Content Writer: Janice Chew • Thursday, 26/04/2026 - 17:10:14 - PM
The latest Forbes Malaysia’s 50 Richest 2026 ranking underscores the enduring strength of gaming wealth in Southeast Asia, with Lim Kok Thay of Genting Berhad ranked 15th globally at US$1.7 billion, and the Chen family of NagaCorp Ltd securing the 20th spot with US$1.4 billion. Despite industry shifts and regulatory tightening, both groups demonstrate how integrated resorts and gaming ecosystems continue to generate resilient, long-term wealth in the region.
At 74, Lim Kok Thay remains a central figure in global gaming expansion. Beyond leading Genting’s flagship Resorts World Genting, he was recently appointed chairman of Resorts World Sentosa, reinforcing Genting’s regional dominance. The group’s footprint now spans the U.S., Bahamas, U.K., and Egypt, including assets such as Resorts World Las Vegas and its New York operations via Empire Resorts Inc. Strategically, Genting is also moving toward a potential privatization of Genting Malaysia Bhd, signaling a long-term consolidation play to strengthen control and optimize capital deployment.
In contrast, the Chen family’s wealth—rooted in the legacy of the late Chen Lip Keong—is built on focused dominance in Cambodia through the NagaWorld integrated resort. With a gaming licence extending to 2065 and a monopoly until 2045, NagaCorp enjoys one of the strongest concession positions in Asia. Under CEO Chen Yiy Fon, the company is advancing its Naga3 expansion, with expectations that the final budget will come in below the initial US$3.5 billion estimate and be largely funded through internal cash flow—highlighting disciplined capital management.
Together, these two gaming giants represent diverging yet equally effective strategies: Genting’s global diversification versus NagaCorp’s concentrated market control. The broader takeaway is clear—while traditional integrated resorts remain powerful wealth engines, the next phase of growth will likely depend on how these operators integrate digital platforms, data-driven engagement, and cross-market scalability. In a rapidly evolving gaming landscape, ownership of physical assets alone is no longer enough—the future belongs to those who can combine infrastructure with technology and player intelligence.