Syed Mokhtar Albukhary (Syed Mokhtar Shah bin Syed Nor Albukhary) was born in Kampung Hutan Keriang, Alor Setar Kedah, the third child of a Syed Nor who ran a cattle business. Though he is often referred to as a high school dropout, that does not tell half the story. A foot and mouth outbreak caused his father’s business to collapse, and his family were no longer able to pay for his examinations.

After leaving school, he used what money was left from the family business and began as a rice trader. Eventually, his business ventures expanded and grew in success, and he formed The Albukhary Group of Companies, a diversified conglomerate made up of Tradewinds Plantation, MMC and DRB-HICOM.

MMC concentrates on engineering, construction, logistics and ports, whereas DRB-HICOM has some involvement in education, and property but is predominantly known for its automotive business.