Workers Accommodation

The Group diversified into the Workers Accommodation Business in 2011 after their successful reverse acquisition exercise and is now one of the largest providers of workers accommodation in Singapore and Malaysia. In 2024, the Group has also expanded into China.

SINGAPORE

In Singapore, the Group operates 10 PBWA with a total capacity of c.36,436 beds, which comprise six PBDs with c.29,180 beds and four QBDs with c.7,256 beds. The portfolio assets are strategically situated within industrial estates or worksites and built in compliance with current government regulations. 

The Group continues to expand its portfolio of PBWA beds in Singapore. A healthy pipeline is underway to deliver a steady supply of both newly constructed and redeveloped PBD beds, which are fully compliant with regulatory standards laid down by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). 

Amongst the PBDs, the newly launched Westlite Ubi stands out as one of the first dormitories developed in accordance with upcoming New Dormitory Standards (“NDS”). The purpose-built c.1,650-bed worker accommodation, with modern and comprehensive facilities and amenities, is situated in the Eastern-Central Ubi area, conveniently close to major highways like PIE, KPE and CTE, making commuting to and from work sites easy for the workers. 

Westlite Mandai, situated on freehold land near the Sungai Kadut and Woodlands industrial districts, offers c.6,300 beds and is open to workers from all industries. Just a short walk away, the Group operates Westlite Juniper, a c.1,900-bed facility secured under a 10+5-year master lease since September 2019. 

Westlite Woodlands, a c.4,100-bed accommodation strategically located near the Woodlands industrial hub, serves workers from the marine, process, and manufacturing industries in northern Singapore.  

ASPRI-Westlite Papan is a unique integrated development, comprising a PBD and the Association of Process Industry (“ASPRI”) training centre within one convenient estate. This c.7,900-bed facility  caters to the housing and training needs of workers in the Process, Construction, and Maintenance (“PCM”) industry. Conveniently located near Jurong Island, it supports a workforce serving more than 100 global energy and chemical companies.
The supply of PBWA beds has been increased to meet current demand. However, demand is expected to grow in the near term as the pipeline of large-scale construction projects expands, while
supply shrinkage is anticipated in the mid term as operators scale down operational capacity to retrofit beds in compliance with higher dormitory standards1. The number of Work Permit Holders in the Construction, Marine, and Process (“CMP”) sectors continues to increase on a yearly basis2. During the year, Centurion secured lease extensions for its four QBDs. 

MALAYSIA

In Malaysia, the Group manages eight PBWAs located in Johor, Penang, and Selangor, the three states that host Malaysia’s largest population of foreign manufacturing workers, making up roughly 35% of Malaysia’s foreign workers3. The Group’s Malaysia portfolio comprises c.28,053 beds as of 31 December 2024. 

Six of the PBWAs are in Johor: Westlite Tebrau, Westlite Johor Tech Park, Westlite Pasir Gudang, Westlite Senai, Westlite Senai II, and Westlite Tampoi. The seventh asset, Westlite Bukit Minyak, is in
Penang, while the eighth, Westlite PKNS Petaling Jaya, is in Selangor. Asset Enhancement Initiatives (“AEIs”) were completed in 2024, with c.680 beds added to Westlite Senai II. 

Primarily serving the manufacturing sector, all properties adhere to international ethical standards established by organisations such as Responsible Business Alliance and International Labour Organisation. Demand for high-quality PBWAs remains strong, supported by the Federal and State Governments’ continued enforcement of the Minimum Standards of Housing, Accommodation, and Employee Facilities Act 1990 (“Act 446”). Additionally, the Johor Government continues to stress the importance of employers providing Centralised Labour Quarters (“CLQ”) for migrant workers in compliance with Act 446. 

The Group continues to explore further opportunities, including recycling and redeploying capital for further growth through asset light means. The Group has completed the sale and leasebacks of Westlite Bukit Minyak and Westlite Tampoi with Kumpulan Wang Persaraan (Diperbadankan) [KWAP], with 15-year master leases secured for the two properties. 

CHINA

In July 2024, the Group expanded its PBWA operations into China’s PBWA market through a master lease agreement in Hong Kong’s Sheung Shui, New Territories. Westlite Sheung Shui is conveniently located near transportation networks, within walking distance of the Sheung Shui MTR, and just 35 minutes from Hong Kong International Airport. The property was retrofitted to serve as specialised accommodation for foreign workers, primarily in the food & beverage (“F&B”) and service sectors. 

The expansion aims to target the growing demand for foreign labour in Hong Kong SAR due to the implementation of the Enhanced Supplementary Labour Scheme (“ESLS”). It began operations in November 2024 with a capacity of c.539 beds.