Far East Organization
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Real estate, retail, hospitality, food and beverage |
| Founded | 1960 |
| Founder | Ng Teng Fong |
| Headquarters | Singapore , Singapore |
Area served | Singapore, Hong Kong, Mainland China, Malaysia, Australia, Japan |
Key people | Jonathan Ng (CEO) |
| Products | Property development, retail malls, hotels, residential developments, food and beverage |
| Website | fareast |
Far East Organization stands as Singapore's foremost private real estate developer. Established in 1960 by Ng Teng Fong, the enterprise has broadened its operations to encompass property development, retail, hospitality, and the food and beverage industries throughout Asia and Australia.
With a presence across Singapore, Hong Kong, Mainland China, Malaysia, and Australia, Far East Organization oversees three publicly traded subsidiaries: Far East Orchard Limited, Yeo Hiap Seng Limited, and Far East Hospitality Trust. Under the leadership of CEO Jonathan Ng, the company continues to strengthen its position in significant regional markets.
History
The organization’s inaugural residential undertaking comprised 72 terrace houses located in Jalan Pacheli, Serangoon Gardens, completed in 1962.
Following a series of residential projects during the 1960s, the company ventured into retail development with the opening of Far East Shopping Centre on Orchard Road in 1974. It went on to develop major shopping and office complexes along Orchard Road, including Lucky Plaza (1978), Orchard Plaza (1981), Far East Plaza (1983), and Claymore Plaza (1984).
In 1987, Far East Organization secured a controlling interest in Ming Court Hotel Limited, a publicly listed entity that was renamed Orchard Parade Holdings Limited in 1991. This acquisition included the Ming Court Hotel, which was later rebranded as The Orchard Parade Hotel. In 2012, Orchard Parade Holdings underwent restructuring to become Far East Orchard.
The company diversified into the beverage sector by acquiring a majority stake in Singapore-based Yeo Hiap Seng in 1995. It introduced the luxury residential brand Inessence in 2010 and followed with the lifestyle real estate concept Far East SOHO in 2011.
In 2012, Far East Organization listed Far East Hospitality Trust on the Singapore Exchange. Far East Hospitality functions as the hospitality division of Far East Orchard, itself a subsidiary under Far East Organization.
The Australian market was entered in 2013 through acquisitions and collaborations with The Straits Trading Company and Toga Group, along with several purchases of retail and commercial properties. October 2019 marked the opening of The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, housed within Sydney's historic General Post Office building.
In 2017, two new enterprises were introduced: Store-Y, providing self-storage solutions, and Agape Laundry, offering centralized commercial laundry services.
Far East Hospitality expanded into Japan in 2020 by acquiring Village Hotel Ariake Tokyo, representing its first foray into an overseas market beyond its existing regions.
Inessence
The Inessence brand was created by Far East Organization to cater to the luxury residential segment. Prominent developments include:
- Alba: Positioned close to Orchard Road’s premier shopping area, this upscale residence features Y-shaped architecture designed by Bernardo Fort-Brescia of Arquitectonica. Upper-floor units provide panoramic city vistas.
- Boulevard Vue: Situated off Orchard Boulevard, this project comprises 26 units plus two penthouses, designed by Takashi Sugimoto from Super Potato Japan.
- Skyline@Orchard Boulevard: This development on Orchard Road includes 40 units with a triplex penthouse and is crafted by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Fumihiko Maki of Maki & Associates.
Far East SoHo
In 2011, Far East introduced the Far East SOHO brand, focusing on the small office and home (SoHo) property segment. Notable developments under this brand include:
- The Scotts Tower: Positioned at the intersection of Scotts and Cairnhill Roads, this 31-storey residential tower comprises apartments and penthouses, marking the first project under Far East SOHO. Designed by Ben van Berkel of UNStudio Amsterdam, it was awarded the World Gold Winner at the FIABCI Prix d'Excellence Awards in 2020. Additionally, it was recognized for outstanding design and safety among eight competing projects.
- The Siena: This condominium in Bukit Timah features 54 units with lofty ceilings and unique floor plans. It received the SG Mark accolade at the Singapore Good Design Mark Awards in 2017.
Mixed-use Developments
One Holland Village is a collaborative mixed-use initiative by Far East Organization, Sekisui House, and Sino Group, situated in Singapore’s Holland Village—an Urban Redevelopment Authority Identity Node since 2013. The consortium purchased the site for S$1.2 billion, investing heavily to elevate urban living standards. Located close to Holland Village MRT Station, the development integrates residential apartments, office spaces, retail outlets, and serviced apartments to provide a holistic urban experience. The retail component is designed with open-air elements complemented by greenery and public facilities.
The Reserve Residences in Bukit Timah borders the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and is an integrated complex comprising 732 residential units, a retail mall, and serviced apartments. This project also features Singapore’s inaugural integrated transport hub within Bukit Timah. The site at Jalan Anak Bukit was jointly acquired by Far East Organization and Sino Group for S$1.03 billion.
Golden Mile Complex was purchased in 2022 by a partnership including Far East Organization, Perennial Holdings, and Sino Land Group. The consortium intends to transform it into a mixed-use development encompassing residential, office, and retail components.
Shopping malls
Orchard Central, developed by Far East Organization, stands as a key shopping destination along Orchard Road’s primary retail stretch. Constructed on land formerly occupied by an open-air carpark, it boasts a 160-meter frontage and officially opened on 2 July 2009. In December 2016, Forbes ranked Orchard Central among Singapore’s top five malls. The integrated retail precinct known as Discovery Walk on Orchard—which includes Orchard Central, 313@somerset by LendLease, and orchardgateway developed by OCBC Bank and Great Eastern—secured the FIABCI Prix d'Excellence World Gold Award in the Retail category in 2016.
Hotels
Far East Orchard, a publicly listed subsidiary of Far East Organization, operates the Oasia hotel brand within Singapore through Far East Hospitality. Its portfolio features properties such as the 193-meter-tall Oasia Hotel Downtown, Oasia Hotel Novena, and Oasia Residence serviced apartments, establishing a strong presence in Singapore’s hospitality industry.