Early Life
Chua Thian Poh was born in Singapore on July 11, 1948, the seventh of fourteen children. His mother, Seah Sar, instilled in him the value of hard work and giving back to society. He attended Serangoon Garden Technical Secondary School, leaving at age 16 to join his father's production company. Chua's early career saw him involved in various ventures, including an import/export business in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Rise to Success
Chua founded Ho Bee Group in 1987 at age 39 and is currently the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Ho Bee Land. He made his first million at 21 years old, and he has since expanded Ho Bee Land's portfolio globally, with significant projects in London, Shanghai, and Australia. Ho Bee Land was listed on the Singapore Exchange in 1999.
Key Business Strategies
Chua's business approach emphasizes fairness, with a focus on long-term relationships with stakeholders. A core strategy includes diversification, which allowed him to grow throughout the Asian Financial Crisis. Key business moves include acquisitions like The Scalpel in London's financial district in 2022. Ho Bee Land has also focused on developing luxury residential properties in Sentosa Cove and has a strong presence in the commercial real estate market.
Philanthropy
Chua Thian Poh is well-known for his philanthropic endeavors. The Chua Foundation, established in 2015 with his siblings, supports underfunded causes, particularly those focused on special needs and the elderly. Chua has also donated millions to educational institutions in Singapore, including the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU). In 2019, he was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Letters by NUS in recognition of his contributions to education and the community.