Kevin Kwan is a Singaporean-American author, known for his contemporary fiction novels that often feature satirical elements. He was born in Singapore and attended the Anglo-Chinese School in his youth. At the age of 11, Kwan moved to the United States, where he would eventually pursue a degree in creative writing from the University of Houston. Afterward, he moved to Manhattan to earn a BFA in Photography from the Parsons School of Design. Prior to becoming a full-time author, Kwan worked for various magazines and design firms, and even started his own creative studio, boasting clients such as Ted.com, the Museum of Modern Art, and the New York Times.
Kevin Kwan is perhaps best known for his "Crazy Rich Asians" series, which includes the novels "Crazy Rich Asians," "China Rich Girlfriend," and "Rich People Problems." The series, which has been translated into over 30 languages, became a cultural phenomenon and led to the highest-grossing romantic comedy in over a decade when it was adapted into a film. In 2018, Time Magazine named Kwan as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World. Despite his success, Kwan still dreams of living in Italy.
It is worth noting that Kwan comes from a prominent and wealthy family in Singapore. His great-grandfather was the founder of the Oversea Chinese Banking Corporation, one of the oldest banks in Singapore. Kwan himself attended the Anglo-Chinese School, a prestigious institution that has produced many of Singapore's prominent politicians, athletes, and business leaders. When he was 17, Kwan moved to the United States, where he studied Media Studies at the University of Houston before pursuing a photography BFA at Parsons School of Design. Kwan's personal and educational background have undoubtedly influenced his writing, providing him with a unique perspective on wealth, status, and identity.