Early Life and Humble Beginnings
Born on February 24, 1984, in Taiping, Perak, Malaysia, Dato’ Howard Chew Si Hoo’s journey from modest beginnings to entrepreneurial success is nothing short of inspiring. Growing up in a humble household, Chew’s early life was marked by financial challenges. However, these hardships instilled in him a relentless drive and determination to overcome obstacles and achieve success.
Venturing into the Business World
Chew’s entrepreneurial journey began at a young age. With a keen interest in business, he started exploring various ventures, gaining valuable experience and insights along the way. His early ventures, though modest, laid the foundation for his future endeavors, teaching him the importance of resilience, adaptability, and hard work.
Founding Chester Group
In 2006, Chew co-founded Chester Properties Sdn Bhd, now known as Chester Group, with his partner, Sean Yong. The company started as a small real estate agency but quickly gained recognition for its professionalism and dedication to clients. Under Chew’s leadership, Chester Group expanded its operations, establishing itself as a prominent name in Malaysia’s real estate industry. The company’s commitment to excellence attracted high-profile clients, including renowned developers such as Sunsuria, I-Berhad, Mah Sing, HCK, and LBS.
Pioneering Bulk Property Purchases
In 2009, Chew identified a unique opportunity in the real estate market: bulk property purchases. Recognizing the benefits of economies of scale, he pioneered this approach in Malaysia, negotiating deals that allowed individual buyers to acquire properties at below-market prices. Over the years, Chew facilitated the purchase of approximately 20,000 properties through bulk deals, earning him the nickname “Bulk Purchase King.” This innovative strategy not only benefited buyers but also solidified Chester Group’s reputation as a forward-thinking real estate agency.
Launching the Black Card Platform
In his quest to provide more value to clients and investors, Chew founded the Black Card Platform. This exclusive platform serves as a global investment, business, and education sharing network, bringing together high-net-worth individuals and offering them unique opportunities and benefits. As of today, the platform boasts over 824 subscribers from various industries, including well-known business entrepreneurs and VIPs. The Black Card Platform aims to create a win-win situation for subscribers, merchants, and the platform itself, fostering a community of like-minded individuals seeking growth and collaboration.
Venturing into Property Development
Chew’s ambition extended beyond real estate agency services. He aspired to become a property developer, a dream he realized with the launch of Tulip Residence in Denai Alam, Selangor. This mixed-use development, with a gross development value (GDV) of RM230 million, comprises serviced apartments and retail lots. The project was a joint venture involving Chester Denai Alam Sdn Bhd, the landowner, and Setiakon Builders Group. Tulip Residence received an overwhelming response, with the first tower and all 14 shoplots fully taken up within four months of its launch. This success marked a significant milestone for Chew, establishing him as a reputable developer in the industry.
Strategic Partnerships and Expansion
Chew’s vision for growth led to strategic partnerships and expansions. In 2021, Chester Venture Group, a subsidiary of Chester Group, entered into a RM25 million agreement with Sheng Tai International Sdn Bhd. This partnership involved underwriting 30 units of Metrasquare Serviced Suites, a component of the Melaka Trade Square development. The collaboration aimed to catalyze economic growth in Melaka, bringing in new businesses and creating job opportunities for locals.
In 2024, the Black Card Platform announced the acquisition of a RM100 million building in Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur, marking a significant expansion for the company. This acquisition not only expanded the platform’s operations but also signified its commitment to providing exclusive opportunities to its members. Additionally, the appointment of Zakhar Shashkov as the Black Card Platform president for Russia marked a crucial step in the platform’s expansion into the Russian market, reflecting Chew’s vision for global growth.
Accolades and Recognition
Chew’s contributions to the industry have been recognized through various awards and honors. In 2014, he was conferred the Darjah Indera Mahkota Pahang (DIMP) by the Sultan of Pahang, granting him the title Dato’. His business accolades include the Asia Honesty Entrepreneur Award (2011), iProperty Outstanding Real Estate Agency of The Year Titanium (2015 and 2018), ASEAN Master Class Award (2016), Brotherhood Outstanding Entrepreneur Of The Year (2016), Brand Excellence Globally Award (2016), and All Star Agency – Star Property (2018). These awards are a testament to his dedication, innovation, and leadership in the real estate industry.
Personal Philosophy and Mentorship
Beyond his business ventures, Chew is passionate about sharing his knowledge and experiences. He founded and serves as a speaker for programs such as Networking Wealth Secret, 18 Property Golden Rules, and Business Creation Course. Through these platforms, he mentors aspiring entrepreneurs and investors, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning, strategic planning, and ethical business practices. His commitment to education reflects his belief that knowledge sharing is crucial for personal and professional growth.
Current Endeavors and Future Plans
As of March 2025, Chew continues to lead Chester Group and the Black Card Platform, focusing on strategic growth and innovation. His future plans include exploring new markets, developing more property projects, and expanding the Black Card Platform’s offerings to provide even more value to its members. Chew’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming a business mogul serves as an inspiration to many, demonstrating that with vision, determination, and hard work, one can overcome challenges and achieve remarkable success.
Conclusion
Dato’ Howard Chew’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and innovation. From his early days in Taiping to leading successful business ventures, his journey embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship. Through strategic thinking, a commitment to excellence, and a passion for mentoring others, Chew has made a significant impact on Malaysia’s real estate industry and continues to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs worldwide. Do follow him on Instagram.
Also read: How UAE Is Helping Local Artists Shine on the Global Stage!
