Chow Yun Fat is rumoured to have a net worth of as much as S$981 million, or reportedly HK$5.6 billion.

And when he is dead, all that money would be given away to charity, according to him

No humblebrag

Chow, 63, who has a Singaporean wife, Jasmine Tan, is well-known as a frugal person.

As part of his modest lifestyle, he can be spotted taking public transport and lining up for tickets to watch his own movie.

He reportedly lives on just HK$800 (S$140) a month.

In his interview with South Korea's Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) a week before Christmas recently, Chow talked about why a simple meal is enjoyable.

Hailing from Lamma Island, which was once a traditional fishing village, he said a favourite of his is savoury Chinese turnips accompanied with rice.

He said: "I am happy if there's food to eat, because we were quite poor then. I'll be very happy eating sweet potatoes and vegetables, and even happier if I have chicken and meat during the new year."

Frugal life well-known

Chow's wife, Tan, previously mentioned how her husband often eats at street stalls and only gave up his beloved Nokia flip-phone when it died after years of use.

He is also often seen wearing clothes that are simple and don't cost much.

His shirt cost 98 yuan (S$19.50) and sandals cost another 15 yuan (S$3).

When previously asked why he likes to shop at discount shops despite his net worth, Chow replied: “I don’t wear clothes for other people. I just wear whatever I find comfortable.”

While in Taiwan in October 2018 promoting his latest film, Project Gutenberg, Chow was spotted riding the Taipei MRT, taking a jog at Da’an Forest Park, and running on the city’s Yangmingshan.

Cannot have money forever

Chow joined the 2015 Forbes' list of highest-paid actors in the world for the first time, sharing 24th place with Russell Crowe.

Chow said: "This money isn't something you possess forever. When you're gone one day, you have to leave it to others to use it."

This remark was made to MBC during his interview.

He also said: "You can't bring the money in your bank account with you after you die."

Chow added his wife "strongly supports" his decision.

Giving away money

Chow is affectionately nicknamed "Brother Fat" in Hong Kong, where he has won praise for his lack of an ostentatious lifestyle.

His wealth is a subject of speculation in the local media, but estimates always put it as hundreds of millions of dollars.

Chow has said he has no idea how much he is worth.

Chow's latest remarks has drawn attention back to what other wealthy people on Earth are doing.

Dozens of billionaire business figures have signed up to The Giving Pledge.

It was started by Bill Gates and Warren Buffet to encourage the world's wealthiest to donate their fortunes.

But Hollywood and Asian acting stars are conspicuously absent from the list.