Biography
Dato’ Ong Beng Seng, born in January 1, 1946 and commonly referred to by his initials OBS, is a Malaysian billionaire businessman based in Singapore.
He is best known for founding Hotel Properties Limited, a company with diverse interests, particularly in the hospitality industry. Ong was instrumental in bringing the Formula One Grand Prix to Singapore, helping to establish the city’s first F1 night race in 2008 as chairman of Singapore GP, the race’s official promoter.
Beyond his business ventures, Ong‘s name surfaced in a 2023 corruption case involving Singapore’s former Transport Minister, S. Iswaran, leading to his arrest and subsequent release on bail. This episode momentarily disrupted his typically low-profile and secretive image. Despite the controversy, Forbes listed Ong and his wife, Christina Ong, with a combined net worth of approximately $1.75 billion as of September 2022, positioning them among Singapore’s wealthiest individuals.
Malaysian businessman
Ong Beng Seng | |
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Wiki Facts & About Data | |
Real Name: | Dato’ Ong Beng Seng |
Stage Name: | Ong Beng Seng, OBS |
Born: | 1 January 1946 (age 78 years old) |
Place of Birth: | Sabah, Malaysia |
Nationality: | Malaysian, Singaporean |
Education: | N/A |
Height: | 1.62 m |
Parents: | Mr. and Mrs. Ong |
Siblings: | Beng Huat, Beng Lim, Beng Min |
Spouse: | Christina Ong |
Girlfriend • Partner: | N/A |
Children: | Melissa Ong Cheng Sim, Jonathan Ong Cheng Hee |
Occupation: | Businessman |
Net Worth: | $1.75 billion (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, aligning with the significant Chinese diaspora in Malaysia. Specific details about his religion are not commonly discussed, but considering his heritage, he might follow traditional Chinese beliefs or could be Buddhist, Taoist, or Christian.
Ong has siblings named Beng Huat, Beng Lim, and Beng Min, though detailed information about them remains private. Given his later ventures, his family background suggests a business-oriented upbringing. Regarding his education, there isn’t widely known public information detailing where he studied.
Given his career path and the era in which he grew up, it’s plausible that he received an education in Singapore, which might have included both local and possibly international studies, given his later global business engagements.
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 his successful career in business. He started in an insurance firm for ships, which marked the beginning of his professional journey.
His major breakthrough came when he ventured into the hospitality industry, founding Hotel Properties Limited (HPL). This company has been pivotal in his rise as a key figure in the hotel and property sectors.
Ong is best known for bringing the Formula One Grand Prix to Singapore, serving as chairman of Singapore GP, the event’s promoter. Under his leadership, the first F1 night race in 2008 not only elevated Singapore’s global reputation but also demonstrated his ability to integrate business with entertainment and tourism on an international level.
However, Ong‘s career has also faced controversy. In 2023, he was drawn into a corruption investigation related to his dealings with Singapore’s Transport Minister, S. Iswaran. This case brought attention to the often intricate relationship between business and politics in Singapore. Despite this, Ong’s business interests span multiple industries, including fashion and luxury, largely through his wife, Christina Ong, who co-owns and manages the COMO Group.
As of September 2022, Forbes listed Ong and his wife with a combined net worth of approximately $1.75 billion, placing them among Singapore’s richest. His influence stretches far beyond Singapore, with investments and operations in Asia, Europe, and Africa, covering hotels, real estate, and fashion.
Ong‘s business style is often described as discreet. He has a talent for striking high-profile deals and partnerships that have significantly boosted Singapore’s economy and cultural scene. His role in bringing Formula One to the city wasn’t just about motorsports; it was a strategic move that enhanced Singapore’s standing as a global hub for luxury and entertainment.
Personal Life
Ong Beng Seng, a well-known Malaysian businessman based in Singapore, has been married to Christina Ong (née Fu) for much of his life. They first met in 1975 while both working 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 the COMO Group, which includes Club 21 and COMO Hotels and Resorts, highlighting 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, were listed by Forbes with a combined net worth of $1.75 billion, ranking them among Singapore’s wealthiest.
Their fortune stems from extensive business ventures, with Ong leading Hotel Properties Limited, which includes luxury hotels such as the Four Seasons in Singapore, and Christina overseeing the COMO Group, which spans fashion retail, luxury hotels, and major property investments, including stakes in Mulberry and prime real estate on Bond Street in London.
Their financial success also reflects involvement in high-profile business deals, such as acquiring commercial properties from Singapore Press Holdings in partnership with Temasek Holdings, highlighting their significant influence in the real estate and hospitality sectors.
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