Biography
Dato’ Ong Beng Seng, born on 1 January 1946 and commonly known by his initials OBS, is a Malaysian billionaire businessman based in Singapore.
He is best known for founding Hotel Properties Limiteda company with many diverse interests, especially in the hospitality industry. Ong was instrumental in bringing Formula One to Singapore, helping to establish the city’s first F1 night race in 2008 as chairman of the Singapore GP, the race’s official organiser.
In addition to his business ventures, Ong’s name also surfaced in a 2023 corruption case involving former Singapore Transport Minister S. Iswaran, which led to his arrest and subsequent release from prison. grandmother. This episode temporarily disrupted his reserved and modest image. Despite the controversy, Forbes listed Ong and his wife, Christina Ong, with a combined net worth of about $1.75 billion as of September 2022, placing them among Singapore’s wealthiest individuals.
Malaysian businessman
Ong Beng Seng |
|
|---|---|
 Ong Beng Seng: History ‧ Bio ‧ Photos |
|
| Wiki Info & About Data | |
| Real name: | Dato’ Ong Beng Seng |
| Stage name: | Ong Beng Seng, OBS |
| Born: | January 1, 1946 (age 78) |
| Place of birth: | Sabah, Malaysia |
| Nationality: | Malaysia, Singapore |
| Education: | not applicable |
| Height: | 1.62 m |
| Parents: | Mr. and Mrs. Mr |
| Siblings: | Beng Huat, Beng Lim, Beng Min |
| Couple: | Christina Ong |
| Girlfriend • Partner: | not applicable |
| Children: | Melissa Ong Cheng Sim, Jonathan Ong Cheng Hee |
| Job: | businessmen |
| Net worth: | 1.75 billion USD (USD) |
Early Life & Education
Ong Beng Seng was born in January 1946 in Teluk Anson, British Malaya, now known as Teluk Intan, Malaysia. His family moved to Singapore when he was four years old.
Ong is of Chinese descent, assimilating into the significant Chinese community in Malaysia. The specifics of his religion are not often discussed, but given his heritage, he may follow traditional Chinese beliefs or may practice Buddhism, Taoism, or Christianity.
Ong has siblings named Beng Huat, Beng Lim and Beng Min, although details about them remain confidential. As with his later business ventures, his family background shows that he had a business-oriented upbringing. Regarding his educational background, there is no public information detailing where he studied.
Given his career path and the era in which he grew up, it made sense for him to be educated in Singapore, which would have included local and possibly international studies, given his global business commitments. his future request.
Career
Ong Beng Seng, born in January 1946 in Teluk Anson, British Malaya (now Teluk Intan, Malaysia), moved to Singapore at the age of four, where he began building a successful career in business. He started working at a ship insurance company, which marked the beginning of his professional journey.
His big breakthrough came when he ventured into the hotel industry, founding Hotel Properties Limited (HPL). This company played a key role in establishing him as a key figure in the hotel and real estate sectors.
Ong is best known for bringing Formula 1 racing to Singapore, and also serves as chairman of the Singapore GP, the event’s organiser. Under his leadership, the first F1 night race in 2008 not only enhanced Singapore’s global reputation but also demonstrated its ability to integrate business with entertainment and tourism at an international level.
However, Ong’s career also faced many controversies. In 2023, he became embroiled in a corruption investigation related to his dealings with Singapore’s Transport Minister, S. Iswaran. The case draws attention to the complex relationship between business and politics in Singapore. Even so, Ong’s business interests span many industries, including fashion and luxury goods, largely through his wife, Christina Ong, who co-owns and manages COMO Group.
As of September 2022, Forbes listed Ong and his wife as having a combined net worth of approximately US$1.75 billion, placing them among the richest people in Singapore. His influence extends far beyond Singapore, with investments and operations in Asia, Europe and Africa, including hotels, real estate and fashion.
Ong’s business style is often described as discreet. He has a knack for executing high-profile deals and partnerships that have significantly boosted Singapore’s economy and culture. His role in bringing Formula 1 to the city was not just about motorsport; it is a strategic move aimed at enhancing Singapore’s status as a global hub for luxury and leisure.
Personal life
Ong Beng Seng, a prominent Malaysian businessman based in Singapore, was married to Christina Ong (née Fu) for most of his life. They first met in 1975 when they both worked at Kuo International, a company founded by Christina’s father, Peter Fu Yun Siak.
Christina is not only Ong’s life partner but also his business partner, with a strong presence in the fashion and hospitality sectors through COMO Groupinclude Club 21 And COMO Hotels and Resortshighlighting her impact on the luxury market.
The couple has two children, a daughter named Melissa Ong Cheng Sim and a son named Jonathan Ong Cheng Hee.
Net worth
Ong Beng Seng and his wife, Christina Ong, are listed by Forbes as having a combined net worth of $1.75 billion, ranking them among the richest people in Singapore.
Their fortune stems from expanding business ventures, with Ong at the helm. Hotel Properties LLCincludes luxury hotels such as the Four Seasons in Singapore and Christina oversees the COMO Group, which specializes in fashion retail, luxury hotels and major real estate investments, including stakes in Mulberry and real estate. Prime property on Bond Street in London.
Their financial success also reflects participation in high-profile business transactions, such as the acquisition of commercial assets from Singapore Press Holdings in partnership with Temasek Grouphighlighting their significant influence in the real estate and hospitality sectors.
