Early Life
Choo Chong Ngen's story is a classic example of a rags-to-riches journey. Born in April 1952, he grew up in a kampong in Hougang, Singapore. Facing financial constraints, he left school at 14 to work, first as a fishmonger and later selling textiles. By 21, he had saved enough to invest in his first property, a shop unit in Katong Shopping Centre.
Rise to Success
Choo's entrepreneurial spirit led him to amass numerous shop units. In 1995, he launched his first Hotel 81 in Geylang, inspired by affordable hotels in Japan. This marked the beginning of his success in the hotel industry. He expanded rapidly, with hotels across Singapore. Choo's strategies included keeping rates low, which helped to maintain business even in challenging economic times.
Key Business Strategies
Choo's primary business strategy centered around offering budget-friendly accommodations. He focused on efficiency, often visiting his hotels to improve productivity. He expanded his portfolio to include multiple hotel brands to cover wider segments of the market. Choo has also expanded his business overseas with hotels in Malaysia, South Korea, Australia, Japan, and Thailand. His family is very involved in the business, with his daughter Carolyn Choo currently serving as CEO of Worldwide Hotels.
Philanthropy
Choo is a strong advocate for education, and his philanthropic efforts reflect this. He has donated millions to universities, polytechnics, and the ITE Education Fund, funding bursaries for students. His daughter Carolyn has also contributed to educational causes, supporting an Equal Opportunity Fund. His philanthropic focus has been on providing educational opportunities, reflecting his belief that education is crucial for success.