Cover Supaluck Umpujh, chairperson, The Mall Group
Supaluck Umpujh, chairperson, The Mall Group
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They transform malls into more than just shopping destinations but true community landmarks
More than building shopping centres that cater to people’s every need, the retail and lifestyle leaders of Asia’s Most Influential are creating holistic spaces that serve as hubs for community engagement and experiences. In Singapore, Wee Teng Wen has transformed an old high school into a vibrant creative hub, offering a mix of retail, arts and community spaces that invigorate the neighbourhood. In Thailand, Supaluck Umpujh is building multi-use malls that cater to diverse interests such as sports, entertainment and events. Meanwhile, in the Philippines, Mariana Zobel de Ayala is reimagining the mall experience with spaces that emphasise excitement, encouraging visitors to engage with their surroundings. Their innovative approach to mall development not only strengthens community ties but also redefines the mall as central to the neighbourhoods they serve.
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Wee Teng Wen, managing partner, The Lo & Behold Group (Singapore)
Above Wee Teng Wen, managing partner, The Lo & Behold Group
Wee Teng Wen, managing partner, The Lo & Behold Group
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Wee Teng Wen’s hotly anticipated lifestyle development New Bahru opened in May 2024, with more experiences set to launch in the coming months. The Lo & Behold Group transformed the former Nan Chiau High School into New Bahru, preserving its architectural elements while creating a modern centre for retail, wellness, enrichment, arts and culture. More than 20 spaces are already open, including Sri Lankan restaurant Kotuwa, plant design studio Soilboy, coffee specialist Morning and independent bookstore Woods in the Books. On August 1, the serviced apartment Alma House will also open in the creative hub.
New Bahru is the newest addition to The Lo Behold Group’s portfolio of concepts. The Singaporean hospitality company also runs three-Michelin-starred restaurant Odette by Julien Royer, Japanese restaurant Esora, bespoke wine-buying service Clink Clink and urban getaway Tanjong Beach Club. This year, two of its dining concepts, The Coconut Club and Fico, are included in Michelin Guide Singapore 2024 Bib Gourmand, while Odette lands at No 24 in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants.
Read Wee Teng Wen’s full profile on Asia’s Most Influential
Supaluck Umpujh, chairperson, The Mall Group (Thailand)
Above Supaluck Umpujh, chairperson, The Mall Group
Supaluck Umpujh, chairperson, The Mall Group
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With The Mall Group, retail magnate Supaluck Umpujh has shaped the retail scene of Thailand for four decades. One of the largest mall operators in the country, the company operates several retail centres, including Paragon, EmQuartier, Emporium, Bluport and its newest property, EmSphere, which opened in December 2023 and houses over 40 fashion brands plus the Tesla Thailand Showroom, Ikea City Store and Apple Store. The Mall Group is also currently building the Bangkok Mall, which will include an arena and is poised to be the largest shopping mall in Thailand and Southeast Asia.
For her work, Supaluck has received numerous awards, including the National Order of the Legion of Honour at the rank of Knight by decree of the President of the French Republic. In May 2024, she was named one of the Hall of Fame awardees of the World Retail Congress. The honour, which was awarded in Paris, recognises the world’s retail pioneers innovating the industry’s best companies and brands. She finds herself in good stead with fellow inductees L’Oreal chairman Jean-Paul Agon and American Eagle Outfitters chairman Jay Schottenstein.
Read Supaluck Umpujh’s full profile on Asia’s Most Influential
Mariana Zobel de Ayala, executive director, Ayala Corporation (Philippines)
Above Mariana Zobel de Ayala, executive director, Ayala Corporation
Mariana Zobel de Ayala, executive director, Ayala Corporation
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Mariana Zobel de Ayala’s vision for Ayala Malls is centred on the many Filipinos who visit its more than 30 properties across the country. To this end, the executive director leads the redevelopment of the company’s flagship malls, Glorietta, Greenbelt, Trinoma and Ayala Center Cebu, to create an engaging environment that focuses on “the sense of place”. The refresh, the retail leader describes, emphasises key elements, including accessibility and ease of navigation, details like the right temperature and even the mall’s scent, and more shops, restaurants and entertainment that will engage customers.
“Given changing consumption patterns and increased competition, we’ve decided to rethink and refresh the mall experience. We’ve engaged an incredible set of global experts—architects, urban planners, and consumer psychology specialists,” she said to Tatler. “We want to make sure people love being in our spaces and that we keep people excited, curious and coming back.” The new look, which also retains Ayala Malls’ use of green outdoor spaces, will debut from 2026 to 2028.
Read Mariana Zobel de Ayala’s full profile on Asia’s Most Influential
Tatler Asia’s Most Influential is the definitive list of people shaping our world today. Asia’s Most Influential brings together the region's most innovative changemakers, industry titans and thought leaders who are driving positive impact in Asia and beyond. View the full list here.
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