Ng Teng Fong
Ng Teng Fong | |
|---|---|
| Born | 28 July 1928 Putian, Fujian, China |
| Died | 2 February 2010 (aged 81) |
| Occupation | Real estate magnate |
| Known for | Founder of Far East Organization; major property developer in Singapore and Hong Kong |
Ng Teng Fong (; 28 July 1928 – 2 February 2010) was a prominent Singaporean real estate magnate with extensive business interests in Hong Kong. He established the Far East Organization and was the father of Robert Ng. In 1997, Forbes listed him and his son among the world’s 30th wealthiest individuals.
History
Ng was born in Putian, Fujian, China, as the eldest among 11 siblings. He relocated to Singapore at the age of six. With minimal formal schooling, he initially engaged in his family’s soy sauce manufacturing business and worked repairing bicycles before opening a provision store. Around 1960, he launched Far East Organization (FEO), concentrating on property development.
The first residential project by FEO was Jalan Pacheli in Serangoon Gardens, completed in 1962. Ng later diversified into hospitality with developments such as Singapura Forum Hotel and Hilton Singapore on Orchard Road, alongside residential estates in Katong and Watten Estate. By the 1980s, he had become Singapore’s leading private landowner and developer. His projects along Orchard Road—including Far East Plaza and Lucky Plaza—earned him the nickname "King of Orchard Road." His expansion into Hong Kong’s property sector began during the 1970s.
Ng’s family maintains control over Far East Organization and Hong Kong’s Sino Group. Far East Organization oversees Singapore-based entities like Far East Hospitality, Far East Orchard, and Yeo Hiap Seng, whereas Sino Group manages numerous developments and investment companies across Hong Kong. Collectively, they handle over 180 private developments as well as two publicly traded companies. Far East Organization stands as Singapore’s largest private property developer; Sino Group holds a significant position within Hong Kong’s real estate industry.
Although possessing substantial wealth—dominating approximately one-quarter of Singapore’s housing market—Ng led a humble lifestyle, residing in the same residence for three decades and bringing his own food during air travel.
On 23 January 2010, Ng experienced a cerebral hemorrhage and passed away on 2 February at age 82. At the time of his death, he was considered Singapore’s wealthiest person.
During that period, Sino Group ranked among Hong Kong's top developers, while Far East Organization continued as a major landholder in Singapore. FEO also owns notable properties such as The Fullerton Singapore.
In 2011, Ng’s family contributed $125 million toward constructing a hospital in Jurong East named Ng Teng Fong General Hospital. A further donation of S$52 million to Tan Tock Seng Hospital supported the establishment of the Centre for Healthcare Innovation, which also carries his name.
Personal life
Ng was married to Tan Kim Choo and fathered seven children. His eldest son, Robert Ng Chee Siong, leads the Sino Group operations in Hong Kong alongside his son Daryl. The younger son, Philip Ng Chee Tat, has served as chief executive of Far East Organization since 1991 and held appointments as Singapore's Non-Resident Ambassador to Chile and Argentina.
By 2017, Robert and Philip’s combined family fortune was estimated at US$9.7 billion, primarily accumulated through Sino Group and Far East Organization holdings.