Tan Sri Dato' Lee Shin Cheng
(1939 - 2019)
The Story of IOI Group's Founder
Tan Sri Dato' Lee Shin Cheng's life story is a testament to the power of vision, hard work, and an unwavering entrepreneurial spirit, making him a revered figure in Malaysian corporate history.
From humble beginnings, he rose to establish and lead two prominent public-listed companies, IOI Corporation Berhad and IOI Properties Group Berhad. His remarkable journey marked by tenacity, strategic foresight, and a deep commitment to both business and community, serves as an inspiration.
Through his leadership, these companies have flourished, becoming leading corporations in their respective sectors, leaving an indelible mark on Malaysia and the world.
Today sunset, tomorrow sunrise.
Nothing is absolutely right or wrong forever.
From Ice Cream Vendor to Estate Manager
Born in Jeram, Kuala Selangor, Malaysia in 1939, Tan Sri Dato' Lee Shin Cheng's early life was marked by hardship. Raised on a rubber estate where his father ran a sundry shop, he was forced to halt his education at the tender age of 11 to sell ice cream on his own bicycle to support his family. This experience, though challenging, instilled in him an indomitable enterprising spirit that would define his life's work. After three years, he returned to school, completing his studies at Middle High School.
At 17, Tan Sri Dato' Lee began his career as a supervisor on a rubber estate, demonstrating his inherent leadership qualities. Through hard work and dedication, he quickly rose through the ranks, achieving the position of estate manager before the age of 30. These formative experiences shaped his entrepreneurial vision and laid the groundwork for his future success.
