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R obert K uok: Family, Dialect, and State in the Making of a M alaysian Magnate
Author(s) -
Hing Lee Kam,
Cheok Cheong Kee,
Ping Lee Poh
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
australian economic history review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.493
H-Index - 16
eISSN - 1467-8446
pISSN - 0004-8992
DOI - 10.1111/aehr.12014
Subject(s) - state (computer science) , longevity , politics , identity (music) , empire , set (abstract data type) , business , advertising , political science , computer science , art , law , medicine , gerontology , algorithm , programming language , aesthetics
C hinese overseas family businesses generally lack longevity. In addition to difficulties in transiting towards professional management they are susceptible to state pressures. However, R obert K uok, the richest man in S outheast A sia who heads a vast business empire, has been able to surmount both challenges. This study shows how K uok successfully turned three important sources of identity into strengths: family, dialect, and the state. These three sources are set against his J ohor B ahru background, the changing domestic political landscape, and shifting regional economic influence.