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Li Xiting

Li Xiting (born 1951) is a Chinese-born Singaporean billionaire businessman best known as the co-founder and chairman of Bio-Medical Electronics Co., Ltd., a global leader in medical devices and healthcare solutions founded in 1991. Born in a rural village in Province, , Li joined the at age 18 before pursuing , graduating with a in low-temperature physics from the University of Science and Technology of in 1976. After working as a researcher at institutions including the Institute of Physics and in the 1980s, he joined Anke Technology in 1987, where he honed his expertise in medical equipment development. In 1991, Li co-founded with seven colleagues, including Xu Hang, starting with a modest to produce affordable medical monitors; the company quickly grew, launching its first product—a blood oxygen saturation monitor—in 1993 and achieving international certifications like ISO 9001 in 1995 and the mark in 2000. Under his leadership, expanded through strategic acquisitions, such as Datascope in 2008 and Zonare Medical Systems in the U.S., and went public on the in 2006 (raising $270 million) before listing on the in 2018. Today, operates more than 60 subsidiaries, employs over 21,000 people worldwide, serves more than 190 countries, and invests about 10% of its revenue in R&D across 12 centers, holding thousands of patents. Li became a naturalized Singapore citizen in 2012 and divides his time between Shenzhen and , where he is recognized as the wealthiest individual with a of $13.4 billion as of November 2025, primarily derived from his approximately 28% stake in . Beyond business, Li is a noted philanthropist, having donated over 140 million RMB to his , the University of Science and Technology of , including a 106.8 million RMB fund established in 2024 to support talent cultivation and scientific research, alongside earlier contributions for scholarships and medical equipment like automated external defibrillators. His journey from rural poverty to building a medical technology empire underscores his emphasis on innovation, rigorous scholarship, and sustainable enterprise.

Early life and education

Early life

Li Xiting was born in 1951 in Dangshan County, Province, , a rural area in eastern known for its pear and peach orchards. He grew up in a modest rural environment during the early post-revolutionary period of the , a time characterized by significant economic and social hardships in the countryside. At age 18 in 1969, Li joined the and served until 1973. Public records provide limited details on his family background or specific childhood experiences, though his origins in this agricultural region shaped his formative years.

Education

Li Xiting demonstrated determination in pursuing despite his modest origins. He enrolled at the University of Science and Technology of (USTC) in 1973 and graduated in 1976 with a degree in low temperature physics. Following his graduation, Li embarked on early research roles, working as a researcher at academic institutes in , including the Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, from 1976 to 1987. During the early 1980s, he served as a at Université Paris-Sud in , where he further advanced his knowledge in physics through international collaboration.

Professional career

Early career

After graduating with a background in physics, Li Xiting transitioned from to in the mid-1980s, leveraging his expertise in cryogenic physics to contribute to emerging medical technology development in . In 1987, Li joined Shenzhen Anke High-Tech Company, a partially established by the in the early 1980s, where he worked for four years in research and development roles focused on equipment. During his tenure at Anke, Li led the team's efforts to develop and launch 's first domestically produced (MRI) scanner in 1989, marking a significant in the country's push for self-reliance in advanced medical diagnostics. Li's early career at Anke unfolded amid broader challenges in China's nascent tech sector during the 1980s, including severe limitations on research funding and to imported components due to economic reforms and foreign restrictions. State influences further complicated operations, as partially owned enterprises like Anke navigated bureaucratic oversight from government bodies and the , which prioritized national priorities over rapid innovation and often hindered efficient R&D-production linkages. These constraints demanded resourceful problem-solving, with teams relying on domestic adaptations to overcome resource scarcity and achieve breakthroughs like the MRI project.

Founding and development of Mindray

In 1991, Li Xiting co-founded Shenzhen Bio-Medical Electronics Co., Ltd. in , , alongside Xu Hang, Cheng Minghe, and five other former colleagues from Anke, focusing from the outset on developing affordable medical devices. Drawing from his prior experience developing MRI equipment at Shenzhen Anke High-Tech, Li focused early efforts on addressing gaps in diagnostic and technologies. Mindray launched its first product, the MEC-509 multi-parameter patient monitor, in 1991, followed by China's first blood monitor in 1992 and the inaugural portable multi-parameter patient monitor (PM-9000) in 1997. This emphasis on patient monitoring systems was complemented by expansions into imaging with the introduction of China's first digital black-and-white system (DP-9900) in 2000 and a cart-based color Doppler (DC-6) in 2004. These developments positioned Mindray as a pioneer in affordable, high-quality medical devices tailored for emerging markets. In the 2000s, pursued aggressive growth strategies centered on substantial R&D investments, securing funding of $6 million by 1995 and establishing dedicated R&D centers in (2003) and (2006). International expansion accelerated with CE Mark certification in 1998 for exports, the first FDA approval in 2003, and strategic acquisitions like the U.S.-based Datascope patient monitoring business in 2008 and Zonare Medical Systems in 2013, enabling to penetrate global markets and evolve into a leading provider of medical devices.

Leadership roles and company milestones

Li Xiting has held key executive positions at Medical International Limited () since its inception. As a co-founder, he was appointed and co- in , roles he has maintained while also serving as a director from the company's founding. In November 2012, following Xu Hang's resignation as co-CEO, Li was appointed while retaining his position as , overseeing strategic operations amid the company's growth. By March 2015, he was appointed of the board, in addition to his ongoing roles as and CEO, guiding through a period of restructuring and international expansion. He continues to serve as chairman today. Under Li's leadership, Mindray achieved significant financial milestones. In September 2006, the company listed on the (NYSE) under the ticker symbol "MR," raising approximately US$270 million through an of American depositary shares, which funded global expansion and research initiatives. This listing marked Mindray's entry into public markets and boosted its visibility as a leading manufacturer. A pivotal event occurred in 2016 when was taken private through a management-led . The deal, completed on March 3, 2016, was valued at US$1.9 billion, with Li and other executives acquiring the company via a merger with Excelsior Union Limited, leading to its delisting from the NYSE and allowing greater flexibility in long-term strategy. The in 2020 drove a surge in demand for 's critical care products, particularly ventilators, significantly impacting the company's performance. In recent years, Mindray has continued its expansion through acquisitions such as a controlling stake in APT Medical in 2024 and initiatives like Project 2030, launched in September 2025 to advance globally.

Personal life

Family and privacy

Li Xiting maintains a notably private , with no publicly disclosed details about his spouse, children, or immediate family members. This absence of information underscores his deliberate approach to shielding family matters from public scrutiny. Despite achieving status and leading one of China's largest medical equipment companies, Li has consistently avoided media attention on his personal affairs, prioritizing discretion amid his high-profile business endeavors. His preference for a low-profile existence extends to limited public appearances or interviews that delve into non-professional topics.

Citizenship and residence

Li Xiting held citizenship from birth until 2018. In 2018, he became a naturalized citizen while continuing to reside primarily in , , where he divides his time between there and . This shift aligns with a broader trend among Chinese business leaders pursuing citizenship in to support global business diversification, leveraging the city-state's role as a premier financial and trade hub with stable policies and international connectivity.

Philanthropy

Donations to education

Li Xiting has made significant personal contributions to , with a particular focus on his alma mater, the University of Science and Technology of (USTC), where he earned his degree in physics. In January 2011, he donated 4.8 million RMB to USTC to support academic development and talent cultivation, reflecting his commitment to advancing scientific rooted in his own background in the field. As part of this pledge, Li committed to providing an additional 200,000 RMB annually to USTC's President's Fund from 2011 to 2014, further bolstering institutional resources for research and scholarships. In 2022, Li donated 1 billion RMB to Dangshan Middle School in Province to fund the construction of a new campus covering 123,600 square meters for 90 classes, with building starting in April 2023. Building on these efforts, Li's reached a major milestone in June 2020 when he personally donated 106.8 million RMB to USTC, establishing the Li Xiting Fund dedicated to the development of the School of Physics and the recruitment and nurturing of top talents in science and technology projects. This fund supports scholarships, faculty recruitment, and innovative initiatives, aiming to foster future leaders in physics and related disciplines at the university. Through these targeted gifts, Li has emphasized long-term investment in educational infrastructure and human capital at USTC, aligning with his vision for strengthening China's scientific ecosystem.

Support for global health initiatives

During the 2020 , , chaired by Li Xiting, donated medical devices valued at US$4.6 million to hospitals worldwide, targeting severely affected regions including in and to bolster frontline medical responses. This initiative provided essential equipment such as monitors and ventilators, directly supporting healthcare workers in combating the crisis. In the same year, Li personally contributed 107 million yuan (approximately US$16 million) to his , the Southern University of Science and Technology, to establish scholarships for students pursuing and , enhancing the pipeline of skilled professionals needed for challenges like the ongoing . This donation earned recognition from as part of their 2020 Asia's Heroes of Philanthropy list, highlighting its role in long-term health . Under Li's oversight, has advanced broader global health initiatives by prioritizing the development and distribution of affordable medical technologies, aligning with the company's mission to make healthcare more accessible in over 190 countries. This focus on cost-effective solutions, such as patient monitors and diagnostic tools, has enabled underserved regions to improve clinical outcomes without prohibitive expenses.

Wealth and recognition

Net worth and financial growth

Li Xiting's has experienced significant fluctuations primarily driven by his substantial ownership in Bio-Medical Electronics Co., Ltd., where he holds approximately 27-28% of the shares through various onshore and offshore vehicles. These holdings form the core of his wealth, with changes closely mirroring Mindray's stock performance on the and broader market demand for medical devices. In April 2021, amid heightened global demand for healthcare equipment, Li's net worth peaked at an estimated US$21.5 billion, reflecting Mindray's robust growth during the COVID-19 pandemic. By April 2024, as post-pandemic market dynamics shifted and sales growth moderated, his fortune declined to US$15.1 billion. As of November 2025, Forbes estimates his net worth at US$11.8 billion, influenced by ongoing volatility in the healthcare sector and Mindray's revenue of 36.7 billion yuan (about US$5.1 billion) in 2024. The 2016 privatization of , led by Li and co-founders who controlled about 63.7% of voting shares, delisted the company from the and paved the way for a 2018 relisting on the Shenzhen exchange, which substantially elevated its valuation and Li's personal wealth through higher domestic multiples. This strategic move capitalized on China's growing medtech market, contributing to long-term accumulation. The further accelerated his wealth growth in , with 's stock surging due to demand for ventilators and monitors, enabling Li to gain roughly $1 billion monthly at its height—adding $3.5-3.7 billion to his net worth by mid-year. Philanthropic donations, including equipment worth millions during the crisis, have modestly offset these net figures.

Rankings and honors

Li Xiting has been recognized multiple times as one of Singapore's wealthiest individuals, topping Forbes' list of Singapore's richest in 2021 with a net worth of US$23 billion. He retained the position as the richest Singaporean in 2024, before ranking fifth in 2025 with US$13 billion. On the global stage, Li appeared at #103 on Forbes' World's Billionaires List in 2023, with an estimated fortune of US$16.3 billion derived primarily from his stake in Mindray. As of November 2025, he ranks #241 globally. In recognition of his philanthropic efforts, Li was named to Asia's Heroes of Philanthropy list in 2020 for donating 107 million (approximately $16 million) to support relief efforts in , including medical supplies and community aid.

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