Press Release

Sunway Group hosted more than 1,200 guests at a Golden Jubilee Gala Dinner to thank its valued c-suite partners and stakeholders for their long-standing support and contribution to the growth and success of Sunway – from its humble beginnings in 1974 to its current status as a leading conglomerate in Southeast Asia.

Reflecting on his entrepreneurial journey, Sunway Group founder and chairman Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Sir Dr. Jeffrey Cheah KBE AO spoke of the hard work and sleepless nights during the early years of Sungei Way Corporation Sdn Bhd, and confronting the doubts of friends and investors sceptical of his vision to build Malaysia’s first green, sustainable and integrated township – Sunway City Kuala Lumpur.

“I was a little-known individual from Pusing, in Perak, a poverty-ridden town where many of my childhood friends could not afford to further their education due to the financial constraints faced by their families, but I am deeply grateful to my country for the opportunities it has blessed me with,” said Cheah in his opening speech.

“And I am lucky enough to celebrate this momentous occasion of Sunway’s 50th anniversary with my long-serving and loyal team, as well as all of our partners and friends who made this milestone possible. Thank you from the bottom of my heart,” added Cheah.

In attendance were Minister of Human Resources Steven Sim, Subang Jaya state assemblywoman Michelle Ng, Ambassor of Japan to Malaysia Takahashi Katsuhiko, Acting British High Commissioner to Malaysia David Wallace, Minister Counsellor of the EU Delegation to Malaysia Timo Goosman, Weststar Aviation Group founder and chairman Tan Sri Sr. Syed Azman and Ambank Group chairman emeritus Tan Sri Azman Hashim.

Also present were senior officials from government agencies and the foreign diplomatic service; prominent leaders from all sectors of Corporate Malaysia; as well as luminaries in the media industry.

Tan Sri Sir Dr. Jeffrey Cheah also explained that the success and growth of Sunway has allowed him to realise his lifelong dream, which is to set up a foundation dedicated to nation-building and giving back to society “in an impactful manner.”

Under a not-for-profit structure, the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation owns and governs all entities under the Sunway Education Group – including Sunway international schools, Sunway colleges and Sunway University – and has disbursed more than RM745 million in scholarships and grants as of 2024.

“Over the years, I have been privileged and fortunate to be able to build an ecosystem comprising institutions of teaching and learning, as well as two medical schools working together in a holistic manner,” said Cheah.

“The foundation, with several billion Ringgit worth in assets, will continue to carry out this philanthropic mission in perpetuity.”

“Such an ecosystem will not only help stem the brain drain but strengthen our human capital that is required if Malaysia is to achieve its goal of becoming a developed nation,” added Cheah.

As Sunway transforms and evolves over the next 50 years and beyond, Cheah said that the organisation will continue to be guided by its core values of Integrity, Humility and Excellence.

“These core values have not only guided my professional career but served me well in my personal life as well,” said Cheah.