​Claire Chiang, a distinguished Singaporean entrepreneur and advocate, co-founded Banyan Tree Holdings with her husband, Ho Kwon Ping. Their family is deeply involved in both business and social initiatives, reflecting a legacy of leadership and commitment.​

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Claire Chiang’s Family Overview

🧓 Parents and Siblings

  • Parents: Claire grew up in a modest two-room flat in Little India, Singapore, with her parents and five elder brothers. Her father was an accountant, and her mother undertook various odd jobs to support the family. ​

💍 Spouse

  • Husband: Ho Kwon Ping, a distinguished Singaporean businessman and executive chairman of Banyan Tree Holdings. The couple married in 1978 and have since built a global hospitality brand together. ​

👶 Children

  • Ho Ren Hua: The eldest son, currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer of Thai Wah, a company with roots in the family's business ventures. ​

  • Ho Ren Yung: The daughter, who has taken on significant roles within Banyan Tree Holdings. She is the Senior Vice President of Brand and Commercial, overseeing brand development and strategy. ​

  • Ho Ren Chun: The youngest son, working as a lawyer in London. While not currently involved in the family business, he has expressed openness to joining in the future. ​

🌱 Early Life & Education

Raised in a modest two-room flat in Singapore's Little India, Claire was the youngest and only daughter among five brothers. Her father worked as an accountant, while her mother took on various jobs to support the family. Claire's early experiences, including sharing a room with her grandmother, deeply influenced her perspectives on womanhood and social responsibility.​

She attended Nan Hua Primary School and Raffles Girls' School before pursuing sociology at the University of Singapore (now National University of Singapore). Furthering her studies, she completed a program in translation at the Sorbonne University in Paris and later earned a master's degree in sociology from the University of Hong Kong in 1985. ​

🏨 Business & Leadership

In 1994, Claire co-founded Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts with her husband, Ho Kwon Ping. The brand has since expanded globally, operating over 70 resorts, hotels, and spas across more than 20 countries. Claire serves as the Senior Vice President of Banyan Tree Holdings and chairs the Banyan Tree Global Foundation, focusing on sustainability and community development. ​

🏛️ Public Service & Advocacy

From 1997 to 2001, Claire served as a Nominated Member of Parliament in Singapore, championing issues such as compulsory education, women's rights, and the welfare of domestic workers. She was among the first two women admitted to the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in 1995. 

Her leadership extends to various organizations, including chairing the National Book Development Council of Singapore and serving on boards like Mandai Safari Park Holdings and the Singapore Art Museum. ​

🌟 Recognition

Claire's contributions have been widely recognized. She was named Singapore's Woman of the Year in 1999 and inducted into the Singapore Women's Hall of Fame in 2018. ​

Claire Chiang's journey from humble beginnings to global influence exemplifies her dedication to sustainable business practices and social advocacy. The family's collaborative approach to business and social causes exemplifies their commitment to sustainable development and community engagement.

 

 

📜 Create Your Own Family Legacy!

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