What began as an MBA project has blossomed into a renowned lifestyle F&B company in Singapore, all thanks to the visionary mind of Joseph Ong, the Founder and Managing Director of The 1-Group. Since its inception in 2005, Joseph Ong has nurtured and expanded the concept, transforming it into a thriving company with an impressive portfolio of award-winning restaurants, bars, cafes, dance clubs, and a premier wedding planning service. Now, with their sights set on international expansion, The 1-Group is proud to unveil the launch of 1-Altitude Melaka. To delve into the brilliance behind this achievement, we had the opportunity to sit down with Joseph Ong, as he shares his insights on the journey, illuminating the key experiences and qualities that have shaped his entrepreneurial path and distinguished The 1-Group within the hospitality industry.
Interview with Joseph Ong, Founder and Managing Director of The 1-Group
Can you provide us with insights into your background and how your journey led you to become the Founder and Managing Director of The 1-Group?
The journey that led me to become the Founder and Managing Director of The 1-Group began in 2005 when I initiated the project as part of my MBA studies. Over the years, the business experienced organic growth and evolved into a leading lifestyle F&B company with a diverse and successful portfolio. Our collection includes award-winning restaurants, bars, cafes, and dance clubs. Additionally, we have established ourselves as a premier wedding planning service in the country. 1-Group’s concepts are all housed in iconic, unique and beautiful locations throughout Singapore.
Excitingly, we are now embarking on our first international expansion with the 1-Altitude Melaka project. As hospitality trailblazers with a track record of conceptualising progressive, iconic venues across Singapore, 1-Group will export a collection of their homegrown Singaporean concepts to one of the most iconic locations in Asia.
What are the key experiences or qualities that have shaped your entrepreneurial journey and made you stand out in the hospitality industry?
Throughout my entrepreneurial journey in the hospitality industry, several key experiences and qualities have shaped my path. When I initially launched the business 18 years ago as my MBA final year project, I aimed to demonstrate that with proper strategy and planning, even without prior industry experience or competitive advantage, one can establish and succeed in a business. The F&B sector was particularly challenging and competitive, which allowed for robust testing of these concepts.
During the early stages, I managed the business on a part-time basis while still working with Symantec. This necessitated the development of a unique remote management style that emphasised decentralised and shared leadership. This approach evolved into 1-Group’s collective leadership model, which remains a cornerstone of our management strategy to this day. This model has enabled us to adopt a diverse approach and has played a significant role in differentiating us within the hospitality industry. With the successful implementation of this model across our Singapore concepts, we are now ready to expand globally with our first international venture in Melaka.
Overall, my journey has been shaped by a commitment to innovative management practices, a willingness to challenge conventional norms, and a drive to succeed in a highly competitive industry. These experiences and qualities have helped me stand out in the hospitality sector and paved the way for the growth and success of the 1-Group.
Were there any significant mentors or role models who influenced your career path or served as sources of inspiration for you?
Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to have benefitted from several significant mentors and role models who have influenced my career path. These individuals have made a profound impact on my professional development and have served as a source of inspiration for me.
During my early corporate finance career, Nicky Tan played a crucial role as a mentor. He provided me with valuable guidance and imparted his expertise in finance. In the consulting phase of my career, Mildred Tan became an influential role model. Her strategic thinking, leadership abilities, and passion for driving change inspired me to strive for excellence. During my time at Symantec, James Beer, the CFO at the time, served as a significant mentor for me. His deep financial knowledge, business acumen, and exceptional leadership style were truly inspiring. James Beer taught me the importance of taking calculated risks and encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone to achieve personal and professional growth. All of their mentorships played a vital role in shaping my career journey.
How would you describe The 1-Group’s journey from its inception to its current standing in the industry? What notable milestones or achievements have you reached along the way?
The journey of The 1-Group from its inception to its current standing in the industry has been remarkable. What began as my MBA final year project has now transformed into Singapore’s leading F&B, lifestyle, and hospitality group. Throughout our 18-year journey, we have built a portfolio of iconic restaurants, cafes, bars, and clubs that are known for their heartfelt experiences and exceptional offerings.
Over the years, we have achieved significant milestones and garnered notable achievements. Our venues have become the backdrop for countless first dates, celebrations, weddings, and events, creating lasting memories for our patrons. One of our standout accomplishments is the creation of bespoke concepts that have set new standards in the industry. Two notable examples are our award-winning dining concepts: Contemporary Italian fine diner ‘MONTI’ – offering detailed-oriented authentic Italian fare, created by a team of culinary maestros, and industry-forward cocktails – and ‘FLNT’ – a sky-high, high-energy social spot, delivering authentic fusion of Japanese-Peruvian cuisine. These exceptional concepts will also be introduced at our upcoming venture, 1-Altitude Melaka.
Throughout our journey, we have continuously strived to provide exceptional experiences and push boundaries in the industry. The 1-Group’s growth and success have been driven by our unwavering commitment to delivering heartfelt and purposeful hospitality, ensuring that every encounter with our venues becomes a memorable one.
Could you share the vision behind the launch of 1-Altitude Melaka and how it aligns with The 1-Group’s overall goals?
The launch of 1-Altitude Melaka aligns with The 1-Group’s overall goals and vision, which encompasses expanding our presence and establishing ourselves as a prominent lifestyle F&B player in Asia. There are several key reasons why we chose Melaka as our first overseas venture.
Melaka attracts a significant number of tourists from both Malaysia and around the world. In 2019 alone, the city welcomed over 17 million visitors, with 70% being Malaysian tourists and 5 million international tourists. The city’s rich cultural heritage, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and unique charm make it an appealing destination for travellers. By establishing our presence in Melaka, we aim to cater to this influx of tourists and offer them exceptional dining and hospitality experiences.
Furthermore, the iconic building that houses 1-Altitude Melaka presented us with a compelling opportunity. As the tallest building in Melaka, it offers approximately 100,000 square feet of space on its rooftop and penthouse. This enables us to create a truly remarkable portfolio of venues where visitors can spend an entire day immersing themselves in our diverse offerings. The breathtaking views of Melaka’s skyline from this location provide a new and captivating perspective for visitors.
In line with our expansion plans, the 1-Group is actively seeking partnerships and collaborations to further grow our award-winning brands and introduce our unique portfolio and collective leadership systems. We aim to leverage our expertise and capabilities to enhance the lifestyle and F&B offerings. Our vision extends beyond 1-Altitude Melaka, as we strive to become a prominent player in the lifestyle F&B arena.
Can you provide insights into the collaboration between The 1-Group and Hatten that brought the 1-Altitude Melaka project to life? How did this partnership come about?
The collaboration between the 1-Group and Hatten has been instrumental in bringing the 1-Altitude Melaka project to life. Hatten is an award-winning real estate conglomerate comprising an ecosystem of hotels, malls and residences. Much like 1-Group, Hatten is committed to creating trend-setting, high quality concepts that ultimately enrich lives and communities.
The partnership between 1-Group and Hatten was established on May 16th, 2023. This marked the beginning of a joint venture between the two companies, with Hatten being one of Malaysia’s top property developers specialising in integrated commercial, residential, and hospitality projects. The signing ceremony was graced by the Chief Minister of Melaka, Yang Amat Berhormat Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh, and solidified the collaboration that would bring 1-Altitude Melaka to fruition.
Together, 1-Group and Hatten are leveraging their respective expertise and resources to create a truly exceptional destination in Melaka. The partnership brings together the hospitality and lifestyle expertise of 1-Group with Hatten’s renowned capabilities in property development. This collaboration is set to result in an iconic and transformative project that will elevate the hospitality and F&B offerings in Melaka and leave a lasting impact on the local community.
What unique features and experiences does 1-Altitude Melaka offer guests, and how do you believe it will contribute to the tourism and hospitality scene in Melaka?
1-Altitude Melaka offers guests a range of unique features and experiences that will contribute significantly to the tourism and hospitality scene in Melaka. One standout aspect is its vibrant nightlife offerings. Melaka is known for its daytime attractions, but there has been a lack of dynamic night-time venues, premium dining spaces, and iconic wedding venues. 1-Altitude Melaka aims to fill this void and enhance the city’s tourism landscape.
At the heart of the experience is the 1-Altitude Apex Bar, which is set to become Malaysia’s best and most iconic rooftop bar. Night owls will revel in the dynamic weekly programming, crafted cocktails on tap, and breathtaking sunset views over the Melaka Straits.
Another remarkable feature is 1-Altitude Coast, a duo-concept destination comprising 1-Altitude Coast Day Club and Nightclub. With themed club nights offering a stellar line-up of music and entertainment, the adults-exclusive beach club will boast the highest rooftop pool in Melaka, sitting 195m above sea level.
This new addition will further enhance Melaka’s reputation as a diverse and captivating destination for both domestic and international travellers.
The launch of 1-Altitude Melaka is taking place in stages throughout Q3 and Q4 of 2023. What are the key highlights that we can anticipate during this period?
There are several key highlights to anticipate. The first venue, Wildseed Café and Bistro, will open its doors in July 2023. It will be followed by two award-winning dining concepts, MONTI and FLNT, two bar concepts 1-Altitude Apex Bar and 1-Altitude Coast, and one event space, 1-Host. Lastly, an as-yet-unnamed contemporary Chinese restaurant and speakeasy bar will complete the lineup of 1-Altitude Melaka.
As the Founder and Managing Director of The 1-Group, what challenges did you face in bringing 1-Altitude Melaka to fruition, and how did you overcome them?
Our challenges in the business are probably essentially the same throughout the food and beverage services sector: the shortage of manpower, high rental cost, and high cost of goods and supply management issues which typically keep us awake at night. Furthermore, the food and beverage industry has become increasingly complex, with various agencies and authorities implementing stricter controls and certifications for operations in this sector. Navigating these regulatory requirements adds an additional layer of challenge.
To overcome these challenges, we adopt several strategies. Firstly, we focus on improving operational efficiency to make the most of the resources available. This includes streamlining processes, optimising staffing levels, and implementing cost-effective measures. Additionally, we strive to inspire and empower our team members to excel in their roles and contribute to the success of our projects. We also approach investment decisions with caution, conducting thorough evaluations and assessing the potential risks and rewards before committing resources. Managing costs effectively is a priority, ensuring that expenditures align with business priorities and deliver value. In dealing with the evolving regulatory landscape, we stay proactive and keep ourselves updated on the latest industry requirements. This allows us to adapt and ensure compliance while minimising disruptions to our operations.
Overall, by being resourceful, prudent, and adaptable, we have been able to overcome the challenges encountered in bringing 1-Altitude Melaka to fruition. Our commitment to continuous improvement and strategic decision-making has enabled us to navigate the hurdles and deliver exceptional experiences to our customers.
How have you personally grown and evolved as an entrepreneur and leader since founding The 1-Group?
Founding and leading The 1-Group has been instrumental in my personal growth as an entrepreneur and leader. As a prominent player in the Lifestyle F&B industry, the company has provided me with valuable opportunities to enhance my leadership skills and broaden my horizons.
One significant aspect of my growth has been the privilege of assembling a top-tier team of front and back of house operators, strategic thinkers, planners, business developers, and functional leads in the Lifestyle F&B sector. The ability to attract and nurture such exceptional talent has not only elevated the company’s capabilities but has also enriched my own leadership journey. Collaborating with these talented individuals, I am proud to contribute to a powerful leadership team.
Embracing a “collective leadership” approach, we have successfully expanded our services to encompass 30 different concepts, including dining establishments, bars, clubs, and cafes. Our offerings now span from dining experiences to wedding and event planning, as well as F&B consultancy.
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