Robert Ng and Three Children Face Political Disclosure Rules Under Singapore’s Foreign Interference Law

“Singapore’s Ministry of Home Affairs has announced that billionaire Robert Ng Chee Siong and three of his children—Daryl Ng, Nikki Ng, and David Ng—will be formally designated as Politically Significant Persons (PSPs) under the nation’s Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Act.

The decision follows the family’s 2024 disclosure that they hold roles within a foreign political organisation. Specifically, all four are said to be affiliated with China’s Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), a high-level political advisory body.

According to the ministry, the designation stems solely from these affiliations. “To be clear, the intended designations are not based on any improper or harmful conduct,” the ministry emphasised in its public statement. The individuals were issued notices of their upcoming designation on Monday, 7 April.

Once designated as PSPs, they will be subject to specific transparency requirements. These include reporting foreign affiliations, disclosing migration incentives, and declaring any political donations amounting to S$10,000 or more annually to the Registrar.

Robert Ng, 72, is the chairman of Sino Group, a major property development company based in Hong Kong. He is the son of the late real estate magnate Ng Teng Fong, one of Singapore’s most influential businessmen. According to Sino Group’s website, Ng has served on multiple sessions of the CPPCC’s National Committee, including the 11th through the 14th.

His children also hold senior roles in the family business. Daryl Ng is listed as deputy chairman, Nikki Ng as a non-executive director, and David Ng is a group associate director, according to professional and corporate profiles.

The CPPCC, as described by China’s state authorities, is a platform designed to unite political parties, independent public figures, ethnic groups, and sectors of society to contribute to governance through political consultation and policy discussions.

The designation of the Ng family members follows the case of businessman Philip Chan Man Ping, who became the first Singaporean labelled as a PSP in February 2024. Various organisations, including the National Trades Union Congress and rights groups Think Centre and Maruah, have also received PSP classification.

Singapore’s foreign interference law, enacted to protect against covert influence from external entities, requires individuals deemed politically significant to maintain high levels of disclosure and transparency regarding political and foreign engagements.”