Notable Roles | - Executive Chairman, Genting Group |
Key Recognition | - ASEAN Businessman of the Year |
Background and Early Foundations
Lim Kok Thay was born in Malaysia in 1951, the second son of the late Lim Goh Tong, founder of Genting Group. After completing his education at the University of London and an MBA from Harvard Business School, he formally joined the family business in 1976. Groomed under his father’s mentorship, Lim Kok Thay quickly rose through the ranks, pioneering Genting’s global expansion into luxury resorts, cruise lines, and casinos.
While his beginnings were supported by legacy, his trajectory was defined by bold international bets — turning Genting into one of the most diversified leisure conglomerates in Asia.
Career Milestones and Impact
Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
2002 | Appointed CEO of Genting Berhad and drove international expansion. |
2006 | Launched Resorts World Sentosa in Singapore, one of Asia’s largest IRs. |
2010s | Spearheaded development of Resorts World Las Vegas — Genting’s largest U.S. project. |
2025 | Stepped down as CEO of Genting Berhad after 23 years; remains Executive Chairman. |
- Global Reach: Operations in Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, UK, U.S., and the Bahamas
- Genting Group Value (2024): RM 20.5 billion (approx. US$4.3 billion)
- Properties Developed: Over 10 international resorts under the Resorts World brand
- Cruise Ventures: Founded Dream Cruises and Star Cruises under Genting Hong Kong
Leadership Style and Influence
Lim Kok Thay is known for his calculated risk-taking and ability to read global leisure trends before they mature. From bringing world-class casino resorts to Southeast Asia, to launching the first luxury cruises for Asian markets, he has continually redefined Genting’s brand DNA. His leadership blends pragmatism with vision — combining family-run principles with publicly listed ambitions.
A low-profile personality, he nonetheless commands immense influence in the casino, cruise, and tourism sectors globally.
Legacy and Future Focus
As he steps back from day-to-day operations, Lim Kok Thay leaves behind a legacy of turning Genting into a global powerhouse. He is credited with introducing the integrated resort model to Asia, democratizing premium tourism for the region’s emerging middle class.
Looking forward, his focus remains on steering Genting through a new era of digitalization, ESG investments, and post-pandemic tourism recovery — while grooming the next generation of leadership within the Genting empire.
