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Straits Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Contributing to Singapore's changing landscape
From bold moves in Sentosa Cove to trailblazing developments in one-north, Ho Bee Land's story is closely entwined with Singapore's urban evolution 'Perseverance, integrity, and excellence are not just values we hold – they are principles that have consistently guided us through economic cycles and evolving markets,' says Chua Thian Poh (left), Ho Bee Land founder and executive chairman with Nicholas Chua, Ho Bee Land CEO. FEW companies can claim to have physically shaped Singapore's landscape quite like Ho Bee Land. Over nearly four decades, the homegrown real estate group has grown from its modest beginnings to become a key contributor to some of the country's most ambitious precincts; most notably, Sentosa Cove and one-north. Founded in 1987 by entrepreneur and philanthropist Dr Chua Thian Poh, Ho Bee Land has progressed alongside Singapore's transformation from a developing city-state to a global economic powerhouse. Its journey reflects a mix of strategic foresight, resilience, and a belief in building for the long term. A pioneer at Sentosa Cove PHOTO: FILE In the early 2000s, when Sentosa Cove was still a blank canvas reclaimed from the sea, few saw the potential of the site as a prime residential enclave. Undeterred, Ho Bee Land was the first private developer to commit to the area, taking the lead in realising Singapore's vision for a world-class waterfront community. Ho Bee Land was the first private developer to commit to the Sentosa Cove area, taking the lead in realising Singapore's vision for a world-class waterfront community. PHOTO: FILE 'At that time, the concept of luxury waterfront living was new to Singapore, but we saw Sentosa Cove's potential to become a world-class seafront precinct,' says Chua. 'More importantly, we believed that such a precinct would strengthen Singapore's positioning as a global gateway city to attract international talent and capital.' That early belief has since paid off. Today, Ho Bee Land is the largest private developer in Sentosa Cove, responsible for five out of the 10 condominium developments and more than 50 landed homes in the area. Its projects, including The Berth by the Cove, The Coast, Turquoise, Seascape, and its latest flagship Cape Royale, set the tone for what luxury waterfront living in Singapore could look like. Cape Royale at Sentosa Cove. While the architectural excellence of its developments drew buyers, Ho Bee Land also had to overcome significant challenges to establish Sentosa Cove as a viable and desirable neighbourhood. 'Being a pioneer in uncharted territory naturally came with its share of challenges – from navigating new or unfamiliar regulations, to addressing early infrastructure needs. But we worked closely with the authorities and continually adjusted to respond to the evolving needs of the market,' reveals Chua. Today, as urban homes become more compact and densely situated, the value proposition of Sentosa Cove has only grown. 'Buyers increasingly value open layouts, tranquil surroundings, and the sense of space that waterfront living at Sentosa Cove uniquely offers,' says Chua. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. 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In 2013, Ho Bee Land completed The Metropolis, a 1.2 million sq ft Grade A office development that redefined commercial possibilities outside the Central Business District. It was, once again, ahead of the curve. The same vision and risk appetite that defined Ho Bee Land's role in Sentosa Cove would later guide its move into one-north, Singapore's master planned innovation district in the west. 'We saw one-north as a strategically located city-fringe district that offered both accessibility and the appeal of green surroundings – a rare combination in land-scarce Singapore,' says Chua. 'With The Metropolis situated right at the Buona Vista MRT interchange, it offered excellent connectivity, making it an attractive alternative for businesses looking for quality office space without the premium of a CBD address.' That early move into the city-fringe proved visionary. The Metropolis attracted a host of multinational tenants, helping to drive one-north's emergence as a bustling business and research hub. A second phase came in 2024 with the launch of Elementum, a biomedical sciences hub adjacent to The Metropolis. Designed with sustainability and wellness in mind, the development includes end-of-trip facilities, a community lawn, and is certified Green Mark Platinum by the Building and Construction Authority of Singapore. Importantly, it also connects to the Buona Vista node of the Rail Corridor, demonstrating Ho Bee Land's commitment to enhancing public spaces and mobility. 'When envisioning The Metropolis and Elementum, we looked beyond building modern, quality, Grade A office spaces for business needs,' explains Chua. 'We also wanted to contribute meaningfully to a vibrant one-north precinct by enhancing connectivity and engagement, integrating green spaces, lifestyle amenities, and community-friendly features.' Through these developments, Ho Bee Land has helped shape one-north into a hub for collaboration, innovation, and community. Long-term thinking From its humble beginnings in 1987 to large-scale commercial campuses today, Ho Bee Land has built its reputation on integrity and perseverance. Its track record has been tested through multiple economic crises, including the Asian and Global financial crises, and the Covid-19 pandemic. 'These significant events have reinforced our belief in long-term planning, prudent financial management, and the importance of adaptability. Perseverance, integrity, and excellence are not just values we hold – they are principles that have consistently guided us through economic cycles and evolving markets,' says Chua. That same spirit of stewardship has guided Ho Bee Land's sustainability and digitalisation agenda. The firm continues to invest in green building standards and smart building technologies across its developments. 'We view ESG and digitalisation as critical pillars in staying relevant and resilient in a rapidly evolving landscape,' Chua notes. 'We want to ensure our office and residential developments deliver long-term value to our stakeholders responsibly and thoughtfully.' Equally central to Ho Bee Land's long-term strategy is its commitment to people. 'Many of our colleagues have grown alongside the company,' says Ho Bee Land CEO Nicholas Chua. 'We believe in creating an environment where people can thrive, not just professionally, but as individuals. Whether through training, wellness initiatives or staff-led charitable efforts, we see our people as our greatest asset in building a sustainable, purpose-driven organisation.' Nicholas Chua was appointed Executive Director and CEO in January 2022, after joining the Group in 2002. Over the past two decades, he has held several senior management roles and has been instrumental in expanding Ho Bee Land's development and investment presence in Singapore, as well as overseas in Australia, China, and the UK. Ho Bee Land's long-term mindset also extends to its external partnerships. Over the years, apart from undertaking developments on her own, the Group has also partnered well-established developers to undertake projects in Singapore and in China. Investing in community Beyond developing physical spaces, Ho Bee Land is committed to building communities. This philosophy is especially evident in how the company integrates wellness, accessibility, and culture into its developments. The Rail Corridor, nestled between The Metropolis and Elementum is thoughtfully created by Ho Bee Land. It serves as the tie that binds both developments, creating shared values and enhancing the greenery that surrounds the precinct. The company is also known for its strong philanthropic ethos. The Ho Bee Foundation, established in 2010, supports causes in education, health care, social welfare, and the arts. Since its inception, it has contributed over $30 million to various charitable causes. In education, the Foundation has made significant contributions to institutions such as NUS, NTU, SMU, and SIT, in areas ranging from campus development to scholarships and leadership programmes aimed at empowering the next generation. The Foundation is also a long-time supporter of Ren Ci Hospital and a recipient of the Patron of the Arts Award by the National Arts Council, in recognition of its sustained support for the arts. It also organises the Arts for Kids initiative, using curated art tours to inspire creativity among young learners. That commitment to giving back reflects Chua's personal values, who is regarded as one of Singapore's leading philanthropists. 'As the nation enters its next chapter, we see our role as one of responsible stewardship – creating spaces that not only meet present needs, but also enrich communities and safeguard the environment for generations to come,' he says. As Singapore marks its 60th year of independence, Ho Bee Land has shown what local enterprise, vision, and persistence can achieve. From being the first mover in Sentosa Cove, to building the foundations of an innovation precinct at one-north, the company has played an important role in shaping modern Singapore. Says Chua: 'Our legacy is not just defined by the landmarks we have built, but by the lives we have touched and the value we have created for the communities.' Ho Bee Land's key milestones at a glance 1987: Ho Bee Land was founded with the vision of becoming a prominent real estate developer. 1996: First foray into London. 1999: Listed on the Singapore Exchange. 2003: Became the pioneer developer at Sentosa Cove with The Berth by the Cove. 2012: Ventured into Australia with its first residential development in the iconic Surfers Paradise at Gold Coast. 2014: The Metropolis officially opened by then-prime minister Lee Hsien Loong. 2024: Elementum opens, along with the revitalised Buona Vista node of the Rail Corridor.
Business Times
05-08-2025
- Business
- Business Times
Contributing to Singapore's changing landscape
FEW companies can claim to have physically shaped Singapore's landscape quite like Ho Bee Land. Over nearly four decades, the homegrown real estate group has grown from its modest beginnings to become a key contributor to some of the country's most ambitious precincts; most notably, Sentosa Cove and one-north. Founded in 1987 by entrepreneur and philanthropist Dr Chua Thian Poh, Ho Bee Land has progressed alongside Singapore's transformation from a developing city-state to a global economic powerhouse. Its journey reflects a mix of strategic foresight, resilience, and a belief in building for the long term. A pioneer at Sentosa Cove FILE PHOTO In the early 2000s, when Sentosa Cove was still a blank canvas reclaimed from the sea, few saw the potential of the site as a prime residential enclave. Undeterred, Ho Bee Land was the first private developer to commit to the area, taking the lead in realising Singapore's vision for a world-class waterfront community. Ho Bee Land was the first private developer to commit to the Sentosa Cove area, taking the lead in realising Singapore's vision for a world-class waterfront community. FILE PHOTO 'At that time, the concept of luxury waterfront living was new to Singapore, but we saw Sentosa Cove's potential to become a world-class seafront precinct,' says Chua. 'More importantly, we believed that such a precinct would strengthen Singapore's positioning as a global gateway city to attract international talent and capital.' That early belief has since paid off. Today, Ho Bee Land is the largest private developer in Sentosa Cove, responsible for five out of the 10 condominium developments and more than 50 landed homes in the area. Its projects, including The Berth by the Cove, The Coast, Turquoise, Seascape, and its latest flagship Cape Royale, set the tone for what luxury waterfront living in Singapore could look like. Cape Royale at Sentosa Cove. While the architectural excellence of its developments drew buyers, Ho Bee Land also had to overcome significant challenges to establish Sentosa Cove as a viable and desirable neighbourhood. 'Being a pioneer in uncharted territory naturally came with its share of challenges – from navigating new or unfamiliar regulations, to addressing early infrastructure needs. But we worked closely with the authorities and continually adjusted to respond to the evolving needs of the market,' reveals Chua. Today, as urban homes become more compact and densely situated, the value proposition of Sentosa Cove has only grown. 'Buyers increasingly value open layouts, tranquil surroundings, and the sense of space that waterfront living at Sentosa Cove uniquely offers,' says Chua. one-north: Vision for the future FILE PHOTO The same vision and risk appetite that defined Ho Bee Land's role in Sentosa Cove would later guide its move into one-north, Singapore's master planned innovation district in the west. In 2013, Ho Bee Land completed The Metropolis, a 1.2 million sq ft Grade A office development that redefined commercial possibilities outside the Central Business District. It was, once again, ahead of the curve. The same vision and risk appetite that defined Ho Bee Land's role in Sentosa Cove would later guide its move into one-north, Singapore's master planned innovation district in the west. 'We saw one-north as a strategically located city-fringe district that offered both accessibility and the appeal of green surroundings – a rare combination in land-scarce Singapore,' says Chua. 'With The Metropolis situated right at the Buona Vista MRT interchange, it offered excellent connectivity, making it an attractive alternative for businesses looking for quality office space without the premium of a CBD address.' That early move into the city-fringe proved visionary. The Metropolis attracted a host of multinational tenants, helping to drive one-north's emergence as a bustling business and research hub. A second phase came in 2024 with the launch of Elementum, a biomedical sciences hub adjacent to The Metropolis. Designed with sustainability and wellness in mind, the development includes end-of-trip facilities, a community lawn, and is certified Green Mark Platinum by the Building and Construction Authority of Singapore. Importantly, it also connects to the Buona Vista node of the Rail Corridor, demonstrating Ho Bee Land's commitment to enhancing public spaces and mobility. 'When envisioning The Metropolis and Elementum, we looked beyond building modern, quality, Grade A office spaces for business needs,' explains Chua. 'We also wanted to contribute meaningfully to a vibrant one-north precinct by enhancing connectivity and engagement, integrating green spaces, lifestyle amenities, and community-friendly features.' Through these developments, Ho Bee Land has helped shape one-north into a hub for collaboration, innovation, and community. Long-term thinking From its humble beginnings in 1987 to large-scale commercial campuses today, Ho Bee Land has built its reputation on integrity and perseverance. Its track record has been tested through multiple economic crises, including the Asian and Global financial crises, and the Covid-19 pandemic. 'These significant events have reinforced our belief in long-term planning, prudent financial management, and the importance of adaptability. Perseverance, integrity, and excellence are not just values we hold – they are principles that have consistently guided us through economic cycles and evolving markets,' says Chua. That same spirit of stewardship has guided Ho Bee Land's sustainability and digitalisation agenda. The firm continues to invest in green building standards and smart building technologies across its developments. 'We view ESG and digitalisation as critical pillars in staying relevant and resilient in a rapidly evolving landscape,' Chua notes. 'We want to ensure our office and residential developments deliver long-term value to our stakeholders responsibly and thoughtfully.' Equally central to Ho Bee Land's long-term strategy is its commitment to people. 'Many of our colleagues have grown alongside the company,' says Ho Bee Land CEO Nicholas Chua. 'We believe in creating an environment where people can thrive, not just professionally, but as individuals. Whether through training, wellness initiatives or staff-led charitable efforts, we see our people as our greatest asset in building a sustainable, purpose-driven organisation.' Nicholas Chua was appointed Executive Director and CEO in January 2022, after joining the Group in 2002. Over the past two decades, he has held several senior management roles and has been instrumental in expanding Ho Bee Land's development and investment presence in Singapore, as well as overseas in Australia, China, and the UK. Ho Bee Land's long-term mindset also extends to its external partnerships. Over the years, apart from undertaking developments on her own, the Group has also partnered well-established developers to undertake projects in Singapore and in China. Investing in community Beyond developing physical spaces, Ho Bee Land is committed to building communities. This philosophy is especially evident in how the company integrates wellness, accessibility, and culture into its developments. The Rail Corridor, nestled between The Metropolis and Elementum is thoughtfully created by Ho Bee Land. It serves as the tie that binds both developments, creating shared values and enhancing the greenery that surrounds the precinct. The company is also known for its strong philanthropic ethos. The Ho Bee Foundation, established in 2010, supports causes in education, health care, social welfare, and the arts. Since its inception, it has contributed over $30 million to various charitable causes. In education, the Foundation has made significant contributions to institutions such as NUS, NTU, SMU, and SIT, in areas ranging from campus development to scholarships and leadership programmes aimed at empowering the next generation. The Foundation is also a long-time supporter of Ren Ci Hospital and a recipient of the Patron of the Arts Award by the National Arts Council, in recognition of its sustained support for the arts. It also organises the Arts for Kids initiative, using curated art tours to inspire creativity among young learners. That commitment to giving back reflects Chua's personal values, who is regarded as one of Singapore's leading philanthropists. 'As the nation enters its next chapter, we see our role as one of responsible stewardship – creating spaces that not only meet present needs, but also enrich communities and safeguard the environment for generations to come,' he says. As Singapore marks its 60th year of independence, Ho Bee Land has shown what local enterprise, vision, and persistence can achieve. From being the first mover in Sentosa Cove, to building the foundations of an innovation precinct at one-north, the company has played an important role in shaping modern Singapore. Says Chua: 'Our legacy is not just defined by the landmarks we have built, but by the lives we have touched and the value we have created for the communities.' Ho Bee Land's key milestones at a glance 1987: Ho Bee Land was founded with the vision of becoming a prominent real estate developer. 1996: First foray into London. 1999: Listed on the Singapore Exchange. 2003: Became the pioneer developer at Sentosa Cove with The Berth by the Cove. 2012: Ventured into Australia with its first residential development in the iconic Surfers Paradise at Gold Coast. 2014: The Metropolis officially opened by then-prime minister Lee Hsien Loong. 2024: Elementum opens, along with the revitalised Buona Vista node of the Rail Corridor.
Business Times
14-07-2025
- Business
- Business Times
IOI offers ‘special preview prices' for limited units at about S$3,200 psf for W Residences Marina View
[SINGAPORE] IOI Properties is offering 'special preview prices' at just over S$3,200 per square foot (psf) for a limited number of units at its W Residences Marina View project, as it starts private previews for the luxury branded residence development. These rates apply to some three-bedroom units, which were earlier listed on PropertyGuru at prices starting from S$5.4 million for apartments sized from 1,195 to 1,249 square feet. List prices range from an estimated S$3,800 psf to S$6,000 psf range for the 683-unit project. The 99-year leasehold W Residences Marina View has 171 one-bedroom units, 310 two-bedroom units, 103 three-bedroom units, 32 four-bedroom units, 64 five-bedroom units, two simplex penthouses and one duplex penthouse. IOI began previews for invited clients earlier this month, and according to agents, opened for sales bookings over the Jul 12 weekend. In response to queries from The Business Times on sales for the project, an IOI spokesperson said the property developer has received 'strong interest from our invited guests'. 'While it's natural that buyers are taking a measured approach amid a wave of new launches in the Core Central Region, W Residences rises above with its iconic brand experience, coveted location, and lifestyle offering that defies convention,' the spokesperson added. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Tuesday, 12 pm Property Insights Get an exclusive analysis of real estate and property news in Singapore and beyond. Sign Up Sign Up PropertyGuru listings show one-bedroom units, at 538 to 570 sq ft in size, starting at over S$2.1 million. Two-bedroom units, at 710 to 850 sq ft, are expected to be priced from S$2.8 million. Four-bedders spanning 2,250 sq ft start at S$13 million, and five-bedroom apartments, at 2,809 sq ft, are listed for sale from S$16 million. 'W Residences Marina View is currently in the early phase of private previews for our VVIP guests, offering a unique proposition in Singapore's residential landscape as the first branded residence in the country fully integrated with its co-branded W Hotel,' the IOI spokesperson said. The luxury condo, fully managed by Marriott International, is being built above a new 360-room W Hotel, on a white site tendered in 2021. IOI acquired the site for S$1.508 billion or S$1,379 psf per plot ratio, after triggering the release of the plot from the government land sales reserve list. Nearby is IOI Central Boulevard Towers, its mixed-use development in Marina Bay with two Grade-A office towers and a seven-storey retail podium. One of Malaysia's largest property developers, IOI's portfolio of high-end residential properties also includes Seascape and Cape Royale, condo developments in Sentosa Cove which were built in partnership with Ho Bee Land.
