Singapore, September 7, 2025 — Singapore’s billionaires have never been richer. The city-state’s 50 wealthiest individuals and families saw their combined fortunes soar by 23% to an unprecedented US$239 billion (RM1.05 trillion), according to the latest Forbes Singapore Rich List released Thursday.
The sharp increase, Forbes noted, was powered by robust economic growth—Singapore’s economy expanded by 4.3% in the first half of 2025—and buoyant gains across the technology and property markets, which offset lingering global tariff tensions.
Saverin Holds Firm at the Top
At the pinnacle is Eduardo Saverin, Facebook co-founder and long-time Singapore resident, who retained his crown as the country’s richest person for a third consecutive year. His net worth jumped by US$14 billion to reach US$43 billion (RM181.7 billion), thanks largely to Meta Platforms’ stock surge, driven by an AI-fueled boom in digital advertising revenues.
Property Titans and New Entrants
Real estate magnate Kwek Leng Beng and his family climbed to second place with a fortune of US$14.3 billion, surpassing brothers Robert and Philip Ng, who slipped to third with US$14.1 billion as Hong Kong’s property downturn weighed on their wealth.
A new face emerged in fourth place: the Goh family, heirs of late paints tycoon Goh Cheng Liang, who passed away last month at the age of 98. Their collective fortune reached US$13.1 billion, bolstered by a nearly 30% rise in shares of Nippon Paint Holdings, which last year expanded globally with the acquisition of U.S. chemicals firm AOC.
Tech Leaders Drive Momentum
Biotech billionaire Li Xiting, chairman of Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics, rounded out the top five at US$13 billion, a slight dip from the previous year. Meanwhile, Singapore-based Sea Ltd. co-founders rode the tech wave: Chairman Forrest Li’s wealth surged to US$11.2 billion, COO Gang Ye climbed to US$6 billion, and Shopee co-founder David Chen joined the billionaire ranks with US$2 billion.
Gaming entrepreneur Min-Liang Tan, CEO of Razer, increased his wealth to US$1.7 billion and graced the cover of Forbes Asia’s September issue, symbolising the rising profile of Singapore’s homegrown tech leaders.
Returnees and Rising Cut-Off
Two names made notable comebacks: Teo Swee Ann of Espressif Systems, valued at US$1.5 billion, and the Ng family of Pan-United, re-entering the rankings with US$1 billion after a seven-year absence.
The minimum net worth to make the Forbes list rose to a record US$1 billion, up from US$870 million in 2024, reflecting the rapid wealth accumulation in Singapore’s economy.
Top 10 Richest in Singapore (Forbes 2025)
- Eduardo Saverin — US$43 billion
- Kwek Leng Beng & family — US$14.3 billion
- Robert & Philip Ng — US$14.1 billion
- Goh family — US$13.1 billion
- Li Xiting — US$13 billion
- Forrest Li — US$11.2 billion
- Khoo family — US$10.1 billion
- Wee family — US$10 billion
- Leo Koguan — US$8.2 billion
- Zhang Yong & Shu Ping — US$7.8 billion
