Latest news with #MarcusChu
Business Times
27-05-2025
- Business
- Business Times
ERA raises more than S$260,000 for Singapore Association for the Deaf
[SINGAPORE] Real estate agency ERA on Sunday (May 25) held a charity walk at the Marina Barrage, raising more than S$260,000 for The Singapore Association for the Deaf (SADeaf). (*see amendment note) Around 1,600 participants walked either 3 km or 5 km and spent time at a carnival after, enjoying activities such as games, sign-language sessions and performances by a live band. The funds raised will support SADeaf's programmes and services in four main areas: accessibility, education, community service and advocacy. Marcus Chu, chief executive of ERA Singapore, said: 'Hearing loss is an invisible challenge that often leads to isolation, depression or misunderstanding, especially when people cannot access the tools or support they need. This walk is our way of standing with the Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard-of-Hearing community.' The funds will also enable SADeaf to address gaps in accessibility and participation in society, for example in employment and transport. Besides raising funds, the event set out to raise awareness of the challenges that the deaf community faces. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 2 pm Lifestyle Our picks of the latest dining, travel and leisure options to treat yourself. Sign Up Sign Up Josh Lye, executive director of SADeaf, said: 'When the community learns about the challenges deaf individuals face and gains a better understanding of why accessibility matters, they can help create a more inclusive and supportive community.' ERA's Chu added: 'Driving awareness is the first step to creating change. Many people do not realise how isolating or exhausting life can be when your disability is invisible. For those with hearing loss, something as basic as asking for directions or participating in a classroom can become a daily challenge. Without visibility, their needs remain unmet.' SADeaf provides services such as interpretation, speech therapy and counselling. To improve awareness of hearing disabilities, it offers sign language classes and customised awareness programmes, which many corporates tap. Besides SADeaf, ERA works with other community partners such as the North West Community Development Council and Hong Kah North grassroots organisations for activities ranging from community gardening to charity golf events. *Amendment note: The amount of funds raised has been amended to S$260,000, after ERA clarified how much it alone raised for SADeaf.
Business Times
26-05-2025
- Business
- Business Times
ERA raises more than S$320,000 for Singapore Association for the Deaf
[SINGAPORE] Real estate agency ERA on Sunday (May 25) held a charity walk at the Marina Barrage, raising more than S$320,000 for The Singapore Association for the Deaf (SADeaf). Around 1,600 participants walked either 3 km or 5 km and spent time at a carnival after, enjoying activities such as games, sign-language sessions and performances by a live band. The funds raised will support SADeaf's programmes and services in four main areas: accessibility, education, community service and advocacy. Marcus Chu, chief executive of ERA Singapore, said: 'Hearing loss is an invisible challenge that often leads to isolation, depression or misunderstanding, especially when people cannot access the tools or support they need. This walk is our way of standing with the Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard-of-Hearing community.' The funds will also enable SADeaf to address gaps in accessibility and participation in society, for example in employment and transport. Besides raising funds, the event set out to raise awareness of the challenges that the deaf community faces. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 2 pm Lifestyle Our picks of the latest dining, travel and leisure options to treat yourself. Sign Up Sign Up Josh Lye, executive director of SADeaf, said: 'When the community learns about the challenges deaf individuals face and gains a better understanding of why accessibility matters, they can help create a more inclusive and supportive community.' ERA's Chu added: 'Driving awareness is the first step to creating change. Many people do not realise how isolating or exhausting life can be when your disability is invisible. For those with hearing loss, something as basic as asking for directions or participating in a classroom can become a daily challenge. Without visibility, their needs remain unmet.' SADeaf provides services such as interpretation, speech therapy and counselling. To improve awareness of hearing disabilities, it offers sign language classes and customised awareness programmes, which many corporates tap. Besides SADeaf, ERA works with other community partners such as the North West Community Development Council and Hong Kah North grassroots organisations for activities ranging from community gardening to charity golf events.
Business Times
15-05-2025
- Business
- Business Times
April new home sales dip 9% month on month to 663 units, but are double year-ago levels
[SINGAPORE] Developers in Singapore sold 663 private homes in April, down 9 per cent from the month before, but up 120 per cent from the 301 units moved a year earlier, data released by the Urban Redevelopment Authority showed on Thursday (May 15). Analysts attributed the month-on-month decline to the macroeconomic uncertainties brought on by US President Donald Trump's tariffs, which dampened consumers' sentiment. However, ERA Singapore's chief executive Marcus Chu noted that the housing market remains stable even amid ongoing global uncertainty. 'Singapore's property market has continued to show resilience, supported by the mid-to-long-term outlook held by most domestic buyers. This remains a significant factor in keeping local buying activity grounded in actual housing needs, as opposed to speculative demand,' he said. Sales were driven by two major launches in city-fringe locations in the Rest of Central Region last month – Bloomsbury Residences at Media Circle and One Marina Gardens in Marina South. The two projects made up almost three-quarters of total sales in April. Huttons Asia's senior director of data analytics Lee Sze Teck noted that 21 Anderson, an ultra-luxury residential non-landed project, sold three units last month for more than S$60 million in total, with one unit going for S$5,127 per square foot. 'Being able to achieve these prices is a reflection of the confidence the ultra-high-net-worth individuals have in Singapore's ultra-luxury homes and Singapore's status as a safe haven in times of instability,' he said. Including executive condominiums, 759 units were sold in April with 1,344 units launched, versus 363 units sold and 278 units launched in the same month in 2024. In comparison, 1,510 units were sold and 1,315 units were launched in March 2025. Singaporeans made up 85.5 per cent of buyers in April 2025, while permanent residents accounted for 12 per cent, said Lee.
Straits Times
13-05-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
URA puts up second Chuan Grove site for sale; firm bids expected amid steady demand in the area
The 14,514.3 sq m site, which is on a 99-year lease, can accommodate 505 new condominium units. PHOTO: SCREENGRAB FROM GOOGLE MAPS URA puts up second Chuan Grove site for sale; firm bids expected amid steady demand in the area SINGAPORE – A second Chuan Grove residential site has been released for sale under the 2025 Government Land Sales (GLS) programme. The 14,514.3 sq m site, which is on a 99-year lease, can accommodate 505 new condominium units. It is expected to attract firm interest amid steady demand for housing in the area. The release of this plot follows the December 2024 tender launch for a similarly sized adjacent site in the Lorong Chuan area. That tender, expected to yield an estimated 555 units, closes on July 8. Strong sales The two Chuan Grove plots are on the market after a launch in the area recorded strong sales in November 2024. Kingsford Development moved nearly 700 of the 916 units at its Chuan Park project over the launch weekend, making for a 76 per cent take-up rate at an average price of $2,579 per sq ft. OrangeTee & Tie chief executive Justin Quek said: 'With only 168 units left as of March 2025, based on URA monthly developers' sale data, there will be limited new housing options, which may translate to higher demand for future private land sites.' Market watchers expect the latest plot to draw three to six bidders, and a top bid of between $1,000 and $1,350 per sq ft per plot ratio (psf ppr). In 2022, Kingsford acquired the old Chuan Park condo in a collective sale for $890 million, at about $1,256 psf ppr. Before the November 2024 launch of Chuan Park, the last new project in District 19 was Bartley Vue in 2019, noted ERA Singapore chief executive Marcus Chu. Taking in the two sites now being tendered by the Government, 'including Chuan Park, the estate will likely see almost 2,000 units launched in two years', he said. Still, the project would be of relatively lower risk, given the low level of unsold units in the area, said Huttons Asia chief executive Mark Yip. He pointed out that the outside central region (OCR) has 4,361 unsold units in the market as at the first quarter of 2025 – the lowest number since the fourth quarter of 2022. 'With an annual average sales of 3,019 units in the OCR in the last five years, this unsold supply can be easily absorbed by the market in slightly more than a year,' Mr Yip said. OrangeTee's Mr Quek expects demand in the Lorong Chuan area to be supported by home owners looking to upgrade from Housing Board flats or downsize from landed properties. He noted a 'large catchment' of HDB upgraders in the nearby areas of Serangoon, Bishan and Ang Mo Kio, as well as many landed homes in Serangoon Gardens and Lorong Chuan. Desirable location The location is also desirable, thanks to its proximity to educational institutions and Lorong Chuan MRT station, said chief research officer Nicholas Mak. 'The current economic outlook, which would affect property market sentiment, is murky due to the ever-changing tariff stance of the US Trump administration. But by the time this new condominium is ready to be launched in 2027, there could be more clarity on the economic front.' The tender for the Chuan Grove site closes on Sept 4. THE BUSINESS TIMES Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
