Genting Highlands, a celebrated mountain resort in Malaysia, is renowned for its cool climate, entertainment options and the famous Genting Highland Casino. At the heart of this remarkable development is the visionary Genting Highlands founder, Tan Sri Lim Goh Tong. Born into a humble family, His perseverance and innovative spirit transformed him into one of Malaysia’s most successful businessmen. This Bigbat58 Lim Goh Tong introduction explores the inspiring Lim Goh Tong story which focuses on his immense contribution to the rise of Genting Highlands and its world-class casino.

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Genting Highlands founder Lim Goh Tong was born in 1918 in the Fujian province of China. Raised in a poor farming family, he experienced the struggles of rural life from an early age. Seeking better opportunities, Lim migrated to Malaya (now Malaysia) at the age of 19. The Lim Goh Tong story is one of relentless hard work, as he took on various jobs such as carpentry, farming and trading to survive.

His determination and business mindset eventually led him to the construction industry, where he built infrastructure such as roads and bridges. This initial success helped him accumulate the wealth and experience needed for larger ventures. It was the bold decision to establish Genting Highlands that would secure his legacy as an extraordinary entrepreneur.

In the early 1960s, the Genting Highlands founder had a vision to create a mountain resort near Kuala Lumpur that provided a break from the lowland heat. Although Lim Goh Tong had no prior experience in hospitality, the potential of developing a resort on Gunung Ulu Kali in the Titiwangsa Mountains captivated him. Many people including industry experts thought this idea was unrealistic due to the mountain’s rugged terrain and the difficulty of building infrastructure.

However, the Lim Goh Tong story is a testament to overcoming the odds. He invested his own fortune and worked tirelessly to make the project a reality. His determination along with support from the Malaysian government led to the opening of Genting Highlands Resort in 1971. This marked a new chapter in Malaysia’s tourism industry with Genting Highlands casino being one of the resort’s key features.

Among the most notable parts of Lim Goh Tong story is his decision to introduce a casino, a move that transformed Malaysian tourism. The Genting Highlands founder recognized that a legal casino could set the resort apart from other destinations in the country. Although faced with early resistance from conservative groups, Lim Goh Tong successfully secured a gaming license from the Malaysian government in 1969. The Genting Highlands casino soon became a major draw for both local and international tourists.

Over the years, the casino grew in size and sophistication, eventually evolving into what is now Resorts World Genting. With its wide array of gaming options from slot machines to table games, the casino has attracted millions of visitors. Its strategic location which is just an hour’s drive from Kuala Lumpur makes it easily accessible for tourists seeking entertainment and leisure. The casino is central to the continued success of Genting Highlands, reflecting the visionary leadership of Lim Goh Tong.

The Genting Highlands founder passed away in 2007, but his legacy continues to influence Malaysia’s tourism landscape. The Lim Goh Tong story is one of bold ideas and perseverance with his contributions shaping not only Genting Highlands but also the nation’s global tourism standing. Genting Highlands has become a top-tier destination known for entertainment, luxury and the excitement of the Genting Highlands casino.

His entrepreneurial spirit laid the foundation for the Genting Group which has since expanded into international markets and operated casinos in Singapore, the Philippines, the UK and the United States. Under the leadership of his son, Lim Kok Thay, the Genting Group continues to innovate and grow.

The Lim Goh Tong story is a remarkable one that shows how the vision of a single man can transform an entire industry. As the Genting Highlands founder, Lim Goh Tong’s decision to build a resort in the mountains and introduce legal gaming has had a lasting impact on Malaysia’s tourism sector. Today, Genting Highlands continues to thrive and offer a blend of leisure and world-class entertainment. The legacy of Lim Goh Tong serves as a reminder that great achievements are possible when one dares to dream and work tirelessly to bring that dream to life.