The founder of bus company Causeway Link, Lim Han Weng, began his career as a simple car salesperson before amassing a fortune and becoming one of the 50 wealthiest individuals in Malaysia, with assets totaling $480 million USD.
Upon completing his high school education, Lim started searching for employment but faced rejection from many organizations. One of these rejecting entities was Malaysia Airlines, which turned down his application for an airline steward role.
The 73-year-old remarked during an interview, 'Each time I'm aboard an aircraft, it brings me back to this,' The Straits Times.
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Han Weng Lim, the founder of bus operator Causeway Link. The photo is provided courtesy of the company. |
Eventually, he secured employment as a car salesperson at Wearne Brothers, receiving a moderate monthly income of MYR250 (approximately US$59).
Assigned with the responsibility of selling two vehicles per month in a quaint town, he encountered difficulties promoting expensive Jaguars, Holdens, and Opels, as these brands were not as favored compared to their Japanese counterparts. Despite this hurdle, he successfully achieved his goals and appreciated the insights gained from the sales training.
Subsequently, he became associated with Lori Malaysia, a partially government-controlled logistics company, taking on assignments across different areas.
When he reached the Johor branch, a driver commented that its closeness to Singapore made it an excellent spot for earning money. Lim remained there for five years before resigning after being requested to go back to the Kuala Lumpur headquarters.
In 1984, along with his spouse Bah Kim Lian, Lim established Yinson Transport, beginning with a modest fleet of trucks to transport merchandise across borders for various companies.
This modest trucking business expanded considerably when he entered the marine logistics sector, providing supplies to ships and offshore support vessels for oil and gas firms.
In 1996, Yinson Holdings made its debut on the stock market and extended its reach worldwide, eventually emerging as one of the foremost suppliers of floating production, storage, and offloading vessels used for extracting and storing crude oil.
Forbes Reports indicate that Yinson has secured US$21 billion worth of leasing agreements that run until 2048. Additionally, the firm is involved in producing renewable energy and establishing electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
In Singapore, Lim founded Liannex Corporation in 1993, and today the company offers expertise in areas such as bus customization, maritime logistics, port management, and supplying building materials.
In 2024, via Liannex Corporation, he gained control of marine logistics company Icon Offshore, reshaping it into Lianson Fleet Group. As of June 2, this entity has a market valuation surpassing RM670 million.
Understanding the difficulties faced by those who commute across borders, Lim introduced Causeway Link bus services in 2003 following the navigation of political obstacles, financial issues, and recruiting problems.
On March 28, the firm launched publicly under the name HI Mobility, aiming to roll out advanced smart mobility solutions throughout the region connected by the Causeway.
A passion for work
Even though his family has a net worth of $480 million, Lim still stays closely engaged, often dealing with phone calls and personal WhatsApp messages from upset customers himself.
Lim has transferred the leadership of his three listed firms to his offspring: Lim Chern Chuen and Lim Chern Fang oversee HI Mobility, Lim Chern Yuan steers Yinson Holdings, and Lim Chern Wooi manages Lianson Fleet Group.
Before reaching the age of 10, he had dispatched his kids to pursue education in Australia where they didn’t have any close relatives around, and their mother couldn't be present consistently, compelling them to grow independent at an earlier stage.
"Whenever you assist them excessively, they become reluctant to use their own judgment," Lim stated, criticizing overinvolved parenting.
Lim continues to be actively involved in growing his various business interests, especially in Indonesia, where his offspring aren’t fluent in the local language. “When you step back from work, your mind can become chaotic,” he joked.
His son, Lim Chern Chuen, mentioned that retirement seems improbable for his father. "Our evening discussions typically center around work-related topics," stated the CEO of HI Mobility. . To him, this isn’t truly work; it’s also an enthusiasm. Thus, separating the two is quite challenging.
An ardent supporter of entrepreneurship, Lim finds joy in motivating the bankers he encountered to start their own businesses and thrive.
He motivates budding business owners to grab local chances, mentioning, "Singapore boasts a financial hub, while Malaysia possesses land and resources. Considering both nations, numerous opportunities abound."
For him, grand international goals start small, using Singapore and Malaysia as ideal launching pads.
The familial enterprise remains prosperous. By venturing into sustainable energy in 2020, the firm now manages solar installations in both India and Peru. Additionally, it is expanding its electric vehicle charging infrastructure throughout Southeast Asia. Forbes reported.
In January, Yinson Holdings secured $1 billion from prominent investors like the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority. This funding will support their offshore vessel operations along with renewable energy initiatives.
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