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Management and staff employees of Grand Hyatt Taipei were delighted to welcome Hong Leong Group Executive Chairman Mr Kwek Leng Beng (dressed in light blue blazer) when he visited the hotel last month. Many had few opportunities to meet with him. He is pictured here with General Manager Mr Will Chen (on Mr Kwek’s left) and Owner’s Representative Mr Kevin Kan (Mr Kwek’s right).

Chairman Kwek
Catches Up
With Friends
And Associates
In Japan
And Taiwan

Hong Leong Group Executive Chairman Mr Kwek Leng Beng recently visited Japan and Taiwan to the delight of his old friends and associates who have not seen him in several years. Here are some photos that captured the essence of the warm welcome received and the happy reconnections made during his visits to the countries.

 

Mitsui Fudosan Headquarters in Tokyo, Japan

Hong Leong Group has had a strong and long-standing partnership with Japan’s major real estate developer, Mitsui Fudosan for more than 50 years.

The year 1972 was a significant milestone for the Group when its private property arm, Hong Leong Holdings Limited (HLHL) and Mitsui Fudosan combined strengths and became shareholders of TID Pte. Ltd. (TID) which set new standards in Singapore’s property landscape. Among some of TID’s latest projects is One-North Eden in the high-tech hub of one-north precinct.

Subsequently, Tripartite Developers was established in 1973 as a joint venture between HLHL and sister developers, City Developments Limited (CDL) and TID. Together, they made a far-sighted investment in the early 1970s to acquire a site measuring over 3 million square feet at Upper Changi Road North area in Singapore. Nine projects including Hedges Park and The Inflora have since been built, with The Jovell being the latest development.

Today, the strong links between Hong Leong Group and Mitsui Fudosan have remained. The two giant conglomerates continue to be astute partners and steadfast friends. Here’s to many more fruitful and rewarding years. Kanpai!


An affirmation of friendship: Mr Kwek exchanging gifts with Mr Masanobu Komoda, Chairman of Mitsui Fudosan at the company’s headquarters in Tokyo.

Joining in the happy reunion is Mr Takashi Yamamoto, Managing Director and Executive Vice President of Mitsui Fudosan (left).

Visit with former Taichung City Mayor Jason Chung

The year was 1990 when Hong Leong Group made another milestone with a landmark move to enter Taiwan hospitality market with the purchase of Grand Hyatt Taipei Hotel in Taipei. At that time, it was the country’s first international hotel brand. At 850 rooms, the hotel remains the largest in the country today.

Over the years, the Group has been committed to the local government and community by investing in staff as well as upgrading and renovation of the property’s physical assets. In 2013, the Group further expanded into Taichung via its hospitality arm, Millennium Hotels and Resorts (MHR) with its first MHR-branded property, the 237-room Millennium Hotel Taichung.

Former Taichung City Mayor Mr Jason Hu (2001 to 2014) was among many Taiwanese politicians who witnessed the Group’s commitment and watched the hotel grow strength to strength. He remains a firm and close friend to Mr Kwek today.


Former Taichung City Mayor Mr Jason Hu (centre) invited Mr Kwek for afternoon tea at his home. Owners’ representative, Mr Kevin Kan (in pink sweater) was also present with current Deputy Mayor Mr Huang Kuo-Jung (not pictured) who took the photo and captured the essence of the cheerful catch-up between the distinguished gentlemen.

The warm camaraderie between both gentleman is once again evidenced in this photo as they take another pose at Mr Hu’s home.
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