Singapore tycoon Robert Ng, his 3 children to be designated ‘politically significant persons’ under foreign interference law over links to China body

“To be clear, the intended designations of the four individuals are not because they have engaged in any egregious activity,” the ministry said in a press release. 

Mr Robert Ng and his children declared their involvement shortly before Mar 1, 2024, which was the deadline for Singapore citizens to declare their memberships with foreign legislatures or foreign political organisations. 

Singaporeans who were already members before Feb 1, 2024, had to do so by Mar 1 that year.

“We took some time to carefully assess the declarations thereafter, to determine if they crossed the thresholds for designation,” said MHA in response to CNA queries. 

“Politically significant persons” can include political parties, political office holders, Members of Parliament, election candidates and their election agents. 

As a designated politically significant person, they must disclose to the registrar annually political donations of S$10,000 (US$7,400) or more that they receive and accept. They also have to disclose their foreign affiliations and migration benefits.

As of Mar 31, seven Singaporeans have declared their memberships in foreign legislatures or foreign political organisations, MHA said. 

Of the seven individuals who made declarations, the ministry has only issued the notices to the four members of the Ng family, it added. 

Mr Robert Ng, 72, is chairman of Sino Group, one of Hong Kong’s leading property developers with interests in residential, commercial, hospitality and retail real estate.

He is the eldest son of the late tycoon Ng Teng Fong and, together with his brother Philip Ng, controls Far East Organization – Singapore’s largest private property developer and landlord.