Key Stats
DRB-HICOM Berhad ranks among Malaysia’s largest and most diversified conglomerates, operating across automotive, aerospace and defence, banking, postal, services, and properties sectors.
The company holds majority ownership in Proton, Malaysia’s national car manufacturer, and assembles vehicles for major international brands including Honda, Isuzu, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, and Tata Motors.
DRB-HICOM employs approximately 46,000 people and maintains operations primarily in Malaysia with strategic international partnerships across Asia.
DRB-HICOM History
HICOM’s predecessor incorporated as The New Serendah Rubber Company Limited under The Companies Enactment 1897.
Heavy Industries Corporation of Malaysia Berhad (HICOM) established to spearhead Malaysia’s industrialization drive and develop the National Car Project.
Diversified Resources Berhad (DRB) incorporated as Peerless Assets Sdn Bhd, later renamed DRB in 1991.
DRB listed on the Main Board of Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange on September 4.
HICOM and DRB merged to form Malaysia’s largest conglomerate at the time, creating DRB-HICOM.
Company assumed its present name DRB-HICOM Berhad on May 11, consolidating four listed entities with aggregate market capitalization exceeding RM6 billion.
Etika Strategi Sdn Bhd acquired DRB-HICOM, making it a flagship entity within the AlBukhary Group of Companies.
Acquired 70% equity stake in Bank Muamalat Malaysia Berhad from Bukhary Capital for RM1.069 billion, expanding into Islamic banking.
DRB-HICOM acquired Proton Holdings Berhad, establishing itself as one of Malaysia’s most comprehensive automotive operations.
Sold 49.9% stake in Proton Holdings to Zhejiang Geely Holding Group for RM460.3 million, bringing technological partnerships and platform access for revitalization.
Disposed of non-industrial property assets and hospitality portfolio worth RM1.93 billion to focus on core industrial property development.
Completed sale of waste management subsidiary Alam Flora to Malakoff Corporation for RM1 billion, generating RM514.67 million disposal gain.
Achieved revenue of RM16.2 billion with continued focus on digital transformation across banking and postal services.
DRB-HICOM Founder
Syed Mokhtar Al-Bukhary serves as the controlling shareholder of DRB-HICOM through his investment vehicle Etika Strategi Sdn Bhd, which holds approximately 56% of company shares. Born in 1951 in Alor Setar, Kedah, he built his business empire from rice trading roots in the 1970s into one of Malaysia’s largest conglomerates spanning ports, logistics, automotive, and commodities.
DRB-HICOM Revenue
DRB-HICOM generated RM16.2 billion in revenue for fiscal year 2024, reflecting steady growth in automotive and banking segments.
DRB-HICOM Acquisitions
DRB-HICOM has pursued strategic acquisitions across multiple sectors to strengthen its integrated business model and expand service capabilities.
The group acquired Bank Muamalat Malaysia in 2008 for RM1.069 billion, establishing a strong presence in Islamic banking with over 67 branches nationwide offering Shariah-compliant financial products.
In 2012, DRB-HICOM acquired Proton Holdings, Malaysia’s national car manufacturer, cementing its position as the country’s most comprehensive automotive operation with assembly, component manufacturing, and distribution networks.
The company purchased Composites Technology Research Malaysia (CTRM), a specialist in aerospace composite manufacturing that supplies major aviation companies including Airbus, Boeing, and Learjet with advanced aerostructure components.
DRB-HICOM acquired controlling stakes in Pos Malaysia Berhad, the national postal service provider, adding extensive logistics infrastructure spanning the entire country with over 200 years of operational history.
The group established control over Puspakom, Malaysia’s sole commercial vehicle inspection company, creating synergies with its automotive distribution business.
DRB-HICOM acquired various automotive component manufacturers including PHN Industry, HICOM-Teck See Manufacturing, and stakes in joint ventures with Honda, Isuzu, Mitsubishi, Suzuki, and Volkswagen to build an end-to-end automotive value chain.
These acquisitions positioned DRB-HICOM as a diversified conglomerate with integrated operations spanning vehicle manufacturing, aerospace components, postal services, Islamic banking, and property development.
DRB-HICOM Market Cap
DRB-HICOM maintains a market capitalization of approximately RM10.5 billion as of 2025.
DRB-HICOM Competitors
DRB-HICOM faces competition from major automotive and diversified conglomerates in the Malaysian market.
| Company | Primary Business | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Sime Darby Berhad | Diversified conglomerate, automotive distribution | Malaysia |
| Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua (Perodua) | Automotive manufacturing | Malaysia |
| Tan Chong Motor Holdings | Automotive assembly and distribution | Malaysia |
| Bermaz Auto | Automotive distribution | Malaysia |
| MBM Resources | Automotive parts and distribution | Malaysia |
| Naza Corporation | Automotive distribution | Malaysia |
| Toyota Group | Automotive manufacturing | Japan |
| Hyundai Motor Company | Automotive manufacturing | South Korea |
| Volkswagen Group | Automotive manufacturing | Germany |
| BMW Group | Automotive manufacturing | Germany |
FAQs
What does DRB-HICOM stand for?
DRB-HICOM stands for Diversified Resources Berhad and Heavy Industries Corporation of Malaysia, reflecting the 1996 merger of these two major Malaysian companies.
Who owns DRB-HICOM Berhad?
Etika Strategi Sdn Bhd, controlled by Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar Al-Bukhary, owns approximately 56% of DRB-HICOM, with remaining shares held by institutional and public investors.
What is DRB-HICOM’s main business?
DRB-HICOM operates primarily in automotive manufacturing and assembly, holding majority stake in Proton and assembling vehicles for Honda, Isuzu, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, and other brands.
When did DRB-HICOM acquire Proton?
DRB-HICOM acquired Proton Holdings Berhad in 2012, later selling 49.9% stake to China’s Geely in 2017 while retaining majority ownership.
What are DRB-HICOM’s six core sectors?
DRB-HICOM operates across automotive, aerospace and defence, banking, postal, services, and properties sectors through various subsidiaries and joint ventures.