NetWorth
LeaderPortfolio
Upatkoon
Surin Upatkoon
Rank #2639
THAILAND•Telecom•Telecom, lotteries, insurance

Surin Upatkoon

Net Worth
$1.483B
-0.33% (24h)
Surin Upatkoon is a Thai billionaire businessman with a net worth of $1.6 billion. His wealth stems from diverse investments, primarily in the telecom, lotteries, and insurance sectors. Upatkoon's career began in the textile industry in 1971 and he has since become a key figure in the business landscape of Southeast Asia, holding leadership positions in major Malaysian firms and serving as a Non-Executive Chairman of Magnum Berhad since 2013. Residing in Malaysia, he is known for his low-profile approach, focusing on strategic business development and contributing to cross-border economic ties.

How to read Surin Upatkoon's profile

Public net-worth figures are estimates. They combine observable inputs—typically listed equity, disclosed transactions, and market prices—with editorial judgment where filings are incomplete (for example, private holdings, debt, or cross-holdings). For Surin Upatkoon, we anchor the narrative to Telecom and Telecom, lotteries, insurance, then update the headline number as markets move. The chart on this page is meant to show trajectory, not a certified balance sheet.

When you see $1.483B alongside global rank #2639, interpret it as our best synthesis of widely cited ownership and price signals—not a claim about cash on hand. Estimates can diverge from other publishers because of different treatment of options, trusts, charitable vehicles, or illiquid assets. We document the general approach in methodology and welcome corrections via corrections.

Country (THAILAND) and career milestones on this page are curated for reader context; they should be verified against primary sources when used for research. Editorial metadata for this profile is refreshed on a rolling basis, with deeper audits at least annually (last noted cycle: 2026).

Looking for depth? When available, the dossier and timeline sections below add long-form context beyond the headline number—prioritize those modules when evaluating claims about strategy, controversies, or philanthropic commitments.

The Full Dossier

Early Life

Surin Upatkoon was born on April 18, 1949, in Thailand. His family had a background in the textile business. He moved to Penang, Malaysia, during his adolescence, where he completed his secondary education at Han Chiang High School in 1970. This move exposed him to a vibrant Thai-Chinese community and fostered an early appreciation for business.

Rise to Success

Upatkoon began his career in 1971 as a manager at MWE Weaving Mills Sdn. Bhd. in the textile industry, eventually becoming the Managing Director of MWE Spinning Mills Sdn. Bhd. in 1974. His career expanded to include key executive roles in major Malaysian firms. A significant rise in his wealth came from the 2013 sale of a 10% stake in the Thai telecom company InTouch Holdings.

Key Business Strategies

Upatkoon's business strategy involves diversified investments in industries like telecommunications, gaming, and insurance. He has held leadership roles in Magnum Berhad, a major gaming operator, and MPHB Capital Berhad, an insurance and financial services firm. He is also a Non-Executive Director of U Mobile Sdn Bhd, a prominent mobile network operator. His approach emphasizes behind-the-scenes policy and business direction.

Philanthropy

While specific amounts are not readily available, Upatkoon contributes through his various foundations and is involved in philanthropic activities.

Career Timeline

2016

Resigned as Managing Director

Resigned as Managing Director of MPHB Capital.

2013

Non-Executive Chairman

Became Non-Executive Chairman of Magnum Berhad.

2002

Managing Director

Appointed Managing Director of Magnum Berhad.

2000

Executive Director

Appointed Executive Director of Magnum Berhad.

1974

Managing Director

Appointed Managing Director of MWE Spinning Mills Sdn. Bhd.

1971

Manager

Began his career at MWE Weaving Mills Sdn. Bhd.

Philanthropic Impact

Education and Community Support$XB

Chang Ming Thien Foundation

Trustee of the foundation

Community Support$XB

Magnum Foundation

Trustee of the foundation

Key Business Ventures & Holdings

CompanyStakeValue
Transocean Holdings Bhd18.43%—
Magnum Berhad36.71%—
WCE Holdings Bhd27.57%—
MPHB Capital Bhd36.63%—
U Mobile Sdn Bhd6.33%—

Net Worth History

In-Depth Analysis

Early Life

Surin Upatkoon was born on April 18, 1949, in Thailand. His family had a background in the textile business. He moved to Penang, Malaysia, during his adolescence, where he completed his secondary education at Han Chiang High School in 1970. This move exposed him to a vibrant Thai-Chinese community and fostered an early appreciation for business.

Rise to Success

Upatkoon began his career in 1971 as a manager at MWE Weaving Mills Sdn. Bhd. in the textile industry, eventually becoming the Managing Director of MWE Spinning Mills Sdn. Bhd. in 1974. His career expanded to include key executive roles in major Malaysian firms. A significant rise in his wealth came from the 2013 sale of a 10% stake in the Thai telecom company InTouch Holdings.

Key Business Strategies

Upatkoon's business strategy involves diversified investments in industries like telecommunications, gaming, and insurance. He has held leadership roles in Magnum Berhad, a major gaming operator, and MPHB Capital Berhad, an insurance and financial services firm. He is also a Non-Executive Director of U Mobile Sdn Bhd, a prominent mobile network operator. His approach emphasizes behind-the-scenes policy and business direction.

Philanthropy

While specific amounts are not readily available, Upatkoon contributes through his various foundations and is involved in philanthropic activities.

Data Sources & Methodology

Figures for Surin Upatkoon are synthesized from the sources below and cross-checked against our net worth methodology. Estimates may lag market moves; see corrections to report discrepancies.

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