Founder and Chairman

TAN SRI DATO’ SERI SIR DR. JEFFREY CHEAH KBE AO

Founder and Chairman, Sunway Group

Tan Sri Sir Dr. Jeffrey Cheah

Tan Sri Sir Dr. Jeffrey Cheah is a stalwart entrepreneur and philanthropist recognised for his selfless contribution to nation-building and bold commitment to the sustainability agenda.

He established his entrepreneurship credentials by founding Sunway Group, one of Southeast Asia’s leading conglomerates with a combined market capitalisation exceeding RM40 billion* spanning 13 business divisions and a 20,000-strong workforce across more than 50 locations worldwide.

In the realm of philanthropy, Jeffrey Cheah Foundation is the largest-of-its-kind advancing education in Malaysia.

With a mission to make quality education and world-class research affordable and accessible to as many qualified students as possible, the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation is on track to award more than RM1 billion in scholarships and grants by 2026.

Tan Sri Dr Jeffrey Cheah receives honorary doctorate of education from University Malaya

A Passion for Quality Education

Born in Ipoh, in the state of Perak in Malaysia, Tan Sri Sir Dr. Jeffrey Cheah grew up in the small tin-mining town of Pusing, 200 kilometres north of Kuala Lumpur, where he witnessed the aftermath of destructive mining activity and the struggles of many families trapped by poverty.

These formative experiences shaped his lifelong conviction that quality education is the most powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty and misery, and that sustainable development is vital to the nation’s progress and well-being.

It is with this conviction that Tan Sri Sir Dr. Jeffrey Cheah established the education arm of Sunway Group, with a mission to make quality education affordable and accessible to as many young people as possible.

In addition to founding Sunway International School, Sunway College and Sunway University, he was instrumental in establishing the first foreign branch campus of Australia’s Monash University in Malaysia.

Building on his vision to advance world-class research and facilitate knowledge exchange, he established the Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre at the University of Cambridge Biomedical Campus, the largest biotech cluster outside the United States, housing some 400 scientists and researchers from all over the world working on breakthrough solutions and treatments in various medical fields.

By 2026, the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation will have awarded more than one billion Ringgit in scholarships and grants

“To be the best, we need to learn from the best and work with the best.”
Tan Sri Sir Dr. Jeffrey Cheah

  • Tan Sri Sir Dr. Jeffrey Cheah receiving the Honorary Doctorate of Education from University of Malaya

  • Academic links with University of Oxford to set up Jeffrey Cheah Professorial Fellows

  • Tan Sri Sir Dr. Jeffrey Cheah assuming the role of a teacher during Teach for Malaysia Week

Jeffrey Cheah Foundation partners with University of Cambridge to set up the first Clinical Research Centre in Southeast Asia

Advancing Quality Healthcare and Medical Research

Tan Sri Sir Dr. Jeffrey Cheah envisaged a world-class medical centre as a cornerstone of an integrated township.

In 1999, he turned this vision into reality by establishing Sunway Medical Centre with a single tower in Sunway City Kuala Lumpur, laying the foundation for Sunway Healthcare Group to emerge as a leading and integrated healthcare provider in the region today.

On the medical education front, he founded the Sir Jeffrey Cheah Sunway Medical School at Sunway University and played a key role in setting up the Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences at Monash University Malaysia, one of the nation’s premier private medical schools.

Beyond the healthcare industry, Tan Sri Sir Dr. Jeffrey Cheah is co-chair of the Malaysian AIDS Foundation’s Sustainability Advisory Committee, establishing a long-term partnership that seeks to improve access to HIV treatment, prevention and healthcare services for underprivileged communities across Malaysia.

Co-Chair of Sustainability Advisory Committee, Malaysian AIDS Foundation

Founded the Sir Jeffrey Cheah Sunway Medical School at Sunway University, nurturing future-ready doctors and specialists to address the country’s healthcare needs

healthcare

Established the Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences at Monash University Malaysia, one of the nation’s premier private medical schools

  • Jeffrey Cheah Foundation partners with University of Cambridge to set up the first Clinical Research Centre in Southeast Asia

  • Sunway partners with Harvard Medical School to establish the Harvard Medical School Southeast Asia Leadership Programme (HMS SEAL)

  • Academic ties with the University of Cambridge allow Sunway Medical Centre to collaborate with Royal Papworth Hospital and Addenbrooke’s Hospital to become Malaysia’s first teaching hospital

Sunway - Building a sustainable future

A Higher Purpose in Life

Tan Sri Sir Dr. Jeffrey Cheah’s philanthropic mission is rooted in his conviction that quality education is the most powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty and misery.

This conviction deeply influenced his entrepreneurial career and is a major reason why Sunway Group has fully embraced the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in 2015, integrating them into its business strategy and decision-making process.

To date, the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation has gifted USD 20 million to the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (UN-SDSN) to advance the Sustainable Development Goals around the world, culminating in the establishment of the Jeffrey Sachs Center on Sustainable Development at Sunway University in 2016 and the UN-SDSN Asia headquarters in Sunway City Kuala Lumpur in 2022.

A significant portion of this gift went towards funding the SDG Academy, the flagship education platform hosted by the UN-SDSN Asia which is now playing a fundamental role in Mission 4.7, a global initiative urging governments worldwide to include a sustainability curriculum from kindergarten to secondary school levels.

For his commitment to education as a force for nation-building and making the world a better place, Tan Sri Sir Dr. Jeffrey Cheah is a four-time honouree in “Asia’s Heroes of Philanthropy” list by Forbes Asia, which celebrates individuals who have demonstrated personal commitment to various social causes.

“I aspire to inspire before I expire.”
Tan Sri Sir Dr. Jeffrey Cheah

Jeffrey Sachs Center on Sustainable Development, Sunway University
A regional hub for research and policy

UN-SDSN Asia Headquarters, Sunway City Kuala Lumpur
One of only three such global centres in the world. Works on continent-wide sustainability solutions for Asia, under the endorsement of the United Nations

Achievements and Accolades

Achievements and Accolades

In 2025, Tan Sri Sir Dr. Jeffrey Cheah was conferred the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon, by His Majesty the Emperor of Japan, in recognition of his services to promoting academic exchange and economic relations between Malaysia and Japan.

In 2024, for his extraordinary achievements and services to education, healthcare and philanthropy, advancing bilateral relations between the United Kingdom and Malaysia, he was also the first Malaysian to be conferred the Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire by His Majesty King Charles III of the United Kingdom.

In the same year, Tan Sri Sir Dr. Jeffrey Cheah was appointed patron of the British Malaysian Chamber of Commerce (BMCC), serving to advance bilateral trade relations between the United Kingdom and Malaysia.

In 2023, Tan Sri Sir Dr. Jeffrey Cheah was recognised with the EY ASEAN Entrepreneurial Excellence award for his stalwart leadership and vision in building one of Southeast Asia’s leading conglomerates.

In 2019, he was also awarded UK-Malaysia Personality Award by BMCC for championing ties between both countries through collaborations with the universities of Cambridge, Oxford and Lancaster.

In 2008, Tan Sri Sir Dr. Jeffrey Cheah was appointed by the Prime Minister of Australia an Officer of the Order of Australia – one of the country’s most prestigious and highest recognitions conferred to a non-citizen, in recognition of his contribution in building bilateral relations between the two countries through education.

In 1996, he was conferred the Panglima Setia Mahkota Malaysia (Commander of the Order of Loyalty to the Crown of Malaysia) award which carries the title of ‘Tan Sri’, in recognition of his contributions to the country.

Forbes Asia’s Heroes of Philanthropy
2009, 2015, 2019, 2021

Honorary Fellow at the University of Cambridge and University of Oxford, as well as a member of Harvard University’s Global Advisory Council

First Malaysian conferred the Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire by His Majesty King Charles III of the United Kingdom

Select Year

    1. ORDER OF THE RISING SUN, GOLD RAYS WITH NECK RIBBON BY THE JAPANESE GOVERNMENT

      Conferred in recognition of his contributions towards promoting academic exchange and improving economic relations between Japan and Malaysia – one of the few Malaysians to be awarded the prestigious Japanese decoration of honour.

      In recognition of his contributions towards promoting academic exchange and improving economic relations between Japan and Malaysia – one of the few Malaysians to be awarded the prestigious Japanese decoration of honour.

    2. VISIONARY LEADER OF THE DECADE 2025

      Conferred the Visionary Leader of the Decade Award at the StarProperty Real Estate Developer Awards 10th Anniversary Gala Night in recognition of his vision and leadership in elevating Malaysia’s property industry, as well as his enduring commitment to building safe, healthy, well-connected and environmentally-friendly communities through Sunway’s integrated townships and developments.

      Conferred the Visionary Leader of the Decade Award at the StarProperty Real Estate Developer Awards 10th Anniversary Gala Night in recognition of his vision and leadership in elevating Malaysia’s property industry, as well as his enduring commitment to building safe, healthy, well-connected and environmentally-friendly communities through Sunway’s integrated townships and developments

    3. PATRON OF THE BRITISH MALAYSIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (BMCC)

      Appointed patron of the British Malaysian Chamber of Commerce (BMCC), serving to advance bilateral trade relations between the United Kingdom and Malaysia.

      Appointed co-patron of the British Malaysian Chamber of Commerce (BMCC), serving alongside the British High Commissioner to advance bilateral trade relations between the United Kingdom and Malaysia

    4. FELLOW OF THE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES MALAYSIA (ASM)

      Appointed as a fellow of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM) under the discipline of Science & Technology Development Industry, in recognition of his contribution to nation-building through quality education, world-class healthcare and sustainable development.

      Appointed as a fellow of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM) under the discipline of Science & Technology Development Industry, in recognition of his contribution to nation-building through quality education, world-class healthcare and sustainable development

    5. KNIGHT COMMANDER OF THE MOST EXCELLENT ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE (KBE) BY HIS MAJESTY KING CHARLES III

      For his contributions to higher education, health services, philanthropy and UK-Malaysia bilateral relations, Cheah was named an honorary Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (KBE) by His Majesty King Charles III of the United Kingdom – the first to conferred by His Majesty on a Malaysian citizen.

    6. PUTRA PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR

      Named Putra Personality of the Year, which recognises his accomplishments in building one of Malaysia’s most iconic brands and lifelong commitment to nation-building through education, healthcare and sustainable development.

      Named Putra Personality of the Year, which recognises his accomplishments in building one of Malaysia’s most iconic brands and lifelong commitment to nation-building through education, healthcare and sustainable development.

    7. CO-CHAIR OF MAF SUSTAINABILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE

      Appointed Co-Chair of the Malaysian AIDS Foundation Sustainability Advisory Committee to steer the Foundation towards the path of sustainability.

      Appointed Co-Chair of the Malaysian AIDS Foundation Sustainability Advisory Committee to steer the Foundation towards the path of sustainability.

    8. FORBES ASIA’S 2021 HEROES OF PHILANTHROPY

      Named Forbes Asia’s 2021 Heroes of Philanthropy, he is the second philanthropist in Asia to be included in this definitive list on four occasions. He was previously recognised in 2019, 2015 and 2009

      Cheah (left), pictured here with students during Teach for Malaysia week, has been named by Forbes in its “Asia’s Heroes of Philanthropy” list for the fourth time.

    9. Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy

      Conferred the Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy for Leadership in Health Education and Sustainability Networks by Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

      Conferred the Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy for Leadership in Health Education and Sustainability Networks by Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

    10. FOUNDING TRUSTEE OF THE RAZAK SCHOOL OF GOVERNMENT

      A founding trustee of the Razak School of Government, a leadership development institution for the public sector, named after Malaysia’s second prime minister.

    11. MEMBER OF THE NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY COUNCIL

      Serves as a member of the National Agricultural Advisory Council.

    12. MEMBER OF ECONOMIC ACTION COUNCIL

      Named a member of the Economic Action Council which was set up in 2020 and chaired by the Prime Minister of Malaysia.

    13. Hunayn Ibn Ishaq Unity Award

      First non-Muslim recipient to receive the Hunayn Ibn Ishaq Unity Award alongside Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Muhammad at the Islamic Excellence Awards 1441H/2020AD

      2020-The first non-Muslim recipient to receive the Hunayn Ibn Ishaq Unity Award alongside

    14. Lifetime Achievement Award

      Received the Lifetime Achievement Award at Sin Chew Education Awards

      2019-Awarded Lifetime Achievement Award by Sin Chew Education Awards

    15. Chairman of SDSN Malaysia chapter

      Appointed as Chairman of Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Malaysia chapter

      2019-Appointed Chairman of Sustainable Development Solutions Network Malaysia chapter

    16. Asian Leadership Award

      Conferred the Asian Association of Management Organisations (AAMO) Asian Leadership Award

      2019-Conferred the Asian Association of Management Organisations Asian Leadership Award

    17. Malaysia’s Exemplary Leader of Sustainable Development 2019

      Awarded Editor’s Choice Award for Malaysia’s Exemplary Leader of Sustainable Development 2019 by EdgeProp Malaysia’s Best Managed Property Awards 2019.

      2019-Awarded Editor Choice Award for Malaysia Exemplary Leader of Sustainable Development 2019 by EdgeProp Malaysia Best Managed Property Awards 2019

    18. UK-Malaysia Business Personality Award

      Awarded the UK-Malaysia Business Personality Award at the BMCC Business Excellence Awards 2019

      2019-Awarded the UK-Malaysia Business Personality Award at the BMCC Business Excellence Awards 2019

    19. Lifetime Achievement Award

      Awarded Lifetime Achievement Award at the 5th Fortune Times Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner

      2019-Awarded Lifetime Achievement Award at the 5th Fortune Times Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner

    20. Forbes Asia’s 2019 Heroes of Philanthropy

      Named Forbes Asia’s 2019 Heroes of Philanthropy for the third time. He is the only Malaysian who has made the definitive list for three years.

      2019-Named Forbes Asia 2019 Heroes of Philanthropy for the third time

    21. MIM Court of Emeritus Fellow

      Conferred Malaysian Institute of Management’s (MIM) Court of Emeritus Fellow

      2018-Conferred Malaysian Institute of Management Court of Emeritus Fellow

    22. Member of the National Productivity Council of Malaysia

      Appointed as member of the National Productivity Council of Malaysia

    23. Member of the MIM Court of Emeritus Fellow

      Appointed as Member of the Malaysian Institute of Management (MIM) Court of Emeritus Fellow

    24. ASEAN@50 Lifetime Achievement Award

      Awarded the ASEAN@50 Lifetime Achievement Award by ASEAN Business Advisory Council Malaysia

      2017-Awarded the ASEAN50 Lifetime Achievement Award by ASEAN Business Advisory Council Malaysia

    25. Sustainability Icon Award

      Received the inaugural Sustainability Icon Award by RAM

      2017-Awarded the inaugural Sustainability Icon Award by RAM

    26. Lifetime Achievement Luminary Award 2016

      Awarded the Channel NewsAsia Lifetime Achievement Luminary Award 2016.

      2016-Awarded with the Channel NewsAsia Lifetime Achievement Luminary Award 2016

    27. The Dayawati Modi Award for Arts, Culture and Education

      First Malaysian recipient of the Dayawati Modi Award for Arts, Culture and Education. Other recipients include the Dalai Lama and Mother Theresa.

    28. Honorary Fellow of Brasenose College, University of Oxford

      Honorary Fellow of Brasenose College, University of Oxford.

      2016-Honorary Fellow of Brasenose College University of Oxford

    29. MIM Malaysian Leadership Excellence Award

      Conferred Malaysian Institute of Management’s (MIM) Malaysian Leadership Excellence Award.

      2016-Conferred Malaysian Institute of Management Malaysian Leadership Excellence Award

    30. University of Cambridge Guild of Benefactors

      Companion of the University of Cambridge Guild of Benefactors.

      2016-Companion of the Cambridge University Guild of Benefactors

    31. Chancellor’s Court of Benefactors, University of Oxford

      Appointed as Member of the Chancellor’s Court of Benefactors, University of Oxford.

      2016-Member of the Chancellor Court of Benefactors University of Oxford

    32. Honorary Doctorate of Education

      Conferred Honorary Doctorate of Education by University of Malaya.

      2016-Conferred Honorary Doctorate of Education by Universiti Malaya

    33. Victoria University Distinguished Alumni Award

      Recipient of the Victoria University Distinguished Alumni Award.

      2016-Recipient of the Victoria University Distinguished Alumni Award

    34. Honorary Fellow, Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (IEM)

      Conferred Honorary Fellow by the Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (IEM).

      2015-Conferred Honorary Fellow by the Institution of Engineers Malaysia

    35. Founding Chair, Malaysian 30% Club

      Appointed Founding Chair for the Malaysian 30% Club.

      2015-Founding Chair for the Malaysian 30 Club

    36. Senior Honorary Life Advisor Award

      Senior Honorary Life Advisor Award by the Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia (Huazong).

    37. Best Chief Executive Officer for IR (Mid Cap)

      Best Chief Executive Officer for IR (Mid Cap) by the Malaysian Investor Relations Association.

    38. Malaysia’s ‘Heroes of Philanthropy’ by Forbes Asia

      Listed as one of Malaysia’s ‘Heroes of Philanthropy’ by Forbes Asia (first listed in 2009).

    39. Lifetime Excellence Achievement Award

      Honoured with the Lifetime Excellence Achievement Award under the Sin Chew Business Excellence Awards 2015.

      2015-Honoured with the Lifetime Excellence Achievement Award under the Sin Chew Business Excellence Awards 2015

    40. Member of Harvard’s COUR – the Committee on University Resources

      Member of Harvard’s COUR – the Committee on University Resources.

    41. Member of Global Advisory Council, Harvard University

      Appointed as Member of Global Advisory Council, Harvard University.

    42. Gonville Fellow Benefactor of Gonville

      Matriculated as a member of Caius, and admitted as a Gonville Fellow Benefactor of Gonville; Caius College, University of Cambridge.

      2014-Matriculated as a member of Caius, and admitted as a Gonville Fellow Benefactor of Gonville Caius College University of Cambridge

    43. Value Creator: Malaysia’s Outstanding CEO

      Value Creator: Malaysia’s Outstanding CEO by The Edge Billion Ringgit Club.

      2014-Value Creator Malaysia Outstanding CEO by The Edge Billion Ringgit Club

    44. Prominent Player Award by CIDB Malaysia

      Awarded Prominent Player Award by Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Malaysia.

      2014-Prominent Player Award by Construction Industry Development Board Malaysia

    45. President’s Award, Malaysia Institute of Planners (MIP)

      President’s Award by Malaysia Institute of Planners (MIP).

      2014-President Award by Malaysia Institute of Planners

    46. Council Member of UNSDSN

      Appointed as Council Member of United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (UNSDSN).

      2013-Appointed as Council Member of United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network

    47. Advisor to IDR in the State of Perak, Malaysia

      Appointed Advisor to Institut Darul Ridzuan (IDR) in the State of Perak, Malaysia.

    48. Malaysia Outstanding Property Personality Award

      Received the Malaysia Outstanding Property Personality Award by The Edge Malaysia.

      2013-Malaysia Outstanding Property Personality Award by The Edge Malaysia

    49. Honorary Fellowship by the Malaysian Scientific Association (MSA)

      Conferred Honorary Fellowship by the Malaysian Scientific Association (MSA) for his exemplary and overall contribution to the development of science education as well as the advancement of science and technology in Malaysia.

    50. Honorary Gold Award

      Received the Honorary Gold Award from the Royal Rotary Club of Kuala Lumpur, in recognition of his leadership and development of education and research in Malaysia.

      2012-Awarded Honorary Gold Award from the Royal Rotary Club of Kuala Lumpur in recognition of his leadership and development of education and research in Malaysia

    51. Permanent Honorary President to the Federation of Hakka Associations Malaysia

      Appointed as Permanent Honorary President to the Federation of Hakka Associations Malaysia, in appreciation of his invaluable contributions to the associations.

    52. Malaysia’s ‘Heroes of Philanthropy’

      Listed as one of Malaysia’s ‘Heroes of Philanthropy’ by Forbes Asia.

    53. Chancellor of Sunway University Malaysia

      Installed as Chancellor of Sunway University Malaysia by His Royal Highness Sultan of Selangor.

      2006-Installed as Chancellor of Sunway University Malaysia by His Royal Highness Sultan of Selangor

    54. Paul Harris Fellow Award

      Received the Paul Harris Fellow Award by Rotary Club Malaysia.

    55. Honorary Member of Kuala Lumpur Malay Chamber of Commerce

      First non-Malay Honorary Member of Kuala Lumpur Malay Chamber of Commerce.

    56. Deputy President and Trustee of National Kidney Foundation of Malaysia

      Deputy President and Trustee of National Kidney Foundation of Malaysia.

    57. Founding Trustee of Malaysian Liver Foundation

      Appointed Founding Trustee of Malaysian Liver Foundation.

    58. Council Member of the Financial Reporting Foundation, Malaysia

      Appointed Council Member of the Financial Reporting Foundation, Malaysia.

    59. President of Malaysian Hakka Association

      Appointed President of Malaysian Hakka Association (until 2004).

    60. Dato Seri Paduka Mahkota Perak

      Conferred the Dato Seri Paduka Mahkota Perak (SPMP, carrying the title “Dato Seri”) by Sultan of Perak DYMM Sultan Azlan Shah Muhibbuddin Shah Ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Yussuf Izzuddin Shah Ghafarullahu-Lah Shah.

    61. Panglima Setia Mahkota

      Conferred the Panglima Setia Mahkota (PSM, carrying the title “Tan Sri”) by DYMM Seri Baginda Yang DiPertuan Agung ke-Sepuluh, Tuanku Ja’afar Ibni Al-Marhum Tuanku Abdul Rahman.

    62. Extraordinary People Award

      Presented the Extraordinary People Award by the National Kidney Foundation.

    63. CEO of the Year (Malaysia)

      Named CEO of the Year (Malaysia) by Business Times – American Express.

    64. EXCO member of the Malaysian Tourism Action Council

      EXCO member of the Malaysian Tourism Action Council.

    65. Chairman of Malaysian Industry – Government Group for High Technology for Construction and Housing

      Chairman of Malaysian Industry – Government Group for High Technology for Construction and Housing.

    66. Higher Education Council of Malaysia

      Appointed by the Minister of Education to the Higher Education Council of Malaysia.

    67. Property Man of the Year (Malaysia)

      Named Property Man of the Year (Malaysia) by FIABCI, Malaysia Chapter.

    68. Director of National Productivity Centre, Malaysia

      Appointment as Director of National Productivity Centre, Malaysia.

    69. Darjah Kebesaran Dato’ Paduka Mahkota Selangor

      Conferred the Darjah Kebesaran Dato’ Paduka Mahkota Selangor (DPMS carrying the title “Dato”) by the Sultan of Selangor DYMM Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah AlHaj Ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Hisamuddin Alam Shah AlHaj.