If there’s one thing the ultra-rich love, it’s telling the rest of us that “money isn’t everything” while sitting on fortunes big enough to power a small nation. But Hong Kong billionaire Hui Sai-fun took that idea to a whole new level by building a financial setup so legendary that people are still trying to process it.
Instead of doing the usual billionaire thing — chopping up his estate into bite-sized pieces and passing it down like ang bao — he went full mastermind mode. He parked his US$5.35 billion fortune into a long-term family trust designed to drip out money slowly, steadily, and basically forever.
And when I say forever, I don’t mean a few decades. Analysts say the setup could last up to 1,750 years. That’s basically:
- 70 generations of descendants
- Surviving multiple empires
- Outliving several versions of iPhone, Singapore MRT lines, and probably even civilisation as we know it
Honestly, if you asked me, this man didn’t just build generational wealth. He built a financial Jurassic Park.
A Monthly Allowance That Could Make Anyone Convert to Filial Piety
Fifteen family members — including his surviving son, Julian — get HK$2 million per month. Each.
Yes, every month someone is waking up, stretching, checking their bank app, and seeing HK$2 million magically appear. That’s more than US$3 million per person every year… just for existing in the family WhatsApp chat.
Meanwhile, the principal of the trust? Untouched. Growing. Quietly judging the rest of us budgeting for cai png.
No wonder social media exploded. Everyone started imagining what life would look like if their “monthly allowance” wasn’t $50 from Mum but a financial waterfall that never runs dry.
Who Exactly Was This Hui Sai-fun?
For those wondering why this man’s name suddenly feels like it deserves its own Netflix documentary, here’s a breakdown.
1. A Family Built on Ships and Skyscrapers
Hui Sai-fun was the youngest son of Hui Oi-chow, famously known as the “King of Ships.”
The family first made their fortune in shipping before hopping onto Hong Kong’s gold mine — real estate.
After his father passed away, Hui took the wheel and steered the empire into mega-profitable territory. His portfolio? Think Central Building, Highcliff (that super tall skinny tower the internet always roasts for looking like Jenga), and other prime properties that make real-estate agents sweat with jealousy.
2. A Billionaire Who Preferred Staying Low-Key
While some tycoons love the spotlight, Hui behaved like money was a ninja.
He rarely appeared in public and lived quietly, despite being listed among Hong Kong’s richest several times.
His passions?
Not yachts.
Not supercars.
Not showing off in front of paparazzi.
He loved horse racing — and he wasn’t just playing. He was the first local owner to rack up more than 100 race wins. Not bad for someone who didn’t shout about it.
3. A Family Tree Packed With Interesting Characters
Hui had three children:
- Jenkin Hui (passed in 2014),
- Julian Hui Chun-hang,
- Hui Suet-yuen.
Julian, the most public-facing, was previously married to Pansy Ho, daughter of casino legend Stanley Ho. Later, he married Michele Reis, former Miss Hong Kong and actress. Their wedding reportedly cost HK$100 million — the kind of event where even the flowers came with bodyguards.
The family later moved to the UK for their son’s education, because apparently even billionaires worry about school rankings.
4. The Next Generation: Building Their Own Legacy
Jonathan Hui, the grandson, decided to go fast — like literally fast.
He made history as the first Hong Kong driver to win the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup in the Pro-Am category.
Granddad built wealth.
Grandson collects trophies.
Honestly, not bad.
Why Hui Sai-fun’s Trust Strategy Is So Wild
Most inheritance stories go like this:
Wealthy person passes. Family fights. Lawyers get rich. Money disappears faster than a flash sale.
But Hui wasn’t having any of that drama.
His HK$42 billion fortune was placed into a trust that releases a controlled monthly allowance. The idea?
- Keep the fortune growing.
- Give family members comfort but not reckless freedom.
- Prevent infighting.
- Remove temptations like “Eh, maybe I buy ten Ferraris. Just for fun.”
It’s basically a masterclass in “protect the money from everyone, including the people you love.”
And honestly? Genius.
My Take (Because You Know I Have Opinions)
Let’s be real — if you asked any Singaporean, “Would you like HK$2 million every month for the rest of your life?”
The answer is faster than “Want to go makan?”
But beyond the envy, Hui’s move says a lot about the world we’re living in.
First, the gap between the super-rich and the rest is starting to feel like two different universes. Not even “rich vs poor” — more like “Earth vs Mars.”
Second, he clearly didn’t trust generational self-control, and honestly, who would? One wrong generation and poof — 100 years of wealth gone.
Third, his trust isn’t just about protecting money. It’s about creating structure, discipline, and a level of stability that most families can only dream of.
If anything, his decision is a reminder that wealth doesn’t just need to be earned — it needs to be managed with long-term brains.
Is it unfair?
Maybe.
Is it brilliant?
Also yes.
Would I say no to a system that pays me HK$2 million a month?
Absolutely not. I will hold that money like national treasure.
Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Hui Sai-fun (許世勳) |
| Lifespan | ~1921 – 5 Dec 2018 |
| Primary Business | Chairman of Central Development (Real Estate) |
| Legacy Assets | HK$42 billion estate placed in trust |
| Trust Payout | HK$2 million per month to 15 family members |
| Estimated Duration | ~1,750 years |
| Interests | Horse racing — 100+ wins |
| Notable Family | Son Julian Hui; grandson Jonathan Hui (racing champion) |
