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郭鶴年自傳
郭鶴年，首次親身述說最真實的故事！
郭鶴年是香港以及馬來西亞企業家，出生於柔佛新山，以經營白糖業起家，有「亞洲糖王」之稱。書中講述他創立以亞洲為基地的郭氏集團故事，是一部多姿多彩的家族歷史，當中亦包括郭鶴年童年的成長回憶，以及與其父母及兄弟於亂世中的生活。此外，書中亦有詳述其管理企業和做生意的獨特見解──從1949年開始，如何帶領郭氏集團發展成為當今多元經營的跨國企業。讀者從書中了解華人移民東南亞，在英國殖民統治下的生活，在第二次大戰時期日軍鐵蹄下經歷的歲月，也可了解中國和亞洲經濟騰飛的歷程。
本書特色：
1. 本書為世界富豪郭鶴年的自傳。傳主對亞洲不少國家的政治與經濟有影響力，是一位知名度很高的的企業家。
2. 本書由他的個人童年，二戰日軍侵略說起。一路說到他在馬來西亞、新加玻、印尼、香港到中國的營商經歷，歷史跨度達大半世紀。不少細節有趣味，而且有思想性及哲學色彩，說到家庭部份而有不少感人段落。
3. 本書對企業經營及管理者是一部必讀書。
作者簡介：
郭鶴年，傳奇企業家、頂尖商品交易商、酒店與地產大亨，從英國殖民地馬來亞起步，至今已經建立了一個擁有多元業務的跨國企業集團，深受各界敬重。
郭鶴年經歷過動盪的歲月，從英國殖民地到日軍佔領，再到後殖民時代的東南亞；也經歷過迷人的大時代，亞洲經濟起飛，中國改革開放。他一直近距離參與政經決策，他的敏銳觀察，見證了近一個世紀的亞洲歷史發展。
郭鶴年對商業活動及私人生活一向保持低調。在這本回憶錄中，郭鶴年首次親口講述他的輝煌故事。他回顧七十多年的營商生涯，概括了一貫秉持的信念、哲學與道德準則，總結了管理創見、協商技巧以及經驗教訓。
從商業、企業管理、歷史、政治文化與社會學的角度，郭鶴年的故事都具有獨一無二的價值。
郭鶴年是香港以及馬來西亞企業家，出生於柔佛新山，以經營白糖業起家，有「亞洲糖王」之稱。書中講述他創立以亞洲為基地的郭氏集團故事，是一部多姿多彩的家族歷史，當中亦包括郭鶴年童年的成長回憶，以及與其父母及兄弟於亂世中的生活。此外，書中亦有詳述其管理企業和做生意的獨特見解──從1949年開始，如何帶領郭氏集團發展成為當今多元經營的跨國企業。讀者從書中了解華人移民東南亞，在英國殖民統治下的生活，在第二次大戰時期日軍鐵蹄下經歷的歲月，也可了解中國和亞洲經濟騰飛的歷程。
本書特色：
1. 本書為世界富豪郭鶴年的自傳。傳主對亞洲不少國家的政治與經濟有影響力，是一位知名度很高的的企業家。
2. 本書由他的個人童年，二戰日軍侵略說起。一路說到他在馬來西亞、新加玻、印尼、香港到中國的營商經歷，歷史跨度達大半世紀。不少細節有趣味，而且有思想性及哲學色彩，說到家庭部份而有不少感人段落。
3. 本書對企業經營及管理者是一部必讀書。
作者簡介：
郭鶴年，傳奇企業家、頂尖商品交易商、酒店與地產大亨，從英國殖民地馬來亞起步，至今已經建立了一個擁有多元業務的跨國企業集團，深受各界敬重。
郭鶴年經歷過動盪的歲月，從英國殖民地到日軍佔領，再到後殖民時代的東南亞；也經歷過迷人的大時代，亞洲經濟起飛，中國改革開放。他一直近距離參與政經決策，他的敏銳觀察，見證了近一個世紀的亞洲歷史發展。
郭鶴年對商業活動及私人生活一向保持低調。在這本回憶錄中，郭鶴年首次親口講述他的輝煌故事。他回顧七十多年的營商生涯，概括了一貫秉持的信念、哲學與道德準則，總結了管理創見、協商技巧以及經驗教訓。
從商業、企業管理、歷史、政治文化與社會學的角度，郭鶴年的故事都具有獨一無二的價值。
392 pages, Paperback
Published February 1, 2018
152 people are currently reading
1833 people want to read
About the author
Robert Kuok Hock Nien
1 book30 followersRobert Kuok Hock Nien, is an author, a Malaysian business magnate and investor. According to Forbes, his net worth is estimated at $14.8 billion on March 2018, making him the richest person in Malaysia and sixth richest in Southeast Asia, As of May 2018, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Kuok has an estimated net worth of $19.9 billion, making him the 48th richest person in the world.
His business interests range from sugarcane plantations (Perlis Plantations Bhd), sugar refineries, flour milling, animal feed, oil, mining, finance, hotel (Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts), property, trading, freight and publishing. The biggest source of his wealth is his stake in Wilmar International, the world's largest listed palm oil trader company.
His business interests range from sugarcane plantations (Perlis Plantations Bhd), sugar refineries, flour milling, animal feed, oil, mining, finance, hotel (Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts), property, trading, freight and publishing. The biggest source of his wealth is his stake in Wilmar International, the world's largest listed palm oil trader company.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
June 2, 2018
The problem with autobiographies and memoirs is one can never be sure precisely, or even approximately, how much is fact and how much is fiction. With some, one might, however, attempt to gauge the general degree of faithfulness to truth by way of comparison to known facts or published articles or even by its consistency with history. On this score, I get the feeling that Kuok has been more than a little disingenuous. To be sure, there are more than a few nuggets of solid life advice here but again I could extract the same things from say, the analects of Confucius or the Dao De Jing. The question is, did he really live by them?
Where it really gets to me is how he constantly expounds on the importance of morality and ethics in business but rather conveniently ignores the fact that his biggest early successes were based on securing exclusive monopoly licences for basic necessities like rice, sugar and flour in developing countries (Malaysia and Indonesia) and (somehow, I won't say how) convincing their fledgling governments to ban the import of alternatives.
I also got the distinct impression that here is a man who will not balk at heaping praise (no matter how undeserved) on parties which have been good to him financially. For instance, his assertion that a former President of Indonesia, who was a well-known kleptocrat and dictator and was later overthrown by popular revolt, was "a nice and warm man, and highly dedicated to serving his nation" was vomit inducing. Ditto his statement that Mao and his communist cohorts were the only ones who put up any resistance against the invading Japanese forces during WWII, while Chiang Kai Shek and his Nationalists did next to nothing, which flies in the face of known historical fact (a fact which the Communist Party of China itself has lately, to its credit, begun to recognise and correct).
There are other inconsistencies in his expressed stances as well, such as how he despised the Japanese who invaded Malaya and how the big Japanese zaibatsus were the culprits responsible for financing and promoting Japanese colonialism in order to secure the necessary raw materials for expansion. But then, not longer after the invasion, he started working for the Mitsubishi conglomerate and even ended up heading one of its trading units in Malaya.
All that led me to naturally and irreparably doubt the integrity of this memoir. I once met the wife of someone who had also written and published a different memoir and, in a moment of confidence which I shall maintain by not naming names, she told me that 70% of what her husband had written was bullsh-t. I fear that this one too is like that. No doubt, Kuok is a hugely wealthy and successful businessman, but as to how he got there, perhaps this "memoir" does not really give us the full story.
Where it really gets to me is how he constantly expounds on the importance of morality and ethics in business but rather conveniently ignores the fact that his biggest early successes were based on securing exclusive monopoly licences for basic necessities like rice, sugar and flour in developing countries (Malaysia and Indonesia) and (somehow, I won't say how) convincing their fledgling governments to ban the import of alternatives.
I also got the distinct impression that here is a man who will not balk at heaping praise (no matter how undeserved) on parties which have been good to him financially. For instance, his assertion that a former President of Indonesia, who was a well-known kleptocrat and dictator and was later overthrown by popular revolt, was "a nice and warm man, and highly dedicated to serving his nation" was vomit inducing. Ditto his statement that Mao and his communist cohorts were the only ones who put up any resistance against the invading Japanese forces during WWII, while Chiang Kai Shek and his Nationalists did next to nothing, which flies in the face of known historical fact (a fact which the Communist Party of China itself has lately, to its credit, begun to recognise and correct).
There are other inconsistencies in his expressed stances as well, such as how he despised the Japanese who invaded Malaya and how the big Japanese zaibatsus were the culprits responsible for financing and promoting Japanese colonialism in order to secure the necessary raw materials for expansion. But then, not longer after the invasion, he started working for the Mitsubishi conglomerate and even ended up heading one of its trading units in Malaya.
All that led me to naturally and irreparably doubt the integrity of this memoir. I once met the wife of someone who had also written and published a different memoir and, in a moment of confidence which I shall maintain by not naming names, she told me that 70% of what her husband had written was bullsh-t. I fear that this one too is like that. No doubt, Kuok is a hugely wealthy and successful businessman, but as to how he got there, perhaps this "memoir" does not really give us the full story.
December 24, 2017
Born in the 60s and with a father who made his way from China to Malaysia to make his fortune, I lived through a big part of the events that Robert Kuok described. His insights have helped me understand the events better. These include the contribution of the Overseas Chinese to the economies of Southeast Asia and the political situation in Malaysia, Indonesia and China.
It is easy to start a business but to get it to be phenomenally successful like Robert Kuok's takes courage, luck and resilience.
For the business deals that did not work out, I liked what Robert has to say, " When I'm cheated by people, I don't make a fuss; I just bear it in my heart. I have made a mistake; I have put my foot into a hole, twisted or fractured my ankle. So what! Let it heal and get on with it." and "You must look at life and assume everybody is going to be unreasonable."
A great read for anyone who has yet to make it big in business...
It is easy to start a business but to get it to be phenomenally successful like Robert Kuok's takes courage, luck and resilience.
For the business deals that did not work out, I liked what Robert has to say, " When I'm cheated by people, I don't make a fuss; I just bear it in my heart. I have made a mistake; I have put my foot into a hole, twisted or fractured my ankle. So what! Let it heal and get on with it." and "You must look at life and assume everybody is going to be unreasonable."
A great read for anyone who has yet to make it big in business...
February 12, 2018
I was looking for this book for quite a long time. Stumbled upon it at MPH yesterday. A little pricey at RM140, but it was all worth it. This is the only official memoir of Robert Kuok, the man who is known as the "Sugar King".
From a humble beginning in Johor Bahru, he founded Kuok Brothers Malaysia. As the pond grew ever more suffocating, he moved to Singapore and created another venture in Singapore. Several decades later, he relocated yet again to Hong Kong, and founded Kerry Group.
It was a revealing tale of a the richest Malaysian, a story of sheer perseverance amidst countless odds. Here was a man, who was hell-bent to prove it to the nay-sayers, the British who looks down upon Asians, the White bankers who discriminate against non-whites.
Finished it all in four hours. A must read. without a doubt.
From a humble beginning in Johor Bahru, he founded Kuok Brothers Malaysia. As the pond grew ever more suffocating, he moved to Singapore and created another venture in Singapore. Several decades later, he relocated yet again to Hong Kong, and founded Kerry Group.
It was a revealing tale of a the richest Malaysian, a story of sheer perseverance amidst countless odds. Here was a man, who was hell-bent to prove it to the nay-sayers, the British who looks down upon Asians, the White bankers who discriminate against non-whites.
Finished it all in four hours. A must read. without a doubt.
December 27, 2017
The memoirs by Asia's most reclusive tycoon with business interests around the world, traces his life throughout the 20th Century covering the depressin, WW2 and the dismantling of the British Empire up to the rise of China. This real forest gump's story is the stuff of legends Definitely a must read!
May 9, 2018
Everyone needs to read this book, regardless you’re young or old, Malay Chinese or Indian. Robert Kuok is truly a legend; a living example of the saying “success stems from hard work and persistence”. I’ve tagged a few pages of the book and one of them is about the story of Robert telling Tun Hussein Onn his views on Malays being too handicapped by the coalition government. It really made me wonder what would have happened to Malaysia if THO had listened to Robert. Perhaps, if not better, we could at least be at the same level as Singapore. Robert is a capitalist and I’ve always admired people who is a believer of capitalism. I find myself agreeing to everything he said in the book (except for the part where he strayed in his marriage). Capitalism is the way forward of a country; the way to fully harnessed a nation’s power and capability. Robert Kuok is a doer. One thing I admire the most is, other than his believing in hard work, he is humble and he never brags. How often do you hear news about him or his children having bought expensive properties or sport cars or other things that will definitely put a stamp of wealth on his reputation? Close to none, I would say.
I hope that I will have time to come up with a more detailed review because I’m writing this while I’m queuing to vote.
I hope that I will have time to come up with a more detailed review because I’m writing this while I’m queuing to vote.
February 8, 2018
Personal memoirs of the man, the myth, the legend, Malaysia's greatest businessman ever, one who succeeded in multiple industries, is a master of multiple skills, and is a survivor of many turbulent periods and events in his era.
Most Malaysians of my age group and many of my South East Asian, Hong Kong and Chinese contemporaries have heard the name Robert Kuok. They know of his industries - sugar, cooking oil, flour, rice. Some of his greatest business achievements are visible for all - the many Shangri-La hotels and resorts doting the cities of the world, the giant Kerry centers, his biggest sugar and palm fields. Growing up, he was an ubiquitous presence around us - many of our basic household goods and foodstuffs have his imprint on them. Yet, while we all knew he was (and still is) Malaysia's richest man, with a portfolio of dominating companies under his umbrella, we never knew much about the man himself, his background, the life he led, how he rose up and forged his business empire, his thoughts about Malaysia, the world and the future, his life principles, etc. We all knew he was media shy and avoided publicity (compared to some of our country's and South East Asia's more glamorous and outspoken tycoons). We could only glean little nuggets and titbits from rumours or second-hand stories.
Many of us from all ages and walks of life would have loved to be given the opportunity to know the man and his times better.
And that opportunity has now been given. And grabbed greedily in a bear hug with both arms.
When the news suddenly came out that Robert Kuok was going to be publishing his memoir, there was a flurry of phone-calls in my household. "Mum, Dad, have you read these articles in the SCMP?!?!" "Sis, were you able to reserve any copies of the books in Hong Kong?" "Brother, will you be making free time at the end of this year to read his stuff?"
As can be seen above, the one who got the first copies (yes, two) of his book for our household was my sister. Knowing that one copy will be kept in Malaysia, for my parents and brother are equally... curious (if not, fans) of the man, she knew that she had to keep the other copy in Hong Kong or her eldest brother (legit hardcore fan) would riot with extreme prejudice. Naturally, after she informed me that she had already completed the book, I swiftly appropriated it off of her with no hesitation whatsoever.
I started reading the book in the middle of December. I just completed it today, on the day of my mother's birthday. For a book of this caliber and level, I normally would have, in my younger, more commitment-free days, finished it within two or three days. That I took one and a half months to go through it is due to the fact that the commitments of middle age, the numerous daily fire-fighting that has to be done, all the various responsibilities that need to be discharged for work, for family and for personal health, have applied tremendous friction to my reading schedules. But more importantly, it is actually a testament to the many things I have learned and gleaned from it - I was extremely slow in finishing the book because I often paused from page to page, from chapter to chapter, to ponder all the things he was saying, all the life events he went through, all the challenges that he had faced and overcome.
I slowly plodded through the big man's book because he forced me to think, to ponder and to consider. To try putting myself into his shoes and wondering if I could ever pull off any of the things he has accomplished throughout his life.
OK, it seems I have gone off on a massive tangent and have spoken nothing about the book yet. Let's get to it.
This book is, in my heartfelt opinion and thoughts, a bona fide, easy, obvious five stars. So many adjectives, but they rightfully and precisely need to appear, for I have enjoyed this book tremendously, have learned a lot from it, and am reevaluating my life because of it.
In 376 pages, the book delivers not only the life of a true-blue, self-made tycoon, one with a tremendous sense of ethics and morals, but of the times between 1923 and today, a period of time that has seen great turmoil and upheaval in the world, and great changes and transformations too. One is gifted with a front row seat to history in the making. Yet, one also gets a seat on the roller-coaster that is Robert Kuok's business life, and accompanies him as he navigates his way through multiple waters and obstacles, with and against multiple friends, accomplices and foes, in multiple fields, cities, countries and industries, using all the creativeness, resourcefulness and determination at his fingertips and in the fiber of his soul, to build the Kuok Group to what it was today.
I read about how the myth was created, how the legend was born. I read that the myth has a very realistic basis, that the legend is much deserved, but the man is a human too, an extremely capable, resilient and upright one at that.
I read that almost nothing came easy to Robert Kuok - he had to fight for his achievements, to build the Group, and to create this enormous economic tree for his family. And, through reading the book, I was able to accompany him on his journey against the odds and upstream, to pull off something that only very few people in history are capable of doing.
There is a reason why biographies and memoirs are one of my favourite genres to read. I get to step into the shoes of great men and women, even if only in my imaginations and mind, and accompany them in their life journey of accomplishment, triumph and regret. My own life may turn out very differently, with different times, events and conditions and a different ending compared to these men and women, but gosh, does it feel good to read about and "experience" another's path once in a while.
This is one of the books that I have put on my "must read again at the end of this year list", including The Art Of Learning, 7 Habits and Richest Man In Babylon. It is REALLY good.
And I REALLY enjoyed it!
Most Malaysians of my age group and many of my South East Asian, Hong Kong and Chinese contemporaries have heard the name Robert Kuok. They know of his industries - sugar, cooking oil, flour, rice. Some of his greatest business achievements are visible for all - the many Shangri-La hotels and resorts doting the cities of the world, the giant Kerry centers, his biggest sugar and palm fields. Growing up, he was an ubiquitous presence around us - many of our basic household goods and foodstuffs have his imprint on them. Yet, while we all knew he was (and still is) Malaysia's richest man, with a portfolio of dominating companies under his umbrella, we never knew much about the man himself, his background, the life he led, how he rose up and forged his business empire, his thoughts about Malaysia, the world and the future, his life principles, etc. We all knew he was media shy and avoided publicity (compared to some of our country's and South East Asia's more glamorous and outspoken tycoons). We could only glean little nuggets and titbits from rumours or second-hand stories.
Many of us from all ages and walks of life would have loved to be given the opportunity to know the man and his times better.
And that opportunity has now been given. And grabbed greedily in a bear hug with both arms.
When the news suddenly came out that Robert Kuok was going to be publishing his memoir, there was a flurry of phone-calls in my household. "Mum, Dad, have you read these articles in the SCMP?!?!" "Sis, were you able to reserve any copies of the books in Hong Kong?" "Brother, will you be making free time at the end of this year to read his stuff?"
As can be seen above, the one who got the first copies (yes, two) of his book for our household was my sister. Knowing that one copy will be kept in Malaysia, for my parents and brother are equally... curious (if not, fans) of the man, she knew that she had to keep the other copy in Hong Kong or her eldest brother (legit hardcore fan) would riot with extreme prejudice. Naturally, after she informed me that she had already completed the book, I swiftly appropriated it off of her with no hesitation whatsoever.
I started reading the book in the middle of December. I just completed it today, on the day of my mother's birthday. For a book of this caliber and level, I normally would have, in my younger, more commitment-free days, finished it within two or three days. That I took one and a half months to go through it is due to the fact that the commitments of middle age, the numerous daily fire-fighting that has to be done, all the various responsibilities that need to be discharged for work, for family and for personal health, have applied tremendous friction to my reading schedules. But more importantly, it is actually a testament to the many things I have learned and gleaned from it - I was extremely slow in finishing the book because I often paused from page to page, from chapter to chapter, to ponder all the things he was saying, all the life events he went through, all the challenges that he had faced and overcome.
I slowly plodded through the big man's book because he forced me to think, to ponder and to consider. To try putting myself into his shoes and wondering if I could ever pull off any of the things he has accomplished throughout his life.
OK, it seems I have gone off on a massive tangent and have spoken nothing about the book yet. Let's get to it.
This book is, in my heartfelt opinion and thoughts, a bona fide, easy, obvious five stars. So many adjectives, but they rightfully and precisely need to appear, for I have enjoyed this book tremendously, have learned a lot from it, and am reevaluating my life because of it.
In 376 pages, the book delivers not only the life of a true-blue, self-made tycoon, one with a tremendous sense of ethics and morals, but of the times between 1923 and today, a period of time that has seen great turmoil and upheaval in the world, and great changes and transformations too. One is gifted with a front row seat to history in the making. Yet, one also gets a seat on the roller-coaster that is Robert Kuok's business life, and accompanies him as he navigates his way through multiple waters and obstacles, with and against multiple friends, accomplices and foes, in multiple fields, cities, countries and industries, using all the creativeness, resourcefulness and determination at his fingertips and in the fiber of his soul, to build the Kuok Group to what it was today.
I read about how the myth was created, how the legend was born. I read that the myth has a very realistic basis, that the legend is much deserved, but the man is a human too, an extremely capable, resilient and upright one at that.
I read that almost nothing came easy to Robert Kuok - he had to fight for his achievements, to build the Group, and to create this enormous economic tree for his family. And, through reading the book, I was able to accompany him on his journey against the odds and upstream, to pull off something that only very few people in history are capable of doing.
There is a reason why biographies and memoirs are one of my favourite genres to read. I get to step into the shoes of great men and women, even if only in my imaginations and mind, and accompany them in their life journey of accomplishment, triumph and regret. My own life may turn out very differently, with different times, events and conditions and a different ending compared to these men and women, but gosh, does it feel good to read about and "experience" another's path once in a while.
This is one of the books that I have put on my "must read again at the end of this year list", including The Art Of Learning, 7 Habits and Richest Man In Babylon. It is REALLY good.
And I REALLY enjoyed it!
August 24, 2019
Finished reading this within 4 days. Robert shared his early life experience and subjective view on living through the Japan Occupation and Independence Era of the early Malaya. In my opinion, he painted a much more realistic overview than what was stated in our history textbook.
This book is not about the richest man in Malaysia, you will not find much advices or insights of Robert's success in the book.
This is more like a book of our pioneer generation, through sheer determination, helped to build the foundation of economy in Malaysia. Kuok's conglomerate, like many other family business, formed the backbone of the economy in Malaysia.
This book is not about the richest man in Malaysia, you will not find much advices or insights of Robert's success in the book.
This is more like a book of our pioneer generation, through sheer determination, helped to build the foundation of economy in Malaysia. Kuok's conglomerate, like many other family business, formed the backbone of the economy in Malaysia.
June 13, 2018
It’s a must-read for any Malaysian who’s interested in the nation’s history. It’s written in an easy-to-read style. Anyone interested in the region’s history (Malaysia, Singapore, China), British colonial history in the region, sugar trading, doing business, or simply the life of the Sugar King - should read this book. It’s one personal version of history but what a rich and vivid history it was, especially of events in the 60s and 70s.
March 9, 2023
Robert was one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the 90s, being hailed as the ‘Sugar King’ of the world. The book talks about how his upbringing shaped the way he thinks, and how certain life events fuelled the desire for him to succeed. He also shed light on why certain societies succeed, mentioning greed and the lack of unity as one of the reasons why the Chinese are not more successful. His values of hard work and sheer relentlessness is admirable, and is something everyone should try to emulate.
February 2, 2018
Fascinating read
January 6, 2019
I don't really read biographies as most of them are written for self-promoting purposes. This memoir however is a very grandfatherly-advice kinda book (which none of my grandfathers able to advice me on life, business, etc). There are couple of things that Robert Kuok keep emphasizing on--i.e. work hard, be humble. Nevertheless, from what I grasped from the book, it seemed like Indonesian Chinese tycoons cannot be trusted and rather than working hard, these tycoons relied on their ties with former President Suharto to obtain business contracts, licenses and etc. I didn't even know RObert Kuok was involved in the establishment of Indonesia's Bogasari (this make me want to read the biography on Liem Sioe Liong as to fact-check from Salim's side. i left the book unread on my bookshelf). I think Robert Kuok also highlighted on his unhappiness towards several of his family members (namely Hock Chin and his children) and also former local partners. There are also things which I didn't know exist--his relationship with MCA and he bailed the party's former President. This is a page-turning book and he should not be seen as a Chinese chauvinist by the public in Malaysia.
October 11, 2018
个人没有读自传的喜好，本意纯粹买来赠送给朋友。随意翻阅了几页，被郭老先生与他母亲的故事吸引了，随着诉说他母亲如何放弃自己的理想而飘洋过海到马来西亚嫁给了他父亲，说明当时女性没有自主权，听命于父母。之后提起他母亲是位虔诚的佛教徒，教育他们兄弟的方法，再诉说他对父亲的不满和怨恨，还有对于和父亲大吵一架后，却病逝的遗憾。此书也提及了他与哥哥的感情，书里描述的战乱时代给了我这个接近90后一个国家取得独立不易的概念。体会了那个年代创业的艰辛，政治人物的无能和贪念，进退两难的局面。后半部提及家族生意，去香港发展，他的婚姻危机等等，值得推荐。
April 13, 2020
This book is very much a hagiography. A good read but I wish it had delved deeper into his business life. No doubt that would be left to a biographer.
May 19, 2018
It's great to read a memoir from the most successful businessman in Malaysia so close to me (located in Singapore). Usually other great memoirs tend to be from great characters in US or Europe. The man is a straight-talker and his book shows.
It's interesting to see how business was done in the old days, based on relationships, licenses, quotas ... which is hardly applicable now.
It's nice to read about Robert Kuok's various business adventures.
It's enlightening to read about his philosophy, belief ... etc.
One negative point is that the book focuses a lot on what he did, and a bit short on the thinking, the rationale ... behind, eg lack a bit of introspection. While the latter chapters cover his philosophy and belief, those were in general and did not tied to specific situation.
It's a must read for people interested in businesses, in my view.
It's interesting to see how business was done in the old days, based on relationships, licenses, quotas ... which is hardly applicable now.
It's nice to read about Robert Kuok's various business adventures.
It's enlightening to read about his philosophy, belief ... etc.
One negative point is that the book focuses a lot on what he did, and a bit short on the thinking, the rationale ... behind, eg lack a bit of introspection. While the latter chapters cover his philosophy and belief, those were in general and did not tied to specific situation.
It's a must read for people interested in businesses, in my view.
March 8, 2018
Read the Chinese version of this book but the translation was not quite perfect. I believe the English version would be better as it's the original. The book was an inspiring read of the rags to riches. And with the current political climate in Malaysia, it's definitely good to read about Robert Kuok's insights, as he has been rubbing shoulders with the Prime Ministers in Malaysia....kind of also made me wonder what would have happened to Malaysia today, if Tun Hussien Onn had listened to Kuok's advise then. I definitely have a new level of respect for Robert Kuok and his companies after reading this book.
December 31, 2018
This book is a very frank and tell all recollection of the author's life. A very good read. Would prefer to have more details on how he actually made it, like the sugar futures trading he was involved...
April 12, 2018
Surprisingly enjoyed this book through its insights on SE Asia through its founding and developing years. A frank and candid telling of this larger than life character from his perspective.
November 27, 2023
Memoir of the richest man in Malaysia. Robert Kok is known as the ‘Sugar King’ for his acumen in the business. Beyond sugar, his success spans across many other industries e.g. cooking oil, flour, rice, hotel and logistics. Those familiar in Malaysian scenes will know that Kuok is not one who appears in the public often despite his massive wealth. This memoir gives a glimpse into his life and how he got to where he is.
As part of the baby boomer generation, Kuok’s life ebbed and flowed against the backdrop of a historically turbulent period in Asia. Despite the hardship he claimed to have suffered during his childhood, it didn’t sound like he started from nothing, by many measures. He had good education, his father’s business was successful enough to leave enough for him and his brothers to have a leg up in the society.
With the changing geopolitical and economic landscapes, Kuok had the acumen to strike when the iron is hot. However the longevity of his success lies not in the smarts but in how he run his businesses. He had the grounding from his mother to keep himself humble, run his businesses with integrity and understand that the greater purpose of his business is not only to make money, but also supply affordable food to multitude. Furthermore, his ability to see the big picture and develop long term relationships gave him access to opportunities even before others realize them.
His success also gave him front row seat and influence on political development in Asia. He was being trusted by senior officials in the Malaysian and Chinese governments to be the conduit for sensitive information including sending a message to Malaya Communist Party to encourage their disbandment.
Nevertheless, it’s hard to verify many of his claims and how much was omitted in this memoir. Business environment in Asia is always not as straight forward and transparent so I wonder how much dirt that he needed to get through to attain the astronomical level of success.
Overall, great memoir of a great man who was able to ride through the storms and grasped the generational opportunity to ultimately come up on top.
As part of the baby boomer generation, Kuok’s life ebbed and flowed against the backdrop of a historically turbulent period in Asia. Despite the hardship he claimed to have suffered during his childhood, it didn’t sound like he started from nothing, by many measures. He had good education, his father’s business was successful enough to leave enough for him and his brothers to have a leg up in the society.
With the changing geopolitical and economic landscapes, Kuok had the acumen to strike when the iron is hot. However the longevity of his success lies not in the smarts but in how he run his businesses. He had the grounding from his mother to keep himself humble, run his businesses with integrity and understand that the greater purpose of his business is not only to make money, but also supply affordable food to multitude. Furthermore, his ability to see the big picture and develop long term relationships gave him access to opportunities even before others realize them.
His success also gave him front row seat and influence on political development in Asia. He was being trusted by senior officials in the Malaysian and Chinese governments to be the conduit for sensitive information including sending a message to Malaya Communist Party to encourage their disbandment.
Nevertheless, it’s hard to verify many of his claims and how much was omitted in this memoir. Business environment in Asia is always not as straight forward and transparent so I wonder how much dirt that he needed to get through to attain the astronomical level of success.
Overall, great memoir of a great man who was able to ride through the storms and grasped the generational opportunity to ultimately come up on top.
July 20, 2018
Phew! Finally finished the book after a long period of time. A good lesson on being successful in business ( he is the richest man in Malaysia) and also contributing to the country. His direct style of writing and commenting on the past and current state of Malaysia's economy definitely ruffled some feathers but such brutal honesty is needed in these challenging times.
April 13, 2020
I always had prejudice for this man, assuming he is just another typical corrupt, unpatriotic, uneducated businessman who rose through nepotism.
I'm glad I picked up this book and got a glimpse into the journey of his thoughts and actions, and man was I wrong about him.
I'm glad I picked up this book and got a glimpse into the journey of his thoughts and actions, and man was I wrong about him.
March 26, 2020
Highly Recommended!!!
I had so much fun while reading. I'm very fascinated by his story from young to now be the Richest man in Asia.It contained Business,management, history,politics,culture & sociology which is it the subjects I loved so much.When reading it,it just like riding a time macchine and go back to Malaya when British'colonial ,Japanese occupation, May 13 riot & etc. But we much knew that the whole story can't be 100%true,coz the winner control the history.But I can say by my instinct that most of it can be believed. He is a truly humble man,he must not write this memoir to get profits,coz he already old (currently 97age),he is willing to share his principles, philosophy &moral code to public.This book also write bout some of his failure & and his bad behaviours like have a temper .I also respect him,he don't afraid to speak about politics,history, even the communism stuff!!(even though ,it's somethig that very sensitive .He got guts)Some of the story is boring,but most of it had catched my attention like when he talk about his thought about China,ways to improve a nation,equality of races& etc.The most scene that very agreed is when he discussing with Tun Hussein Onn bout the unfairness in races ,that shouldn't take care & ignore other ppl,it can spoil the race & the nation will be in a big troubles (and it's true,now MY biggest obstacle.)
Here some the lesson that followed by Mr.Kuok himself (some of it mix with my own conclusion) :
1 Education by home is very Important(parents need to teach rightful ways of thinking,morals &life
2 Only the powerful person can decided a things either "right" or "wrong"
3 Until u get on the top ledge,u're always in danger of drowing (Always on Top
4 Company don't need Nepotism(偏心),all of them's relative.But discipline matters.
Whoever can produce profits,get the reward.Simple.
5 use the sad & disappointed feeling as motivation to move forward
6 young ppl don't waste time at something useless,work hard at right place
7 Always be teamwork in society,if we cut each other throats, the others dogs get the bone.
8 Must be super-quick in driving towards ur goal,
also resilience (弹力)&able to bounce back after the inevitable(不可避免)reserves(储备)
9 can learn by ownself, but need learn the right way
10 wake up,focus on what u really want in Life.
11 u've to be 2 or 3 jumps ahead, 1 jump May not enough
(Do opposite with the flow,
they buy,u don't,they don't sell,u wait)
12 Network very IMPORTANT.(but choose the right person to befriend)
(U need to expand ur partners & friends
13 Success in futures depends on ur feel for the market,
Ur instinct & rhythm
14 Don't even try to fool ur partner, everybody can smell it.
15 Keep Everything simple.Stupid
16 Shouldn't be fishing in ocean where x current &x fish around.
17 Chat with a person that cleverer & offer a joint-venture(合营企业)deal(when u in doubt)
18 Life isn't Reasonable.
Must look life &assume everybody is going to be unreasonable
19 Timing is everything
20 use talented ppl,lets them freely work but needs to control them properly,later they crooked
21 Always stick ur Principles
22 don't squander all the wealth all by urself
23 it's better to observe the falling leaves than reading(Learn from reserve mirror)
24 Always be humble
25 Don't be too greed
26 1 of important ingredient to become success is life is Humility(谦虚)
27 The I. is unity in group:Teamwork,hard work &0 treachery(背叛)
28 Don't worry bout problems,it didn't solved.Try ur best.
U may not make it,but at least u've a chance
29 Stay focused,work hard,work intelligently
30 u've to be have an alligator skin if u wanna in in Business W.
But there's always another door,another rood&away to forge on
31 Treat ppl with Respect &Dignity &they'll do same
32 Immoral ways'll only result in own character degnerating from good to bad to worse.
33 What make ppl unhappy is GREED
34 wealth 2 main purposes:a. To invest &re-invest in creating new &better opportunities.
b.for the betterment of mankind
35 Mind happy,body happy
(Simple living turned out to be strong foundation in health
36 (Adopt curb envy &jeoulsy,&curb greed
37 beyond a limit,greed becomes a danger(must find a balance
38 if ur children are like u,they don't need any inheritance (遗产)form u,
If they aren't like u,of what use is ur inheritance to them?
I had so much fun while reading. I'm very fascinated by his story from young to now be the Richest man in Asia.It contained Business,management, history,politics,culture & sociology which is it the subjects I loved so much.When reading it,it just like riding a time macchine and go back to Malaya when British'colonial ,Japanese occupation, May 13 riot & etc. But we much knew that the whole story can't be 100%true,coz the winner control the history.But I can say by my instinct that most of it can be believed. He is a truly humble man,he must not write this memoir to get profits,coz he already old (currently 97age),he is willing to share his principles, philosophy &moral code to public.This book also write bout some of his failure & and his bad behaviours like have a temper .I also respect him,he don't afraid to speak about politics,history, even the communism stuff!!(even though ,it's somethig that very sensitive .He got guts)Some of the story is boring,but most of it had catched my attention like when he talk about his thought about China,ways to improve a nation,equality of races& etc.The most scene that very agreed is when he discussing with Tun Hussein Onn bout the unfairness in races ,that shouldn't take care & ignore other ppl,it can spoil the race & the nation will be in a big troubles (and it's true,now MY biggest obstacle.)
Here some the lesson that followed by Mr.Kuok himself (some of it mix with my own conclusion) :
1 Education by home is very Important(parents need to teach rightful ways of thinking,morals &life
2 Only the powerful person can decided a things either "right" or "wrong"
3 Until u get on the top ledge,u're always in danger of drowing (Always on Top
4 Company don't need Nepotism(偏心),all of them's relative.But discipline matters.
Whoever can produce profits,get the reward.Simple.
5 use the sad & disappointed feeling as motivation to move forward
6 young ppl don't waste time at something useless,work hard at right place
7 Always be teamwork in society,if we cut each other throats, the others dogs get the bone.
8 Must be super-quick in driving towards ur goal,
also resilience (弹力)&able to bounce back after the inevitable(不可避免)reserves(储备)
9 can learn by ownself, but need learn the right way
10 wake up,focus on what u really want in Life.
11 u've to be 2 or 3 jumps ahead, 1 jump May not enough
(Do opposite with the flow,
they buy,u don't,they don't sell,u wait)
12 Network very IMPORTANT.(but choose the right person to befriend)
(U need to expand ur partners & friends
13 Success in futures depends on ur feel for the market,
Ur instinct & rhythm
14 Don't even try to fool ur partner, everybody can smell it.
15 Keep Everything simple.Stupid
16 Shouldn't be fishing in ocean where x current &x fish around.
17 Chat with a person that cleverer & offer a joint-venture(合营企业)deal(when u in doubt)
18 Life isn't Reasonable.
Must look life &assume everybody is going to be unreasonable
19 Timing is everything
20 use talented ppl,lets them freely work but needs to control them properly,later they crooked
21 Always stick ur Principles
22 don't squander all the wealth all by urself
23 it's better to observe the falling leaves than reading(Learn from reserve mirror)
24 Always be humble
25 Don't be too greed
26 1 of important ingredient to become success is life is Humility(谦虚)
27 The I. is unity in group:Teamwork,hard work &0 treachery(背叛)
28 Don't worry bout problems,it didn't solved.Try ur best.
U may not make it,but at least u've a chance
29 Stay focused,work hard,work intelligently
30 u've to be have an alligator skin if u wanna in in Business W.
But there's always another door,another rood&away to forge on
31 Treat ppl with Respect &Dignity &they'll do same
32 Immoral ways'll only result in own character degnerating from good to bad to worse.
33 What make ppl unhappy is GREED
34 wealth 2 main purposes:a. To invest &re-invest in creating new &better opportunities.
b.for the betterment of mankind
35 Mind happy,body happy
(Simple living turned out to be strong foundation in health
36 (Adopt curb envy &jeoulsy,&curb greed
37 beyond a limit,greed becomes a danger(must find a balance
38 if ur children are like u,they don't need any inheritance (遗产)form u,
If they aren't like u,of what use is ur inheritance to them?
April 9, 2018
A mixture of business, politics, relationships and opportunities.
May 31, 2020
I read both this autobio at the same time with Steve Jobs'. SJ book is addressed as third person, this book is completely written with first-person perspective/narrative, which is of course hugely biased in terms of Robert's character description.
Steve Jobs autobiographer interviewed most of the people who had worked for/with him, and shaped him at times a zealous entrepreneur while another a control freak/irresponsible father.
Mr Kuok can write whatever he wants of course, because this book is about him but it would be better if he can be courageous enough to face the life choices he made (ie the period of him working for Japanese colonialist / abandoning his long time wife for a younger lover). Facing your demons is what makes you a better person and earns respect from your readers.
Steve Jobs autobiographer interviewed most of the people who had worked for/with him, and shaped him at times a zealous entrepreneur while another a control freak/irresponsible father.
Mr Kuok can write whatever he wants of course, because this book is about him but it would be better if he can be courageous enough to face the life choices he made (ie the period of him working for Japanese colonialist / abandoning his long time wife for a younger lover). Facing your demons is what makes you a better person and earns respect from your readers.
November 13, 2018
The biography of this Malaysian-born, Hong Kong-based entrepreneur took me through Malaysia and Singapore’s colonial history, Japanese occupation and the postwar developments of the region. Macroscopically, it offers interesting insights into the intricate relationships between politics, economics and business, hence the rise of Asian conglomerates.
However grand those stories were—and well told—the micro takeaway that anyone could use is his 3-point way of hiring and managing people: integrity, capabilities and how hard the person is willing to work.
However grand those stories were—and well told—the micro takeaway that anyone could use is his 3-point way of hiring and managing people: integrity, capabilities and how hard the person is willing to work.
January 5, 2018
许多人都迫不及待要一览世纪富豪的传奇人生，所以郭老自传真促进了书店去年年底的买气。这也是我第一次买入人物传记类的书。虽然并不了解郭老涉及的行业，但读来并不觉得艰涩。郭老不卑不亢地讲述了他的营商生涯，当中不乏儒学的道德准则，和对中庸之道的推崇，有许多值得借鉴的地方。有一些句子我挺喜欢，例如 “银行家只奉行简单信条：把钱借给不需要的人。”；“资本主义要存续下去，必须要在资本主义中不时掺入几勺共产主义的成分。”。很多人会觉得这本书对中国过于推崇了，也许可以解读为郭老的一份故土情结？
July 26, 2025
This book helped me understand how Robert Kuok became Robert Kuok, and I think it's a great read just for that. It's not quite chronological, but it brings us along his business journey from learning business from his father in the 1930s to starting his own business during the Malaysian colonial period to eventually starting up the Shangri-La hotels.
He talks a lot about how his principles were guided by his mother's (Buddhist) beliefs and prayers. He admits he got lucky a few times, and he really exposed the risk of the business trade. I grew up thinking that business was always high risk high reward, but he broke down the different levels of risk associated with different trades. I thought that was really insightful.
I wish the book discussed more of the way he views businesses and deals. At many points throughout the book, he talks about making necessary concessions, but there's never any explanation for his thought process behind them. It's like hearing insider gossip about what went down, but not knowing why. He also exited several deals, seemingly because they made him angry or upset, but again, I would like to know if this was strategy or if he simply goes by emotion. I would like to think he has knowledge built up over the years to share, but it's not discussed in this book.
This was also a pretty interesting look into the business landscapes of Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong, China and (to some extent) London back then. He mentions how the Malaysian market is very limited, and he kept hitting the limit of what he could achieve by sheer market size, which is ostensibly the biggest reason for moving to Singapore and then Hong Kong, though the conversation about politics is also interesting. His conversation with Hussein Onn made me a little bit sad, but I think both of them were right about how Malaysia operates and will continue to operate. And his ability to sufficiently ingratiate himself with business partners all over is pretty impressive. He argues that it's a natural trait of the Chinese, though I don't know if I fully agree.
He admits that he didn't spend much time at home with his first five children, and he also admits to cheating on his first wife. I get the impression that he's still conflicted about how everything transpired, because the chapter in which he discusses his affair is so short it felt like an obligatory statement. I don't want to say that it was a natural progression of his career, but it feels like it was painted out to be that way. Him being preoccupied with the business was the reason behind its success, but it also took him away from his family so much that he became unfilial to his wife. I just find it sad that for how much he loves and admires his mother, he didn't do the same for his wife.
That said, I think this does a good job of explaining why and how someone could go from a scrawny kid to one of Asia's richest men. I don't know if it really gives much actionable business advice, and I don't envy his life, but I think it's a good picture of what it takes to get to the top. And like Walter Isaacson said with regards to Elon Musk, “One can admire a person’s good traits and decry the bad ones. But it’s also important to understand how the strands are woven together, sometimes tightly.”
He talks a lot about how his principles were guided by his mother's (Buddhist) beliefs and prayers. He admits he got lucky a few times, and he really exposed the risk of the business trade. I grew up thinking that business was always high risk high reward, but he broke down the different levels of risk associated with different trades. I thought that was really insightful.
I wish the book discussed more of the way he views businesses and deals. At many points throughout the book, he talks about making necessary concessions, but there's never any explanation for his thought process behind them. It's like hearing insider gossip about what went down, but not knowing why. He also exited several deals, seemingly because they made him angry or upset, but again, I would like to know if this was strategy or if he simply goes by emotion. I would like to think he has knowledge built up over the years to share, but it's not discussed in this book.
This was also a pretty interesting look into the business landscapes of Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong, China and (to some extent) London back then. He mentions how the Malaysian market is very limited, and he kept hitting the limit of what he could achieve by sheer market size, which is ostensibly the biggest reason for moving to Singapore and then Hong Kong, though the conversation about politics is also interesting. His conversation with Hussein Onn made me a little bit sad, but I think both of them were right about how Malaysia operates and will continue to operate. And his ability to sufficiently ingratiate himself with business partners all over is pretty impressive. He argues that it's a natural trait of the Chinese, though I don't know if I fully agree.
He admits that he didn't spend much time at home with his first five children, and he also admits to cheating on his first wife. I get the impression that he's still conflicted about how everything transpired, because the chapter in which he discusses his affair is so short it felt like an obligatory statement. I don't want to say that it was a natural progression of his career, but it feels like it was painted out to be that way. Him being preoccupied with the business was the reason behind its success, but it also took him away from his family so much that he became unfilial to his wife. I just find it sad that for how much he loves and admires his mother, he didn't do the same for his wife.
That said, I think this does a good job of explaining why and how someone could go from a scrawny kid to one of Asia's richest men. I don't know if it really gives much actionable business advice, and I don't envy his life, but I think it's a good picture of what it takes to get to the top. And like Walter Isaacson said with regards to Elon Musk, “One can admire a person’s good traits and decry the bad ones. But it’s also important to understand how the strands are woven together, sometimes tightly.”
July 25, 2025
malaysia is a relatively small country (≈35 million in population) and many of the great non-fiction books i have read often come from the western world. since i tend to read more in english, i have been inspired by western figures/business people than those from the chinese world (business people in china rarely write books, so the few figures i admire are past chinese scholars).
robert kuok is a malaysian chinese, and it never ever came across to me that i would feel the same awe reading his memoir as when i read those from the western world. it is now making me rethink my surely-false assumptions (i also want to read more eastern memoirs). first things first, robert kuok's memoir is really refreshing to read. being a malaysian myself, it is rare to hear adults in malaysia preach about "doing the right thing", especially when profits and gains dangle like carrots behind corrupt sticks. in school, ethics and morality seem like fleeting subjects, briefly mentioned just to check the boxes -- as though education is merely a list of doctrines to memorize.
yet, robert kuok not only preached ethics & morality but lived by this motto throughout his life. it strike me as odd at first -- why would any business person have "ethics" at the core of their beliefs? wouldn't others take advantage of you? in the long run, wouldn't you just lose everything to cheaters? the answers became clear through robert kuok's memoir. many times, he chose to do what he believed was right, rather than follow where the carrot was leading. it was clear why he made such decisions repeatedly: his mother was a major influence. so was his brother william kuok (who died young) and other figures in his life, like his bosses nagaoka koichi and uemura. robert kuok's memoir is painful to read at times. a recurring theme is that he shares profound insights and wisdom i have never heard expressed in such way -- only to reveal that these often came at the cost of deep heartache and tears.
i never thought that "believing in what you think is right and just" could be a workable motto in life, especially in developing or underdeveloped countries. robert kuok's life story is the first example i have come across, at least in asia. it is rare, because it is like asking a person to thrive in a system where many are forced to cut shortcuts just to survive. his memoir is touching, but it also makes me wonder -- how many other robert kuoks tried the same thing and failed? how many never got the chance to write their own memoir? sure, it's a case of survivorship bias. but reading about his life can make a world of a difference to a kid who might've assumed their country has no place for people who choose to do good. maybe they have seen ten apples -- all rotten. but now, a fresh one shows up. turns out, not all apples are bad after all.
robert kuok is a malaysian chinese, and it never ever came across to me that i would feel the same awe reading his memoir as when i read those from the western world. it is now making me rethink my surely-false assumptions (i also want to read more eastern memoirs). first things first, robert kuok's memoir is really refreshing to read. being a malaysian myself, it is rare to hear adults in malaysia preach about "doing the right thing", especially when profits and gains dangle like carrots behind corrupt sticks. in school, ethics and morality seem like fleeting subjects, briefly mentioned just to check the boxes -- as though education is merely a list of doctrines to memorize.
yet, robert kuok not only preached ethics & morality but lived by this motto throughout his life. it strike me as odd at first -- why would any business person have "ethics" at the core of their beliefs? wouldn't others take advantage of you? in the long run, wouldn't you just lose everything to cheaters? the answers became clear through robert kuok's memoir. many times, he chose to do what he believed was right, rather than follow where the carrot was leading. it was clear why he made such decisions repeatedly: his mother was a major influence. so was his brother william kuok (who died young) and other figures in his life, like his bosses nagaoka koichi and uemura. robert kuok's memoir is painful to read at times. a recurring theme is that he shares profound insights and wisdom i have never heard expressed in such way -- only to reveal that these often came at the cost of deep heartache and tears.
i never thought that "believing in what you think is right and just" could be a workable motto in life, especially in developing or underdeveloped countries. robert kuok's life story is the first example i have come across, at least in asia. it is rare, because it is like asking a person to thrive in a system where many are forced to cut shortcuts just to survive. his memoir is touching, but it also makes me wonder -- how many other robert kuoks tried the same thing and failed? how many never got the chance to write their own memoir? sure, it's a case of survivorship bias. but reading about his life can make a world of a difference to a kid who might've assumed their country has no place for people who choose to do good. maybe they have seen ten apples -- all rotten. but now, a fresh one shows up. turns out, not all apples are bad after all.
February 7, 2021
A remarkable chronicle of Robert Kuok's life that kept me engaged throughout. There were parts where I skipped as I was short on time (parts dealing with the technicals of his business-making) but the bigger picture was more important - Robert's way of life, his philosophy in doing business, his criteria for staff (integrity, capability, and hardworking), and his reflections on and dealings with the internal dynamics of countries and their leaders in the APAC region (including Malaya, Indonesia, Philippines, and China). It is a fascinating story of a man who navigated so successfully - and made it look easy - through the obstacles posed by the business world and historical upheavals (WWII, SARS, China's opening up etc). A key asset that Robert regularly leverages is his personal relationships with others - from the labourers in his factories and mills to middle management to powerful businessmen and politicians at the top. That isn't to say that he isn't sincere in his personal relationships with others; Robert demonstrated on various occasions, including walking away from potentially valuable partners, that his relationships are first and foremost genuine connections between friends, rather than mere instruments for business.
There are many life lessons to be uncovered in his book, mostly distilled from his mother's teachings (who he reveres immensely). His opinions on politics, economics, society, community, and self are also fleshed out, and are sensible enough to be adopted.
There are many life lessons to be uncovered in his book, mostly distilled from his mother's teachings (who he reveres immensely). His opinions on politics, economics, society, community, and self are also fleshed out, and are sensible enough to be adopted.
September 3, 2018
It's no wonder that this memoir is a best-selling hotcake. People are dying to know the secret recipes to Kuok's success. Yes, he works his ass-off, able to tweak the circumstances into his side, possess the ability to predict the market and most of all, the shining stars are shining upon him - pretty much due to the filial piety he demonstrated towards his Mother. It is interesting to read how the influence of a matriarch soothes the ravaging flame of temperamental tycoon.
Kuok learns modesty through the suffering of his mother (much owed to the ones inflicted by Kuok, Sr.). Undeniable that he is proud for being Chinese and the etiquette embedded in the Confucius-influenced culture but it is also interesting to know that Kuok also played pivotal role in cementing the bond between China-Malaysia and also his rapport with Malayan political honchos and forefathers. Despite being fascinated with Communism, Kuok played essential part in the truce between Chin Peng and also the Malaysian Government.
Above all, interesting read but one must read it with open mind and cast away any pre-conceived notion.
Kuok learns modesty through the suffering of his mother (much owed to the ones inflicted by Kuok, Sr.). Undeniable that he is proud for being Chinese and the etiquette embedded in the Confucius-influenced culture but it is also interesting to know that Kuok also played pivotal role in cementing the bond between China-Malaysia and also his rapport with Malayan political honchos and forefathers. Despite being fascinated with Communism, Kuok played essential part in the truce between Chin Peng and also the Malaysian Government.
Above all, interesting read but one must read it with open mind and cast away any pre-conceived notion.
April 27, 2025
While Robert Kuok: A Memoir charts the impressive growth of an extraordinary businessman, what stayed with me most was the depth of his family ties, especially his bond with his mother and grandmother. It was unique — and deeply moving — to see how even at the height of his success, Kuok would continue to seek his mother's counsel. It speaks volumes about the Confucian values of filial piety and humility that were instilled in him from a young age.
The portrait of his grandmother — dignified, wise, and resilient — offered a quiet but powerful influence behind the scenes. Through her, we see the deep roots that shaped Kuok's character. She reminded me of my grandmother, who was also the matriarch of the family and had to work and raise her young kids all by herself.
Not everything in the memoir was triumphant. I found it sad, yet honest, how his first wife, Joyce, expressed that she had to "share" him — a painful reminder that personal sacrifices often accompany public greatness. This memoir is layered reflection on family, duty, and the human cost of ambition; and a reminder to do good and act morally.
The portrait of his grandmother — dignified, wise, and resilient — offered a quiet but powerful influence behind the scenes. Through her, we see the deep roots that shaped Kuok's character. She reminded me of my grandmother, who was also the matriarch of the family and had to work and raise her young kids all by herself.
Not everything in the memoir was triumphant. I found it sad, yet honest, how his first wife, Joyce, expressed that she had to "share" him — a painful reminder that personal sacrifices often accompany public greatness. This memoir is layered reflection on family, duty, and the human cost of ambition; and a reminder to do good and act morally.
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