CEO Insights Magazine

Across Singapore, expectations around how spaces should function and feel have evolved rapidly. Organisations now demand high quality commercial interiors, hybrid workplaces, hospitality upgrades and experiential retail environments that influence behaviour, elevate well-being and express brand identity with greater intention.

This shift has coincided with a national push for greener material choices, healthier indoor environments and lower embodied carbon, redefining what responsible building truly means. Digitalisation is advancing in parallel, with AI assisted coordination, robotics enabled fabrication and automated quality checks becoming more widely explored.

In this climate, clients increasingly value builders who can integrate craft, technology, sustainability and disciplined execution into a single, coherent practice. It is within this environment of rising expectations and accelerated change that Singapore-based interior build firm Ngee Koon has emerged as a defining force.

Founded on the belief that craftsmanship, sustainability and technology can meaningfully coexist, Ngee Koon represents a thoughtful balance between heritage and innovation. Led by third-generation Singaporean entrepreneur Oliver Goh, the company continues to honour its roots in interior build while embracing a future ready boutique model that focuses on quality over volume and long-term value over short-term gains.

Its expertise spans commercial interiors, co-working and retail spaces, workplace projects and heritage sensitive builds. With close collaboration alongside architects, designers and engineers, the company brings visions to life with precision and responsibility.

Over the years, Ngee Koon has earned the trust of clients such as LVMH Fashion Group, Singapore Airlines, SP Group (Singapore Energy Interconnections office), and World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). Beyond commercial projects, the company also works on Good Class Bungalows (GCBs), the most prestigious category of landed residential property in Singapore.

Supported by regional smart workshops, robotics-assisted carpentry partners and collaborations with Asia’s award-winning interior design firms including LFA Studio, Bean Buro, Studio Norm and Studio IF, Ngee Koon continues to define what it means to build with intention in a rapidly evolving era.

In the midst of the sector’s accelerating momentum, what persistent challenges do you see within Singapore’s building and construction landscape, and in what ways does Ngee Koon work to overcome these gaps through its services?

The industry continues to face fragmentation, as designers, contractors, consultants and operators often work in isolation, which leads to avoidable rework, misalignment and rushed compromises. Labour dependency also remains a structural challenge, especially with tighter timelines and heightened expectations.

Although sustainability, wellness and digitalisation are widely discussed, not every contractor is equipped or willing to translate these goals into meaningful action.

At Ngee Koon, I address these gaps through an integrated model that brings architects, designers and engineers into early alignment so that buildability, compliance and material responsibility are secured from the start.

I also explore emerging technologies with AI experts, robotics innovators and regional startups to enhance productivity, reduce waste and strengthen the balance between craftsmanship and modern efficiency.

Ngee Koon manages the entire construction journey. Could you explain the steps your team follows when taking on a new project?

Every project at Ngee Koon starts with a deep understanding of the client, architects, and designers, exploring brand story, operational needs, sustainability goals, and wellness aspirations. With this clarity, the team conducts detailed technical reviews to anticipate risks, refine sequencing, and integrate sustainable materials and long-lasting detailing.

Construction combines hands-on craftsmanship with smart fabrication, while close collaboration with architects, designers, and engineers ensures smooth execution. Even after handover, Ngee Koon remains involved to ensure the space performs as intended.

How does Ngee Koon integrate sustainability into its projects? What key considerations guide the team during design and execution to ensure full compliance with sustainability regulations and standards?

Sustainability guides every stage of Ngee Koon’s work, from using eco-friendly materials like FSC timber and low-VOC coatings to reducing waste through efficient fabrication and durable design. Wellness is integral, with attention to air quality, lighting, acoustics, and thermal comfort.

All projects comply with Singapore’s regulations, and partnerships with WWF strengthen responsible sourcing and environmental stewardship.

Can you share how Ngee Koon has evolved since its founding in 2023 and highlight some of the notable projects the company has undertaken along the way?

Since 2023, Ngee Koon has grown rapidly while staying committed to quality, completing over 30 design- and carpentry-led interior projects across commercial, hospitality, retail, and institutional sectors.

The company has collaborated with clients such as LVMH Fashion Group, Singapore Airlines, SP Group, and WWF, as well as top-tier architects and designers.

Our close partnership with Singaporean commercial interior design firm LFA Studio – co-founded by myself – has enabled fully integrated design-and-build experiences, delivering complex projects quickly without compromising craftsmanship or compliance, establishing Ngee Koon as a trusted boutique builder.

What is Ngee Koon’s roadmap for the near future, and how do you plan to achieve the company’s forward-looking goals?

Ngee Koon’s future roadmap focuses on leading as a boutique builder that combines craftsmanship, AI-enabled precision, robotics-assisted fabrication, and strong sustainability values. The company is collaborating with AI and robotics innovators to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness.

Regional partnerships across Southeast Asia and investment in people through training and development aim to nurture the next generation of craftspeople. The goal is to be the builder of choice for premium brands and visionary designers.