Early Life
Choo Chong Ngen was born in April 1952, in Singapore. He grew up in a kampong and had to leave school at a young age to help his family, demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit early on. At age 10, he was selling ice cream to earn pocket money. He also worked as a fishmonger and sold textiles before starting his own business at 17.
Rise to Success
Choo entered the property market in his early 20s by buying shop units. By the time he was 32, he owned several stores, before focusing on property investments. Inspired by a hotel in Japan, he opened his first Hotel 81 in Geylang in 1995. Over time, Hotel 81 became a leading budget hotel chain, which expanded to include 38 hotels under six brands in Singapore. The hotels are known for their strategic locations and affordable pricing. Choo's vision was to cater to a wider audience, focusing on different price points, rather than developing luxury hotels. He consolidated his hotel brands under the Worldwide Hotels group in 2018.
Key Business Strategies
Choo's success is attributed to his focus on opportunities, cash flow, and hands-on approach to management. He expanded into the mid-tier market, with various brands and has expanded overseas. He has been described as entrepreneurial, exhibiting determination and tenacity in his business ventures. The business is now run with his daughter Carolyn Choo as CEO and Managing Director.
Philanthropy
Choo is involved in philanthropic efforts, primarily related to education. The Worldwide Hotels-Choo Chong Ngen Foundation has donated over $14 million to several educational institutions in Singapore, including universities and polytechnics, to establish bursaries for underprivileged students.
