When heritage meets global ambition

Business Times

a day ago

FROM Fraser and Neave, Limited's ('F&N') founding in 1883 to Frasers Property's evolution into a multinational real estate group, the journey of these two iconic homegrown companies reflects Singapore's own – defined by resilience, innovation and a commitment to excellence.
Rooted in Singapore's heritage, both companies continue to evolve as part of the TCC Group helmed by Thailand's Sirivadhanabhakdi family. This has opened new chapters for growth and reinforced their shared ambition and regional leadership, with Singapore remaining at the heart of their story.
F&N, renowned for its iconic soft drinks and dairy products, has grown into a diversified ASEAN consumer group, offering everything from beverages and packaged foods to educational publishing. Now a Thai Beverage subsidiary, Singapore-headquartered F&N draws on its heritage to offer a wide range of winning products and strengthen its leadership across the region.
Frasers Property is today a multinational real estate investor, developer and manager in 20 countries. Its first hospitality property, Fraser Suites Singapore, sits on the site of F&N's former soft drink bottling plant – a meaningful connection to their shared legacy. From suburban malls serving as vibrant social hubs to award-winning residences, mixed-use, commercial and hospitality properties, its Purpose – Inspiring experiences, creating places for good. – guides its transformation of Singapore's skyline as it enhances the quality of life, connects businesses and strengthens communities.
As Singapore celebrates its diamond jubilee, F&N and Frasers Property honour their shared heritage and look ahead – united in their commitment to inclusive, sustainable growth for generations.
Milestones that mirror a nation's journey
1883: F&N's story starts in Singapore, where John Fraser and David Neave established The Singapore and Straits Aerated Water Company to produce carbonated soft drinks.
Making a splash since 1883.
1898: F&N was publicly listed in Singapore.
1931: F&N co-founded Asia Pacific Breweries Ltd ('APB') with Heineken N.V. Holland ('Heineken'), introducing beer production to Singapore and the region.
1936: Secured Coca-Cola bottling rights for Singapore and Malaysia, cementing F&N's ASEAN beverage leadership for 75 years.
1959: F&N entered the dairy business in Singapore.
F&N entered the dairy business 66 years ago.
1983:
Launched 100PLUS, Singapore's first isotonic drink, to mark F&N's centenary.
The Centrepoint property development was launched.
The Centrepoint was the first property developed by Frasers Property in 1980.
1985: Relocated brewery and soft drinks plants to develop landmark residential and commercial properties, supporting Singapore's urban growth.
1988: Centrepoint Properties Limited ('CPL') listed and subsequently became a subsidiary of F&N in 1990.
1998: Expanded into hospitality with two openings in Singapore, Fraser Suites and Fraser Place.
2000:
Acquired Times Publishing Group, one of Singapore's leading publishing and printing companies.
International expansion into real estate in the UK.
2006:
CPL was rebranded Frasers Centrepoint Limited ('FCL') and launched its first REIT, Frasers Centrepoint Trust.
F&N acquired Nestle's liquid canned milk business in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Brunei.
2013: F&N and FCL became part of TCC Group, marking a new chapter of growth and investment.
2014: FCL relisted as Frasers Property Limited ('FPL').
2019: FPL built key platforms – Frasers Property Industrial, scaled in Thailand and retail in Singapore.
2020: Completed merger to form Frasers Logistics & Commercial Trust.
Alexandra Point was Frasers Property's first commercial building and the present headquarters of both F&N and Frasers Property.
2021-2022:
F&N entered the packaged food segments, acquiring Sri Nona Companies and Cocoaland Holdings.
FPL introduces its Purpose, reflecting the company's focus on creating long-lasting value for its stakeholders.
2023: F&N and FPL jointly celebrated 140 years of heritage in Singapore, reaffirming their roots as homegrown, household names that are part of the nation's growth story.
2024: TCC Group and Thai Beverage Public Company Ltd (ThaiBev) completed a strategic share swap, making F&N a ThaiBev subsidiary while TCC Group increased its shareholding in FPL.
Two CEOs on legacy, impact and the future
Ms Soon Su Lin, CEO of Frasers Property Singapore, and Mr Hui Choon Kit, CEO of Fraser and Neave, Limited, reflect on 142 years of shared heritage, evolution, and their continued commitment to Singapore's future.
How has Singapore's identity and heritage shaped the way you do business?
Soon Su Lin: Singapore's diversity, far-sightedness and global outlook have shaped how we operate at Frasers Property. These qualities guide our approach to creating inclusive, future-ready spaces that reflect our city's dynamism and care for people. Our developments – both in Singapore and across 20 countries – are built with purpose, and a deep respect for diverse communities. We are proud of our heritage in Singapore and this is reflected in how we brand our suburban malls, which act as social hubs in the communities we serve.
Hui Choon Kit: F&N's journey reflects Singapore's transformation into a vibrant, innovation-driven nation. Shaped by values of multiculturalism, resilience and excellence, we embrace innovation, build trusted brands that serve evolving community needs, and grow with purpose. This entrepreneurial mindset has guided our evolution – our beginnings in soft drinks to a diverse portfolio spanning non-alcoholic beverages, beer, publishing and printing. Staying true to our roots, we continue to enrich lives at home and across ASEAN and beyond.
What role has your company played in shaping Singapore's urban transformation?
Soon Su Lin: We're proud to play a key role in the Singapore story, building spaces where one can work, live and play, all within the vicinity.
As the largest prime suburban mall operator, our malls serve over half of Singapore's population. They are vibrant social hubs, with communal facilities, placemaking initiatives and tenant offerings bringing people together.
To date, we have delivered more than 23,000 quality homes. We continue to transform precincts, including redeveloping Robertson Walk into The Robertson Opus, which will redefine luxury riverside living.
Contributing to Singapore's office sector, our commercial buildings provide quality flexible workspaces, community zones and digital solutions to tenants.
How has your brand evolved alongside Singapore's growth?
Hui Choon Kit: Our brands like F&N, 100PLUS, F&N MAGNOLIA, and F&N NUTRISOY have grown alongside Singapore, becoming household names woven into daily life, from school canteens to family meals and festive celebrations.
As lifestyles evolve, we continue to innovate in support of healthier living. 100PLUS helps Singaporeans stay hydrated and active; F&N MAGNOLIA offers calcium-rich milk; and F&N NUTRISOY provides nutrient-rich soy-based beverages. They reflect our commitment to national health goals and nurturing healthier generations.
Everyday hydration with 100PLUS.
In addition to our non-alcoholic beverages, our heritage includes building some of Singapore's most iconic brands. In 1931, we co-founded APB with Heineken, playing a key role in building Tiger Beer into a globally recognised brand, rooted in Singapore's brewing heritage – a legacy we remain proud of today.
Beyond beverages, we have contributed to Singapore's knowledge economy through Marshall Cavendish Education ('MCE'), now empowering educators in over 95 countries.
Today, as part of the ThaiBev Group, we combine regional scale with strong local roots, aligned with Singapore's priorities of sustainability, food security and innovation. Our continued investments in regional dairy supply and sustainable packaging not only strengthen food resilience but also reflect our shared commitment to a healthier, more sustainable future.
What achievements in Singapore have influenced your business capabilities overseas?
Soon Su Lin: Our people-centric approach to real estate drives us to craft meaningful experiences for the community, earning us local and international accolades. Notably, our flagship mixed-use developments like Waterway Point and Watertown won FIABCI World Prix d'Excellence Awards, while our efforts to conserve and restore century-old warehouses in the Rivière integrated precinct attained URA's recognition. The Group's latest development is One Bangkok, the largest mixed-use district in Bangkok and the first LEED and WELL Platinum Neighbourhood District in Southeast Asia.
Across the Group, we value driving ESG impact, pioneering initiatives like Inclusion Champions locally to better support shoppers with special needs, and green solutions for food waste management in Singapore, Thailand and Australia.
Frasers Property's Inclusion Champions programme was launched in Singapore to better support shoppers with different needs.
Hui Choon Kit: Our greatest achievements in Singapore lie in building trusted, beloved brands – from pioneering 100PLUS, Singapore's first isotonic drink, to F&N MAGNOLIA and F&N NUTRISOY – that support active lifestyles and nourish generations. This strong foundation, rooted in Singapore's spirit of innovation and excellence, has sharpened our expertise and enabled us to grow confidently across ASEAN, where our brands are now widely recognised.
Building on this, we have also championed Singapore's education excellence through MCE – starting in local classrooms and now empowering educators in over 95 countries, bringing innovative learning solutions and Singapore's hallmark of educational excellence worldwide.
Above all, Singapore's commitment to food safety, operational excellence, and sustainability has strengthened our global capabilities – enabling us to deliver high-quality products and solutions confidently to communities worldwide.
What are your aspirations for the next 60 years?
Soon Su Lin: Frasers Property's Purpose – Inspiring experiences, creating places for good. – will guide how we invest, develop and manage our multinational multi-asset class portfolio. We are committed to sustainable value creation that delivers financial performance and positive societal impact.
ESG considerations are embedded throughout our value chain, from planning to operations and partnerships, ensuring our spaces are resilient and future-ready.
Real estate must go beyond economic value to foster well-being, inclusivity, and environmental stewardship. Looking ahead, we aim to share Singapore-born solutions across our footprint, amplifying our impact.
Ultimately, we aspire to deliver long-term value to stakeholders – investors, tenants and communities – while shaping a more sustainable, liveable future.
Hui Choon Kit: We aspire to build a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future, where F&N continues to enrich lives across generations. Our goal is to lead in areas that matter most: delivering trusted, high-quality products, advancing education solutions, and pioneering sustainable packaging innovations.
Anchored in Singapore's heritage and driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, we are committed to expanding across ASEAN and beyond, empowering communities, championing healthier lifestyles, and reinforcing Singapore's global relevance. Ultimately, we remain focused on creating long-term value while staying true to our purpose of enriching lives for generations to come.
Together, both companies share a common vision: to create long-term value through sustainability, innovation, and purpose-driven growth – shaping a future that honours our heritage while meeting the needs of tomorrow.