry in 1971 and he has since become a key figure in the business landscape of Southeast Asia, holding leadership positions in major Malaysian firms and serving as a Non-Executive Chairman of Magnum Berhad since 2013. Residing in Malaysia, he is known for his low-profile approach, focusing on strategic business development and contributing to cross-border economic ties.

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Data Updated
Sep 10, 2026
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Wealth Over Time

Net Worth History

YearNet Worth
2026$1.48B
2025$1.60B
2024$1.60B
2020$980M

Portfolio Holdings

Magnum Berhad

Magnum Berhad

diversified
Ownership
36.714%
REAL location
WCE Holdings Bhd

WCE Holdings Bhd

toll concession & construction
Ownership
27.574%
REAL
REAL employees
Transocean Holdings Bhd

Transocean Holdings Bhd

logistics
Ownership
18.43%
REAL
REAL employees
U Mobile Sdn Bhd

U Mobile Sdn Bhd

telecommunications
Ownership
6.33%
REAL
REAL employees
MPHB Capital Bhd

MPHB Capital Bhd

insurance and financial services
Ownership
36.632%
REAL
REAL employees

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Surin Upatkoon was born on April 18, 1949, in Thailand. His family had a background in the textile business. He moved to Penang, Malaysia, during his adolescence, where he completed his secondary education at Han Chiang High School in 1970. This move exposed him to a vibrant Thai-Chinese community and fostered an early appreciation for business.

Rise to Success

Upatkoon began his career in 1971 as a manager at MWE Weaving Mills Sdn. Bhd. in the textile industry, eventually becoming the Managing Director of MWE Spinning Mills Sdn. Bhd. in 1974. His career expanded to include key executive roles in major Malaysian firms. A significant rise in his wealth came from the 2013 sale of a 10% stake in the Thai telecom company InTouch Holdings.

Key Business Strategies

Upatkoon's business strategy involves diversified investments in industries like telecommunications, gaming, and insurance. He has held leadership roles in Magnum Berhad, a major gaming operator, and MPHB Capital Berhad, an insurance and financial services firm. He is also a Non-Executive Director of U Mobile Sdn Bhd, a prominent mobile network operator. His approach emphasizes behind-the-scenes policy and business direction.

Philanthropy

While specific amounts are not readily available, Upatkoon contributes through his various foundations and is involved in philanthropic activities.

Career Milestones

1971

Manager

Began his career at MWE Weaving Mills Sdn. Bhd.

1974

Managing Director

Appointed Managing Director of MWE Spinning Mills Sdn. Bhd.

2000

Executive Director

Appointed Executive Director of Magnum Berhad.

2002

Managing Director

Appointed Managing Director of Magnum Berhad.

2013

Non-Executive Chairman

Became Non-Executive Chairman of Magnum Berhad.

2016

Resigned as Managing Director

Resigned as Managing Director of MPHB Capital.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Education and Community Support

Chang Ming Thien Foundation

$XB

Trustee of the foundation

Community Support

Magnum Foundation

$XB

Trustee of the foundation

Billionaires Connected to Surin Upatkoon

Peers in Telecom

All Telecom billionaires →

Richest in Thailand

All billionaires from Thailand →

Adjacent Global Ranks

Full global ranking →

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Surin Upatkoon's net worth in 2026?
As of 2026, Surin Upatkoon's estimated net worth is $1.484 billion, ranking #2684 among the world's billionaires. The estimate is based on publicly available shareholding data and market prices, updated daily.
How did Surin Upatkoon make their money?
Surin Upatkoon's wealth primarily comes from Telecom, lotteries, insurance, most notably through Telecom.
Where is Surin Upatkoon from?
Surin Upatkoon is from Thailand.
How old is Surin Upatkoon?
Surin Upatkoon is 76 years old.

Sources & References

  1. Surin Upatkoon — Forbes profile — Forbes