Who is Ong Beng Seng, the property tycoon linked to Singapore’s fallen ex-minister Iswaran?

The co-founder of Hotel Properties Limited (HPL) has found himself embroiled in controversy – for a second time – and is charged with abetting Iswaran’s offences and obstructing justice.

A former associate of Ong called him “everything of a shrewd businessman; flamboyant and a risk taker to win deals”.

“A super networker, he can smell great business opportunities from miles away,” said the source who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Another former business associate from the region expressed sympathy for Ong and told This Week in Asia: “He really loves Singapore so much. And he did so much for the place. He injected the city state with style and pizazz.”