Staying on the pulse of news

26th Sep 2024

Real Estate and Hospitality Tycoon Mr Kwek Leng Beng Launches Chinese Edition of His Biography

SINGAPORE, 26 September 2024 – Real estate and hotel tycoon Mr Kwek Leng Beng today launched the Chinese edition of his biography, Strictly Business: The Kwek Leng Beng Story. Titled《在商言商：郭令明》, the book follows the successful launch of the English edition last November.

Written by award-winning author Mr Peh Shing Huei and translated by Ms Suzane Quek, the book was launched this morning with 150 guests at a private event at Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel Singapore. Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat was the Guest-of-Honour. 《在商言商》is published in collaboration with Focus Publishing Ltd, a subsidiary of SPH Media Holdings.

22nd Jul 2024

Kassia, Hong Leong Holdings’ Flora Drive Finale, Sold More Than 50% On Launch Weekend

Singapore, 21 July 2024 – As at 5pm today, Tripartite Developers sold 144 units or 52% of the 276-unit freehold Kassia. Tripartite is a joint venture comprising Hong Leong Holdings Limited, City Developments Limited, and TID Pte. Ltd.

The take-up rate was good at a selling price ranging between S$1,821 to S$2,177 per square foot (psf), with the one and two-bedroom being the most popular. Around 90% of the buyers are Singaporeans, while Permanent Residents make up the remaining 10%.

05th Jul 2024

Hong Leong Holdings To Launch Kassia, The Flora Drive Finale

Singapore, 4 July 2024 – Marking the finale of its signature in the private residential enclave in Flora Drive by Tripartite Developers, Kassia will unveil a naturalistic living concept that features a majestic vertical garden and cascading water feature installed at its Grand Clubhouse.

The freehold condominium sits on an approximate 150,838.98 square feet (sq ft) site located in District 17 off Upper Changi Road North, featuring 276 residential units in four blocks of eight storeys each. The concept is inspired by Cassia Javanica, a popular tropical tree known for its beautiful crimson and pink flower bunches, where it embraces a contemporary design that includes natural elements, dense foliage, and interwoven branches to foster an environment that promotes harmony between residents and nature.

21st Feb 2024

Seniors Have A Splashing Good Time On A DUCKTour Outing

Singapore, 21 February 2024 – Some 40 beneficiaries from two senior homes, Adventist Home for the Elders and St John’s Home for Elderly Persons had a splashing good time on a DUCKTour outing as part of Hong Leong Foundation’s annual charity event. This event aims to build mental and social well-being, driving the Health Promotion Board’s initiatives to “Live Well, Age Well” for Singapore’s aging community. 

03rd Jan 2024

Special Notice: Beware of Fraudulent Websites & Phishing Links

It has been brought to our attention that there are fraudulent websites that falsely claim that Executive Chairman of Hong Leong Group, Mr Kwek Leng Beng, is promoting an investment product.

The information on the website is categorically false and misleading, enticing individuals into fraudulent schemes through clickbait and phishing links.

We would like to reassure everyone that Mr Kwek Leng Beng and Hong Leong Group of Companies are not associated with or endorse any investment platforms or products.

We strongly urge everyone to exercise caution, especially when financial and personal information are involved, and to report them to the relevant authorities.

If in doubt, please feel free to reach out to us for clarification.

Let’s remain vigilant and stay alert against scams!

09th Nov 2023

Mr Kwek Leng Beng Marks the Launch of his Biography with a S$24 Million Donation to Singapore Institute of Technology

SINGAPORE, 9 November 2023 – Real estate and hotel tycoon Mr Kwek Leng Beng had always refused to have any book written about him and rarely granted interviews. Yet tonight, he surprised many by launching his biography, Strictly Business: The Kwek Leng Beng Story, with Emeritus Senior Minister (ESM) Goh Chok Tong gracing the memorable event.

The 257-page biography, written by award-winning author Mr Peh Shing Huei, was launched at The St. Regis Singapore, one of the many luxury hotels owned by Hong Leong Group Singapore, where Mr Kwek is the Executive Chairman. Few knew that when he gave a nod for the book, Mr Kwek had one self-imposed condition: he wanted to mark the project’s completion with a meaningful donation to society.

11th Oct 2023

M Social Phuket Introduces A New Era In Hospitality With Trendy And Upscale Hotel In The Heart Of Patong

Experience a perfect combination of trendsetting design, seamless technology and gastronomical delights at the new M Social Phuket.

11 OCTOBER 2023 – PHUKET, THAILAND: Patong’s hospitality scene is set to reach new heights with the grand opening of M Social Phuket, a dynamic addition to the island’s hotel offerings. Situated in the heart of Patong, M Social Phuket combines trendy aesthetics, modern amenities, and seamless technology to redefine the way travelers experience Phuket.

Boasting a prime location just steps away from the pristine waters of Patong Beach and surrounded by trendy bars, shops and restaurants, M Social Phuket puts guests in the heart of the action. With its unique blend of style and substance, the hotel promises an unforgettable stay for those looking to connect with like-minded creative individuals.

06th Oct 2023

A Feast Fit For Kings: SANSARA Brings Authentic Awashi Cuisine To Robertson Quay

Upscale riverfront dining gets an injection of tradition

SINGAPORE, 6 October 2023 — Against a backdrop of the flowing Singapore river, gentle strums of Hindustani music and the divine aroma of freshly ground spices, one can be transported to the historically rich crossroads of North India. Welcome to SanSara, where the region’s diverse cultures and cuisines converge for an authentic rendition of Awadhi food and drink, created by Master Chef Akhilesh Pathak. SanSara is Sanskrit for ‘to flow’, and embodies the spirit of constant exploration of cuisines and updated with a thoughtful list of cocktails and non-alcoholic libations. The new restaurant is located on the riverfront and is part of the over S$30 million refurbishment of the premium Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel Singapore.

15th Sep 2023

Consumer Financial Survey by Hong Leong Finance Reveals Singaporeans’ Top Financial Concerns and Savings as Key Source of Retirement Funds

Singapore, 15 September 2023 – The rising cost of living, having sufficient savings for retirement or future financial goals, and managing daily expenses effectively, are the top three financial challenges faced by 1,068 Singapore respondents surveyed in the Hong Leong Finance (HLF) Consumer Financial Survey 2023.

Respondents were over 18 years old, and sampled based on nationally representative quotas by age, gender and race. Through the survey, respondents provided insights across their financial challenges, retirement planning, saving habits, and preferences in a savings account.

02nd Aug 2023

Grand Copthorne Waterfront Re-Launches After S$30 Million Renovation

Singapore, 2 August 2023 – Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel, part of Millennium Hotels and Resorts (MHR), has unveiled its S$30 million renovation that showcases a sophisticated redesign of all 574 guestrooms and suites with eco-friendly features, expanded conference facilities, and upgraded public spaces aimed at providing guests with a memorable experience.

The 5-star hotel underwent a nine-month revamp that commenced in October 2022. With its transformed facilities, it promises to set high standards in sustainable luxury along the iconic Singapore River and support the expanded needs of eco-conscious corporate travellers.

21st Jul 2023

Hong Leong Asia and Sunway Construction Open Largest Integrated Construction and Prefabrication Hub in Singapore, Boosts Capacity for Precast Manufacturing

Singapore, July 21, 2023 – Hong Leong Asia Ltd (“HLA”) and Sunway Construction Group Berhad (“SunCon”) today officially opened HL-Sunway Prefab Hub, the largest integrated construction and prefabrication hub1 (“ICPH”) in Singapore.

The HL-Sunway Prefab Hub was launched today by Mr Desmond Lee, Minister for National Development and Minister-in-charge of Social Services Integration, together with Mr Kwek Leng Peck, Executive Chairman of HLA, Tan Sri Dato’ (Dr) Chew Chee Kin, President of Sunway Group, Mr Stephen Ho Kiam Kong, Chief Executive Officer of HLA, and Mr Chung Soo Kiong, Managing Director of International Property Development of Sunway Berhad.

09th Jul 2023

Strong Interest At Lentor Hills Residences Launch Weekend

Singapore, 9 July 2023 – As at 5pm today, Hong Leong Holdings Limited (HLHL) sold 298 units or 50% of the 598-unit Lentor Hills Residences during its sales booking weekend on July 8 and 9. Lentor Hills Residences is jointly developed by HLHL, Guocoland and TID.

The units were sold at the price starting from S$1,834 per square foot (psf). The buyers are predominantly Singaporeans while the rest are Permanent Residents.

21st Jun 2023

Hong Leong Holdings To Launch Lentor Hills Residences

Singapore, 21 June 2023 – Hong Leong Holdings Limited (HLHL) will commence previews of the much-anticipated Lentor Hills Residences on Saturday, 24 June 2023. Sales bookings are scheduled to begin on Saturday, 8 July 2023. The project is jointly developed by HLHL, Guocoland and TID Pte. Ltd.

Situated on an approximate 184,461 square feet (sq ft) site, the 99-year leasehold project is located in District 26 within the new Lentor Hills Estate, a new growth area positioned as a sustainable and pedestrian-friendly neighbourhood with new parks and seamless walking and cycling connectivity.

Enclosed by lush surroundings with design inspired by water cascades and tranquillity of Lower Peirce Reservoir, Lentor Hills Residences features 598 premium residential units in five towers ranging from eight to 23 storeys, and parking lots for all units – a rare feature in many new projects.

19th Jun 2023

Hong Leong Group in Talks with Shanghai to Build Sustainable Developments in The City

Singapore, 16 June 2023 – Hong Leong Group Executive Chairman Mr Kwek Leng Beng met Shanghai Mayor Mr Gong Zheng in the Chinese city where they discussed a wide range of business issues including opportunities of urban renewal and transformation within the city.

According to a press announcement after the meeting, Mayor Gong said Shanghai has shown a continued trend of steady economic improvement and remains a favoured destination for foreign trade and investment.

Commenting on his visit, Mr Kwek said, “I was deeply impressed by the development and economic vitality of Shanghai. There are abundant opportunities for investment and collaboration, to create more iconic projects and deepen cooperation with the Shanghai government to achieve green and low-carbon developments in the city.”

“I remain confident in the potential of the overall Chinese market and look forward to expanding our Hong Leong Group portfolio via exciting and strategic prospects.”

26th Apr 2023

Setting the Scene with M Social Suzhou

The debut of Millennium Hotels’ lifestyle brand ‘M Social’ in China.

Singapore, 26 April 2023 – The bold and stylish brand, M Social is heralding its maiden foray in China with the opening of M Social Suzhou today (26 April). The 294-room luxury lifestyle hotel is the first and flagship M Social-branded property in China, signalling a move for future expansion in the Greater China region.

M Social is the lifestyle brand of global hotel group, Millennium Hotels and Resorts (MHR), and the brainchild of property-hotel veteran MHR Executive Chairman Mr Kwek Leng Beng. It was first launched in Singapore in 2016 to cater to the young, ‘brave’ and social media savvy.

With the opening of M Social Suzhou, the brand now has five physical locations including Singapore, Auckland, New York and Paris. It also has a virtual hotel, M Social Decentraland, marking MHR the world’s first hospitality group to enter the metaverse.

23rd Mar 2023

Book Direct, Spin & Win With ‘My Millennium Winning Wheel’

My Millennium, a global guest loyalty programme by Millennium Hotels and Resorts (MHR) has packed another punch by launching the Book Direct, Spin and Win innovative enhancement that gives members the chance to spin the My Millennium Winning Wheel for rewards like room upgrades, dining, breakfast, My Millennium Points and even a one-night stay

A first-of-its-kind among hospitality loyalty programmes in the world, it provides instant gratification to My Millennium members at a click of button in a fun way. My Millennium members have doubled since 2019 and these awards are a way to recognise their patronage to the brand.

22nd Mar 2023

CDL Aquisition of Sofitel Brisbane Central Australia

City Developments Limited (CDL), through its wholly-owned hotel subsidiary Millennium & Copthorne Hotels Limited (M&C) and in a 50:50 Joint Venture (JV) with its New Zealand-listed subsidiary Millennium & Copthorne Hotels New Zealand Limited (NZX:MCK), has entered into a Purchase Sale Agreement and Business Asset Sale Agreement on 22 March 2023 to acquire the Sofitel Brisbane Central hotel in Australia from Brookfield Asset Management at a purchase price of A$177.7 million (approximately S$159.2 million), or A$427,000 (approximately S$383,000) per key.

Located in the heart of Brisbane’s vibrant Central Business District (CBD), the 5-star luxury hotel is directly linked to the Central Station, a major transportation hub, and offers unparalleled connectivity to the city’s commercial and retail areas, the Brisbane Airport, Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Gold Coast and rest of Queensland. The hotel is also within walking distance of the city’s key attractions such as the Queen Street Mall, Eagle Street Pier beside the Brisbane River, South Bank Parklands and the Convention Centre.

Comprising 416 rooms and suites, the landmark hotel boasts exceptional views overlooking the iconic ANZAC Square, the city’s exquisite skyline, and the famed Sunshine Coast. The 30-storey hotel is home to the city’s largest hotel event and meeting facility with nine meeting and conference rooms that can accommodate up to 1,100 people.

07th Feb 2023

A Silver Sports Day with Hong Leong Foundation

More than 80 elderly beneficiaries from three senior homes (Adventist Home for the Elders, Kheng Chiu Loke Tin Kee Home, and St John’s Home for Elderly Persons) displayed their physical and mental prowess in a customised “Silver Sports Day” challenge with Hong Leong Foundation at M Hotel Singapore earlier today. The outing today marks the Foundation’s return to its first physical event since 2019.

The senior residents, aged 60 to 100, were challenged to a series of tasks that tested their mobility, motor control and hand-eye coordination. They were aided and cheered on by 50 staff volunteers across the Hong Leong Group of companies including City Developments Limited (CDL), Hong Leong Holdings Limited, Millennium Hotels and Resorts, Hong Leong Finance, Hong Leong Asia and Hong Realty. Together with the elderly and volunteers, the event saw a turnout of nearly 150 people.

01st Feb 2023

CDL Listed on 2023 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index for Sixth Consecutive Year

City Developments Limited (CDL) joins 483 other companies as a member of the 2023 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index (GEI), a modified market capitalisation-weighted index that gauges the performance of public companies committed to reporting gender-related data. This reference index measures gender equality across five pillars: leadership and talent pipeline, equal pay and gender pay parity, inclusive culture, anti-sexual harassment policies, and external brand.

This year, CDL is one of six Singapore companies to be listed, marking the sixth consecutive year the company has been recognised on the index since its inauguration in 2018.

The 2023 GEI reaches globally to represent 45 countries and regions, including firms headquartered in Luxembourg, Ecuador, and Kuwait for the first time. Member companies represent a variety of sectors, including financials, technology, and utilities, which continue to have the highest company representation in the index from 2022.

22nd Nov 2022

MERLION’S VIRTUAL VACATION AT M SOCIAL DECENTRALAND MARKS STB’S FORAY INTO THE METAVERSE

Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and homegrown hospitality group Millennium Hotels and Resorts (MHR) have jointly launched Merlion on Vacation, a virtual adventure that enables players to explore Singapore in the metaverse, win prizes and enjoy a Merlion 50th Birthday themed room package at M Social Singapore.

Players will search for clues to locate the Merlion as he is teleported to Decentraland, a 3D virtual world platform, for a vacation to mark his 50th birthday. Singapore’s Merlion, located at Merlion Park, turned 50 on 15 September this year.

18th Oct 2022

Peace of ART Partners CDL and Singapore Red Cross To Raise Funds for Children Victims In Pakistan

Non-profit organisation, Peace of ART is partnering with giant property developer City Developments Limited (CDL) and Singapore Red Cross to launch The Sustainable Christmas Market (27 Nov 2022) at the Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel.  The organisers are hoping to raise funds for the children of Climate Refugees in Pakistan.

The event’s main highlight is the sale of pre-owned items, where 100% of its proceeds will go directly to the children in Pakistan via the Singapore Red Cross. Pakistan was recently devastated by severe floods, leaving many families including children and babies without medicine and clean water to treat current conditions like typhoid, cholera, malaria and dengue.