Southeast Asia is one of the most promising regions in the world. The ten ASEAN member states reached a US$3.6 trillion combined GDP in 2022, which is projected to reach an estimated US$4.5 trillion by 2030 – making it the world’s fourth-largest economy in the world after the US, China, and Japan.
Perhaps the best testament to Southeast Asia’s growing allure is best reflected in the torrent of foreign direct investments (FDIs) over the years. In 2022, for instance, ASEAN countries received a combined FDI inflow of more than US$225.8 billion – one of the world’s largest.
Fuelling investor faith is a cadre of trailblazing corporations. Join International Business Review for a swift tour of some of these economic titans from Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Brunei. Unveil the successes of companies who leave their mark locally, regionally, and globally.
While the information presented here has been verified to the best of our abilities, we cannot guarantee that there are no mistakes or errors. This article is for informational purposes only.
INDONESIA
Our inaugural stop on this tour brings us to the Indonesian archipelago. When it comes to firsts in the region, Indonesia holds many distinctions. Boasting the largest population in the region, surpassing 281 million people, and wielding a formidable economy with a nominal GDP exceeding US$1 trillion, Indonesia stands alone as ASEAN’s only representative in the G20, the world’s biggest 20 economies.
Astra International
Meet Astra International: a titan with a remarkable journey from a humble beginning as a fruit juice business to now reigning supreme as Indonesia’s and Southeast Asia’s automotive giant. No longer confined to the orchard, Astra stands as the exclusive distributor of car marques like Toyota, Daihatsu, Isuzu, UD Trucks, Peugeot, and BMW in Indonesia. Beyond distribution, it also flexes its manufacturing prowess for Toyota, Daihatsu, and Isuzu while diving into the automotive component sector.
With a robust market capitalization exceeding US$11.72 billion, Astra International isn’t just about cars. It’s a multifaceted force delving into mining, agribusiness, logistics, and financial services, weaving an intricate tapestry within Indonesia’s economic landscape.
At the helm is Mr. Djony Bunarto Tjondro, an Indonesian executive extraordinaire born in 1964. Taking the reins as President Director in 2020, his three-decade journey within the Astra Group showcases career riches in leadership roles. As President Commissioner of pivotal entities like PT Toyota-Astra Motor and PT United Tractors Tbk, Mr. Tjondro, armed with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Eliza Business School, Australia, embodies the seasoned navigator steering Astra International toward continued success.
PT Bayan Resources Tbk
With a production volume of 619 million tonnes in 2019, Indonesia ranks first in Southeast Asia and fourth globally in coal production.
Founded by Low Tuck Kwong in 1997, Bayan Resources is now positioned as Indonesia’s fourth-largest coal producer. From 2018 to 2020, its average annual revenue hovered around US$1.5 billion, with an average net profit of about US$300 million. For the first nine months of 2022, the company recorded a whopping revenue of US$3.5 billion and a profit of nearly US$1.5 billion.
Also known as the “King of Coal”, his success has given him the distinction of being Indonesia’s third richest person, and 72nd in the world, with a net worth of US$27.6 billion as of 2024.
CT Corp
CT Corporation stands out as a great conglomerate, not just for its size but for its audacious versatility. Spearheaded by the ever-dynamic Chairul Tanjung, this titan juggles a captivating array of sectors, from the glitz of fashion retail with brands like Versace and Armani to financial services, property development, F&B, hypermarkets like Carrefour and even media and hospitality. This versatility made CT Corp US$3.25 billion in sales as of the end of 2019, placing it 13th among the country’s largest companies that year.
Tanjung’s journey – beginning with crafting children’s shoes in the 1980s and leading him all the way up to former Coordinating Minister for Economics in the Indonesian cabinet – reads like a masterclass in entrepreneurial evolution. His knack for attracting heavyweight investors like Japan’s Mitsui & Co and Singapore’s GIC Pte Ltd only adds to not only to his glory but to the conglomerate’s cachet.
The most intriguing chapter in CT Corp’s story might still be unfolding. Tanjung’s 2021 musings about a potential IPO stirred the market, promising a landmark event in Indonesia’s financial saga. This potential move could mark a transformative leap, both for CT Corp and the Indonesian economy at large.
Traveloka
Here’s a fun fact: Southeast Asia is buzzing with 30 unicorn startups, each valued between US$1 billion and US$10 billion. Indonesia shines with eight of these, trailing only Singapore. This highlights Indonesia’s vibrant startup scene.
Meet one of these unicorns: Traveloka. Launched in 2012, this US$3 billion giant revolutionised travel booking in Southeast Asia. It began as a flight comparison tool for Indonesia but has evolved into a comprehensive platform for booking flights, hotels, car rentals, and more across Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Australia.
Traveloka isn’t just about travel anymore. It’s ventured into lifestyle and digital finance, offering payment solutions and insurance. Notably, nearly 80 percent of Indonesian youth use Traveloka regularly. That’s a significant slice of one of Southeast Asia’s largest populations.
The man steering this ship is a Purdue graduate and a famous Harvard Business School dropout in his own right: Ferry Unardi. The software engineer turned business executive co-founded Traveloka with a former classmate in 2012. His journey from an engineer at Microsoft to the helm of Traveloka has seen the platform’s expansion into multiple Southeast Asian countries. Unardi’s vision transformed Traveloka from a startup into a regional travel and lifestyle powerhouse.
THAILAND
Jet-setting north to Thailand, we find it boasting the region’s second-largest economy, with a US$546.22 billion GDP in 2025. The 8th most visited country in the world in 2024 is a fertile ground for corporate giants, especially in tourism, retail, F&B, finance, travel, and utilities.
PTT
Meet PTT Public Company Ltd, Thailand’s undisputed largest corporate giant. It stands tall as the sole Thai representative on the Fortune 500 list. PTT is the nation’s energy powerhouse, dominating the oil and gas sector.
Listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) with a market cap exceeding US$26 billion, PTT is no ordinary company. It’s a national treasure, with the Thai Ministry of Finance as its majority stakeholder. PTT’s strategic significance is crystal clear – it owns vital gas pipelines in the Gulf of Thailand and numerous liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) terminals nationwide. Beyond this, PTT is a player in oil and gas exploration, petroleum retail, and electricity generation, solidifying its status as Thailand’s energy juggernaut.
In 2021, PTT and its subsidiaries posted an astonishing combined revenue of over US$57 billion, making it Thailand’s reigning revenue income champion. The company is steering towards sustainable energy, shedding its involvement in greenhouse gas-emitting fuels, such as its decision to divest from Indonesian coal mining operations. PTT is not just an oil tycoon; it’s a forward-looking corporation shaping Thailand’s energy future.
Dr. Kongkrapan Intarajang heads the company, since May 2024. He boasts extensive experience across the energy and industrial sectors, obtaining his Ph.D. in CHemical Engineering from the University of Houston, USA.
Bangkok Bank
Founded in 1944, Bangkok Bank stands tall as Thailand’s largest and ASEAN’s sixth-largest bank, boasting assets exceeding US$130 billion. The bank is predominantly owned by the influential Sophonpanich family, with Chartsiri Sophonpanich, a third-generation leader, at the helm.
This financial juggernaut has a global footprint, with 800+ branches across 15 countries, where international accounts constitute a significant quarter of its loan portfolio. Under Chartsiri’s leadership, Bangkok Bank made a historic move by acquiring Indonesia’s Bank Permata for US$2.7 billion in 2019, marking the largest intra-ASEAN financial company acquisition and boosting its portfolio by nearly US$11 trillion.
With an eye on the future, Bangkok Bank is spearheading digitalisation and mobile banking, aiming to reach a broader Thai audience while streamlining physical branches. Already, a massive 90 percent of transactions are conducted through mobile apps, ensuring utmost convenience for its customers.
Chartsiri Sophonpanich, Bangkok Bank’s visionary leader, has a dynamic career spanning decades. Chartsiri’s journey reflects an impressive blend of academic brilliance and leadership acumen. Under his guidance, Bangkok Bank has achieved remarkable growth, boasting over 17 million deposit accounts.
As of July 2024, Forbes valued him at an impressive US$1.05 billion, reflecting his financial prowess and influence in the industry. With Chartsiri Sophonpanich at the helm, Bangkok Bank is undoubtedly charting a course for continued success in the financial world.
Central Group
Central Group, Thailand’s unrivalled mall developer with 3,718 branches and a whopping 7,236,896 m2 of retail space, reigns supreme in retail. Established in 1947, Central Group etched history in 1957 by launching Thailand’s first shopping centre. Recent years have seen its expansion both in the Thai market and on the global stage.
Central Group’s strategic overseas acquisitions, including European retail giants like La Rinascentre in Italy, Illum in Denmark, Selfridges in the UK, and KaDeWe in Germany, now contribute to 30 percent of its total revenue. Embracing the digital era, Central Group partnered with China’s JD.com to tap into the thriving online retail market.
The corporation has two listed subsidiaries: Central Retail Corporation, with a market cap exceeding US$3.83 billion, and Central Pattana, with a market cap surpassing US$6.92 billion.
Who’s at the helm? Tos Chirathivat, as the executive chairman and CEO. With an illustrious career that includes executive roles at Big C Super Center, Robinson Department Store, and B2S Company Ltd, Tos Chirathivat is a driving force in Thailand’s retail landscape, and he and his family remain among Thailand’s wealthiest dynasties.
Indorama Ventures
Indorama Ventures, led by founder and CEO Aloke Lohia, is the largest producer of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resins, responsible for every one in five PET bottles worldwide. Founded in 1994, this Bangkok-based conglomerate has evolved into one of Thailand’s foremost petrochemical giants.
Diversifying its portfolio, the company is also a market leader in wool yarns and polyester fabric. Indorama Ventures’ global footprint extends beyond Thailand, with operations and manufacturing outlets spanning the United States, Poland, Egypt, Ghana, Vietnam, and many more countries.
With an impressive annual revenue exceeding US$15 billion, driven by its dominance in the PET resin market and extensive overseas operations, Indorama Ventures is a true global powerhouse. Notably, founder Aloke Lohia’s journey from his early career in Indonesia to establishing this industry giant is a testament to his visionary leadership.
Lohia, the Indian billionaire business magnate at the helm of Indorama Ventures, embarked on his journey by turning corncobs into furfural alcohol. Later, it delved into Thailand’s first wool and PET business ventures. His strategic prowess transformed Indorama Ventures into the dominant force that it is today.
Aloke Lohia’s net worth, estimated at US$1.4 billion as of May 2025, reflects his influence and achievements. And still he continues to shape the conglomerate’s success story.
SINGAPORE
Moving down south, our next stop is Singapore. The island state with a nominal GDP exceeding $515 billion, not only secures its spot as Southeast Asia’s third-largest economy, but also distinguishes itself with an astonishing nominal GDP per capita of over US$93,000 – pulling far ahead of its regional counterparts. Compare this to Brunei in second place, with over US$34,000. Naturally, Singapore’s robust economic prowess has attracte some of the region’s most formidable corporate players.
Singapore Airlines
An iconic Singaporean brand, Singapore Airlines (SIA) has a history of pioneering achievements, including being the first airline to operate the Airbus A380 and the Boeing 787-10. It boasts the world’s longest scheduled route, covering over 15,000 km from Changi Airport to John F. Kennedy Airport in New York, made possible by the Airbus A350–900 Ultra Long Range (ULR) plane.
Listed on the Singapore Exchange (SGX) with a market capitalisation exceeding US$15 billion, SIA stands as the 7th largest company on the SGX and the 8th largest airline globally in 2025.
SIA has consistently ranked among the top three in Skytrax’s World’s Best Airlines Awards for over two decades. Goh Choon Phong himself has gotten many accolades, including the Centre for Aviation’s Asia-Pacific Airline CEO of the Year in 2015 and the CEO Lifetime Achievement Award from the Airline Passenger Experience Association in 2016.
Grab Holdings
With a market cap of about US$12 billion, Grab Holdings is hands down the dominant ride-hailing force across most of Southeast Asia. Today, Grab offers much more than just ride-hailing; it encompasses food delivery, e-wallet payments, and online grocery shopping.
In 2022, Grab held a 54 percent market share in Southeast Asian food delivery. It went public in 2021 with a NASDAQ listing via a US$40 billion SPAC deal, ranking as the 8th most valuable Singapore-based company.
Grab emerged in 2012 as MyTeksi in Malaysia which was initially designed for mobile-based taxi bookings and subsequently, shifted its headquarters to Singapore, securing investments from Temasek Holdings-backed firms.
Today, the co-founder and CEO of Southeast Asia’s first unicorn startup has an estimated net worth of US$790 million, as of 2021.
Temasek Holdings
Temasek Holdings is the driving force behind many Singaporean success stories. It’s the cornerstone investor in heavyweights like DBS, SIA, CAG, CapitaLand, Sembcorp, Grab, Sea, and PSA International.
Established in 1974 by the Singaporean government to steward its wealth, Temasek operates as a private investment firm with a mission to maximise returns for its shareholders. Yet, what sets it apart is that its sole shareholder is the Singapore Ministry of Finance.
Over the years, Temasek has demonstrated an impeccable track record in wealth management. Currently, it oversees assets approaching a staggering US$288 billion as of March 2024, with a presence spanning nine countries, including Singapore, the US, Europe, India, and East Asia.
If Temasek were classified as an SWF, it be comfortably among the top 50 world’s largest SWFs.
Wilmar International
With a market capitalisation surpassing US$14 billion, this agricommodity powerhouse ranks as Singapore’s sixth-largest company.
Wilmar plays a huge role in the palm oil industry, from cultivation to production, encompassing 279,000 hectares of oil palm plantations across Malaysia, Indonesia, Uganda, Nigeria, Ghana, and the Ivory Coast. It operates over 500 refineries and manufacturing facilities across the world, with a vast distribution network.
Beyond its core palm oil business, Wilmar excels in edible oils, rice, flour, and noodles. Excellent business acumen runs in the family, with Chairman Kuok Khoon Hong being the nephew of Robert Kuok, Malaysia’s richest man. His leadership has led him to be consistently re-elected to his post, as he leads Wilmar to flourish in a league of its own.
VIETNAM
When we talk about meteoric rises in Southeast Asia, Vietnam takes centre stage. It’s a country that has rewritten the playbook on economic growth over the past decade. Consider this: in 2013, Vietnam’s GDP stood at a modest US$213 billion, trailing behind regional heavyweights. Fast forward to today, and Vietnam has catapulted to claim the sixth position amongst its peers, boasting a staggering GDP of US$490 billion. It’s a testament, beyond a shadow of a doubt, to the indomitable spirit of the corporations that call this nation home.
FPT
FPT Corporation stands as Vietnam’s unrivalled IT champion. Conceived in 1988 as the Food Processing Technology Company under Vietnam’s National Institute of Technology Research, FPT has emerged as the nation’s largest IT service provider. With a focus on technology consulting, deployment, and telecommunications solutions, it’s no surprise that FPT also is among Vietnam’s top internet service providers.
Not content with domestic success alone, FPT expanded its horizons through strategic moves. In 2014, it boldly acquired RWE IT Slovakia, marking the first overseas acquisition by a Vietnamese IT company. In 2018, FPT went a step further by acquiring Intellinet Consulting, a US-based technology consulting firm. Cementing its global presence, FPT has a strategic alliance with Microsoft.
FPT’s commitment to knowledge and education is evident through its creation of FPT University in 2006, Vietnam’s first private institution of higher learning. The corp’s dedication to excellence is reflected in its impressive market capitalisation of US$3.9 billion and 2022’s annual revenue of US$1.8 billion.
The visionary steering this IT juggernaut is Truong Gia Binh, the Chairman of FPT Corporation. His leadership and strategic acumen have propelled FPT to its current position as a leading player in Vietnam’s IT and telecommunications arena, with ambitions for global recognition.
With a background in Mechanical Mathematics from Moscow National General University and a Ph.D. earned in 1982, Binh’s academic excellence is matched only by his dedication to fostering Vietnam’s IT landscape. He’s not just the Chairman; he’s the architect of Vietnam journey into the future.
Vinamilk
Vinamilk, or the Vietnam Dairy Products Joint Stock Company, reigns supreme as Vietnam’s dairy giant. With a commanding 54.5 percent share of the liquid milk market, 40.6 percent of the powdered milk market, 33.9 percent of the drinkable yogurt market, and a staggering 84.5 percent of the yogurt market, Vinamilk boasts not only dairy dominance but also holds the title of the 6th largest company in Vietnam, flaunting a market capitalisation of US$4.71 billion.
Born in 1976 as the Southern Coffee-Dairy Company, this dairy juggernaut underwent a name change in 1993 to Vietnam Dairy Company. In 2003, it made its grand debut on the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange.
Beyond Vietnam’s borders, Vinamilk spreads its dairy love to the Middle East, Cambodia, the Philippines, and Australia, earning recognition as the 6th Most Valuable Dairy Brand by Brand Finance in 2022.
Meet the woman at the helm of Vinamilk’s triumph, Mai Kieu Lien. As the CEO, Mai Kieu Lien has made waves, not only ranking as the 60th wealthiest individual in Vietnam but also earning her spot in Forbes’ “Asia’s 50 Power Businesswomen” list. She’s played a pivotal role in making Vinamilk a formidable brand across Asia, evolving it into one of Vietnam’s most profitable and respected names.
Mai Kieu Lien began her journey with Vinamilk in 1976. Climbing the ranks swiftly, she became the director in 1992 and eventually assumed the position of Chairwoman after Vinamilk’s equitisation. Her remarkable leadership has made her the embodiment of excellence in Vietnam’s business landscape.
Vietnam Electricity
In Vietnam’s energy sector, Vietnam Electricity (EVN) emerges as a powerhouse, contributing a hefty 36 percent to the country’s 56GW electricity generating capacity in 2020. Dominating the scene as the premier power utility, EVN’s influence extends through generation, transmission, and distribution nationwide.
With a robust 28GW capacity, EVN’s energy arsenal boasts grand-scale hydropower and coal-fired plants. The company’s command extends over the national grid via the National Power Transmission Corporation (EVNNP) and is anchored by five regional distribution heavyweights.
EVN isn’t just about power – it’s about smart power. Embracing the digital era, EVN is revolutionising energy efficiency with cutting-edge initiatives like advanced metering, automated distribution, and Big Data analytics.
At the helm is Nguyen Anh Tuan. As the President and CEO, Nguyen is keen on renewable energy aligned with Vietnam’s sustainable energy development goals. As recently as April 2025, he welcomed the French Hydrogène de France (HDF Energy) delegation to discuss potential cooperation in developing integrated hydrogen renewable energy projects in Vietnam, particularly on islands facing underdeveloped power infrastructure.
Vietcombank
Vietcombank, a titan in Vietnam’s financial sector, boasts a staggering approximately over US$20 billion market cap, not just making it the country’s top bank, but also one of its largest company. The bank, with the State Bank of Vietnam holding a 74 percent stake, was founded in 1963 to service foreign trade banking needs. By 1990, it pivoted to a fully commercial role. Now, it runs a vast network of over 600 transaction officers, plus international subsidiaries in the United States, Laos, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
A trailblazer in Vietnam’s financial history, Vietcombank was the first state-owned enterprise to go private, with its 2009 IPO raking in a record-breaking US$652 million on the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange.
Le Quang Vinh was appointed to his role in March 2025, but has been with the bank since 1999, initially under the Investment, Appraisal and Securities department. He has served various roles, including Deputy Head of Project Investment, Deputy Head of Retail Banking Policies and Products, and Director of Vietcombank Leasing Company.
He was appointed Deputy CEO late 2017. Up until his appointment as CEO, he had been leading Vietcombank’s executive committe when the CEO post was vacant, following the fomer CEO, Nguyen Thanh Tung’s transition to Chairman of the Board.
PHILIPPINES
Much has been said about the Philippines and its huge potential to be among the leading economies in Southeast Asia. Ranked 6th in Southeast Asia’s economy today, the Philippines holds the key to break into the top 3. With its abundant population, rich natural resources, and robust corporate landscape, it’s poised for a stellar ascent.
Ayala Corporation
Established in 1876, Ayala Corporation reigns supreme as the Philippines’ largest conglomerate. Its extensive portfolio spans retail, education, real estate, banking, telecom, energy, and more. Notable subsidiaries include Ayala Land, the country’s leading real estate developer, Bank of the Philippine Islands, Southeast Asia’s oldest bank, and Globe Telecom, the nation’s top mobile network provider. With a market capitalisation exceeding US$15 billion in 2022, Ayala Corporation continues its legacy under new leadership, as Cezar Consing becomes the first non-family CEO, ushering in a new era of innovation and growth.
The strategic captain at the helm of Ayala Corporation, boasts a remarkable journey in the banking sector. Starting at the Bank of the Philippine Islands, he quickly made history as its youngest assistant vice president. His appointment as Ayala Corporation’s CEO in 2022 marked a historic shift in the company’s leadership, breaking traditional boundaries and ushering in a new era.
San Miguel Corporation
While San Miguel is renowned for its iconic beer brand, its influence extends far beyond brews. With a staggering 90 percent market share in the Philippines, San Miguel beer dominates, but the corporation’s reach spans diverse sectors. From food and beverages to finance, infrastructure, energy, and real estate, it’s a conglomerate powerhouse.
As the holding company of Petron, the Philippines’ largest petroleum firm, and with San Miguel Global Power contributing 20 percent of the national grid’s capacity, it’s a key player in the energy sector.
Add real estate development and management via San Miguel Properties, and you’ve got a versatile empire. Top Frontier Investment Holdings is its largest shareholder – with Inigo Zobel as its Chairman, this links SMC to the Ayala Corporation dynasty.
Ramon See Ang, known as RSA, is the driving force behind the company. As the President and CEO of Top Frontier Investment Holdings, Inc., SMC’s largest shareholder, and the President and CEO of SMC itself, he wields immense influence in the business universe of this region. With a background in mechanical engineering from Far Eastern University, Ramon rose through the ranks, eventually gaining control of SMC in 2012. He continues to shape SMC’s destiny, unifying the roles of President, CEO, and COO, securing his legacy as a key player in the company’s future growth.
Jollibee
In 1980, Tony Tan Caktiong had a vision – a vision of a lovable bee becoming the face of a fast-food empire. Little did he know that his brainchild, Jollibee, would become a Filipino sensation. With over 56 percent of the Philippines’ fast food market under its wing, Jollibee is an unrivalled heavyweight in the country. Even its closest competitor, KFC, can barely scrape 5 percent of the pie.
But Jollibee’s ambitions didn’t stop at home. With over 1,668 outlets across 17 countries (as of January 2024), it’s clear that this bee means business. Beyond Jollibee, the corporation owns a suite of brands, including Chowking, Greenwich Pizza, Red Ribbon, and Mang Inasal, boasting a market capitalisation of over US$4.74 billion. In 2019, it made a bold move, acquiring 80 percent of The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf for US$300 million.
Tony Tan Caktiong has proven himself to be a visionary Filipino businessman and investor who transformed a small ice cream parlour into a global fast-food empire. With an estimated net worth of USD$1.3 billion, he’s not just a culinary genius but also one of the Philippines’ wealthiest individuals.
BDO Unibank
With assets exceeding US$75 billion and a market capitalisation of US$13 billion, BDO stands proud as the 13th largest bank in Southeast Asia. Established in 1968 under the name Acme Savings Bank, BDO offers a comprehensive suite of financial services, encompassing corporate and consumer lending, deposit-taking, forex, brokering, credit cards, money management, and remittances. It boasts a network of over 1,200 branches across the Philippines, along with full-service branches in Hong Kong and Singapore, and a presence in 16 countries.
Nestor Villanueva Tan holds the helm as President and CEO of the largest bank in the Philippines, wielding dominance in total resources, loans, deposits, and assets under management.
Tan’s journey to leadership was paved with experiences at renowned institutions like Mellon Bank (now Bank of New York-Mellon), Bankers Trust Company (now Deutsche Bank), and the Barclays Group in both New York and London.
BRUNEI
Brunei may be the smallest SEA country by land and population, but it’s a heavy hitter in the economic arena, thanks to its rich oil and gas resources. Brunei powerhouse churns out a hefty 127,000 barrels of oil and an impressive 243,000 barrels of oil equivalent in natural gas daily. This black gold rush propels Brunei to the region’s second-highest GDP per capita, a cool US$34,000+, trailing only Singapore in the wealth stakes. Brunei’s size belies its economic might, underlined by its formidable energy sector.
Hua Ho
Hua Ho, Brunei’s retail giant, stands tall as the largest chain in the country. With over 12 department stores serving the nation, it boasts an outlet for every 37,000 Bruneians, making its name synonymous with trust and quality.
Founded in 1947 by the late Lau Gim Kok, Hua Ho’s roots trace back to a modest store supplementing income from a chicken and vegetable farm. Today, it’s a retail empire, earning Lau the esteemed “Pehin” title from the Sultan of Brunei. The corporation spans not just department stores and supermarkets but also runs a farming subsidiary, supplying a variety of fresh produce to its own outlets and other retailers.
Baiduri Bank Group
Since its inception in 1994, Baiduri Bank Group’s become a leading financial services beacon, boasting assets of US$3.122 billion as of its 2023 financial report, with gross revenues reaching US$50 million, despite challenging market conditions. Baiduri distinguishes itself as Brunei’s first bank to receive a rating from the Big Three ratings agencies, currently holding a stable A-/A-2 from Standard & Poor’s.
Ti Eng Hui (who also goes by Steven), CEO, took the reins in challenging circumstances in 1996, two years past establishment and brought extensive expertise to Baiduri.
Baiduri’s business is not just limited to retail and wholesale banking, but also pioneers through its subsidiaries – Baiduri Finance, Brunei’s top player in automotive financing and other loan services, and Baiduri Capital, blazing trails as the first in Brunei to offer online securities trading.
Royal Brunei Airlines
Royal Brunei Airlines, the country’s national flag carrier, has soared to impressive heights with a fleet of 14 modern aircraft, including five Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners, seven Airbus A320neo jets, and two Airbus A320-200 jets. This fleet connects Brunei to 32 global destinations.
Captain Sabirin has an extensive history with Royal Brunei, first joining under RB’s cadet programme in 1988 before rising through the ranks to be appointed CEO in November 2022. He is looking to connect Brunei to the world, strengthening air connectivity between nations and to cooperatively boost the tourism industry for all parties involved.
Royal Brunei Airlines is rated as a four-star airline by Skytrax since 2018, and also boasts a five-star rating in the APEX Official Airline Ratings™. Its global ranking at 73th among the world’s top 100 airlines is a testament to its service excellence.
Brunei Shell Petroleum
Brunei Shell Petroleum (BSP) is one of the region’s major players, born from a 50-50 partnership between Brunei’s government and the global energy titan, Royal Dutch Shell. The company’s story goes as far back as the story of oil goes in Brunei: 1929. Today, BSP is involved in A to Z of Brunei’s oil and gas industry, managing everything from exploration to production, both onshore and offshore. Not just resting on its laurels, BSP is steering towards a greener future, investing in eco-friendlier extraction methods and contributing to Brunei’s solar energy ambitions with a 3.3 MWp solar farm, aligning with the national goal of hitting 200 MWp by 2025.
BSP oversees 200 structures, 800 wells, and 5,000 km of pipelines, pumping out over 350,000 barrels daily, accounting for a whopping 80 percent of Brunei’s economy. Johan Atema continues BSP’s drive to become a company not just focused on oil and gas, but also about contributing to a greener, more sustainable world.
