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scendas-Singbridge is a real estate powerhouse. Managing
industrial, commercial and hospitality assets worth more
than S$20 billion, the Singapore company has risen from
a merger to become a dominant force in Asia–Pacific.
Ascendas-Singbridge operates projects in nine countries,
including China, Indonesia, India and South Korea, from
industrial and logistics properties to IT parks and innovation hubs. It also
manages three Singapore-listed funds – Ascendas Real Estate Investment Trust,
Ascendas Hospitality Trust, and Ascendas India Trust – and is involved in
private funds and co-investments.
At the head of the billion-dollar business is Group CEO Miguel Ko,
whose experience in the hospitality industry not only supported his
decision to join the business but influenced his management approach.
“We think from a customer’s perspective rather than from a supplier or
services perspective,” Miguel tells The CEO Magazine.
Starting out as a certified public accountant in the US, Miguel
then switched to hospitality, where he spent most of his early career.
“I joined the hotel company ITT Sheraton and worked for them for
about 13 years,” he says. “Then I was transferred to Asia as president
of the chain for Asia–Pacific.” Miguel was then recruited by PepsiCo to
be president for Asia–Pacific and to drive its soft drinks into key markets »MORE
t h a n just a
space
These days, real estate means more than simply
offering a space, as Ascendas-Singbridge Group
CEO Miguel Ko explains.WORDS SHARON MASIGE • IMAGES ASCENDAS–SINGBRIDGE GROUPInterview | INSPIRE