PETALING JAYA: Tan Sri Dr Jeffrey Cheah (pic) has been granted the honorary title of Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (KBE) by King Charles III, making him the first Malaysian citizen to receive this award. This recognition highlights Cheah’s pivotal role in establishing strong connections with various British institutions and his significant contributions towards enhancing bilateral relations between the United Kingdom and Malaysia, according to a statement from the British High Commission to Malaysia.
Cheah, a renowned Malaysian entrepreneur and philanthropist, is the founder and trustee of the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation, which oversees all entities in Sunway Education Group under a non-profit structure. Expressing his gratitude, Cheah stated that he feels overwhelmed and deeply humbled by the honor bestowed upon him by King Charles III. He emphasized that the recognition specifically acknowledges his contributions to higher education, healthcare, and philanthropy – the very sectors in which Sunway Group and the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation strive to create positive impacts in the world.
Furthermore, Cheah considers the award not only as a personal accolade but also as a tribute to everyone associated with Sunway Group and the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation, recognizing their collective efforts in positively influencing society and Malaysia as a whole.
British High Commissioner to Malaysia, Ailsa Terry, conveyed her congratulations to Cheah and lauded him as an exceptional entrepreneur who has successfully developed and guided Sunway Group into a flourishing conglomerate with investments in the UK. She also highlighted his exceptional commitment to investing in future generations through education, healthcare, and philanthropy in both Malaysia and the UK, all of which have significantly contributed to strengthening bilateral relations.
The honorary award will be presented to Cheah by the British High Commissioner to Malaysia on behalf of King Charles III at a later date. The honorary knighthood, which entitles Cheah to use the post-nominal letters KBE, is a prestigious distinction rarely bestowed upon citizens of non-Commonwealth Realm nations. It is reserved for individuals who have made substantial contributions in any field, usually at a national level, that are acknowledged as remarkable and influential by their peers and demonstrate sustained commitment.
For non-British nationals, the award is granted as an Honorary KBE.
