Malaysian billionaire Lee Thiam Wah brings Midea appliances to 99 Speedmart

By Desy Fitria 2026-08-03 3 min
A storefront of a 99 Speedmart retail outlet in Malaysia
A 99 Speedmart retail branch featured on the company website.

Malaysian billionaire Lee Thiam Wah's 99 Speedmart has partnered with Midea to sell popular home appliances across thousands of stores.

Strategic Partnership Expands Appliance Availability in Malaysia

In a major retail development announced on Wednesday, Midea home appliances including rice cookers, toasters, and fans will soon be stocked at more than 3,100 99 Speedmart outlets across Malaysia, according to reports by Bernama.

Based on reports from the corporate announcement, these popular consumer electronics will also be made readily available for purchase on the digital 99 Bulksales platform to cater to growing consumer demand.

Lee Thiam Wah, who serves as the chief executive officer of 99 Speedmart, stated that the firm constantly seeks innovative ways to better meet everyday consumer needs as the nation's largest mini-mart chain.

According to statements quoted by The Rakyat Post, Lee emphasized that "This collaboration allows us to offer greater convenience by making quality home appliances more accessible through our nationwide network."

Growing Retail Footprint and Impressive Financial Growth

Mark Tam, who serves as the managing director of Midea Malaysia, noted that the strategic partnership allows his company to effectively tap into 99 Speedmart's extensive retail network and reach neighborhood communities.

Citing reports from corporate background details, 99 Speedmart originally began as a small sundry shop opened back in 1987 by Lee, who unfortunately lost the use of his legs as a child due to polio.

The retail firm successfully went public in 2024, a milestone move that catapulted Lee into the billionaire ranks and earned him a spot as Malaysia's 6th richest man with a net worth estimated at $6.7 billion.

According to recent financial disclosures, the thriving chain posted a robust net profit of RM188.6 million on revenues of RM3.07 billion for the first quarter of 2026, marking significant year-on-year increases.

Global Reach of Midea and Market Expansion

Midea stands firmly as one of China's largest home appliance manufacturers, boasting active business operations spanning across more than 200 countries worldwide.

The multinational manufacturer features a diverse corporate portfolio that includes well-known global brands such as Toshiba, COLMO, Eureka, and industrial robotics pioneer KUKA.

Furthermore, the major appliance maker is publicly listed on the prestigious Fortune Global 500 list as well as on both the Shenzhen and Hong Kong stock exchanges.

Based on recent market trends, the company has experienced a notable surge in product demand originating from Europe, particularly for residential air conditioners amid recurrent regional heatwaves.

Desy Fitria

Desy Fitria

Desy Fitria is an experienced economic journalist with over 8 years of expertise covering financial markets, business trends, and economic policy. She has a keen eye for analyzing market movements, corporate strategies, and government economic policies. Her reporting provides readers with clear and insightful perspectives on complex economic issues affecting both national and global economies.