The Kuok alliance in the early days with the Tans


Perak township: Chin Nam led his brothers to develop Ipoh Garden.

THE Tan brothers – who co-founded IGB Corp Bhd – made their early fortunes from trading. However, according to some corporate veterans, the duo learnt the ropes of trading from “sugar king” Robert Kuok Hock Nien.

Datuk Tan Chin Nam and the late Datuk Tan Kim Yeow came from a family of 12 siblings. Both started from humble beginnings, working as roadside vendors selling vegetables, chicken and fruits in their teens before striking a long-term friendship about seven decades ago.

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