Singapore's Wealthiest Individuals
How have Singapore's wealthiest individuals built their fortunes? We take a look at the richest people in Singapore - and how they made their wealth.
Singapore's Financial Landscape
The Rise of Singapore's Wealth
Singapore has emerged as one of Asia's premier wealth hubs, with a remarkable concentration of ultra-high-net-worth individuals. The city-state's strategic location, political stability, robust legal framework, and business-friendly policies have attracted wealth from across the region and beyond.
The wealth landscape in Singapore is diverse, spanning traditional sectors like real estate and banking to newer industries such as technology and healthcare. Many of Singapore's wealthiest individuals have built their fortunes through regional expansion, capitalizing on Asia's economic growth while maintaining Singapore as their base of operations.
Singapore as a Wealth Hub
Singapore has established itself as a global wealth management center, with assets under management exceeding $4 trillion. The nation's strong regulatory environment, tax incentives, and comprehensive ecosystem of financial services have made it the preferred jurisdiction for wealth management in Asia. This environment has not only attracted international wealth but has also fostered the growth of homegrown fortunes, creating a dynamic landscape of wealth creation and preservation.
Family Dynasties in Singapore
Singapore's wealth landscape is characterized by powerful family dynasties that have built diversified business empires over generations. These families have expanded from their core businesses into multiple sectors, creating conglomerates that span real estate, hospitality, retail, and financial services. The intergenerational transfer of wealth and business acumen has ensured the longevity of these family fortunes, with many now in their second or third generation of leadership.
Top 10 Wealthiest Individuals in Singapore
1. Li Xiting
Net Worth: $23.3 billion
Industry: Healthcare
Co-founder and chairman of Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics, one of China's largest medical equipment manufacturers.
2. Goh Cheng Liang
Net Worth: $21.7 billion
Industry: Manufacturing
Founder of Nippon Paint Southeast Asia, who built his fortune through a strategic partnership with Japan's Nippon Paint.
3. Eduardo Saverin
Net Worth: $16.5 billion
Industry: Technology
Co-founder of Facebook (now Meta) who has become a prominent venture capitalist in Southeast Asia through B Capital Group.
4. Robert & Philip Ng
Net Worth: $15.2 billion
Industry: Real Estate
Sons of the late Ng Teng Fong who control Far East Organization, Singapore's largest private property developer, and Sino Group in Hong Kong.
5. Zhang Yong & Shu Ping
Net Worth: $13.8 billion
Industry: Food & Beverage
Co-founders of Haidilao, the popular hot pot restaurant chain that has expanded globally from its origins in China.
6. Forrest Li
Net Worth: $10.2 billion
Industry: Technology
Founder, Chairman and CEO of Sea Limited, which operates Shopee, Garena, and SeaMoney across Southeast Asia's digital economy.
7. Kwek Leng Beng
Net Worth: $8.5 billion
Industry: Real Estate
Executive Chairman of Hong Leong Group Singapore, with interests spanning property, hospitality, banking, and manufacturing.
8. Gang Ye
Net Worth: $7.1 billion
Industry: Technology
Co-founder and COO of Sea Limited, who previously worked at Wilmar International and the Singapore government.
9. Wee Cho Yaw
Net Worth: $6.8 billion
Industry: Banking
Chairman Emeritus of United Overseas Bank (UOB), one of Singapore's largest banks, founded by his father in 1935.
10. Kuok Khoon Hong
Net Worth: $5.9 billion
Industry: Commodities
Co-founder and Chairman of Wilmar International, one of the world's largest palm oil producers and agricultural commodity traders.
Expert Opinions
"The concentration of wealth in Singapore reflects the strength of our economic sectors, particularly in technology and real estate."
— Dr. James Wong, Economic Analyst
"Singapore's wealthy are increasingly investing in sustainable technologies and social responsibility initiatives."
— Prof. Dr. Sarah Chen, Economist
"The stability of Singapore's financial system remains a key factor in wealth preservation for the ultra-wealthy."
— Michael Tan, Financial Journalist
Our Location
Our Methodology
Our ranking is based on comprehensive research, publicly available financial data, stock ownership, and property values. We consult industry experts and financial analysts to create the most accurate wealth estimates.