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Lunch with Sumiko: Billionaire Hotel 81 founder on why his daughter is leading the business he built
Hotel 81 founder Choo Chong Ngen now has 38 hotels under six brands in his Worldwide Hotels group. Daughter Carolyn is CEO and also his confidante. Find out about his rags to riches story in this 'Family' series.
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In 1995, Mr Choo Chong Ngen opened his first hotel. His daughter Carolyn joined the family business in 2002.
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Ever since Carolyn Choo was about 10, her father would share with her details about his work day.
Sitting in the garden of their semi-detached house in Sennett Avenue in Bedok, Mr Choo Chong Ngen would confide in her about his business. "I talked to her about my expenses every month," he remembers. "How much for house instalment, family, food, car."
