Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar bin Syed Nor Al-Bukhary is one of the corporate figures who is gaining prominence in the Malaysian corporate sector. He was born in 1951 and he started his career in Johor in 1990's. He first started wholesale business dealing in rice and subsequently branched out into other sectors. He is presently one of the most respected Malay corporate figures who has his fingers in a multitude of sectors including plantation, property development, construction, engineering, power generation, infrastructure and ports.

He symbolises a generation of the Malay corporate figures who is capable in leading a number of business conglomerates. His success could be seen when he acquired 90% ownership of Seaport Terminal (Johor) Sdn. Bhd. in 1993. He was able to lay his hands on a mega project when Seaport was awarded a 30-year concession to build and operate the Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP), that made him a substantial majority shareholder. He was commended by the government for his success in managing PTP and turning it into a vibrant and thriving port in southern Peninsular Malaysia. PTP succeeded in wooing Taiwan Evergreen Marine Corporation, one of the world's major shipping companies to shift its container operations from Singapore to PTP. This move will greatly enhance the Malaysian government's effort to have a number of modern and world-class ports in this region.

Apart from that, he owns 19.9% share in Malaysian Mining Corporation via his wholly-owned company, Syarikat Impian Teladan Sdn. Bhd. Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar personally owns SKS Ventures, which was awarded the task of building the site for 2100MW gas-fired power station at Tanjung Bin, Johor. Tan Sri Syed Mohktar has a 32% share in PERNAS through his own company, Syarikat Ratu Jernih. He also has interest in Fiamma Holdings Berhad, whereby 18.68% of the said company is being held by him through his two companies, i.e. Syarikat Perdana Padu Sdn. Bhd. and Corak Kukuh Sdn. Bhd. Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar is a Board Member of Syarikat Bina Puri Holdings Berhad, whereby, on his own, he has 7.34% share. Apart from these, Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar has varied interest in a number of companies, both in Malaysia as well as abroad.

One project that enhanced his stature in the international arena is the Museum of Islamic Art, Kuala Lumpur, whereby the idea was conceptualized by Dato' Seri Dr. Mahathir himself. Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar was responsible for luring the famous shopping mall in London, i.e. Harrods, to invest in Malaysia through his company, Amtek Holdings Sdn.Bhd. Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar played a major role in the family-owned Al-Bukhary Foundation, whereby he is the Executive Chairman. Through Al-Bukhary Foundation, he has made several contributions towards the social sector, particularly the Islamic social and welfare activities. The foundation is also responsible in constructing the Al-Bukhary Mosque Complex, which is the latest landmark in Kedah.

In appreciation of his enormous services and contributions, he was bestowed with several awards, which among others, include the Panglima Setia Mahkota (P.S.M.) by His Majesty Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong, which carries the title Tan Sri and the Dato' Setia Mahkota Kedah (D.S.D.K.) by HRH The Sultan Kedah, which carries the title Dato'.