VINANSIA.COM - Dato Sri Tahir, born Ang Tjoen Ming on March 26, 1952, in Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia, came from a modest background. 

His father was a pedicab maker, and his mother ran a clothing store. Despite their modest means, Tahir's early life was marked by a strong work ethic and determination to improve his circumstances.

Education

Tahir completed his high school education at SMA Kristen Petra Kalianyar in Surabaya in 1971. He then received a scholarship to study business at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. 

While studying there, he engaged in buying and selling goods between Singapore and Indonesia. In 1986, at the age of 35, he furthered his education at Golden Gate University in California, USA.

Career

In 1986, Tahir founded Mayapada Group, initially focusing on apparel, automobiles, and banking. The company rapidly expanded into various sectors, including insurance, media, healthcare, and luxury goods. A significant milestone was the establishment of Bank Mayapada in 1990. 

The bank successfully navigated economic crises with foreign investments from the US, UAE, and Singapore, earning the distinction of being the second-best general bank in Indonesia in 2007.

Achievements and Awards

Tahir has received numerous accolades for his contributions to business and philanthropy. In 2011, he was awarded the title of Dato' Sri by the Sultan of Pahang, Malaysia, for his societal contributions and resolution of corporate conflicts. 

That same year, he was honored with a professorship from Lingnan College, Sun Yat-sen University, and received the Chancellor's Citation from the University of California, Berkeley, for his leadership and philanthropic efforts. He also became the first Asian to join the Board of Trustees at UC Berkeley.

Wealth and Influence

As of 2021, Forbes estimated Tahir’s wealth at US$2.4 billion. He is well-known for his philanthropic work, including a US$75 million donation for health causes. His charitable activities extend to various social initiatives and disaster relief efforts.

Philanthropic Activities

Tahir has made substantial contributions to humanitarian causes. He donated Rp52 billion for COVID-19 relief, Rp2 billion to clear JKN-KIS arrears, and Rp20 billion for Palestinian refugees. Through the Tahir Foundation, he provides free cancer treatment for children.

Honorary Titles

Tahir has been awarded honorary titles by several universities, including Universitas Gadjah Mada, Universitas 17 Agustus Surabaya, and Universitas Airlangga Surabaya. He has also received honorary doctorates from Universitas Andalas Padang and Universitas Gadjah Mada Yogyakarta.

Personal Life

Tahir is married to Rosy Riady, and they have four children: Grace Tahir, Jane Tahir, Victoria Tahir, and Jonathan Tahir. He is known for his high level of philanthropy and commitment to social causes.

Recent Activities

In 2019, Tahir was appointed as a member of the Presidential Advisory Council by President Joko Widodo. In 2023, he began constructing a hospital in the new capital city of Kalimantan, investing up to Rp500 billion. 

This project gained public attention when he sought his mother's permission while feeding her, which sparked significant online interest.

Dato Sri Tahir’s journey from modest beginnings to becoming a prominent businessman and philanthropist highlights his exceptional achievements and dedication to making a positive impact in both business and humanitarian fields.