A Billionaire on the Rise

Peter Lim, once a humble remisier and now a billionaire, is making headlines this week as his Singapore-listed Thomson Medical Group announces a groundbreaking RM18 billion (S$5.5 billion) project in the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone. This ambitious development will integrate healthcare, luxury, retail, and lifestyle facilities.

Strong Connections with Royalty

Known not just for his wealth but also for his relationships, Lim's architectural firm RSP is reportedly set to earn a US$200 million contract to design a lavish residence for the Johor royal family, leveraging Lim's close ties with them.

A Journey from Rags to Riches

Born in 1953, Peter Lim grew up in a modest two-bedroom HDB flat in Bukit Merah, Singapore, where he was raised alongside seven siblings. With a drive to succeed, he worked various odd jobs—including as a cab driver—to support his education, eventually earning a degree in finance and accounting from the University of Western Australia.

Master of Stockbroking

Lim carved his niche in the stockbroking arena, earning the moniker “remisier king” by the 1980s. His reputation flourished as he navigated the markets, even earning millions in commissions from prominent Indonesian clients.

Building an Empire

The 1990s marked a pivotal moment for Lim when he invested US$10 million in an Indonesian palm oil venture. This strategic move paid off handsomely in 2010 when he sold shares in Wilmar International for a whopping US$1.5 billion.

Healthcare and Beyond

2011 saw Lim expand his portfolio by acquiring Thomson Medical for around US$396 million, and he recently made significant moves in the education sector by establishing high-end international schools in Southeast Asia.

A Healthcare Powerhouse

In 2017, he transformed Thomson Medical into a publicly-listed company, now part of TMG, which continues to make strides in regions like Vietnam. Lim's stakes in TMG demonstrate his ongoing influence in healthcare.

Family Affairs

Twice married, Lim has two children from his first marriage, and his second wife, former actress Cherie Lim, keeps a lower profile in the media despite their family’s connections to philanthropy and business. His son, Kiat Lim, is now involved in the family business.

Football Ties

Beyond business and royalty, Lim owns Valencia CF, a celebrated Spanish football club, which he purchased in 2014. Though his tenure has been met with criticism, Lim’s connections have kept him in the spotlight, as he also mingles with football icons like Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham.

A Heart for Philanthropy

Lim's impact extends far beyond profits; he has committed substantial resources to charitable causes, notably donating S$1 million in meals during the pandemic and contributing S$20 million to the Singapore Olympic Foundation.

The Future Looks Bright

With ventures spanning from healthcare to sports and education, Peter Lim's trajectory continues to intrigue. As he strengthens ties with the Johor Royal family and invests in global opportunities, many are watching to see what he does next!