Worldwide Hotels, founded by Singaporean billionaire Choo Chong Ngen, has recently opened its newest development, the Mercure ICON, in the city-state’s trendy Club Street in the central business district. The hotel boasts 989 rooms, making it the largest Mercure hotel globally. Choo’s daughter, Carolyn, who is also the CEO and managing director of Worldwide Hotels, stated that the Mercure ICON is the group’s new flagship hotel, offering travelers an authentic and vibrant experience of Singapore.
Managed by Mercure, a midscale brand owned by French hospitality group Accor, the Mercure ICON is the third hotel that Worldwide Hotels has opened in Singapore in the past six months. The other two hotels, Novotel Singapore on Kitchener and Hotel Mi Rochor, amounting to a total of S$1.6 billion in investment, according to a prior Forbes Asia report. With the addition of these new hotels, Worldwide Hotels now owns more than 8,600 rooms in Singapore, solidifying its position as one of the city-state’s largest hotel groups alongside Accor and Far East Organization.
In addition to its properties in Singapore, Worldwide Hotels has expanded internationally since 2017, acquiring 11 hotels in countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, and Australia. These hotels are managed by well-known brands like Holiday Inn, Travelodge, and Ibis, showcasing the group’s growth and presence in the global hospitality industry. Choo, a self-made billionaire who began his career as a fishmonger and textile trader, first gained success through his budget hotel chain, Hotel 81, located in Singapore’s red-light district.
Ranked as the 17th wealthiest person in Singapore on Forbes Asia’s 2023 Singapore’s 50 Richest List, Choo has built an impressive net worth of $2.6 billion. His success story and entrepreneurial journey demonstrate the potential for individuals to rise from humble beginnings to achieve great success in the business world. With the opening of the Mercure ICON and the expansion of Worldwide Hotels both in Singapore and internationally, Choo and his team continue to make a significant impact on the hospitality industry, offering travelers unique and memorable experiences in various destinations around the world.
