Singaporean Couple Shares Secret of Success, Stories Behind Property Investment in Niseko

Singapore national Grace Chong-Tan runs a successful dental clinic back home and in Hong Kong with husband Rex. And in a later investment move, the couple decided to broaden their horizon when Niseko in Japan proved a too tempting deal to ignore.

The decision to buy up a place in Niseko, which recently has emerged as among Asia’s top all-season holiday destinations, was easy. Chong-Tan needed a regular winter spot and Hokkaido, Japan wasn’t difficult to fall in love with.

After more than 10 years of visiting Japan and experiencing the various skiing slopes of Hokkaido, Chong-Tan thought of making Niseko a second home. The couple’s first acquisition was a flat at AYA Niseko, not knowing that the property is but the start of a long-term decision to be made soon – one that will position the Tans for greater success outside of Hong Kong and Singapore.

Purchase of J-Sekka Boutique Hotel

The AYA Niseko flat that Grace and Rex bought is situated across a boutique hotel called J-Sekka. In no time, J-Sekka changed ownership. Chong-Tan now operates the property that came packaged with nine suites, and combines accommodation with restaurants, a whisky bar and a Japanese massage house.

The hotel investment, according to Grace, proved a game-changer for the couple already blessed with successful practice.

“Our purchase of J-Sekka changed our lives. Overnight, we became associated with hotels and hoteliers. We never thought of ourselves as such, just people who want to make a beautiful development better by offering the amenities of a five-star hotel,” Chong-Tan said in an interview with Singapore-based The Peak Magazine.

And what the Tans acquired with J-Sekka they intend not only to sustain but also to further enhance. The couple introduced hotel features and services that will make J-Sekka guests and visitors they are within the confines of a property with high-end facilities.

The latest additions of a a professional concierge service, English on-demand TV, children’s TV programmes, free Wi-Fi, in-room dining options and a personalised travel consultancy are solid proofs that Chong-Tan means business. Her plan is to further elevate the already excellent level of services that J-Sekka dispenses.

The move paid off as Trip Advisor took notice of the good reviews from clients. J-Sekka was awarded a certificate of excellence.

What’s happening with J-Sekka and with their dental practice are but a testament of a professional code that Chong-Tan said is governed by the untiring and endless pursuit of excellence.

“It is about providing outstanding value, quality service and exceptional experience,” Chong-Tan said when asked for the reasons behind the success of J-Sekka and her profession.