Background

The Kuok group of companies (the "Kuok Group") began business as Kuok Brothers Limited in 1949 in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, trading rice, sugar and wheat flour. Business activities expanded and in 1952, a Singapore branch was established. The business of the Singapore branch was subsequently taken over by a Singapore company which Kuok Brothers Limited acquired in 1960 and which changed its name to Kuok (Singapore) Limited in 1965. From its humble beginnings, the Kuok Group has grown to become one of Asia's most diversified and dynamic multinational conglomerates.

From its established trading bases in Malaysia and Singapore, the Kuok Group expanded its operations in the 1950s and 1960s to Thailand and Indonesia. It focused on complementary and related activities for growth, and also pursued new businesses and trading opportunities, especially in commodities, that resulted in trading links with companies in Paris, London, New York, Moscow and China.

Hong Kong and China became the focus of further regional expansion in the 1970s and 1980s. In 1974, Kerry Holdings Limited was established in Hong Kong. The name "Kerry" has since become identified with the Kuok Group's extensive operations in Hong Kong and China.

Today, the Kuok Group operates through three main holding companies. Kuok (Singapore) Limited is the holding company for the Kuok Group's operations in Singapore. The other two holding companies are Kuok Brothers Sdn Bhd in Malaysia and Kerry Holdings Limited in Hong Kong.