Thursday, June 28, 2007

Singapore's richest men getting richer: Forbes

SINGAPORE: Singapore's richest men are getting richer. 

According to Forbes' Billionaires List, the country's most wealthy man, Ng Teng Fong, is now worth US$6.1 billion compared to the US$3.8 billion last year. 

The founder of Far East Organisation is ranked 118th in the world rankings - up 56 positions from the previous year. 

Singapore's second richest is Wee Cho Yaw of United Overseas Bank with US$4.7 billion. 

This is nearly double his US$2.4 billion worth of assets last year when he was the third wealthiest in the country. 

He is ranked 167th on the Forbes list. 

Trailing close behind is hotelier Kwek Leng Beng with US$4.3 billion, up from US$3.6 billion last year. 

A newcomer from Singapore to the club is Yanlord Land's Zhong Shen Jian with US$1.7 billion. 

Mr Zhong was born in China but has now taken up Singapore citizenship. 

Meanwhile, OCBC's Lee Seng Wee has exited the list, due to a distribution in wealth. 

Overall, Microsoft's Bill Gates remains the richest man on earth, for the 13th straight year, with a net worth of US$56 billion. 

The total number of billionaires worldwide rose by 153 over the past year to a record 946. 

Their combined wealth grew 35 per cent to US$3.5 trillion. 

This follows a year of strong equity and real estate markets and rising commodity prices.

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