How Bling Empire’s Kane Lim is building his own empire: Rihanna made him a face for Fenty, he joined Selling Sunset’s Oppenheim Group … just don’t ask about his rich family

May 18 , 2022

Here’s a catch-up on what Kane Lim has been up to, ahead of Bling Empire season two. Photo: @kanelk_k/Instagram

Lim’s Singaporean family is involved in oil, shipping and property ventures – he keeps their details private, although scandalous reports of alleged fraud have surfaced

Fenty Beauty founder Rihanna contacted him directly after Bling Empire’s first season, and he became the first Southeast Asian to be a face of the brand

Kane Lim is both one of Bling Empire’s most hated and most loved stars. He has been accused of spreading Asian hate and riding on the coattails of his rich family … that is, if you dislike him. If you’re #TeamKane, you’re more likely to recognise that he is generous with his cash and doesn’t like to talk about his ridiculously wealthy background.

Kane Lim at a the Dolce & Gabbana dinner event. Photo: @kanelk_k/Instagram

As season two of Bling Empire continues to stir up all kinds of opinions, Lim has been working hard behind the scenes to make sure his fame continues – and by extension, his wealth. Here’s how he is determined to build his own empire, from considering new reality show options to having Rihanna in his corner.

His wealthy and private family – and that fraud probe

Kane Lim at the Roberto Cavalli Haute Couture presentation. Photo: @kanelk_k/Instagram

Not much his known about Lim’s family wealth, with the TV star choosing to keep his personal life private. The Cinemaholic reports that his family is involved in oil, shipping and property ventures, and hails from Singapore. In an interview with Yahoo! News, he said he purposefully decided to keep his family out of the spotlight, as he doesn’t want to depend on them. He also said that he is the black sheep of the family in the sense as he’s comparatively more “flashy” with his lifestyle, enjoying designer goods and luxury items, while his relatives lead simpler lives.

Kane Lim enjoys living the high life. Photo: @kanelk_k/Instagram

But in 2020, reports of one of Lim’s extended family members being involved in fraudulent activities emerged in the media. Bloomberg reported that US$3.5 billion in assets were frozen as investigations into dodgy deals began.

Kane’s father is believed to be Kenny Lim Oon Cheng. Kenny’s brother Lim Oon Kuin, the founder of Hin Leong Trading (HLT), filed for bankruptcy in 2020, reported Forbes.

However, Lim has never revealed the names of his family members and, in press interviews, the media is not allowed to ask about his family.

Is he eyeing a role in Selling Sunset?

Kane Lim won’t let go of Bling Empire – for now. Photo: @blingempires/Instagram

Select Voice

Choose your listening speed

Get through articles 2x faster

1.25x

250 WPM

Slow

Average

Fast

00:0000:00

1.25x