Season 1, Episode 3: Benjamin Cha, Chief Executive of Grosvenor Group Asia Pacific
Benjamin Cha reflects on growing up in the US and Hong Kong, and how travelling around many vibrant and dynamic cities influenced his interest in urban environments. He looks back upon his early career years in China, where he witnessed a wave of transformation in urbanization–with new office towers, hotels, and significant infrastructure growth. He explains how Discovery Bay, a resort development in Hong Kong, was developed as a mixed-use residential project on a very large-scale and the complexities of such a project. And why he describes this project as a real eye opener and wake up call. Ben discusses the importance of greener cities in tackling environmental concerns and how this translates into an investment decision. He speaks about the implications of global warming towards urban land development, regional shifts and what Grosvenor’s key areas of focus are for development.
Episode Summary: Benjamin Cha reflects on growing up in the US and Hong Kong, and how travelling around many vibrant and dynamic cities influenced his interest in urban environments. He looks back upon his early career years in China, where he witnessed a wave of transformation in urbanization–with new office towers, hotels, and significant infrastructure growth. He explains how Discovery Bay, a resort development in Hong Kong, was developed as a mixed-use residential project on a very large-scale and the complexities of such a project. And why he describes this project as a real eye opener and wake up call. Ben discusses the importance of greener cities in tackling environmental concerns and how this translates into an investment decision. He speaks about the implications of global warming towards urban land development, regional shifts and what Grosvenor’s key areas of focus are for development.
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Voices of ULI
Inspiration and big ideas from successful, interesting, entrepreneurial ULI leaders in Asia Pacific who are passionate about improving the places where we live, work and play.
Season 1, Episode 4: Hiroo Mori, Director and Executive Vice President of Mori Building Co., Ltd.
In a conversation with Hiroo Mori, we hear how being a budding young tennis champion influenced his first steps into the industry. Mori-san takes us on a deep-dive into the projects he built during the urban development period in Japan.
Season 1, Episode 2: Prof Cheong Koon Hean, Chairman, Centre for Liveable Cities
Prof. Cheong takes us on a walk down memory lane. She talks about her inspiration, her many learning curves, and her thoughts for the future of the built environment. And why there is no such thing as a perfect city.
Season 1, Episode 1: Simon Treacy, CEO of Private Equity Real Estate, CapitaLand Investment
With over 23 years of experience in real estate across USA, Asia, Europe, and Latin America, industry luminary Simon drives the growth of assets under management (AUM) and funds under management (FUM) for CapitaLand Investment‘s private equity real estate business.