Shaping towns and cities of the future
Having helped establish 26 successful self-contained communities in its home soil, Singapore-owned Surbana Corporation Pte Ltd has exported its multi-disciplinary building consultancy expertise to key global markets in Asia and the Middle East.
"Our 45 years of experience in Singapore has given us ample opportunities to hone our skills, especially in the areas of urban design, architecture and engineering," points out Group CEO Tan Thai Hong.
As far back as 1991, Surbana received international recognition for its expertise in the residential sector.
The group, which was under the Housing Development Board at that time, received the UN World Habitat Award for the Tampines Township under the "Developed Country" category, among other awards. More recently, it swept up the top three prizes in the FIABCI prix d'excellence awards (residential category).
"Surbana has focused on duplicating its winning model throughout Singapore," comments Tan, "and it has done so with great success. Surbana is now looking at emerging economies for its future investments in quality housing projects. The name Surbana embodies our intention to further urbanization in Singapore and beyond.
"Leveraging on our Singapore experience, we will then acclimatize our acquired knowledge to shape global towns and cities of the future."
For the China market, Surbana has made the bold decision to make its maiden venture in its dual role as both consultant and developer. The company is currently developing three major China projects in Chengdu, Wuxi and Xi'an.
The Botanica development in Chengdu will yield 8,000 living units while in Wuxi in Jiangsu Province, the company plans between 5,000 and 6,000 units.
In Xi'an, the development will have a staggering 30,000 living units and is set to break ground in the summer of 2007.
The Surbana brand connotes a high quality of life. So, its developments are highly sought after by the growing mid-level income earners in China.
Surbana's Botanica residential community in Chengdu, China, offers 8,000 unit quality living spaces for residents in the area. |
"What is most significant in China is that after so many years of fast economic growth, wealth is being passed down to the people," says Tan. "The people's buying power is increasing and we want to provide them with the quality housing they can now afford."
By planning separate commercial and residential zones within their developments, Surbana provides a quiet and relaxed living environment alongside lively, communal town centers. The company saw great success with this zoning scheme in Singapore and expects the same response in China.
"The towns we plan, build and manage are places where people want to live," he says. "We want the people who live in our developments to be proud of their homes and communities and look forward to coming home at the end of the day. We have a passionate and dedicated team who has successfully urbanized Singapore; now we are looking to help urbanize Asia."
For more information, please visit: www.surbana.com
(China Daily 03/12/2007 page6)
