Even though it is a developing area, Southeast Asia is already home to tens of billionaires who have built business empires across the region. Having grown their companies by working with their families or as sole entrepreneurs, ASEAN billionaires are at the head of some of the largest corporations of the region.
Published yearly by Forbes magazine, the list of the world’s billionaires regroups the richest people in the world, but does not include public persons such as reigning royalty. With more than 2,100 billionaires throughout the world in 2018, Southeast Asia currently counts 102 billionaires, primarily coming from its largest economies.
Here are the countries where they come from:
- Thailand: 30 billionaires
- Singapore: 22 billionaires
- Indonesia: 20 billionaires
- Malaysia: 14 billionaires
- Philippines: 12 billionaires
- Vietnam: 4 billionaires
Most of ASEAN billionaires are at the head of companies heavily involved in business in Southeast Asia, and they are primarily engaged in the following businesses:
- real estate & property
- banking
- agribusiness
- power & energy
- investments
- retail
The list of billionaires hereafter ranks the billionaires of the region with the richest first. Note that for each billionaire some information on him and his wealth has been added, as well as a link to their Forbes profile with more details about them, their businesses and families.
1. Henry Sy
– Net worth: $20 B – Country: Philippines – Source: diversified
Age: 93 – World rank: 52
2. Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi
– Net worth: $17.9 B – Country: Thailand – Source: drinks, real estate
Age: 73 – World rank: 65
3. R. Budi Hartono
– Net worth: $17.4 B – Country: Indonesia – Source: banking, tobacco
Age: 77 – World rank: 69
4. Michael Hartono
– Net worth: $16.7 B – Country: Indonesia – Source: banking, tobacco
Age: 78 – World rank: 75
5. Dhanin Chearavanont
– Net worth: $14.9 B – Country: Thailand – Source: diversified
Age: 78 – World rank: 95
6. Robert Kuok
– Net worth: $14.8 B – Country: Malaysia – Source: palm oil, shipping, property
Age: 94 – World rank: 96
7. Robert & Philip Ng
– Net worth: $10.8 B – Country: Singapore – Source: real estate
Age: – World rank: 140
8. Ananda Krishnan
– Net worth: $7.2 B – Country: Malaysia – Source: telecoms, media, oil-services
Age: 79 – World rank: 217
8. Quek Leng Chan
Profile – Net worth: $7.2 B – Country: Malaysia – Source: banking, property
Age: 76 – World rank: 217
10. Goh Cheng Liang
– Net worth: $7 B – Country: Singapore – Source: paints
Age: 90 – World rank: 228
10. Sri Prakash Lohia
– Net worth: $7 B – Country: Indonesia – Source: polyester
Age: 65 – World rank: 228
12. Wee Cho Yaw
– Net worth: $6.6 B – Country: Singapore – Source: banking
Age: 89 – World rank: 251
13. Teh Hong Piow
– Net worth: $6 B – Country: Malaysia – Source: banking
Age: 87 – World rank: 289
14. John Gokongwei, Jr.
– Net worth: $5.8 B – Country: Philippines – Source: food and beverage
Age: 91 – World rank: 305
15. Kwee family
– Net worth: $5.6 B – Country: Singapore – Source: Real Estate
Age: – World rank: 321
15. Lee Shin Cheng
– Net worth: $5.6 B – Country: Malaysia – Source: palm oil, property
Age: 79 – World rank: 321
17. Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha
– Net worth: $5 B – Country: Thailand – Source: duty-free
Age: 60 – World rank: 388
18. Enrique Razon, Jr.
– Net worth: $4.9 B – Country: Philippines – Source: ports
Age: 58 – World rank: 404
19. Lim Kok Thay
– Net worth: $4.7 B – Country: Malaysia – Source: casinos
Age: 66 – World rank: 441
19. Lucio Tan
– Net worth: $4.7 B – Country: Philippines – Source: diversified
Age: 83 – World rank: 441
21. Pham Nhat Vuong
– Net worth: $4.3 B – Country: Vietnam – Source: diversified
Age: 49 – World rank: 499
22. Sumet Jiaravanon
– Net worth: $4.2 B – Country: Thailand – Source: diversified
Age: 83 – World rank: 514
23. Jaran Chiaravanont
– Net worth: $4.1 B – Country: Thailand – Source: diversified
Age: 87 – World rank: 527
23. Montri Jiaravanont
– Net worth: $4.1 B – Country: Thailand – Source: diversified
Age: 86 – World rank: 527
25. Tony Tan Caktiong
– Net worth: $4 B – Country: Philippines – Source: food
Age: 65 – World rank: 550
26. George Ty
– Net worth: $3.9 B – Country: Philippines – Source: banking
Age: 85 – World rank: 572
27. Sarath Ratanavadi
– Net worth: $3.6 B – Country: Thailand – Source: energy
Age: 52 – World rank: 629
28. Chairul Tanjung
– Net worth: $3.5 B – Country: Indonesia – Source: diversified
Age: 55 – World rank: 652
28. Tahir
– Net worth: $3.5 B – Country: Indonesia – Source: diversified
Age: 65 – World rank: 652
30. Somphote Ahunai
– Net worth: $3.4 B – Country: Thailand – Source: energy
Age: 50 – World rank: 679
31. Chen Lip Keong
– Net worth: $3.3 B – Country: Malaysia – Source: casinos, property, energy
Age: 70 – World rank: 703
31. Vanich Chaiyawan
– Net worth: $3.3 B – Country: Thailand – Source: insurance, beverages
Age: 86 – World rank: 703
33. Thi Phuong Thao Nguyen
– Net worth: $3.1 B – Country: Vietnam – Source: airlines
Age: 47 – World rank: 766
34. Manuel Villar
– Net worth: $3 B – Country: Philippines – Source: real estate
Age: 68 – World rank: 791
34. Mochtar Riady
– Net worth: $3 B – Country: Indonesia – Source: diversified
Age: 88 – World rank: 791
34. Prasert Prasarttong-Osoth
– Net worth: $3 B – Country: Thailand – Source: hospitals
Age: 84 – World rank: 791
37. Jason Chang
– Net worth: $2.9 B – Country: Singapore – Source: electronics
Age: 73 – World rank: 822
37. Kwek Leng Beng
– Net worth: $2.9 B – Country: Singapore – Source: real estate
Age: 77- World rank: 822
37. Prajogo Pangestu
– Net worth: $2.9 B – Country: Indonesia – Source: petrochemicals
Age: 73 – World rank: 822
40. Andrew Tan
– Net worth: $2.7 B – Country: Philippines – Source: diversified
Age: 65 – World rank: 887
40. Krit Ratanarak
– Net worth: $2.7 B – Country: Thailand – Source: media, real estate
Age: 71 – World rank: 887
42. Raj Kumar & Kishin RK
– Net worth: $2.6 B – Country: Singapore – Source: real estate
Age: 63 – World rank: 924
44. Kuan Kam Hon
– Net worth: $2.5 B – Country: Malaysia – Source: synthetic gloves
Age: 70 – World rank: 965
44. Ramon Ang
– Net worth: $2.5 B – Country: Philippines – Source: Diversified
Age: 64 – World rank: 965
44. Zhao Tao
– Net worth: $2.5 B – Country: Singapore – Source: pharmaceuticals
Age: 52 – World rank: 965
47. Koon Poh Keong
– Net worth: $2.4 B – Country: Malaysia – Source: aluminium
Age: 56 – World rank: 1020
48. Peter Lim
– Net worth: $2.2 B – Country: Singapore – Source: investments
Age: 64 – World rank: 1103
49. Choo Chong Ngen
– Net worth: $2.1 B – Country: Singapore – Source: hotels
Age: 64 – World rank: 1157
49. Kuok Khoon Hong
– Net worth: $2.1 B – Country: Singapore – Source: palm oil
Age: 68 – World rank: 1157
49. Ong Beng Seng and Christina Ong
– Net worth: $2.1 B – Country: Singapore – Source: diversified
Age: 73 – World rank: 1157
49. William Heinecke
– Net worth: $2.1 B – Country: Thailand – Source: hotels
Age: 69 – World rank: 1157
53. Chuchat & Daonapa Petaumpai
– Net worth: $2 B – Country: Thailand – Source: motorcycle loans
Age: 64 – World rank: 1215
53. Harald Link
– Net worth: $2 B – Country: Thailand – Source: diversified
Age: 63 – World rank: 1215
53. Murdaya Poo
– Net worth: $2 B – Country: Indonesia – Source: diversified
Age: 77 – World rank: 1215
53. Sam Goi
– Net worth: $2 B – Country: Singapore – Source: frozen foods
Age: 69 – World rank: 1215
57. Chang Yun Chung
– Net worth: $1.9 B – Country: Singapore – Source: shipping
Age: 99 – World rank: 1284
57. Peter Sondakh
– Net worth: $1.9 B – Country: Indonesia – Source: investments
Age: 68 – World rank: 1284
57. Syed Mokhtar AlBukhary
– Net worth: $1.9 B – Country: Malaysia – Source: engineering, energy, construction
Age: 66 – World rank: 1284
61. Ba Duong Tran
– Net worth: $1.8 B – Country: Vietnam – Source: automotive
Age: 57 – World rank: 1339
61. Sheng Jian Zhong
– Net worth: $1.8 B – Country: Singapore – Source: real estate
Age: 60 – World rank: 1339
61. Thaksin Shinawatra
– Net worth: $1.8 B – Country: Thailand – Source: investments
Age: 68 – World rank: 1339
64. Lim Oon Kuin
– Net worth: $1.7 B – Country: Singapore – Source: oil trading
Age: 74 – World rank: 1394
64. Prayudh Mahagitsiri
– Net worth: $1.7 B – Country: Thailand – Source: coffee, shipping
Age: 72 – World rank: 1394
64. Theodore Rachmat
– Net worth: $1.7 B – Country: Indonesia – Source: diversified
Age: 74 – World rank: 1394
64. Wichai Thongtang
– Net worth: $1.7 B – Country: Thailand – Source: investments
Age: 71 – World rank: 1394
68. Asok Kumar Hiranandani
– Net worth: $1.5 B – Country: Singapore – Source: real estate
Age: 63 – World rank: 1561
68. Eddy Kusnadi Sariaatmadja
– Net worth: $1.5 B – Country: Indonesia – Source: media, tech
Age: 64 – World rank: 1561
68. Keeree Kanjanapas
– Net worth: $1.5 B – Country: Thailand – Source: transportation
Age: 67 – World rank: 1561
68. Low Tuck Kwong
– Net worth: $1.5 B – Country: Indonesia – Source: coal
Age: 69 – World rank: 1561
68. Thongma Vijitpongpun
– Net worth: $1.5 B – Country: Thailand – Source: real estate
Age: 59 – World rank: 1561
73. Chua Thian Poh
– Net worth: $1.4 B – Country: Singapore – Source: real estate
Age: 69 – World rank: 1650
73. Ciputra
– Net worth: $1.4 B – Country: Indonesia – Source: real estate
Age: 86 – World rank: 1650
73. Martua Sitorius
– Net worth: $1.4 B – Country: Indonesia – Source: palm oil
Age: 58 – World rank: 1650
73. Oei Hong Leong
– Net worth: $1.4 B – Country: Singapore – Source: investments
Age: 69 – World rank: 1650
73. Robert Coyiuto, Jr.
– Net worth: $1.4 B – Country: Philippines – Source: power
Age: 65 – World rank: 1650
78. Alexander Tedja
– Net worth: $1.3 B – Country: Indonesia – Source: real estate
Age: 72 – World rank: 1756
78. Djoko Susanto
– Net worth: $1.3 B – Country: Indonesia – Source: supermarkets
Age: 68 – World rank: 1756
78. Eduardo Cojuangco
– Net worth: $1.3 B – Country: Philippines – Source: food, drinks
Age: 82 – World rank: 1756
78. Jeffrey Cheah
– Net worth: $1.3 B – Country: Malaysia – Source: property
Age: 72 – World rank: 1756
78. Long Tran Dinh
– Net worth: $1.3 B – Country: Vietnam – Source: steel, heavy industry
Age: 57 – World rank: 1756
83. Harjo Sutanto
– Net worth: $1.2 B – Country: Indonesia – Source: consumer goods
Age: 91 – World rank: 1867
83. Lim Wee Chai
– Net worth: $1.2 B – Country: Malaysia – Source: rubber gloves
Age: 60 – World rank: 1867
83. Phongthep Chiaravanont
– Net worth: $1.2 B – Country: Thailand – Source: diversified
Age: 66 – World rank: 1867
83. Rit Thirakomen
– Net worth: $1.2 B – Country: Thailand – Source: restaurants
Age: 66 – World rank: 1867
83. Ron Sim
– Net worth: $1.2 B – Country: Singapore – Source: retail
Age: 59 – World rank: 1867
88. Chatchai Kaewbootta
– Net worth: $1.1 B – Country: Thailand – Source: auto loans
Age: 66 – World rank: 1999
88. Hary Tanoesoedibjo
– Net worth: $1.1 B – Country: Indonesia – Source: media
Age: 52 – World rank: 1999
88. Koh Wee Meng
– Net worth: $1.1 B – Country: Singapore – Source: real estate, hotels
Age: 54 – World rank: 1999
88. Manas Chiaravanond
– Net worth: $1.1 B – Country: Thailand – Source: diversified
Age: – World rank: 1999
88. Min-Liang Tan
– Net worth: $1.1 B – Country: Singapore – Source: gaming
Age: 40 – World rank: 1999
88. Niti Osathanugrah
– Net worth: $1.1 B – Country: Thailand – Source: investments
Age: 44 – World rank: 1999
88. Prathip Chiaravanond
– Net worth: $1.1 B – Country: Thailand – Source: diversified
Age: – World rank: 1999
88. Roberto Ongpin
– Net worth: $1.1 B – Country: Philippines – Source: diversified
Age: 81 – World rank: 1999
88. Soegiarto Adikoesoemo
– Net worth: $1.1 B – Country: Indonesia – Source: chemicals
Age: 79 – World rank: 1999
88. Sukanto Tanoto
– Net worth: $1.1 B – Country: Indonesia – Source: diversified
Age: 68 – World rank: 1999
88. Tiong Hiew King
– Net worth: $1.1 B – Country: Malaysia – Source: timber, media
Age: 82 – World rank: 1999
88. Yupa Chiaravanond
– Net worth: $1.1 B – Country: Thailand – Source: diversified
Age: – World rank: 1999
100. Pete Bodharamik
– Net worth: $1 B – Country: Thailand – Source: telecom
Age: 45 – World rank: 2124
100. Sathien Setthasit
– Net worth: $1 B – Country: Thailand – Source: energy drinks
Age: 63 – World rank: 2124
100. Surin Upatkoon
– Net worth: $1 B – Country: Thailand – Source: telecom, lotteries, insurance
Age: 68 – World rank: 2124
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