“It is important to know your industry. Learn as much as you can and study both local and global market trends. Once you have developed a clear understanding of the sector, do not be afraid to dream big, the world thrives on new ideas and innovation. Personally, my motto is changing ‘impossible’ to ‘I. M. POSSIBLE’,” says the gungho Colin Tan June Teng, Managing Director of the Hatten Group Sdn Bhd.
Hatten is a front-runner in Malaysia’s property development, asset management and investment industry. A multi-award winning company, it is one of the largest mega-corporations in the region to integrate core businesses in project development, construction, commercial/asset management, retail leasing and hospitality divisions.
Beginning in 2004 and incorporated in 2008, ‘Hatten’ which means “growth” and “development” in Japanese, is known for its large-scale pioneering projects such as Dataran Pahlawan Melaka Megamall, Hatten Hotel Melaka and Hatten City, a 25-acre waterfront project.
To date, the Group has won 30 prestigious international awards from some of the most influential and reputable global award committees. Hatten Group continues to push the boundaries of innovation, delivering quality, functionality, aesthetics and services – all bearing the Hatten trademark of excellence.
In Malaysia’s highly-competitive Property, Development and Investment market, Hatten Group stands out as a symbol of bold, iconic innovation.
Success has come by thinking out of the box. “Back in 2004, Group Chairman, Datuk Wira Eric Tan, Group Chief Executive Officer, Edwin Tan and I defied critics by taking on an abandoned development in Melaka and turning it into our successful flagship project known as Dataran Pahlawan Melaka Megamall, the largest shopping mall in Melaka. This bold, pioneering spirit is what sets Hatten Group apart from the competition.
“Hatten is a trusted brand because we have a proven track record of success, fore-fronting value add through innovation, delivering quality products and services as well as escalating revenue to stakeholders and investors. We endeavour to integrate our role as a corporate citizen by enriching the community whilst conserving the wildlife and environment.
“In Melaka where we are based, we have increased the value of surrounding properties with our high-end luxury integrated developments, offering a world-class hospitality avenue as well as bringing in global brands such as Uniqlo, H&M, MNG, Braun Buffel, G-2000 etc to Melaka.”
Hatten maintains a fully comprehensive and self-sufficient corporate structure where every area of specialisation is incorporated (eg. architects, construction, leasing, management, PR and branding, hospitality and so on). This ensures consistency across the board, ensuring Hatten’s high standard of excellence.
“Our cross section of clientele consists of both local and foreign buyers. Hatten’s vast portfolio of projects attracts both new and experienced investors,” adds Mr. Tan.
While Hatten Group started out with just 10 employees, today the team consists of a 500-strong workforce stationed across five offices in Melaka, Kuala Lumpur, Seremban, Johar Bahru and Singapore.
LEADING THE WAY
Colin Tan June Teng, Hatten’s Managing Director, graduated with an Honours Degree in Finance from the University of Dublin, Ireland.
“I then positioned myself in several economic and investment sectors to learn as much as possible about high finance. This experience has provided invaluable insight into how I can propel Hatten Group towards success in a global arena.”
Mr. Tan was also mentored by Datuk Wira Eric Tan, Group Chairman of Hatten Group. “Since my youth, he honed my interest in the industry. With 40 years experience in property development, he has built a towering record of successes. His tenacity and clarity of vision continues to inspire me to this day.”
But how does he measure success? “Success is immeasurable,” Mr. Tan replies, “It is not how much money you make but how much you give back to your stakeholders and your contribution to the community. I am an advocate of Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives which are channeled through Hatten Cares, focusing on three core areas: eco-awareness, public health and care for the less fortunate.”
Asked where he sees himself in 10 years, he says: “I am passionate about this industry and am driven to develop Hatten Group even further towards our goals. In the pipeline, we are looking at the development of wellness and medical amenities and soon even educational facilities. I hope to see Hatten Group established as one of the region’s Top 10 Premier Property Developers by year 2020.”
In the mean time, as a father of a growing family, he balances work with quality family time, spending time with his children at every opportunity.
