Entertainment

8 Famous Celebrities You Won’t Believe Are S’pore PRs (Including Famous Hong Kong Actors!)

2016-07-30 , 7:13 pm

A List of Hollywood and Hong Kong Celebrities in Singapore

Don’t let the quiet charm of Singapore fool you, it has become a magnet for international celebrities looking to escape the intrusive flash of the paparazzi. From its low taxes to its privacy-friendly culture, here are eight celebrities, including famed Hong Kong actors in Singapore, who have become Singapore Permanent Residents (PRs).

Jackie Chan – The Quintessential Hong Kong Actor in Singapore

Jackie Chan, an indisputable Hong Kong cultural icon, has been lighting up screens with his martial arts prowess since the 1960s. Chan has been a Singapore PR since 1998 and has invested significantly in Singapore property, demonstrating his love for the city-state. One of his most significant acquisitions includes the former Jinriksha Station for which he paid $11 million in 2007. In an act of philanthropy, Chan donated six historic houses to the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) in 2013.

Jet Li – From Beijing to Hollywood, Now A Singapore Resident

Jet Li, who debuted in the showbiz world with Shaolin Temple, has had an illustrious acting career spanning from Asia to Hollywood. Li made a bold move in 2009 by renouncing his American citizenship to become a Singapore citizen. He has since contributed to Singapore society by establishing the charitable “One Foundation”.

Gong Li – A Hollywood Celebrity in Singapore

Gong Li, known globally for her roles in Memoirs of a Geisha, Red Sorghum, and Raise the Red Lantern, switched her China citizenship for a Singaporean one in 2008. Despite some backlash from her home country, Gong has since made Singapore her home, showcasing the city-state’s appeal to Hollywood celebrities.

Vicki Zhao – The Sparkling Star from Hong Kong Now Shining in Singapore

Vicki Zhao shot to fame in 1998 with her TV series My Fair Princess. Today, she is among the famous people in Singapore, along with her businessman husband, Huang Youlong. Both are now Singapore PRs, drawn by the privacy and relative calm that the city-state offers.

Eduardo Saverin – A Tech Tycoon in the Ranks of Celebrities in Singapore

Eduardo Saverin, a name linked to Facebook, is also among the list of celebrities in Singapore. The Brazil-born entrepreneur co-founded Facebook during his Harvard days. Today, he is an influential investor supporting promising startups in the region.

Emil Chau – The Melodic Voice of the ’90s

Emil Chau was the Jay Chou of the ’90s. His heartfelt song, 朋友, is a common feature in graduation ceremonies across Singapore. Like his good friend Jackie Chan, Chau also invested in Singaporean property, further strengthening his connection to the city-state.

Cecilia Cheung – A Hong Kong Actor in Singapore Seeking Normalcy

Cecilia Cheung, who kickstarted her career in 1998, chose to settle down in Singapore to provide a “normal life” for her young sons, away from the constant prying of Hong Kong paparazzi. Her decision also highlighted Singapore’s exceptional education policy, proximity to Hong Kong, good air quality, and its straightforward populace.

Vivian Hsu – From Taiwan to Japan, Now a Singapore Resident

Vivian Hsu, who started her career as a member of ShaoNuDui (Girl’s Group), left singing temporarily to explore modelling and acting. After her breakthrough in Japan in 1995, she married her Singapore-based businessman husband in 2014. The couple has since been living in Singapore, joining the roster of Singapore’s famous people.

So next time you’re in Singapore, keep your eyes peeled. You might spot some of these Hong Kong actors and Hollywood celebrities in Singapore, relishing the privacy and charm that this city-state offers.