Robert Kuok: A Memoir
by Robert Kuok with Andrew Tanzer
Robert Kuok is one of the most highly respected businessmen in Asia. But this legendary Overseas Chinese entrepreneur, commodities trader who made his first million on the London sugar market, hotelier of the Shangri-la chain, and property mogul has maintained a low profile and seldom shed light in public on his business empire or personal life. That is, until now. In these memoirs, the 94-year-old Kuok tells the remarkable story of how, starting in British Colonial Malaya, he built a multi-industry, multinational business group. In reflecting back on 75 years of conducting business, he offers management insights, discusses strategies and lessons learned, and relates his principles, philosophy, and moral code.
Kuok has lived through fascinating and often tumultuous times in Asia – from British colonialism to Japanese military occupation to post-colonial Southeast Asia and the dramatic rise of Asian economies, including, more recently, China. From his front-row seat and as an active participant, this keen, multi-cultural observer tells nearly a century of Asian history through his life and times. Readers interested in business, management, history, politics, culture and sociology will all enjoy Robert Kuok’s unique and remarkable story.
Size: 140 x 210 mm
Extent: 376 pages text + 28 pages plates
Binding: Casebound
Weight: 900 g
ISBN: 978-981-4189-73-6
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Reviews
For his countrymen, the appearance of Robert Kuok. A Memoir on bookshelves in late 2018 was a publishing sensation… For those who wish to understand how he could succeed economically to the extent that he has, this book does not disappoint, at least not to the scrupulous reader… Much is told from memory, it seems, and this creates a flow that makes the reading of this book of 375 pages easy, exciting and very personal.
– Ooi Kee Beng, Executive Director, Penang Institute
This is a story of an outlier – a talented, driven and intuitive child who grew up in an entrepreneurial environment at the right place and time. Whether you agree with Kuok or not, this is a fascinating read for anyone interested in Malaysian history and business.
– Options, The Edge
From Goodreads
A great read for anyone who has yet to make it big in business...
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.… This is one of the books that I have put on my "must read again at the end of this year list"…. It is REALLY good.
Everyone needs to read this book, regardless you’re young or old, Malay Chinese or Indian.
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.
The story of Asia's Sugar King is absorbing, and I found it difficult to put this book full of interesting anecdotes from his life and business down.
I do believe I have found my favourite memoir ever. Crisp narration, an honest voice, a tremendous story and a journey that is awe-inspiring.