Mr Wong Yew Siong, General Director of Sedona Suites Hanoi.

What were the salient points of Sedona's business results in 2009?
SSH continued to enjoy high average occupancy rate of above 90 per cent this year. Our success is built upon the team's dedication to high levels of service and management, as well as strong word-of-mouth endorsement from our past and present residents.
How has the fall in economic, business and tourism activities in 2009 affected the market for serviced apartments in Vietnam in general and Sedona’s business in particular?
At SSH we focus on residents with long-term tenancy. As such, efforts are made to create a quality development that meets the needs and expectations of a discerning expatriate community. We believe these are what make SSH the preferred address of those from the diplomatic corps, multinational companies and business, as well as leisure travellers.
What is the potential of the serviced apartments market in Vietnam?
According to Savills’ 3Q report, the anticipated supply of over 1,000 serviced apartment units in the next two years is a reflection of the industry's confidence as well as Vietnam’s ability to continue to attract foreign investment.
As more and more investors enter the serviced apartments market in Vietnam, what are your competitive advantages?
SSH comprises 175 quality apartments and villas with luxurious interiors and highly secure car park facilities. Our buildings are built in the form of villas, instead of high-rise buildings. Our customers feel comfortable in their apartments but also can feel and enjoy the surrounding environment. SSH also enjoys a picturesque view of West Lake, the largest in Hanoi.
Besides being a “home away from home” for our residents, the development features a comprehensive range of recreational sports facilities, from tennis and squash courts, to mini golf putting greens, a fully-equipped gym and an Olympic-sized swimming pool. Our attention to detail includes providing facilities for the young, such as wading pools, a mini soccer field and a mini basketball court.
Here at SSH we also believe in balancing economic and environmental objectives. We ensure that our development is designed in harmony with the environment through lush landscaping. We also adopt a proactive approach towards environmental management and promoting an eco-culture among both employees and residents. Examples of our efforts include the implementation of a tree-planting campaign, and practices that promote effective waste management, water recycling and the efficient use of energy.
Sedona management also ensures that proper security measures are in place. Our security system has been certified by local authorities because of its strict compliance with regulations and its effectiveness. We provide around-the-clock security to ensure that our residents can have peace of mind when they stay with us.
What are Sedona's investment and development strategies in Vietnam in the future?
Sedona is the hospitality management arm of Keppel Land and currently manages more than 1,200 rooms across six properties in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City as well as in Myanmar, Indonesia and Singapore. In Vietnam, Keppel Land has built up a strong track record and network over the past two decades and is one of the country’s pioneering and largest real estate investors.
Its quality and diverse portfolio of properties spread across Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Dong Nai and Vung Tau ranges from Grade A offices, residential developments, and integrated townships, to award-winning serviced apartments.
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