It’s about 3.30 pm in Singapore and the sky has suddenly gone dark. Thunder cracks like a whip every few minutes, shaking the windows and sending the dogs in my apartment building into a frenzy. It’s the perfect setting for some storytelling, and I’ve got one heck of a storyteller—Tom Wright—on the line.
Together with Bradley Hope, his close friend and colleague from their previous lives as journalists for The Wall Street Journal, Wright co-wrote Billion Dollar Whale, the true story of disgraced Malaysian financier Jho Low, who siphoned billions of dollars from Malaysia’s sovereign wealth fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad, or 1MDB.
Described as “thrilling” by Bill Gates and named a Best Book of 2018 by the Financial Times and Fortune, Billion Dollar Whale is also a tale of obscene wealth. Not only had Low used the money to finance elections and purchase luxury real estate, he had Gatsby-like aspirations to climb the social ladder by throwing over-the-top parties and giving extravagant gifts.
Low once gave Paris Hilton a US$250,000 chip at a Las Vegas casino, spent US$8 million on diamond jewellery for then-girlfriend Miranda Kerr, bought a US$325,000 Ferrari for Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries’ wedding, and gifted Picasso and Basquiat paintings to Leonardo DiCaprio. He even helped finance the Hollywood movie The Wolf of Wall Street, and received a personal shout-out from DiCaprio as he accepted his Golden Globe for his starring role in the film as former stockbroker and convicted felon Jordan Belfort.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Mathew Leong
As the Norway-based Singaporean chef celebrates a milestone year both personally and professionally, he opens up about the toughest moments of his career and why failing is not an option
Asian Inspirations
Chef Ace Tan on his second restaurant, Asu-his love letter to regional Asian cuisine
State of the Arts
Arts nominated member of parliament Usha Chandradas discusses growing the creative economy by focusing on both supply and demand
Through a Curator's Lens
Circe Henestrosa, a fashion curator and the head of the School of Fashion at Lasalle College of the Arts, University of the Arts Singapore, merges her personal connection with artist Frida Kahlo with her extensive curatorial experience to explore intersecting themes of identity, disability and cultural heritage
Second Nature
Poet and educator Yong Shu Hoong brings fresh perspectives to the helm of the Singapore Writers Festival, from interdisciplinary perspectives to multilingual programmes
Wine Down
Nothing wraps up the day like a nice glass of vino. From flashy hedonistic escapades to geeky watering holes, these new wine bars promise celebrated viniferous pours that will please even the most discerning of oenophiles
A Legacy in Silhouettes
Kristina Blahnik, CEO of the designer shoe brand Manolo Blahnik and the niece of its legendary founder, shares her insights on preserving the house's heritage and introduces the new Manolo's Silhouettes campaign
To Have and to Hold
With its sumptuous textures, Loro Piana's elegant autumn/winter 2024 collection is a chic celebration of craft, quality and the universal appeal of tactility
Scent of Strength
Hermès unveils its first chypre perfume, Barénia―a captivating fragrance crafted by renowned perfumer Christine Nagel that embodies bold femininity and celebrates the brand's rich heritage
Nocturnal Revival
Nighttime skincare rituals will get a boost of supercharged restoration with La Mer's new Rejuvenating Night Cream
