Ma Jianrong: $7.7 billion (£6bn)
The Shenzhou International Group is not widely known outside Asia, but its products are worn by people all over the world. Ma Jianrong is chair of the sportswear and casual clothing manufacturer, a major supplier for Nike, Adidas, Uniqlo and others. The 55-year-old started out on the factory floor, but took over from his father as chair at 33, before they bought the company. The business is now publicly traded and employs more than 70,000 workers. While he is married, Ma has no children.