Lee Thiam Wah was born in 1964 in Klang, Malaysia. He faced many obstacles right from the start. He was diagnosed with poliomyelitis 8 months after he was born and was paralyzed from the waist down. He grew up as one of 11 children in a poor family. His father was a construction labourer, and his mother sold snacks to get by.
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Because he couldn't walk and had to use a wheelchair, Lee often felt very sad. His family couldn't afford further schooling, so he had to drop out after only six years of education. Yet, despite closing one door after another, Lee didn't allow his disability or poverty to define him.
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At 14, he started selling snacks outside the house, marking the start of his entrepreneurial journey. Despite a lack of mobility, he was determined to continue his work. As a result, he had already saved RM17,000, a fortune for someone in his position, by age 23. With this money, he opened his first grocery store, Pasar Raya Hiap Hoe.
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Lee's determination was unstoppable. He sold his store in 1992 in hopes to begin something bigger. As a result of his dedication, resilience and passion, 99 Speedmart- a mini-mart chain offering affordable essentials to Malaysians, was established in 1999. His focus on quality and affordability transformed 99 Speedmart into a household name.
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Today, 99 Speedmart has more than 2,000 outlets across Malaysia and beyond. Lee's journey peaked in 2024 when the company went public, raising $531 million in Malaysia's biggest IPO in seven years. Despite his huge success, Lee remains humble, saying that his struggles have taught him resilience and compassion.
The life of Lee Thiam Wah is an inspirational reminder that no obstacle is impossible. His story shows us that with determination and courage, one can overcome the most impossible odds and lead to greatness.
Source: TRP