Five Taiwanese families included in billionaires list

The Walton family, which has dominated the upper echelons of the Forbes list in recent years, tumbled in this year's ranking as stock in the world's largest retailer dropped more than 10 percent in the past year.

S. Robson Walton, known as Rob, who last year ranked 10th, fell to 19th with US$15.8 billion. Christy Walton and Jim Walton tied for 17th with US$15.9 billion each, while Alice Walton followed Rob Walton at US$15.7 billion. Helen Walton, mother of the clan, did not make it into the top 20, landing at No. 21 with US$15.6 billion.

Investors in new industry sectors popped up on this year's list, most notably those with holdings in alternative energy and online gaming.

Australian Shi Zhengrong (施正榮), ranked No. 350, made his US$2.2 billion fortune through his solar energy company out of China. India's Tulsi Tanti, whose company owns Asia's largest wind farm, arrived at No. 562 with US$1.4 billion after his company went public in October.