Billionaire Kwee Brothers – Raising Riches in Real Estate

Overview

The Kwee brothers from Singapore are among the world’s richest, with a net worth of $5.4 billion each as of 2021, according to Forbes. They inherited their wealth primarily from their family’s real estate business, Pontiac Land Group, which has a portfolio of luxury properties across the globe.

Early Life and Education

Brothers Kwee Liong Keng, Kwee Liong Tek, Kwee Liong Seen, and Kwee Liong Phing were born in Surabaya, Indonesia in the 1940s to a Chinese Indonesian family. Their father, Hendra Kwee, founded Pontiac Land in 1961, which then became one of the largest property development companies in Singapore.

All four brothers received their education from universities in the United States. Kwee Liong Keng holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Washington, while Kwee Liong Tek holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Southern California.

Kwee Liong Seen and Kwee Liong Phing both graduated from Cornell University, with degrees in architecture and design.

Career and Achievements

The Kwee brothers took over the family business in the 1980s, working to expand the company’s real estate portfolio beyond Singapore. They have been involved in numerous prestigious projects, including the refurbishment of the Ritz-Carlton Millenia in Singapore and the development of luxury apartments along the High Line in New York City.

In addition to their real estate ventures, the Kwee brothers have also invested in technology companies, such as artificial intelligence startup Vicarious and Los Angeles-based fintech firm Dave.

Their success in the real estate industry has earned them numerous accolades, including the Urban Land Institute Singapore’s Visionary Developer of the Year award, as well as spots on Forbes’ list of Asia’s 50 Richest Families.

Personal Life

The Kwee brothers are known for their low-profile lifestyles, but have made news for their philanthropic efforts. They have donated millions of dollars to causes such as education, healthcare, and the arts.

Kwee Liong Keng is also an accomplished photographer, with his works being exhibited in galleries across Asia.

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