With more than three decades of financial and real estate management experience under his belt, Chong Kee Hiong increasingly values the objectivity, flexibility and insight that comes with keeping an open mind.

These characteristics in turn boost creativity, critical thinking, and lay the foundation for lifelong learning, said the Chief Executive Officer of the manager of SGX-listed Suntec Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT).

“It’s important to have an open mind when faced with uncertainty and challenges; never rush into decisions,” he pointed out. “Often, if we know the issues, we’re likely to be able to find solutions - these issues are then within our control.”

"We should focus on building our knowledge base, and the capacity to adapt and diversify, to ensure there are more “controllable” than “uncontrollable” events. This would help us to sleep better at night.”

Open minds can also open a multitude of doors. “We must always be ready to take on new opportunities and challenges when they arise,” Chong added. 

“To do so, we have to adopt a mindset that actively and continuously looks for learning opportunities, so as to equip ourselves with diversified skillsets over time.”

Chong, who is an elected Member of Parliament for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC, was appointed CEO of the REIT manager, ARA Trust Management (Suntec) Ltd, in January 2019.

Prior to joining the REIT Manager, Chong was CEO of OUE Hospitality REIT Management Pte Ltd from 2013 to 2018. He helmed The Ascott Ltd from 2012 to 2013, and Ascott Residence Trust Management Ltd from 2005 to 2012. Prior to that, he was Raffles Holdings Ltd’s Chief Financial Officer, and began his career in audit with KPMG Peat Marwick in 1990.

Chong holds a Bachelor of Accountancy degree from National University of Singapore. He has also completed Harvard Business School's Advanced Management Program, and is a member of the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants.

Looking back on his 30-year career journey, highlights include developing skillsets and nurturing talent. “The greatest satisfaction is being able to learn and mature on the job. It’s also heartening to see fellow colleagues growing in their roles, and to be able to play a part in their work and learning journeys,” Chong added.

Listed in December 2004, Suntec REIT aims to invest in income-producing real estate primarily used for office and/or retail purposes. The REIT is managed by ARA Trust Management (Suntec) Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of ARA Asset Management Ltd, which is Asia Pacific’s largest real assets manager with US$95 billion in gross assets under management (AUM).

Suntec REIT holds properties in Suntec City, Singapore’s largest integrated commercial development (including one of Singapore’s largest shopping malls), a 66.3% interest in Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre, a one-third interest in One Raffles Quay, as well as a one-third interest in Marina Bay Financial Centre Towers 1 and 2 and the Marina Bay Link Mall. 

Down under in Australia, it owns the following commercial buildings: a 100% interest in 177 Pacific Highway, Sydney, 100% of 21 Harris Street, Pyrmont, Sydney, 50% of Southgate Complex, Melbourne, 50% of Olderfleet 477 Collins Street, Melbourne, and 100% of 55 Currie Street, Adelaide. 

Opportunities in Crisis

To boost income stability and enhance geographical diversification, the REIT made its first foray in London, the UK, with the acquisition of a 50% stake in Nova Properties in December 2020. It also acquired The Minster Building, its second property in London, in June 2021. 

These assets were a strategic fit with Suntec REIT’s existing portfolio of high-quality commercial assets in Singapore and Australia. Lower yielding commercial assets were divested to partially fund these acquisitions, which were higher yielding than the assets divested, and accretive in both Distribution Per Unit (DPU) and Net Asset Value (NAV).

“Despite pandemic-induced difficulties, we’ve succeeded in enhancing unitholder value through active portfolio management,” Chong noted. “The phrase “with every crisis, comes opportunity” has never been more apt.”

Presently, Suntec REIT’s AUM stands at S$11.6 billion across 10 properties in Singapore (71% of AUM), Australia (16% of AUM), and the UK (13% of AUM). The REIT continues to be anchored by the resilient office sector, which contributes more than 85% of its total income.

“While Suntec REIT remains Singapore-centric, we will further boost income stability by sourcing for good quality, accretive assets. Overseas assets are expected to grow to between 30% to 40% of AUM over the next few years,” he added.

Apart from unitholders, the REIT is also focused on working with tenants for a mutually beneficial long-term relationship. “In these unprecedented times, the need to share risks and rewards in business relationships is amplified,” Chong noted.

Suntec REIT has provided a raft of tenant assistance measures, including flexible operating hours, complimentary marketing support, increased seating capacity for food and beverage tenants, and rental rebates for retail tenants, to help mitigate challenges from the pandemic. Some of these measures continue to remain in place.

Looking ahead, prospects for the REIT’s office portfolio remain bright.

“While hybrid working arrangements are likely to continue, the physical office will remain relevant as the conduit to bring employees together to build corporate culture,” Chong noted.

“In addition, aspects of work like teamwork, collaboration, innovation and mentoring are most effective in face-to-face settings. Surveys have also shown that employees want to return to the office three to four days a week, unlike contrasting feedback at the start of the pandemic.”

The REIT expects its overall Singapore office portfolio to perform well, with revenue growth driven by higher occupancy and cumulative positive rent reversions achieved for the past 13 quarters.

“Office revenues from Australia and UK assets will remain resilient as they are underpinned by strong occupancies and long weighted average lease expiries,” he added. “In particular, annual rent escalations provide upside to the Australia assets.”

Future-Proofing Assets

As for the REIT’s retail properties in Singapore, “green shoots of recovery” have appeared, particularly with the re-opening of the economy and high vaccination levels in the population.

“Despite some border restrictions, and a tightening of safe-distancing measures, tenant sales at Suntec City Mall have continued to recover faster than footfall increases since the fourth quarter of 2020,” Chong said. “We’ve seen tenant sales recovering to 75% of 2019 levels versus footfall, which is at 50% of 2019 levels.”

In addition, a shift in consumer behaviour has emerged - shoppers now window-shop much less. Instead, they seek novel and experiential concepts and brands.

“At Suntec City, we’ve been proactively future-proofing our mall to better retain and attract customers,” he said.

Despite COVID-19 disruptions, 19 new-to-market or new-to-Suntec brands were introduced this year, of which 50% catered to Singaporeans’ desire for new F&B concepts. The REIT Manager has also increased the number of activity-based and experiential concepts to around 35% of the mall’s total leaseable area. 

“This, together with more than 25% of Suntec City dedicated to F&B offerings, will strengthen the mall’s performance, making it more sustainable and allowing it to ride the wave of recovery.”

Apart from day-to-day operational priorities, Suntec REIT is also focused on its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) goals. “We strongly believe in the importance of integrating sustainability into our strategies, operations and acquisitions,” Chong said.

“Building certifications such as Greenmark, NABERS, BREEAM, LEEDS will become more important. Whilst the majority of our buildings across Singapore, Australia and London have attained green certification, we continue to work towards enhancing the ratings by improving energy and water consumption efficiencies and reducing use of natural resources.”

In recognition of its sustainability leadership, Suntec REIT was awarded the GRESB highest accolade of Global Sector Leader for the Office-Listed category, and ranked Number One in Asia (Office). The REIT also retained the highest GRESB 5 Star rating. Established in 2009, GRESB is one of the leading ESG benchmarks for real estate and infrastructure investments globally.

Meanwhile, for this 55-year-old, time outside the office revolves around serving the community. To recharge, he enjoys walking, running or golfing.

In terms of advice for his four boys, aged 15 to 23, and staff, he has this to offer: Cultivate the desire and drive to work hard, through which you can then achieve your aspirations, and be in the position to help others.

“Perseverance, maintaining the principles of being fair and objective, being sincere, and having respect for others - these are all values close to my heart.”


Suntec REIT

Listed in December 2004, Suntec REIT holds properties in Suntec City, Singapore’s largest  integrated commercial development (including one of Singapore’s largest  shopping malls), a 66.3% interest in Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre, a one-third interest in One Raffles Quay, as well as a one-third interest in Marina  Bay Financial Centre Towers 1 and 2 and the Marina Bay Link Mall. Suntec REIT holds a 100% interest in a commercial building located at 177 Pacific Highway, Sydney, a 100% interest in a commercial building located at 21 Harris Street, Pyrmont, Sydney, a 50.0% interest in Southgate Complex, Melbourne, a 50.0% interest in a commercial building located at Olderfleet 477 Collins Street, Melbourne and a 100% interest in a commercial building located at 55 Currie Street, Adelaide, Australia. Suntec REIT also holds a 50.0% interest in Nova Properties and a 100% interest in The Minster Building, both located in London, UK. Suntec REIT is managed by an external manager, ARA Trust  Management  (Suntec) Ltd. 

The company website is: www.suntecreit.com.

Click here for the company's StockFacts page.

For the quarter ended 30 September 2021 business update, click here.

 

About kopi-C: the Company brew

Text: Jennifer Tan-Stanisic
Photo: Company file

kopi-C is a regular column on the SGX Research website that features C-level executives of leading companies listed on Singapore Exchange. These interviews are profiles of senior management aimed at helping investors better understand the individuals who run these corporations.

For previous editions of kopi-C: the Company brew, please click here.  

For more information, or if you would like your senior executives to be featured on SGX Market Dialogues, please send suggestions to jennifer.t@sgx.com.