In Singapore, a country with a rapidly growing economy where luxury and wealth are everyday sights, many women have overcome great challenges to achieve financial success. Although they are now among the richest in the country, their stories began with very humble beginnings. These women have inspired thousands with their determination and courage. Here are five women who, thanks to their perseverance, went from "cleaner to millionaire."

1. Tan Lee Ling – From Housekeeper to Real Estate Empire Owner

Tan Lee Ling, now one of the most influential real estate investors, started her career as a housekeeper in a luxury apartment building on Orchard Road. Every day, she cleaned the homes of wealthy families, dreaming of a better life. One day, she decided that she wanted to invest in real estate herself. After years of saving and learning, she bought her first small apartment, and the rest is history. Today, Lee Ling manages a real estate portfolio worth hundreds of millions of dollars, and her success is proof that dreams are within reach if you’re willing to work hard.

2. Koh Mei Lin – From the Streets to the Top of the Tech World

As a teenager, Koh Mei Lin worked as a cleaner on the streets of Singapore, trying to support her family. However, her passion for technology and programming led her to learn coding through free online courses. After many years of honing her skills, she founded her first tech company. The company quickly grew, and today Koh Mei Lin is a billionaire, leading one of the largest software companies in Asia. Her journey to success is an example of how persistence and a desire to learn can take you to the top, no matter where you start.

3. Wong Sze Wei – Once a Cleaner, Now Owner of Luxury Brands

Wong Sze Wei began as a cleaner in boutiques along Orchard Road, dreaming of wearing the luxury clothes she saw in store windows every day. Determined to change her life, she enrolled in night entrepreneurship courses while saving every penny. After several years, she founded her own clothing brand, which quickly became a hit in Singapore. Today, she manages several luxury brands that sell exclusive clothing and accessories. Wong has become a symbol for women in Singapore who believe that hard work and dreams can lead to tremendous success.

4. Lim Chia Hui – From Domestic Helper to Billion-Dollar Startup Owner

Lim Chia Hui started as a domestic helper in HDB flats in Jurong, trying to support her family after a difficult childhood. Inspired by her employers, she began learning about marketing and management. After a few years of gaining experience, she founded her own e-commerce startup, which quickly gained popularity across the region. Her company is now worth over a billion dollars, and she inspires other women to follow their dreams. Lim emphasizes that anyone with the right vision and perseverance can build something great, even starting from the lowest rung.

5. Christina Ong – The Queen of Luxury in Asia

Christina Ong, known as the "queen of Orchard Road," comes from a wealthy family and built her empire of luxury hotels, boutiques, and fashion brands. Her story didn’t begin in poverty, but she deserves mention as one of the richest women in Singapore. Ong manages hundreds of luxury properties worldwide, and her business acumen has made her an icon of success and entrepreneurship. Although her story differs from the others on this list, her success is proof that women in Singapore play a key role in shaping the country’s economy.