Malaysia Shines with 92 Companies on Fortune Southeast Asia 500 List 2025: Maybank, Sime Darby, CIMB Lead the Pack
Malaysia has reinforced its position as a key player in regional business with 92 companies featured in Fortune’s Southeast Asia 500 list for 2025—placing third overall behind Indonesia and Thailand. This reflects the country’s strong corporate growth, strategic role in global supply chains, and increasing presence in high-impact sectors like energy, finance, and healthcare.
🌏 Fortune Southeast Asia 500: A Glimpse into Regional Powerhouses
Now in its second year, the Fortune Southeast Asia 500 ranks the largest companies in Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Cambodia by revenue, based on fiscal results up to Dec 31, 2024.
The list highlights how Southeast Asia is capitalising on global supply chain realignment, particularly as manufacturers shift capacity away from China, redirecting capital flows to ASEAN economies.
“Southeast Asia’s companies are playing a greater role in the global economy—redefining trade and supply chain dynamics,” said Fortune.
🇲🇾 Malaysia’s Top Companies on the Fortune Southeast Asia 500
Malaysian companies generated a combined revenue of US$201.6 billion, with the top 10 firms accounting for over 44% of this total.
🔝 Top Malaysian Performers:
| Rank (Regional) | Company | Sector |
|---|---|---|
| 18 | Maybank | Banking & Finance |
| 22 | Sime Darby Bhd | Conglomerate |
| 24 | Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) | Utilities (Energy) |
| 32 | CIMB Group Holdings Bhd | Banking & Finance |
| 34 | Petronas Dagangan | Energy (Retail) |
| 44 | Petronas Chemicals | Petrochemicals |
| 46 | YTL Corporation | Infrastructure & Utilities |
| 53 | Genting Group | Hospitality & Gaming |
| 57 | Public Bank Bhd | Banking |
| 65 | IHH Healthcare Bhd | Healthcare |
🚀 New Entrants and Notable Mentions
Several companies marked significant milestones or debuted on this year’s list:
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DXN Holdings (Ranked 491):
A direct-selling wellness brand from Kedah, now operating globally.“This honour reflects years of commitment and a resilient business model,” said founder Datuk Lim Siow Jin.
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Yinson Holdings Bhd:
Recognised for the second year, thanks to its innovative clean energy solutions in a rapidly transforming sector.“It’s a milestone that reflects our commitment to inclusive, future-focused energy,” said CEO Lim Chern Yuan.
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Affin Group:
Earned a spot for two consecutive years, showcasing financial growth and rising regional influence.
📊 Industry Trends: What the List Reveals
Fortune’s 2025 list reveals broader patterns shaping Malaysia’s corporate landscape:
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Strong Banking and Finance Backbone
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Maybank, CIMB, Public Bank, and Affin continue to dominate with solid earnings, deep market penetration, and expanding ASEAN footprints.
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Diversification in Energy & Infrastructure
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Petronas subsidiaries and Yinson show how Malaysia is pivoting toward sustainable energy and value-added petrochemicals.
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Resilience in Conglomerates & Healthcare
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Sime Darby and Genting demonstrate adaptability across sectors, while IHH Healthcare reflects growing demand for private medical services regionally.
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New Economy Opportunities
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Emerging players in wellness, tech, and direct selling (e.g., DXN) indicate Malaysia’s maturing entrepreneurial ecosystem.
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💡 Why This Matters for Malaysia’s Economic Ambitions
Being the third-highest contributor to the regional Fortune list strengthens Malaysia’s claim as a top-tier investment destination in ASEAN. It supports national goals under frameworks like:
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Madani Economic Framework
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New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP)
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National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR)
Moreover, it reflects the success of public-private efforts to improve competitiveness, ESG standards, and corporate governance—all crucial to Malaysia’s aspiration to be among the top 12 most competitive economies globally by 2033.
📈 Conclusion: Global Recognition with Local Roots
From banks and utilities to emerging health and energy innovators, Malaysia’s 92 companies on the Fortune Southeast Asia 500 list represent a rich mix of legacy strengths and new frontiers.
These companies not only power the nation’s economy but also shape Southeast Asia’s position in global trade, digital transformation, and sustainability.
With strong fundamentals, an innovation-driven mindset, and expanding regional influence, Malaysian corporates are well-positioned to lead the next phase of ASEAN’s economic ascent.
