Lim Goh Tong Biography

Tan SriLim Kok Thay (林国泰; born 16 August 1951) is a Malaysian Chinese billionaire businessman. He is the chairman of Genting Group, a casinos, resorts and palm oil conglomerate with a market capitalization of almost US$40 billion, and the second son of fellow billionaire Lim Goh Tong, the company's founder.

在二十世纪前期（1920年代）标准官话（华语）在马来西亚华人社群通用前，马来西亚华人根据各自籍贯的汉语将名字罗马化。例如客家汉名叶亚来，将会写成“Yap Ah Loy”；闽南汉名林梧桐，将会写成“Lim Goh Tong. (shelved 1 time as biography-famous-people) avg rating 3.69 — 104,695 ratings — published 2010. Lim Goh Tong meninggal pada 23 Oktober 2007 di Rumah Sakit Subang Jaya dan dimakamkan pada 29 Oktober 2007 di Lim Goh Tong Memorial Park. Sebanyak 600 undangan dan keluarga mengantarkan kepergiannya dengan mendaki Genting Highland dan berhenti di kuil Chin Swee dan Hotel Genting. Namun, acara pemakaman diadakan secara tertutup untuk keluarga. Lim Goh Tong meninggalkan. Mr Tan Sri Lim Goh Tong History Tan Sri Lim Goh Tong (February 28, 1918 – October 23, 2007) was well-known for wealth as Malaysian Chinese businessman. He was recognized for his vision and courage in converting Genting Highlands from an unfamiliar hilltop to one of the world's most successful casino resorts.

Career[edit]

Lim is the chairman and board executive of Genting Malaysia Berhad & Genting Berhad, also known as Genting Group, a conglomerate active in leisure & hospitality, power generation, oil palm plantations, property development, biotechnology, and oil & gas business activities.^[2][3][4][5]

He is the co-founder of Genting Hong Kong Limited, formerly known as Star Cruises Limited. Star Cruises, together with Norwegian Cruise Line is the third largest cruise operator in the world, with a combined fleet of 18 ships providing about 35,000 lower berths.^[6]

He has a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from University of London. He attended the six-week advanced management programme of Harvard Business School, the US in 1979.^[2]

In 1976, he was appointed a director of Genting Group.^[3] The Genting Group grew from a single listed entity in 1971 to five listed entities (comprising Genting Berhad),^[7] Genting Malaysia Berhad^[8] and Genting Plantations Berhad^[9] which are listed on the main board of Bursa Malaysia; Genting Singapore Plc^[10] which is listed on the main board of Singapore Exchange and Genting Hong Kong^[11] which is listed on the main board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

He was appointed the chairman and CEO of Genting Berhad and Genting Malaysia Berhad when the late Lim Goh Tong retired in December 2003.^[12] Kok Thay has since expanded Genting's presence globally, especially in the leisure tourism and entertainment industry.

Lim Goh Tong Biography Meng

Under his guidance, the Genting Group has developed leisure brands such as 'Resorts World', 'Maxims', 'Crockfords' and 'Awana', as well as established partnerships with Universal Studios, Hard Rock Hotel, Premium Outlets, Synthetic Genomics and others.^[13][14]

In 1990, he assisted the Mashantucket Pequots, a Native American tribe to establish Foxwoods Resorts Casino in Connecticut, With 340,000 square feet of floor space, it is the largest casino in the US.^[15][16]

He guided the expansion works of the Group's first integrated resort, Resorts World Genting, formerly known as Genting Highlands Resort. It has been voted by World Travel Awards as the 'World's Leading Casino Resort' in years 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 and voted 'Asia's Leading Casino Resort' from 2005 to 2010.^[17]

In 2005, he expanded Group's presence to the UK. Genting UK Plc is the largest casino operator in the UK with 43 casinos.^[18]

In 2006, Lim led his team to win the bid to build and operate Singapore's first integrated resort on Sentosa Island, called Resorts World Sentosa.^[19] The resort was progressively opened from January 2010^[20] and has become a prominent tourist destination in the country.^[21] The resort features Southeast Asia's first Universal Studios Singapore, six themed hotels, Maritime Experiential Museum and Aquarium^[22] and many more attractions.^[23]

Today, under Lim's guidance, the Genting Group has integrated resort properties in three Asian countries, namely Resorts World Genting in Malaysia, Resorts World Sentosa in Singapore and Resorts World Manila in the Philippines, attracting millions of visitors. The Group has one leisure project in the US, namely Resorts World New York and two in development: Resorts World Las Vegas and Resorts World Miami, and resort property in Bimini, Resorts World Bimini (about 30 min east of Miami).

Lim was appointed a visiting professor at the Institute of Biomedical Engineering of Imperial College, London in October 2009.^[24] He was appointed an honorary professor of Xiamen University, China in December 2007.^[25]

In 2015, Lim acquired Crystal Cruises from Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha for $550 million. Following the acquisition, Lim rapidly expanded the company by building four new river vessels, purchasing an ocean-and-expedition ship and three shipyards, and adding a charter jet service.^[26]

In 2017, three of Lim's nephews filed a lawsuit against him and his brother, in which they contested a family trust created by founder of Genting, Lim Goh Tong.^[27] Another lawsuit was brought against Lim by his sister over the beneficial interest in a block of Genting stock.^[28]

In February 2018 Lim opened Resorts World Catskills through his holding company Empire Resorts Inc.^[29] The $1.2 billion complex contains a casino, entertainment venue and hotel.

Personal life[edit]

Tan Sri Lim is married to Puan Sri Cecilia Lim. They have three children.^{[30][2][31][1]} As of 16 February 2021, Forbes estimated Tan Sri Lim's net worth to be US$ 2.4 Billion making him the 1063th richest person in the world.

Recognitions[edit]

In 2009, Lim was named 'Travel Entrepreneur of the Year' by Travel Trade Gazette (TTG) Asia^[32] and 'The Most Influential Person in Asian Gaming' by Inside Asian Gaming, for his contributions to the leisure and travel industry.^[33]

Honours[edit]

• Malaysia :
  • Commander of the Order of Loyalty to the Crown of Malaysia (PSM) - Tan Sri (2002)^[34]

• Pahang :
  • Knight Companion of the Order of the Crown of Pahang (DIMP) - Dato' (1991)^[34]
  • Grand Knight of the Order of Sultan Ahmad Shah of Pahang (SSAP) - Dato' Sri (2007)^[34][35]

References[edit]

1. ^ ^ab'Forbes Profile: Lim Kok Thay'. Forbes. Retrieved 4 March 2021.
2. ^ ^abc'Executive Profile: Lim Kok Thay'. Bloomberg Businessweek. Retrieved 25 October 2011.
3. ^ ^ab'Officer Profile: Lim Kok Thay'. Reuters. Retrieved 25 October 2011.
4. ^Raghuvanshi, Gaurav (12 December 2011). 'Genting Gambles on a Family Approach to Casinos'. Retrieved 27 October 2017 – via www.wsj.com.
5. ^'Lim Goh Tong, casino entrepreneur, dies at 90 - The New York Times'. Nytimes.com. 23 October 2007. Retrieved 26 May 2017.
6. ^'Star Cruises Honored as TTG Asia Awards Travel Hall of Fame'. etravelblackboard asia. Archived from the original on 22 January 2013. Retrieved 12 October 2011.
7. ^'List of Companies – Genting Berhad'. Bursa Malaysia. Retrieved 25 October 2011.
8. ^'List of Companies – Genting Malaysia Berhad'. Bursa Malaysia. Retrieved 25 October 2011.
9. ^'List of Companies – Genting Plantations Berhad'. Bursa Malaysia. Retrieved 25 October 2011.
10. ^'Company Disclosure: Genting Singapore Plc'. Singapore Exchange. Retrieved 25 October 2011.
11. ^'Company Info: Genting Hong Kong Limited'. Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Retrieved 25 October 2011.
12. ^'Biography of Tan Sri Lim Goh Tong'. G2E Asia. Archived from the original on 6 April 2012. Retrieved 25 October 2011.
13. ^'Company Focus: Genting Group'(PDF). einvest. Retrieved 25 October 2011.
14. ^'Listed Companies: Genting Berhad Annual Report 2010'. Bursa Malaysia. Archived from the original on 5 October 2011. Retrieved 25 October 2011.
15. ^'The world's biggest casino – The Foxwoods Casino'. world-casino-resorts.com. Retrieved 25 October 2011.
16. ^My Story – Lim Goh Tong, chapter 13: Moving On. Pelanduk Publications Sdn Bhd. 2004.
17. ^'World's Leading Casino Resort 2009 – Resorts World Genting'. World Travel Awards. Archived from the original on 2 November 2011. Retrieved 25 October 2011.
18. ^'Company Profile: Genting UK Plc'. Yahoo Finance. Retrieved 25 October 2011.
19. ^'Genting Group wins Singapore Sentosa integrated resort project, 11 December 2006'. ehotelier.com. Retrieved 25 October 2011.
20. ^'Singapore's first casino at Resorts World Sentosa opens its doors'. channelnewsasia. Retrieved 25 October 2011.
21. ^'Resorts World Sentosa is Asia's ultimate destination, offering a whole new world of truly rewarding experiences'. YourSingapore.com. Retrieved 25 October 2011.
22. ^'Resorts World Sentosa Unveils the Maritime Experiential Museum & Aquarium'. eTravel Blackboard. 20 September 2011. Archived from the original on 22 January 2013. Retrieved 31 October 2011.
23. ^'Southeast Asia's first Universal Studios opens in Singapore'. channelnewsasia. Retrieved 25 October 2011.
24. ^'Minutes of the Proceedings of the Thirteenth Meeting of the Council of the Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine:Visiting Professors'(PDF). Imperial College. Retrieved 25 October 2011.
25. ^'Star Cruises Chairman Appointed As Hon Professor of Xiamen University'. Bernama news. Retrieved 24 October 2011.
26. ^'Billionaires are sensing the call of the seven seas'. The Business Times. Retrieved 9 October 2018.
27. ^Forbes. 'Malaysia's Richest 2018: Genting Gaming Family Fighting Over The Chips'. Forbes. Retrieved 26 October 2018.
28. ^hermes (14 January 2018). 'Family feud casts cloud over Genting Group empire'. The Straits Times. Retrieved 26 October 2018.
29. ^'Lim Kok Thay'. Forbes. Retrieved 31 October 2018.
30. ^sharanpal singh randhawa (1 March 2015). '50 charitable homes get RM1mil from Genting Group - Nation The Star Online'. Thestar.com.my. Retrieved 26 May 2017.
31. ^My Story – Lim Goh Tong, preface: Family Tree. Pelanduk Publications Sdn Bhd. 2004.
32. ^'Genting CEO gets award'. The Star. Retrieved 10 October 2009.
33. ^'Lim Kok Thay named Travel Entrepreneur of the Year and The most influential person in Asian Gaming'. Philstar. Retrieved 10 October 2009.
34. ^ ^abc'SEMAKAN PENERIMA DARJAH KEBESARAN, BINTANG DAN PINGAT'. Prime Minister's Department (Malaysia).
35. ^'Sultan of Pahang's 77th birthday honours list'. The Star (Malaysia). 24 October 2007. Retrieved 3 April 2019.

Lim Goh Tong left behind a legacy and business portfolio that would take pages to detail. His company has 42 casinos in the United Kingdom alone.

It was his first flagship property, the Genting Highlands (Resorts World Genting) in Malaysia, that deserves the most attention.

The Genting Highlands wasn’t just the premier property for Lim’s Genting Berhad, but it defied the odds and the expectations of naysayers as it rests on a hilltop in Ulu Kali.

Back in 1969, the location was so remote that part of the construction included four years devoted to a road that would allow access as well as provisions for electricity and water.

While the Genting Highlands allowed Lim to expand into other construction projects and business endeavors, he never took his eye off of his premier property, spending the next 30 years growing it.

Additional hotels have been built as well as a theme park, golf course, and even a two-mile-long cable car system.

Lim was not one to rest on his laurels. He expanded and diversified, not only becoming one of the top international players in the casino industry, but in gas and oil exploration, cruise ships, theme parks, tourist attractions, retail construction, and farming.

At the time of his death in 2007, his net worth was $4.3 billion (US). His son, Lim Kok Thay took over the business upon Lim’s retirement in 2003 and continues to be at the helm.

Lim Goh Tong was born in China in 198. His father died when he was only 16, so he had to become the breadwinner at a relatively early age.

In 1937, amidst the revolution in China, he decided to relocate to Malaysia (then Malaya) at the encouragement of his cousin.

Lim Goh Tong spent the first few years learning Malay and working in his Uncle’s carpentry business.

He also did some stints as a building subcontractor, a farmer, and acquired a well-rounded business acumen through participation in some small businesses.

Lim was involved in a hydro-electric project at Cameron Highlands when he started to envision a hilltop resort far enough away from the city of Kuala Lumpur that it feels like a vacation, but close enough for easy access.

Lim Goh Tong Biography Ling

The location he chose provided nearly consistent 80-degree (Fahrenheit) temperatures and breathtaking views.

It took a bit of convincing, but Lim was able to persuade the then Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman to issue him a casino license.

He detailed the benefits to the area including the local economic impact provided by the tourism.

Before construction could begin, a road was first and foremost as this was a previously undeveloped area.

The drive needed to run from the nearby area of Genting Sempah to the peak of Ulu Kali and took four years to complete.

In 1969, the very first foundation stone was laid and from that point, it took two years to complete before the May 1971 launch.

Doors were initially scheduled to open a few months prior but the area was hit with the worst tropical rainstorms in a century and the newly constructed roads suffered significant damage that needed immediate repair.

A cable car system, the Genting Skyway, came in 1997 and transported visitors for the entire two-mile trek up the mountain.

It was not only the world’s fastest mono cable car system traveling at 13 miles per hour, but it’s the longest cable car in Malaysia.

The Genting Highlands is not your typical casino resort. The amenities it provides rival a city rather than a single casino property.

Lim’s hilltop oasis with breathtaking views has something to keep everyone in the family busy for a long time.

Lim may have started with intentions of building a one-hotel resort, but he didn’t stop there.

The Genting Highlands has seven hotels, from the Crockfords elite, the Theme Park Hotel that’s geared toward the younger guests, and the Awana, for the travelers looking for the best view.

The First World Hotel not only includes the second casino but houses a shopping mall, indoor theme park, and a considerable number of dining options.

It’s officially the largest hotel in the world with 7,351 rooms. It also provides hourly rooms for gamblers that want to take a quick siesta.

There’s not one, but two casinos as part of the complex, the Sky Casino, and the Genting Casino.

The gambling is a far cry from 1971 when the resort opened with 30 table games and a selection of one-armed bandits.

In 2004, the second casino was unveiled at the First World Hotel. It provides the latest and best in gaming technology with electronic tables and cashless slots.

The combination of casinos takes up 200,000 square feet and attracts hopeful bettors from around the world.

It’s not uncommon for casino resorts to provide attractions that appeal to the whole family and the hilltop location of Genting Highlands allows for an extensive menu of both indoor and outdoor activities.

The consistent 80-degree temperatures are conducive to pursuits like jungle trekking and discovery walks.

If 80 degrees isn’t appealing, how about tobogganing or a snowball fight? Snow World provides winter in the middle of a tropical oasis. Light shows and dining are all part of the chilly day activities.

Other amenities include the Video Games Park, Bowling, Arts and Cultural Center, Sky-Symphony, as well as a spa, retail options, and dining.

Not only do more than 19 million people a year make Genting Highlands their travel destination, but the resort prompted the build of a new nearby township established around the cable car stations.

Gohtong Jaya provides some residential living as well as shops, restaurants, and the Genting INTI International College.

The constant attention to, and expansion of, Genting Highlands is more than enough for one company to handle.

But Lim Goh Tong again didn’t stop there. His expertise in multiple areas prompted him to expand his Genting organization to cover some relatively diverse markets.

The leisure and hospitality end of things include casino resorts Genting Resorts World, Genting Grand, the Genting Club, Crockfords, and Maxims.

Cruises are another part of the leisure division with Star Cruises, Dream Cruises, and Crystal Cruises.

In an entirely different direction, Genting Energy Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Genting Berhad. It focuses on international operations including power generation, oil and gas, and biotech, as well as property development.

Taking into consideration all of the combined holdings, the Genting Group employs over 60,000 globally and generates $8.9 billion annually.

Since the launch of Genting Highlands, casinos and casino resorts have been a big part of the Genting Group’s focus.

After Genting Highlands, Lim eyed the Philippines for his next major casino expansion project and was awarded one of the few licenses by PAGCOR to operate in Manila.

In 2009, Genting Hong Kong and the Alliance Global Group launched the Resorts World Manila in Newport City.

In similar fashion to Genting Highlands, this resort served to impress with four hotels, a shopping mall, clubs and restaurants, theaters, movies, and more.

Lim Goh Tong Age

It also features a three-floor casino with additional gaming available inside the Remington Entertainment Center.

In June of 2017, a gunman burst into the high roller area of Resorts World Manila casino, setting fire to the gaming tables and slot chairs. He then shot his way into the safe room, making off with over $2 million.

Security pursued him, eventually trapping him in a hotel room of the Maxim hotel where Jessie Carlos then took his life to evade capture.

Before the incident could be contained, 37 people lost their lives due to suffocation from toxic fumes resulting from the fire, and 70 others were injured.

The casino’s license was revoked for three weeks but eventually was returned later in the month and part of the casino property subsequently reopened during renovations.

In 2006, the Genting Group acquired Genting UK with 42 properties across the United Kingdom from Edinburgh to Plymouth. The holdings also include London’s Crockfords and Maxims.

Genting UK is one of the biggest casino operatives in the UK and operates under three brands; Casino, Club, and Electric. It also offers online casino gaming and sports betting.

Genting has an extensive list of holdings and partial investments, many under the Resorts World branding.

In 2010, it opened a “racino” at Aqueduct in New York City, followed by Resorts World New York the next year.

Resorts World Birmingham launched in 2015 and boasts the second largest concert arena in the United Kingdom.

New projects in the works include Resorts World Miami, Resorts World Catskills, and a new casino resort in Andorra that will emphasize arts and cultural events.

In 1944, Lim married Lee Kim Hua, and they had six children and 19 grandchildren.

Lim Goh Tong Biography Tong

His fascinating life, including the life-changing move from China to Malaysia, was included in his 2004 biography “My Story” that was published in 2004.

Throughout his lifetime, Lim received many accolades including the Malaysian Entrepreneurs Award in 1985 and the Business Achiever of the Year in 1994.

He also earned the number one spot in the top ten Malaysian Leading Company list in 1999.

Lim was given the title of Tan Sri by the Malaysian government when a statue of him was unveiled on his 90th birthday.

Yayasan Lim, the family’s foundation, was established in 1978 to provide regular contributions to medical and educational institutions, senior residences and other charities.

When Lim passed away in 2007, he left behind $4.3 billion, a massive business empire, and a charitable foundation.

His mark on the world will live on through his family as well as the resort complexes that have been providing visitors with entertainment and much-needed relaxation since his first hilltop haven opened its doors in 1971.