30 years of celebration for Millennium Hotels & Resorts

The group marked the occasion with an intimate cocktail session at the Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel Singapore. The 14 November event was graced by MHR’s Executive Chairman Kwek Leng Beng, and Guest-of-Honour Heng Swee Keat, Singapore’s former Deputy Prime Minister. Global teams across London, New York, New Zealand, China, and beyond joined in virtual toasts, underscoring the brand’s international network.

Reflecting on the journey, Kwek stated, “Our vision was to build a Singapore-born hospitality brand that could stand alongside the very best in the world. Thirty years on, that vision has become a proud reality.”

He also credited dedicated teams and partners, adding, “My aspiration is for our group to continue expanding its global footprint, with Singapore’s flag proudly flying on properties in key cities across the world”.

A highlight of the evening was a commemorative video tracing MHR’s 30-year evolution. Featuring Kwek, it spotlighted the people behind the brand, the transformation of its properties, and its enduring commitment to hospitality with heart. Heng also presented a token of appreciation to Kwek in recognition of his vision and contributions to MHR’s global success.

A Singapore hospitality success story with global reach

MHR’s growth was fuelled by strategic acquisitions, beginning with a foundation in 1970s Singapore before expanding into New Zealand in 1992. Two years later, it made its foray into the United States with the purchase of Millennium Hotel and Millennium Broadway Times Square - but the defining move was in 1996, when MHR became the first Singaporean company listed on the London Stock Exchange.

In the following decades, the group continued to further its presence across the US, Europe, the Middle East, and China.

Key developments include the opening of Grand Millennium Beijing in 2008, the launch of the lifestyle-driven M Social brand in Singapore in 2015, and the debut of The Biltmore Mayfair in London in 2019 as the group’s luxury flagship. Most recently, 2025 saw the addition of M Social Resort Penang and M Social Hotel New York Downtown.

Today, MHR operates over 150 properties across 80 destinations, spanning brands such as The Biltmore, Grand Millennium, Millennium, M Social, Studio M, M Hotel, Copthorne, and Kingsgate.

By Melissa Choo