Vincent Tan: The Man Who Brought McDonald's and Starbucks to Malaysia

Tan, 74, has reduced his share in his main company, Berjaya Corporation.

The company has many interests, including property and gaming, and was started by Tan in 1984.

Tan's success story began in a poor family in Malaysia's southern state of Johor.

He brought McDonald's and Starbucks to Malaysia.

After high school, Tan wanted to study law, but his parents could not pay for it.

So, Tan started working as a bank clerk and later joined the insurance industry, where he became a manager at 21.

Tan says two big opportunities helped him start his business empire.

He got the chance to buy the McDonald's franchise when he was 28 and later got the government to let him privatize a gaming company.

Tan read about McDonald's in a magazine and wrote to the company many times until they invited him to their first restaurant in Singapore.

Tan wrote to McDonald's for seven years until they agreed to meet him.

Tan was very excited and determined to bring McDonald's to Malaysia.

Tan invested money in the first McDonald's in Malaysia, which opened in 1980.

Tan's good English helped him get the McDonald's franchise.

Tan said his English skills helped him convince McDonald's to let him bring the franchise to Malaysia.

After getting the McDonald's franchise, Tan started more businesses, including a steel company.

Tan's company, Berjaya, grew and became a big conglomerate.

Tan's business group got the national lottery and gaming licenses.

Tan also brought 7-Eleven and Starbucks to Malaysia and started other businesses.

Tan's company worked with other countries on property and hotel projects.

Tan became a billionaire in 2010 with a net worth of $1.6 billion.

But Tan faced problems during the 1997 Asian financial crisis.

Tan had to sell some of his businesses to finish a big project, Berjaya Times Square.

The project finally opened in 2003 with a theme park, shops, and restaurants.

Tan lost his billionaire status in 2016 due to a weak economy.

McDonald's and Starbucks faced boycotts in Malaysia, affecting their performance.

Tan left a mark on Malaysia's business world.

Tan stepped down as leader of Berjaya Corp in 2012 but returned five years later.

Tan wanted to be more involved in the company's decisions and show accountability.

Tan stepped down again in 2023 and became an advisor to the board.

Tan wanted to focus on his charity work, which helps underprivileged communities.

Tan's charity, Better Malaysia Foundation, supports education, healthcare, and housing.

Tan also started a foundation to help people buy homes.

Tan promised to donate half of his wealth to charity and joined the Giving Pledge.

Tan said he was lucky to have many opportunities and wants to give back to the people and the country.

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