Five Asian Billionaires Post World's Biggest Single-Day Wealth Gains
Three Chinese, one Japanese, and one South Korean tycoon collectively added billions to their fortunes, according to Forbes data from Monday, 28 September 2026.
Asian Tycoons Lead Global Wealth Surge
Five Asian individuals recorded the world's most significant wealth increases on Monday, 28 September 2026, according to Forbes data. This group included three tycoons from China, one from Japan, and one from South Korea. Their collective fortunes grew by billions of US dollars in a single day, highlighting the rapid impact of market performance on concentrated equity holdings.
Among them, China's Zhong Shanshan, founder of Nongfu Spring, led the gains, marking a notable concentration of wealth creation within the Asian business landscape.
Nongfu Spring Founder Tops List
Zhong Shanshan, 71, chairman of bottled water giant Nongfu Spring, saw his net worth climb by US$1.3 billion, reaching US$58.3 billion. Nongfu Spring, known for its bottled water, also produces ready-to-drink teas, juices, and functional beverages. Its shares commenced trading in Hong Kong in September 2020.
Zhong also holds control of Wantai Biological, a company specialising in rapid diagnostic tests for infectious diseases, including Covid-19. His son, Zhong Shu Zi, serves as a non-executive director at Nongfu Spring.
SoftBank, Meritz Chiefs See Major Boosts
Japan's Masayoshi Son, 69, chief executive of investment firm SoftBank Group, secured the second-highest gain, adding US$1.1 billion to his wealth for a total of US$75.4 billion. SoftBank Group maintains stakes in major technology entities like Apple and Qualcomm. Its Vision Funds have invested in over 400 companies, including Grab, Coupang, and Swiggy.
Following him was South Korea's Cho Jung-ho, 67, chairman of Meritz Financial Group, whose net worth increased by US$561 million to US$10.1 billion. Cho previously worked for Korean Airlines in Europe before joining Hanjin Investment & Securities, which later became Meritz.
Central New Energy and Muyuan Foods Founders Gain
Rounding out the top five were two more Chinese billionaires. Yu Zhuyun, 52, chairman and chief executive of Central New Energy Holding Group, saw his fortune rise by US$542 million to US$4.4 billion. Central New Energy operates across new energy, real estate, and wellness sectors, listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2018.
Qin Yinglin, 61, formerly chairman and chief executive of Muyuan Foods, China's largest pig breeder, gained US$535 million, bringing his net worth to US$19.9 billion. Qin stepped down from his leadership roles in June 2026, citing retirement age.
These significant single-day wealth surges underscore the concentrated value held by founders and major shareholders in Asia's publicly traded companies. Investors should note how market movements in key sectors – such as beverages, technology investments, financial services, and agriculture – can rapidly translate into substantial personal wealth for those at the helm.
This pattern highlights the potential for volatility in individual fortunes tied to large, influential Asian enterprises. Monitoring these sector-specific trends provides insight into broader capital flows and market sentiment across the region.
This article is journalism, not investment advice; consult a licensed professional before making financial decisions. Market data is indicative, may be delayed, and should be verified with your broker or exchange before use.
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