Background
Chua was born in Singapore, on July 11, 1948. He is the seventh of 14 children in his family. Chua's father, Chua Tiong Yean, ran a lighterage firm and also built tongkangs.
2012
Chua Thian Poh with President Tony Tan Keng Yam.
Portrait photo of Chua Thian Poh.
Chua was born in Singapore, on July 11, 1948. He is the seventh of 14 children in his family. Chua's father, Chua Tiong Yean, ran a lighterage firm and also built tongkangs.
Chua Thian Poh studied at Serangoon Garden Technical Secondary School from 1955 to 1964, leaving school at 16.
Chua joined his father's business at the age of 16. However, soon he struck out from this business and managed to become a millionaire at 21 years of age. He produced metal hooks and spikes for the logging industry. The business collapsed when timber prices dropped a year later and his business went deep into debt.
In the 1970s he entered an import-export business in Indonesia and once again lost millions during the 1978 devaluation of the Indonesian rupiah. It occurred in response to a fall in oil prices and a reduction in Indonesian foreign reserves.
Chua Thian Poh established Ho Bee Investment Ltd in 1987, becoming its CEO. It is a real estate development and investment company. He started this business already having an extensive and diverse portfolio covering high quality residential, commercial and high-tech industrial projects. In 1989 he became a chairman of the company.
The year 1993 marked the start of Chua's involvement in the Community. This year he was invited to join the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCI). 3 years later he was elected to the executive council at the Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan (SHHK). The SHHK is the largest Chinese Clan in Singapore representing more than 4,200 members. He has served other community organisations such as the Chinese Development Assistance Council (CDAC); the Central Singapore Community Development Council; the National Arts Council (NAC).
Meanwhile, Ho Bee Investment Ltd was successfully listed on the main board of the Singapore Exchange in 1999, giving it access to resources that fuelled several phases of significant growth. As for today, the company has managed to become a leading developer of luxury homes. The company's achievements in this niche area are highlighted by its development of the exclusive residential enclave of Sentosa Cove. One of the most prestigious locations in Singapore, Sentosa Cove can boast a collection of ultra-luxury condominiums like The Coast, The Berth, Turquoise and Seascape, and exclusive bungalows on Coral and Paradise Islands. From its headquarters in Singapore, Ho Bee Investment Ltd has successfully grown its real estate business internationally. It established its presence in the major cities like Shanghai, London, and Tangshan.
In 2001 Chua Thian Poh became Vice President of the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Between 2003 and 2006 he served as a Non-Independent Non-Executive Director of the EnGro Corporation Limited. Besides, from 2003 he occupied the post of a chairman of the Bishan East Citizens' Consultative Committee and worked as a council member of the National Arts Council.
Chua Thian Poh was elected the president of the Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan (SHHK) in March 2010 and later that year he became the Chairman of Singapore Federation of Chinese Clans Association (SFCCA) which represents more than 190 Chinese Clan groups in Singapore.
In September 2015 Chua became the Non-Resident Ambassador of Singapore to the Republic of Maldives. In February 2016 he was appointed a member of the Constitutional Commission for the review of Elected Presidency. He was an alternate member of the Council of Presidential Advisers (CPA) from April 2017. Eventually, Chua Thian Poh was appointed a member of the Council of Presidential Advisers (CPA).
Chua Thian Poh is one most prominent businessmen and property developers of today. He is honoured for his leading role in the Chinese community and contributing to its various groups - from business and social services to medical and clan organisations.
Chua has been recognised for his contributions to the local community and society. The Public Service Star (BBM) by Singapore President S R Nathan was conferred upon him in 2004.
In March 2007, Chua Thian Poh awarded The 2006 Businessman of the Year in the Singapore Business Awards 2007 jointly organized by The Business Times. The same year he was given a degree of Doctor of Humane Letters.
In November 2012, Chua was honoured with The President’s Award for Philanthropy (Individual). He was chosen by Forbes Asia in its Heroes of Philanthropy honour roll in 2014, he was granted the Distinguished Service Order.
Chua Thian Poh was on the list of the Singapore's 50 Richest 2018; he was mentioned under the #23.
Chua Thian Poh is a follower of Buddhism.
Chua Thian Poh firmly believes that education can open doors for today’s youth as they grow and evolve into the leaders of tomorrow, and not just in business, but also in community leadership.
Chua is married to Doris Ng. He is the father of four children.
