Robert Kuok

by Tan Yen Fong

Although topping Forbes Malaysia Rich List, the Kuok family keeps a relatively low profile. Robert Kuok is known for his countless virtues rather than his wealth. In his pursuit of wealth, he has never strayed from the path of virtue. As he gained wealth, he extended his virtuous acts by founding charity funds, generously donating and contributing to education, the poor and needy, disaster relief and the nation. He never stops his good deeds while keeping a low profile and staying humble. This book revolves around Robert Kuok and his business ethics; however, the focus is not his money-making capability but his virtues – his avenue to success. As we study Robert Kuok’s success story, it will become obvious that he has stayed true to his virtues – from making small amounts to earning tons. In his business dealings or national causes, he has always upheld his integrity. And the more money he made, the more careful and determined he was to remain upright.

Genres: Business, Autobiography

205 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2015

Reviews

[Jacob · Rating 1 out of 5]

Worst biography that I ever read. It does not seem that Robert Kuok, or any family member, friend or business partner cooperated with the writers of this book. There are no new facts or perspectives presented. The text just rehashes phrases that Robert Kuok used in past interviews or speeches given to other media. Many of these phrases are repeated several times in the book, which seems an attempt to just fill the pages.

You will learn more about Robert Kuok by typing his name in Google and then follow a few promising links. Actually, I suspect the authors did more or less the same to write this book. The wording used in the book sometimes seems very close that of certain Wikipedia pages. Unfortunately, there are no sources or footnotes listed in the book to check the quotes and other facts.

The authors are too biased towards Robert Kuok and keep praising his actions and personality throughout the book. They only touch lightly on the controversies in which Kuok was involved, for example those surrounding his ownership of the South China Morning Post. Never are Kuok's actions questioned or criticized. The perspective of Kuok always has the final say.

[VC Gan · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read this book thinking it might be a little insightful when in reality it wasn't. Most of the writing and information can be found on the internet; it's as if the author copy paste information without proper formatting, flow, and clarity. Throughout the book, he brags about how incredibly awesome and successful Robert is. What a disappointing and tedious read.

[Mohd Nordin Che Omar · Rating 1 out of 5]

No so good book on bibliography. Too many repetitions.

[Steven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Buku ini menunjukkan kepada kita semua bahwa ada hal dasar yang tetap harus dipegang oleh kita semua sebagai seorang manusia meskipun kita telah meraih kesuksesan dalam pekerjaan/bisnis yang kita jalankan di mana kita tetap harus hidup sederhana dan tidak menyombongkan kekayaan yang telah kita miliki karena semua kekayaan kita tersebut tidak berlaku selamanya/abadi dan hal selanjutnya yang harus kita lakukan setelah kita sukses adalah membantu masyarakat di dunia untuk bisa memperoleh pendidikan setinggi-tingginya di mana dengan melakukan hal ini maka keharmonisan dan kestabilan akan tercapai dalam kehidupan masyarakat global

[Pedro Purba · Rating 3 out of 5]

Personally, I think this book is enough to give a brief account of Robert Kuok's business journey. However, this book does not tell the story of Robert Kuok's childhood or his struggles before starting his initial business. The book also gives a simple message about life that illustrates wealth is not only money but it can also be friendship, family, love, sometimes it can also be respect, reputation or recognition.

[Kenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Worth a read but go for his memoirs which is better written and more comprehensive. This one has some juicy bon mots.

[Clement Ting · Rating 1 out of 5]

The book is almost as though the author did a 3 day research of the Kuok background and decided to then publish a "full" book about him. Huge mistake! The only good thing about this book is that I do not have to spend a lot of time with it.

Every page of this book felt like a Robert Kuok propaganda to me. The information is biased and one sided towards the Kuok family. There are no criticisms about him, and every page is filled with praise for his strong business acumen, good business ethics, and respect for his friends and family. Every action done by Kuok is a Godsent, and hence his ability to reach his great wealth today. The only criticism that were brought up are those that stood against Kuok, such as the Malaysian government and the Chinese government, whom later decided to seek help from him because of a huge obstacle they could not overcome.

[Jiwa Rasa · Rating 2 out of 5]

baru saya tahu Robert Kuok lebih banyak bisnesnya di Hong Kong dan China.

[Muhammad Fairuz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Buku yang tidak berapa menarik (sejujurnya). Tetapi tetap mempunyai nilai nilai positif (jika kita pembaca INGIN mengambil pelajaran). Agak kecewa selepas membacanya.