Syed Mokhtar Albukhary: A Biography

by Premilla Mohanlall

Syed Mokhtar Albukhary is one of the most well-known tycoons in Malaysia. Yet, very little is known about the man. Some businessmen crave publicity and love to see their names in print. Others tend to be media shy and rarely give interviews. Syed Mokhtar belongs to the second category. But here, in this single volume, is the story of his life and his career as an entrepreneur par excellence.

Based on exclusive interviews and extensive research by the author, this biography traces Syed Mokhtar's humble beginnings and examines the family life and upbringing that imbued in him the qualities that still defines what he is today.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction

180 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Nor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kagum dengan Tokoh Maal Hijrah ini. Walau tidak sempat mengambil SPM namun beliau gigih berusaha sehingga sekarang. Kerja-kerja amal telah menjadi amalannya sejak dari awal lagi.
Banyak prinsip hidupnya yang menarik untuk diteladani. Kesukaran dalam hidup tidak pernah menjadi penghalang untuk beliau terus berusaha hingga berjaya dalam pelbagai bidang. Dan setiap kejayaan beliau dikongsikan bersama orang lain. Beliau adalah jutawan yang sangat pemurah. Yang paling saya takjub adalah dengan pembangunan Yayasan al Bukhari, Universiti Antarabangsa yang yurannya percuma untuk mereka yang kurang bernasib baik, juga tajaan untuk seramai 50 orang menunaikan haji pada setiap tahun. Subhanallah. Pastilah semua mereka mendoakan kesejahteraannya.

[Noral · Rating 4 out of 5]

his life is an inspiration. so many things we learn from him. alhamdulillah.
ok lepas ni nak melawat muzium kesenian islam malaysia.

[Mohamed Asraf · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5. My father introduced me this character when I was small saying that he always helps the unfortunate in any form from scholarships to foreign aids through the Albukhary Foundation.

This book is about the journey of Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar, the richest Malay in Malaysia. It starts from founding a logistics company for rice trading to building the Islamic Arts Museum to reviving Proton again and building Tanjung Pelepas Port. He utilized the govt.'s NEP policy to furthering his business to achieve his only goal: To give more to the society because of Allah.

A towering Malaysian who prefers to remain in shadows. A man who is well respected among the Arab world leaders and many businessmans. He didn't got chance to complete his Form Five so that he can support his father and become a breadwinner. But he ensures his siblings got what he didn't.

Liked his quote "It's not about Corporate Social Responsibility, it's about caring for who are less fortunate." This reflects throughout his journey. Even when he is not making profits, he find ways to give.

It reminds me of Prophet Muhammad's PBUH sayings :
"The best of humans are those who are most beneficial to others."

[Azlan Ariff · Rating 4 out of 5]

what i like of this biography is, unlike other biographies, it focuses on more his success and not the person in particular. That is what glued me to keep reading it until the last page.

It is great that he shares a few of his success recipes with the public : such as the Chinese principles of success, his Islamic way of thinking and practices and etc..

This book is worth the time I spent on it. The writing style is also interesting as it allows us to immerse in Syed Mokhtar Al- Bukhary's shoes along the story line.

one word : inspiring!

[Nazim Suzaly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had fun reading this book. It was simple yet packed with SMA's history. I never knew who he was previously until I read the book. I can say that I am one of his fans now haha. The book is very transparent from my POV as it doesn't cover up to say on how Malaysia gives benefits to malays in terms of business opportunities but yet still malays lack in business. I'm impressed with SMA and now I can't stop searching for articles of this humble and down to earth muslim businessman.

Priced just right not unlike some other local biographies which can be priced so ridiculous.

[Ridhwan Abdul · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book to read, at least for a kick start to know Syed Mokhtar. Perhaps auditor should add more pages on this book since a lot more details about this big names is still unknown. I would love to read more about Syed Mokhtar.

[Mohd Ashraf · Rating 5 out of 5]

We will never know the man, if we just listen to politicians or the media. This book showed who he really is. I'm proud of him and his strong principles, business acumen and perseverance. Truly a role model in business.

[Najibah Bakar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Should be thicker. He should impart more wisdom.

[Arishah ainol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is and inspiration for all of the people who wanted to start their own business. Syed Mokhtar al Bukhari has never thought that he will be one of the richest guy in Malaysia. Not to mention that he's also came from an average type of family with full of love and support from his love ones.

In my point of view, the biography is great but i think there's a lot to talk about his success than just an average information biography that I can read from the Internet. The biographer should find an interesting and capturing angle to make the biography is different than anybody else. Although, the words that she used is understandable and it should be read by a lot of people especially the young ones who wanted to start of their career as an entrepreneur

[Shahkang · Rating 5 out of 5]

#3 2021

Buku yang dihadiahkan kepada saya. Membaca naskhah ini kebetulan sama dengan minggu menonton filem berkenaan BJ Habibie. Hasilnya, terasa bermotivasi untuk meneruskan kehidupan.

Naskhah ini sebaiknya dibaca dangan sedikit asas mengenai sejarah tanah air. Sesiapa yang biasa dengan nama tempat di Alor Setar akan lebih berasa teruja. Kisah-kisah ini menampilkan perwatakan Tan Sri dan cabaran beliau memulakan perniagaan - cerita berkenaan keluarganya, projek-projek besar dll.

Bacaan yang mampu membuatkan hari ini lebih bersemangat.

[Azira · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I am in my 50’s, and I have lived in the United States, Asia and the Middle East. I have worked with thousands of people around the world, but Syed Mokhtar is the only businessman I know who fills the role chosen by God. He has definitely changed me, the way I do business, how I look after my family and my country. I am confident he is changing others.” ~ Mohamed Ali Alabbar, founder of Dubai-based Emaar Properties, the developer of asset such as Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall.

[Davin Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant! A young mans coming up during the period of NEP, right place, right time. His quote "Commerce and charity should go hand in hand; wealth should circulate, if you make money, you should give it away" is one I will carry with me throughout my career.

[Rafiq Rifaie · Rating 5 out of 5]

' Very good and briliant business information'

[Aarif Billah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read on the life and work of Syed Mokhtar Albukhary
.
https://aarifbillah.com/

[Munirah Mn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Buku ni macam sambil menyelam minum air. Sambil kenal siapa Syed Mokhtar, sambil tu ambik tahu pasal sejarah & economic policy di Malaysia. Sambil tu juga buku ni criticise on how malays do business.

[Izanjaafar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sesiapa yang berkesempatan membaca buku 'Biografi Syed Mokhtar Albukhary' yang baru sahaja dilancarkan, silalah berbuat demikian ..Buku ini tidak tebal, hanya 179 halaman malahan terasa tidak boleh berhenti untuk membaca dari satu helaian ke helaian seterusnya. Memberi kesedaran demi kesedaran!!Buku ini menyentuh sedikit (sangat ringkas tetapi padat) mengenai dunia dan isu-isu ekonomi, politik, dan sejarah negara dalam ruang lingkup Syed Mokhtar Albukhary yang cukup untuk pembaca 'refresh' mengenai keadaan negara kita sejak sebelum Merdeka hingga kini.

Buku ini cukup memberi sentimen yang bukan sedikit. Cukup terpegun dengan falsafah hidup beliau yang dipegang dari dulu hingga kini, membawa kepada kesedaran mengenai kepentingan berkongsi rezeki kurniaan Tuhan dengan golongan yang memerlukan, hubungan baik dengan ibu bapa dan keluarga, dan terutamanya ketaqwaan dan sikap sebagai muslim yang membawa kepada kesenangan dan kesejahteraan di dunia dan mudah-mudah bekalan untuk di akhirat.

[Raden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love it so much and I believe that all Malaysians, especially the malays should read it. There're quite a few quoations in the book that I like.

Examples: "People may be poor, but we must treat them with dignity. We must give them what we wish for ourselves. (page 101)"

" Many Malays are to blame, and so are many Chinese. Instead of retaining what was allocated to them as Bumiputeras, they cashed out or became brokers. They were enticed by the Chinese, who ofered all kinds of inducements. (page 163)"

"...There is a lot of trust involved, and I will not tolerate dishonesty. Once cheated, I will not even look at the shadow of that person. (page 167)"

[Rafa1974 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Required reading for every Malay at every level no matter whether he/she wants to be an entrepreneur or not. An example of a Malay who worked hard for his success albeit helped by some luck along the way. He made the most out of the government incentives that were made available and combined that with steely determination and dogged effort not to mention intelligence and single-mindedness to make himself what he is today. Salute to the man. An example to all.

[Farhan Abaziz · Rating 5 out of 5]

he is a very well known person in Malaysia and i admire his work. he did not just made his business good for himself, but also good for his country and the people that need some help. his work has inspired me to be more confident, patient,selfless and goodwill. Maybe in the future, the people of Malaysia would have have SYED MOKHTAR ALBUKHARY as one of their life mentor and help rise Malaysia economy.

[Zamri Misman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Buku yg menarik utk dibeli dan dibaca. Walaupun pada pertengahan pertama buku ini agak membosankan dgn sisipan untaian sejarah yg kadang2 tidak berkaitan, namun pertengahan kedua menjanjikan input yg menarik. Mengesahkan sapaan berita mengenai Proton vs NAZA, aksi remaja di koridor kuasa Aras 4 Kompleks A dan seterusnya....

[Abu Hanif · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seorang muslim yang membatu kehidupan ummah seluruh dunia.
Seorang Billionaire yang taat agama, baik hati, bekerja keras, dermawan, rendah diri dan tidak mahu dikenali.

Membaca kisah beliau ini bagaikan belajar tentang Ekonomi Malaysia.

[Amir Fahriezat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Memang terbaik buku ini.

Tak sangka dalam masa kurang sehari buku ini saya dapat membacanya sampai habis.

Ceritanya amat menarik sekali.

Bagus untuk dijadikan inspirasi kepada mereka yang ingin berjaya.

[Nooraidah Hussein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally, Syed Mokhtar shares his stories with Malaysian. It's about time for him to tell the truth, his side of stories. Inspirational. However the Bahasa Melayu version; the translation quality is ok but not excellent.

[syafiqah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sangat kagum dengan pencapaian beliau dalam pemilikan pemilikan saham di syarikat besar.

Tokoh maal hijrah dan usahawan yang berjaya tanpa melalui sijil SPM.

Didikan yang baik dari ibu bapa adalah faktor kejayaan beliau pada hari ini.

[❀ Hana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sebuah biografi yang sangat menginspirasi serta menyentuh hati.

Edisi Bahasa Melayu ini juga telah diterjemahkan dari edisi asal 'Syed Mokhtar Albukhary: A Biography' dengan begitu baik sekali.

4.5/5*

[Fatihah · Rating 4 out of 5]

The style of writing leaves a lot to be desired and doesnt do justice to the narration of the man's life but the biography remains a good work considering it is the only such that captures Syed Mokhtar's life story.

A great man with a great vision. A must read.

[aemy zaiffar · Rating 4 out of 5]

boss..u soo great!

[Muhammad Faizal · Rating 4 out of 5]

if the writer do write more in details about how Syed Mokhtar got the companies, it will surely be more interesting. overall, a very nice written biography.

[Lyla Ibrahim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not many people know this great man, so I recommend all of you to read this book and learn how he strive from poverty to success.

[Nur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beliau seorang yang berjiwa besar.
Inspiring ...