Lim Wee-Chai

{{short description|Malaysian businessman}} {{family name hatnote|Lim (林)|lang=Chinese}} {{Multiple issues| {{COI|date=May 2022}} {{resume-like|date=May 2022}} }} {{Use dmy dates|date=February 2020}} {{Infobox person | honorific_prefix = | name = Lim Wee Chai<br>林伟才 | image = Tan_Sri_Lim_Wee_Chai_Profile_Photo.png | alt = | education = University Malaya (BSc)<br> Sul Ross State University (MBA)<br> University of Selangor (PhD) | caption = | birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1958|1|7}} | birth_place = | other_names = | title = Founder and Executive Chairman of Top Glove Corporation Bhd | occupation = Businessman | module = {{Infobox Chinese |order = st |child = yes |s = 林伟才 |t = 林偉才 |poj=Lîm Úi-châi |tl=Lîm Uí-tsâi |j=Lam4 Wai5 Coi4 |p = Lín Wěi Cái |w = Lin² Wei³ Cai² |mi = {{IPAc-cmn|l|i|n|2|-|wei|3|-|c|ai|2}} }} }}

'''Lim Wee Chai''' ({{lang-zh|s=林伟才|t=林偉才|p=Lín Wěicái}}) is a Malaysian businessman. He is the Executive Chairman and Founder of Top Glove Corporation Bhd, a glove manufacturing company, which was founded in 1991 and is listed on Bursa Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange) and the main board of the Singapore Exchange (SGX). Lim was listed by Forbes as Malaysia's 8th richest person in 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/profile/lim-wee-chai/?sh=2961246a35cb|title=Lim Wee Chai|last=|first=|date=|work=Forbes|language=en|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2021-06-10}}</ref>

==Early life and education== Lim was born and raised in the Chinese New Village of Titi, Jelebu, Negeri Sembilan. He grew up in his family's shophouse. He attended SJK(C) Chun Yin for his primary education and secondary education at the SM Undang Jelebu. Lim's family ran a rubber trading business, and he would help out in the estate during weekends.<ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2018/08/31/refusing-to-give-up |title=Refusing to give up|work=The Star|accessdate=13 April 2021}}</ref>

Lim graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree with Honours in Physics in 1982, from University Malaya. After graduation, he worked as an air conditioner sales executive in OYL Industries, a Malaysian air conditioner manufacturer.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thecoverage.my/story-malaysia-top-glove-company-founder-lim-wee-chai-usd-4-6-billion-net-worth-share-price-could-reach-rm77-60/|title=Story : Malaysia Top Glove Company & Founder Lim Wee Chai – USD 4.6 Billion Net Worth & Share Price Could Reach RM77.60|publisher=The Coverage|accessdate=13 April 2021}}</ref> He obtained a Masters of Business Administration in 1985 from Sul Ross State University in Texas, United States. Lim returned to Malaysia and continued working under his former employer as a sales manager.<ref name="auto"/>

{{multiple image | align = right | total_width = 320

| image1 = Lim Wee Chai at Graduation and Commencement Ceremony of Sul Ross State University.png | image2 = Lim at Graduation and Commencement Ceremony of Sul Ross State University in 1985.png

| footer = Lim at Graduation and Commencement Ceremony of Sul Ross State University in 1985.<ref name="auto"/> }}

==Top Glove and honorary degrees== In 1991, Lim founded Top Glove with a factory and glove production line.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/profile/lim-wee-chai/#1cefcf1535cb|title=Lim Wee Chai|work=Forbes|access-date=2018-10-22|language=en}}</ref>

In 2015, he obtained his PhD in Management from the University of Selangor in Malaysia, and was conferred an Honorary Doctorate in Business Administration by Oklahoma City University in 2016. In August 2018, Lim was also conferred an Honorary Doctorate in Entrepreneurship by Management & Science University, Shah Alam, Malaysia.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.okcu.edu/uploads/students/commencement/docs/2016_commencement_program.pdf |title=Oklahoma City University Commencement 2016|publisher=Oklahoma City University (OKCU)|accessdate=21 November 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thesundaily.my/news/1798796 |title=Top Glove founder awarded doctorate|publisher=The Sun Daily|accessdate=21 November 2016}}</ref> In October 2020, Lim was conferred an Honorary Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Degree in Business Management by University of Cyberjaya and appointed as an Honorary Professor of the university. In December 2021, Lim was conferred an Honorary Doctorate in Management by University of Cyberjaya for his contribution to the development of the nation's economy.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cyberjaya.edu.my/university-of-cyberjaya-holds-honorary-postgraduate-conferment-ceremony/ |title=University of Cyberjaya holds honorary & postgraduate conferment ceremony|date=23 December 2021 |publisher=University of Cyberjaya|accessdate=2 January 2022}}</ref>

In 2020, Lim was appointed as an Honorary Professor at the University of Cyberjaya. His significant contribution to the development of the country’s economy earned him the University’s Honorary Doctorate in Management'''.'''<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-12-23 |title=University of Cyberjaya Holds Honorary & Postgraduate Conferment Ceremony {{!}} University of Cyberjaya |url=https://cyberjaya.edu.my/university-of-cyberjaya-holds-honorary-postgraduate-conferment-ceremony |access-date=2026-04-17 |language=en-GB}}</ref>

==Involvement in associations==

Lim was the chairman and a non-independent non-executive director of Tropicana Corporation Berhad.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/tycoon-danny-tan-takes-back-reins-tropicana|title=Tycoon Danny Tan takes back reins of Tropicana|date=24 January 2019 |accessdate=15 April 2021}}</ref> He is the president emeritus in 2019/2020 and council member since 2010 of the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fmm.org.my/About_FMM-@-FMM_Council_for_2020-s-2021.aspx|title=FMM Council for 2020/2021|accessdate=15 April 2021}}</ref> and Life Honorary Advisor of the Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia since 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.huazong.my/13-honorary-office-bearers|title=Hua Zong Life Honorary Advisors|accessdate=15 April 2021}}</ref>

He was the President of the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) in 2016/17. Lim served as the Director and Board Member of the Employees Provident Fund (Malaysia) from 2015 to 2020. He also served as a Director and Board Member of University of Malaya from 2015 to 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/profile/person/4256416|title=Wee Chai Lim, Top Glove Corp BHD: Profile and Biography|website=Bloomberg News |accessdate=15 April 2021}}</ref>

==Honours and awards== === Honours of Malaysia === * {{Flag|Malaysia}} ** 50px Commander of the Order of Loyalty to the Crown of Malaysia (PSM, 2 June 2007) : '''Tan Sri'''<ref name="auto1">{{cite web |url=https://www.istiadat.gov.my/semakan-penerima-darjah-kebesaran-bintang-dan-pingat/|title=Semakan Penerima Darjah Kebesaran, Bintang dan Pingat |access-date=8 November 2021}} Search for "Lim Wee Chai"</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://asean-csr-network.org/c/responsible-business-forum/48-responsible-business-forum/responsible-business-forum-speakers/373-tan-sri-lim-wee-chai|title=Asean CSR: Tan Sri Lim Wee Chai, Chairman, Top Glove Sdn Bhd|access-date=6 May 2021}}</ref> * {{Flag|Pahang}} ** 50px Grand Knight of the Order of Sultan Ahmad Shah of Pahang (SSAP, 3 February 2006) : '''Dato' Sri'''<ref name="auto1"/>

===Awards=== *In 2004, Lim was awarded Master and Country Entrepreneur of Malaysia for the Year by Ernst and Young.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://apea.asia/malaysia/hall-of-fame-my-2017/top-glove/|title=APEA:Lifetime Achievement, Tan Sri Dr Lim Wee Chai|date=26 July 2018 |access-date=4 June 2021}}</ref> * In December 2016, Lim was awarded FMM Icon Award 2016 by the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fmm.org.my/General_Information-@-FMM_Icon_Award_2016_Winners.aspx|title=FMM Icon Award 2016 – Award Winners|access-date=17 August 2021}}</ref> * In 2019, Lim was awarded Lifetime Achievement Awards by Entrepreneur Insight at the 100 Most Influential Young Entrepreneurs Award 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pbec.org/tan-sri-dr-lim-wee-chai-executive-chairman-and-founder-of-top-glove-corporation-bhd-joins-pbec/|title=Tan Sri Dr Lim Wee Chai, Executive Chairman and Founder OF Top Glove Corporation Bhd joins PBEC|access-date=26 October 2021}}</ref> *In 2020, Lim was awarded Most People Focused CEO (Silver) in HR Excellence Awards 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://awards.humanresourcesonline.net/hr-excellence-awards-my/2020-winners/|title=HR EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2020 MALAYSIA: 2020 Winners|access-date=24 August 2021}}</ref>{{better source needed|date=May 2022}} *In 2022, Lim was awarded Corporate Eminence category presented by King of Malaysia in Hokkien Associations' Federation Dinner.<ref>{{Cite web |title=King presents awards at Hokkien associations' federation dinner |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2022/08/27/king-presents-awards-at-hokkien-associations039-federation-dinner |access-date=2023-07-27 |website=The Star |language=en}}</ref> *In 2024, Lim received the ''Alumni Philanthropy Award (Anugerah Alumni Kedermawanan)'' at the “Public Universities Alumni Night 2024” [Majlis Malam Alumni Universiti Awam 2024]. <ref>{{Cite web |title=KPT - Alumni Diseru Tampil Aktif Perkasa Sektor Pendidikan Tinggi Negara, Alma Mater |url=https://www.mohe.gov.my/hebahan/sorotan-aktiviti/alumni-diseru-tampil-aktif-perkasa-sektor-pendidikan-tinggi-negara-alma-mater |access-date=2026-04-17 |website=www.mohe.gov.my}}</ref> *In 2025, he received the “''Malaysian Fujian Exemplary Leader/Outstanding Awards”''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-28 |title=东盟福建楷模奖颁奖礼晚宴 {{!}} “通过音乐 传递福建根魂” 林福山：福联将联办闽南语歌赛 - 国内 - 华社 |url=https://www.sinchew.com.my/news/20250828/nation/6820319 |access-date=2026-04-17 |website=星洲网 Sin Chew Daily Malaysia Latest News and Headlines |language=zh-CN}}</ref>

==Philanthropy and charity== Lim is a commissioner and volunteer of Tzu Chi Foundation. Lim was encouraged to volunteer by his wife.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2017/11/04/billionaires-vow-to-become-charity-fundraisers-two-captains-of-industry-have-pledged-to-help-tzu-chi|title=Billionaires vow to become charity fund-raisers|access-date=14 June 2021}}</ref>

In 2023, Lim donated RM2 million to his alma mater, the University of Malaya, to upgrade the Faculty of Medicine’s facilities and to establish a medical museum.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-13 |title=Top Glove founder donates RM2m towards renovation of UM’s Medical Museum |url=https://malaysia.news.yahoo.com/top-glove-founder-donates-rm2m-053218702.html |access-date=2026-04-17 |website=Yahoo News |language=en-MY}}</ref> “The Medical Museum Tan Sri Dr Lim Wee Chai” was completed in 2025 and is open to the public.<ref>{{Cite web |last=fomadmin@um.edu.my |title=Faculty of Medicine |url=https://medicine.um.edu.my/fom-museum |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251116024546/https://medicine.um.edu.my/fom-museum |archive-date=2025-11-16 |access-date=2026-04-17 |website=medicine.um.edu.my}}</ref>

In 2026, Lim donated RM1 million, matched by RM1 million from the University of Cyberjaya, to jointly establish a permanent endowment the “Tan Sri Dr. Lim Wee Chai Visiting Professorship in Lifestyle Medicine” to support long-term academic development, research advancement, and societal impact in the field of Lifestyle Medicine.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-01-07 |title=University of Cyberjaya Establishes Tan Sri Dr. Lim Wee Chai Visiting Professorship in Lifestyle Medicine {{!}} University of Cyberjaya |url=https://cyberjaya.edu.my/university-of-cyberjaya-establishes-tan-sri-dr-lim-wee-chai-visiting-professorship-in-lifestyle-medicine |access-date=2026-04-17 |language=en-GB}}</ref>

In 2026, Lim donated RM1 million to the University of Malaya to establish the “Tan Sri Dr Lim Wee Chai Scholarship for Medicine and Wellness”, strengthening the university’s efforts in education, research, and medical heritage.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Welcome to Universiti Malaya |url=https://www.um.edu.my/news/rm1-million-endowment-strengthens-future-of-healthcare-universiti-malaya-signs-moa-with-tan-sri-dr-lim-wee-chai |access-date=2026-04-17 |website=www.um.edu.my}}</ref>

==References== {{Reflist}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Lim, Wee-Chai}} Category:1958 births Category:Living people Category:Businesspeople in manufacturing Category:Malaysian billionaires Category:Malaysian chairpersons of corporations Category:Malaysian chief executives Category:Malaysian company founders Category:Malaysian people of Chinese descent Category:People from Negeri Sembilan