Ragamonger-turned- millionaire: The ascension and continued success of Lim Han Weng, founding father of Causeway Link
** FROM RAGS TO RICHES: LIM HAN WENG, THE BILLIONAIRE BEHIND CAUSEWAY LINK AND YINSON HOLDINGS**
Meet Mr Lim Han Weng, the Malaysian tycoon who transformed from a young man chasing a stable job to the founder of one of the world's biggest marine logistics providers - Yinson Holdings, and the brainchild behind Causeway Link buses.
Born in Kedah, Lim didn't quite make the cut for university with his Higher School Certificate results, but that didn't stop him from pursuing his dreams. He scoured the local classifieds for jobs, even applying for an air steward position with Malaysia Airlines. Alas, rejection letters were a common sight in his mailbox during his turbulent job hunt.
Eventually, he found work as a car salesman for Wearne Brothers, earning a meagre RM250 monthly salary. Meeting his sales target of selling two cars per month in a small town where European models were less popular than Japanese cars was no easy feat, but Lim persevered and appreciated the sales training he received.
Next, he joined Lori Malaysia, a semi-government-owned logistics company, where he was posted to different parts of the country. When he arrived at the Johor branch, a driver remarked that the place was the best spot to make money due to its proximity to Singapore. Lim stayed for the next five years, choosing to resign when it was time to return to Kuala Lumpur headquarters.
In 1984, Lim co-founded Yinson Transport, a trucking company that would evolve into Yinson Holdings after diversifying into marine logistics, supplying ships and offshore support vessels to oil and gas companies. In 1996, Yinson Holdings went public and continued to expand its global presence, becoming one of the world's largest providers of floating production, storage, and offloading vessels. Today, it boasts US$21 billion worth of leasing contracts extending till 2048.
Besides Yinson Holdings, Lim is also the mastermind behind Causeway Link buses. Launched in 2003 after overcoming numerous political, financial, and recruitment challenges, the company offers cross-border transportation services between Malaysia and Singapore. In 2024, through Liannex Corporation, Lim bought a controlling stake in marine logistics company Icon Offshore, transforming it into Lianson Fleet Group, with a market capitalization of more than RM670 million (S$202 million) as of June 2, 2025.
Despite his billionaire status and the success of his numerous businesses, Lim remains remarkably hands-on, attending to calls and responding to WhatsApp messages from passengers, concerned parents, and even the Johor Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi.
Now, Lim has handed the reins of his three listed companies to his children - Mr Lim Chern Chuen and Ms Lim Chern Fang for HI Mobility, Mr Lim Chern Yuan for Yinson Holdings, and Mr Lim Chern Wooi for Lianson Fleet Group. Interestingly, Lim sent his children to Australia for their studies at a young age, fostering their independence as they had to learn to fend for themselves.
A big advocate of entrepreneurship, Lim takes pride in having nudged some bankers into striking out on their own and watching them prosper. He believes there are ample opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs in both Singapore and Malaysia, firmly stating that "global ambitions start from home, and there is no better launch pad than Singapore and Malaysia."
This piece offers a fresh take on Lim Han Weng's inspiring journey from humble beginnings to becoming a distinguished Malaysian entrepreneur and billionaire.
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MalaysiaSingaporeFamily businessesCausewayPublic transportLogistics sectorEntrepreneursBillionaires/Millionaires
Lim Han Weng, the billionaire behind Causeway Link buses and Yinson Holdings, emphasizes the abundant opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs in both Singapore and Malaysia, advocating that one's global ambitions can be launched from these two nations, serving as an ideal starting point.
In the realm of personal-finance and business, Lim articulately encourages bankers to take the entrepreneurial leap and flourish, recognizing the potential for growth within the logistics sector, public transport, and family businesses in these dynamic Southeast Asian economies.
