7-2-2025 (SINGAPORE) Hotel tycoon and Formula 1 pioneer Ong Beng Seng is fighting bone marrow cancer whilst facing corruption-related charges, according to sources familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The 79-year-old Malaysian businessman, a towering figure in Singapore’s hospitality sector, has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a rare and aggressive form of bone marrow cancer, two close associates have disclosed. The condition, which affects plasma cells in the bone marrow, requires intensive treatment, and Mr Ong is currently undergoing chemotherapy.
The health revelation comes amidst Mr Ong’s ongoing legal troubles connected to former Singapore Transport Minister S Iswaran. The property magnate faces two charges, including allegedly facilitating an all-expenses-paid journey to Doha valued at S$20,850 for the ex-minister in December 2022.
A second charge relates to allegedly assisting in the obstruction of justice by helping Mr Iswaran with a S$5,700 business-class flight payment to Singapore GP during an active corruption investigation in May 2023.
When approached for comment, representatives for both Mr Ong and Hotel Properties Limited, where he serves as managing director, declined to discuss his medical condition.
Mr Ong, widely credited for bringing Formula 1 racing to Singapore in 2008, had previously sought court permission to travel abroad for medical treatment. The court granted his request to visit London and the United States on 30th October, though the specific nature of his medical requirements remained undisclosed during proceedings.
The case against Mr Ong remains in its preliminary stages, with his latest pre-trial conference adjourned until 28th February to allow his defence team to review their position. Court documents indicate that he has received a response to representations, and his bail status continues.
The charges mirror those to which Mr Iswaran pleaded guilty, resulting in a 12-month prison sentence. The former minister, who began serving his sentence in October, has recently been transferred to home detention.
If found guilty, Mr Ong could face up to two years’ imprisonment for abetting Mr Iswaran under Section 165 of the Penal Code. The obstruction of justice charge carries a more severe maximum penalty of seven years’ incarceration. Both charges also carry potential fines.
