COMPANYHISTORIES

Malaysia

Companies based in Malaysia, and the events that shaped them.

8companies1937–1990founding years7still active1no longer operating
§ 01

Malaysia companies over time

Companies foundedEconomyTechnologyEnvironmentHistory
FoundedMalaysian Airlines System Berhad
1937
EconomyThe Golden Gate Bridge opens as the world's longest suspension span.
1939
EconomyWorld War II begins; wartime production surges.
1945
EconomyThe war ends; a long global expansion begins.
1946
TechnologyENIAC, the first general-purpose electronic computer, is unveiled.
1947
TechnologyThe transistor is invented.
FoundedPPB Group Berhad
1948
1955
EconomyMcDonald's franchising begins, remaking fast food.
EconomyDisneyland opens and invents the modern theme park.
1956
TechnologyThe first transatlantic telephone cable opens.
FoundedSime Darby Berhad
1958
TechnologyThe integrated circuit is demonstrated.
FoundedMalayan Banking Berhad
1960
1962
EnvironmentSilent Spring launches the modern environmental movement.
EconomyThe first Walmart opens, built on everyday low prices.
FoundedGenting Bhd.
1965
1969
TechnologyARPANET, the internet's precursor, goes live.
1971
EconomyThe dollar leaves the gold standard; currencies float.
1973
EconomyThe OPEC oil embargo triggers a global shock.
FoundedPetroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas)
1974
1975
TechnologyThe personal-computer era begins.
1979
EconomyA second oil crisis drives inflation higher worldwide.
1981
TechnologyThe IBM PC launches and sets a standard.
TechnologyThe first US in-vitro fertilization baby is born.
FoundedPerusahaan Otomobil Nasional Bhd.
1983
1984
TechnologyApple ships the Macintosh; the GUI era begins.
1987
EconomyBlack Monday: markets fall sharply around the world.
1989
HistoryThe Berlin Wall falls; global markets open up.
FoundedBerjaya Group Bhd.
1990
1991
TechnologyThe World Wide Web is released to the public.
TechnologyLinux and open source challenge proprietary software.
1993
TechnologyThe Mosaic browser brings the web to everyone.
1994
TechnologyE-commerce begins to disrupt retail.
1995
TechnologyWindows 95 launches; the internet goes mainstream.
1997
EconomyThe Asian financial crisis rattles global markets.
EnvironmentThe Kyoto Protocol sets the first climate targets.
1999
TechnologyNapster ignites the digital disruption of recorded music.
2000
EconomyThe dot-com bubble bursts.
TechnologyGPS opens to civilian use, turning location into a utility.
2004
TechnologySocial media and Web 2.0 take hold.
2007
TechnologyThe iPhone launches the smartphone era.
2008
EconomyThe global financial crisis freezes credit worldwide.
2010
TechnologyCloud computing goes mainstream for business.
2015
EnvironmentThe Paris Agreement sets global climate targets.
2020
EconomyThe COVID-19 pandemic upends the global economy.
2022
EconomyInflation spikes; central banks raise rates sharply.
2023
TechnologyGenerative AI reaches mainstream business use.
§ 02

The companies

Malaysian Airlines System Berhad →
Defunct · founded 1937 · Malaysia
Malaysian Airlines System Berhad is the holding company for Malaysia's national airline carrier, one of Asia's fastest…
PPB Group Berhad →
Active · founded 1948 · Malaysia
One of Malaysia's largest companies, and one of the largest conglomerates in the ASEAN market region, PPB Group Berhad…
Sime Darby Berhad →
Active · founded 1958 · Malaysia
Sime Darby Berhad is the largest conglomerate in Malaysia and one of the largest in southeast Asia.
Malayan Banking Berhad →
Active · founded 1960 · Malaysia
Malayan Banking Berhad is the holding company overseeing Malaysia's largest bank, Maybank and a range of financial…
Genting Bhd. →
Active · founded 1965 · Malaysia
Genting Bhd.
Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) →
Active · founded 1974 · Malaysia
Petroliam Nasional Bhd, or Petronas, operates as a state-owned entity controlling Malaysia's oil and gas resources.
Perusahaan Otomobil Nasional Bhd. →
Active · founded 1983 · Malaysia
Perusahaan Otomobil Nasional Bhd., better known as Proton, is Malaysia's largest manufacturer of automobiles,…
Berjaya Group Bhd. →
Active · founded 1990 · Malaysia
Berjaya Group Bhd.
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