Tan Sri Dr. Lim Wee Chai, a distinguished Malaysian entrepreneur and philanthropist, is renowned for his visionary leadership and dedication to social good. Born in 1958 in Titi, Negeri Sembilan, his early years were shaped by his parents’ involvement in the rubber trading business. This early exposure sparked his interest in the rubber industry, paving the way for his future achievements. Tan Sri Dr. Lim is the second of six children in a close-knit family led by Lim Thien Soong and Ng Yit Fong, comprising three sons and three daughters.
Tan Sri Dr. Lim received his early education in Negeri Sembilan before attending Tunku Abdul Rahman College (TARC) in Kuala Lumpur. He later earned a Bachelor of Science in Physics with honors from Universiti Malaya in 1982. His career began as a marketing executive at OYL Industries Sdn Bhd in 1982, where he cultivated the skills that would later define his success.
Driven by a thirst for knowledge, he went on to obtain a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Sul Ross State University in 1985 and a PhD in Management from the University of Selangor in 2015, showcasing his commitment to lifelong learning.
In 1991, with his wife, Puan Sri Tong Siew Bee (who he married in 1984), co-founded Top Glove. What began as a modest venture with one factory and one production line rapidly grew under his strategic vision to become the world’s largest manufacturer of rubber gloves by 2004. Listed on Bursa Malaysia in 2001 and the Singapore Exchange in 2016, Top Glove stands as a testament to his transformative leadership. In 2024 Top Glove has over 11,000 employees globally. Today, he is recognised as one of Malaysia’s most transformative and far-sighted business leaders, earning numerous awards and accolades for his exceptional achievements and leadership.
Tan Sri Dr. Lim’s strong ties to Universiti Malaya reflects his belief in giving back to his alma mater. In October 2023, he donated RM 2 million to the university’s Faculty of Medicine to establish the Tan Sri Dr. Lim Wee Chai Medical Museum. This museum aims to provide public access to educational exhibits of human anatomy to better foster how the human body functions. Driven by his own practice of lifelong learning and the power of knowledge, Tan Sri Lim always says “we are our best doctors, as we know our body best”.
Beyond Universiti Malaya, Tan Sri Dr. Lim’s philanthropy has a broader reach in his social services. In 2009, he founded the Top Glove Foundation, which focuses on community, education, and environmental initiatives. To date, the foundation has contributed approximately RM33 million, with RM17 million dedicated to educational causes as of 2024.
Tan Sri Dr. Lim’s philanthropic efforts extend beyond education. A committed volunteer and commissioner with the Tzu Chi Foundation, he supports initiatives in disaster relief, medical aid, education, and environmental sustainability. During the COVID 19 pandemic, Top Glove played a pivotal role in supplying gloves and medical equipment to communities worldwide, underscoring his commitment to global health and doing well by doing good.
His commitment to health and wellness also extends to his company culture. In 2017, he established the Top Glove Global Doctors Medical Centre and Dental Care to provide healthcare services to employees and the wider community.
Tan Sri Dr. Lim’s success is rooted in his principles of discipline, hard work, lifelong learning and compassion. He and his wife, Puan Sri Tong Siew Bee, are proud parents to Lim Jin Feng and Lim Pin Jun, and grandparents to two grandchildren.
Through his extraordinary contributions to business and society, Tan Sri Dr. Lim Wee Chai has proven that success is not just about personal achievements but also about uplifting others. His remarkable journey, from a small-town upbringing to leading a global enterprise as well as through his life and work, he demonstrates that business and humanity can thrive ‘glove in hand’.
Tan Sri Dr. Lim Wee Chai continues to inspire generations of entrepreneurs and philanthropists, proving that success is most meaningful when shared with others.
Prepared by: Firoz Abdul Hamid
Born in Titi, Jelebu, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia.
Attended SJK(C) Chun Yin for his foundational schooling years.
Earned BSc (Honours) in Physics from University of Malaya.
Began career as Sales Executive at OYL Industries.
Obtained MBA from Sul Ross State University, Texas.
Co-founded Top Glove with one factory and one production line.
Awarded PhD in Management from University of Selangor.
Appointed to the University of Malaya’s Board.
Conferred Honorary Doctor of Business Administration, Oklahoma City University.
Held position as President of Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM).
Honored with PhD in Business Management, University of Cyberjaya.
Tan Sri Dr. Lim Wee Chai, a distinguished Malaysian entrepreneur and philanthropist, is renowned for his visionary leadership and dedication to social good. Born in 1958 in Titi, Negeri Sembilan, his early years were shaped by his parents’ involvement in the rubber trading business. This early exposure sparked his interest in the rubber industry, paving the way for his future achievements. Tan Sri Dr. Lim is the second of six children in a close-knit family led by Lim Thien Soong and Ng Yit Fong, comprising three sons and three daughters.
Tan Sri Dr. Lim received his early education in Negeri Sembilan before attending Tunku Abdul Rahman College (TARC) in Kuala Lumpur. He later earned a Bachelor of Science in Physics with honors from Universiti Malaya in 1982. His career began as a marketing executive at OYL Industries Sdn Bhd in 1982, where he cultivated the skills that would later define his success.
Driven by a thirst for knowledge, he went on to obtain a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Sul Ross State University in 1985 and a PhD in Management from the University of Selangor in 2015, showcasing his commitment to lifelong learning.
In 1991, with his wife, Puan Sri Tong Siew Bee (who he married in 1984), co-founded Top Glove. What began as a modest venture with one factory and one production line rapidly grew under his strategic vision to become the world’s largest manufacturer of rubber gloves by 2004. Listed on Bursa Malaysia in 2001 and the Singapore Exchange in 2016, Top Glove stands as a testament to his transformative leadership. In 2024 Top Glove has over 11,000 employees globally. Today, he is recognised as one of Malaysia’s most transformative and far-sighted business leaders, earning numerous awards and accolades for his exceptional achievements and leadership.
Tan Sri Dr. Lim’s strong ties to Universiti Malaya reflects his belief in giving back to his alma mater. In October 2023, he donated RM 2 million to the university’s Faculty of Medicine to establish the Tan Sri Dr. Lim Wee Chai Medical Museum. This museum aims to provide public access to educational exhibits of human anatomy to better foster how the human body functions. Driven by his own practice of lifelong learning and the power of knowledge, Tan Sri Lim always says “we are our best doctors, as we know our body best”.
Beyond Universiti Malaya, Tan Sri Dr. Lim’s philanthropy has a broader reach in his social services. In 2009, he founded the Top Glove Foundation, which focuses on community, education, and environmental initiatives. To date, the foundation has contributed approximately RM33 million, with RM17 million dedicated to educational causes as of 2024.
Tan Sri Dr. Lim’s philanthropic efforts extend beyond education. A committed volunteer and commissioner with the Tzu Chi Foundation, he supports initiatives in disaster relief, medical aid, education, and environmental sustainability. During the COVID 19 pandemic, Top Glove played a pivotal role in supplying gloves and medical equipment to communities worldwide, underscoring his commitment to global health and doing well by doing good.
His commitment to health and wellness also extends to his company culture. In 2017, he established the Top Glove Global Doctors Medical Centre and Dental Care to provide healthcare services to employees and the wider community.
Tan Sri Dr. Lim’s success is rooted in his principles of discipline, hard work, lifelong learning and compassion. He and his wife, Puan Sri Tong Siew Bee, are proud parents to Lim Jin Feng and Lim Pin Jun, and grandparents to two grandchildren.
Through his extraordinary contributions to business and society, Tan Sri Dr. Lim Wee Chai has proven that success is not just about personal achievements but also about uplifting others. His remarkable journey, from a small-town upbringing to leading a global enterprise as well as through his life and work, he demonstrates that business and humanity can thrive ‘glove in hand’.
Tan Sri Dr. Lim Wee Chai continues to inspire generations of entrepreneurs and philanthropists, proving that success is most meaningful when shared with others.
Prepared by: Firoz Abdul Hamid
Born in Titi, Jelebu, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia.
Attended SJK(C) Chun Yin for his foundational schooling years.
Earned BSc (Honours) in Physics from University of Malaya.
Began career as Sales Executive at OYL Industries.
Obtained MBA from Sul Ross State University, Texas.
Co-founded Top Glove with one factory and one production line.
Awarded PhD in Management from University of Selangor.
Appointed to the University of Malaya’s Board.
Conferred Honorary Doctor of Business Administration, Oklahoma City University.
Held position as President of Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM).
Honored with PhD in Business Management, University of Cyberjaya.