10 most powerful billionaires in Asia – net worths, ranked: from India’s Gautam Adani and Mukesh Ambani, to Uniqlo’s Tadashi Yanai, Alibaba’s Jack Ma and Hong Kong’s ‘Superman’ Li Ka-shing
As Asia continues to grow and dominate the global economy, a select group of billionaires from the region have emerged as some of the most powerful and influential individuals in the world. They not only hold massive wealth, but also have significant business ventures and philanthropic initiatives that have made a substantial impact on the region and beyond.
Whether it’s Jack Ma’s vision for a global e-commerce platform or Mukesh Ambani’s investment in renewable energy, the impact of these powerful billionaires will surely continue to be felt for years to come.
Let’s see which Asian billionaires are not only making strides in global business but also leaving a legacy behind.
1. Mukesh Ambani – US$87 billion
Through Reliance Foundation, Ambani’s philanthropic initiatives include efforts in education, digital literacy, disaster relief, healthcare and rural development.
2. Zhong Shanshan – US$62 billion
3. Zhang Yiming – US$45 billion
4. Gautam Adani – US$44 billion
5. Li Ka-shing – US$38 billion
Li is known for his strategic investments and business acumen, and has been actively involved in philanthropy, donating significant portions of his wealth to education, healthcare and social causes. He is widely respected for his entrepreneurial achievements and his commitment to giving back to society.
6. Tadashi Yanai – US$37 billion
Founder and CEO of Fast Retailing from Japan, the parent company of Uniqlo, Tadashi Yanai has built a net worth of over US$37 billion. He has also been involved in various philanthropic initiatives, including disaster relief efforts, which demonstrate a commitment to social welfare, education and sustainability, both in Japan and around the world.
7. Pony Ma Huateng – US$35 billion
Ma has also been involved in philanthropy and environmental initiatives, including the Tencent Foundation, which he established in 2007. The foundation focuses on promoting education, supporting disaster relief efforts and providing assistance to underprivileged groups in China. It has donated millions of dollars to various causes, including building schools, providing scholarships and supporting healthcare programmes.
8. Robin Zeng – US$34 billion
Robin Zeng, also known as Zeng Yuqun, is a Chinese entrepreneur and the founder of CATL (Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd.), one of the world’s largest manufacturers of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles. With a net worth of over US$34 billion, Zeng has been instrumental in driving the development and adoption of clean energy solutions globally.
His philanthropic efforts are focused on sustainability and environmental causes. Through CATL’s innovative battery technology, he has indirectly contributed to the advancement of clean transportation and the reduction of carbon emissions.
9. William Lei Ding – US$28 billion
Founder and CEO of NetEase, a leading Chinese technology company with interests in e-commerce, gaming, and internet services, William Lei Ding boasts a net worth of US$27.9 billion.
Ding has also been involved in philanthropic initiatives, including the establishment of the Ding Foundation, which focuses on supporting educational programmes and initiatives that benefit underprivileged students and communities, with a particular emphasis on science and technology education.
10. Jack Ma – US$24 billion
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