Tong Eng Group

Company Profile

 
In the 1940s, Teo Thye Chor and his younger brother, Teo Thye Hong, embarked on a journey from the Hui An district of Fujian, China, to Singapore in pursuit of a brighter future. Despite initial challenges, the brothers founded Tong Eng Brothers after the conclusion of the Second World War, focusing on the trading of electrolytic tinplates used in the production of cans and bottle caps.

Recognizing the demand for post-war reconstruction in the 1950s, the brothers foresaw a surge in the need for housing and decided to venture into property development. Teo Thye Chor, a true visionary, saw the potential of the undeveloped Paya Lebar district and made strategic land acquisitions in the area. Tong Eng subsequently transformed the land into the first industrial estate in the vicinity.

Expanding their portfolio, the brothers continued to acquire greenfield land in Singapore’s suburbs, including Changi, Upper Serangoon Road, Yio Chu Kang, and Pasir Panjang, amassing over 40 hectares of freehold land.

Tong Eng developed some of these lands into leased houses for the British forces stationed in Singapore at the time. Notable projects from that era included Changi Grove, West Sea Garden in Pasir Panjang, Tong Kong Gardens in Upper Paya Lebar, and Tong Eng Heights, now known as Changi Heights.

Capitalizing on Tong Eng’s business connections in the tin can industry, particularly with major oil refining companies such as Shell, Esso, and Mobil, the brothers demonstrated their business acumen by selling land to these oil giants for use as petrol stations. These land parcels were carved out from Tong Eng’s existing acquisitions, offsetting a significant portion of the land costs.

In 1968, Teo Thye Chor’s eldest son, Teo Tong Wah, along with his uncle Thye Hong, assumed leadership of the company. They continued to develop the company’s land bank and carry on the legacy of strategic land acquisitions initiated by the founders. Tong Wah focused on acquiring pre-war rent control shophouses adjacent to Tong Eng’s existing three units at Cecil Street, located in Singapore’s central business district (CBD). Combining these properties, Tong Eng Building, a 26-storey office tower and the company’s headquarters, was constructed.

Over the years, the Tong Eng Group diversified its real estate developments across various sectors, including landed housing, condominiums, apartments, offices, and retail malls. Notable projects in their portfolio include Greenbank Park, Green Meadows, Trendale Tower, Stratton Park, Belgravia Park, Serenade Garden, Kew Cottages, Treasure Place, Eminent Plaza, Serangoon Plaza, and Poshgrove East, among others.

With a history spanning nearly 60 years, Tong Eng Brothers has owned and developed close to 200 acres of land, encompassing office, retail, landed housing, and apartments. The company has firmly established itself as a leading property developer with a proven track record of delivering high-quality projects.

Today, under the guidance of Group Managing Director Teo Tong Lim, the family business thrives into its third generation. The Tong Eng Group actively seeks investment and development opportunities while expanding its real estate footprint in Singapore and beyond.

Tong Eng Group Awards & Achievements

Past Developments Track Record