After close to a decade of directing the Group’s business and investments in the world’s fourth-largest economy, Mr Quek Kwang Meng, Regional Chief Executive Officer, India, Mapletree, reflects on growth, sustainability and leadership.
Could you describe Mapletree’s presence and investment strategy in India?
India is experiencing a post-Covid-19 resurgence in office leasing, driven largely by the rapid expansion of Global Capability Centres (offshore units fully owned and operated by multi-national companies to execute specific business functions). Drawn by the nation’s vast talent pool, companies of diverse origins and scales are establishing their footprints in India.
With its strategic presence across four Tier-1 cities — Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru and Chennai — Mapletree has directly benefitted from the burgeoning office market. The operational portfolio, comprising Global Technology Park in Bengaluru and Global Infocity Park in Chennai, achieved 88% occupancy and a positive weighted average rental reversion of ~38.5% in FY24/25.
What is Mapletree’s approach to developing major business districts?
We are expanding our office footprint via development projects. We have completed the land acquisition for Global Business City, Bengaluru, and completed the construction of Global Business City, Pune, in 2025. Construction is also on track for our other greenfield office development, Vikhroli Business City in Mumbai, which will mark Mapletree’s entry into the city’s office market. When all projects are completed, Mapletree will have ~1.6 million square metres (sqm) of office space across five assets in four cities.
What are some of Mapletree’s ESG initiatives in India?
Mapletree’s initiatives in India focus on environmental sustainability, education and healthcare, guided by the twin objectives of empowering individuals and enriching communities.
On the environmental aspect, ~20,000 trees have been planted in India under the Group’s Plant a Tree with Mapletree initiative over the past three years, contributing towards Mapletree’s goal of planting 100,000 trees by 2030. These efforts involve tenant volunteers and environmental organisations.
We are also advancing our zero-waste journey. On-site waste segregation and Organic Waste Converters have been installed at multiple properties, where nearly all wet waste is converted into compost and biogas. These efforts support India’s shift towards a circular economy.
We rejuvenated a four‑acre lake in Bengaluru, restoring its ecosystem and increasing its water‑holding capacity by 250%, conserving ~40 million litres of water annually.
Over the past four years, Mapletree has also awarded 150 scholarships and upgraded school infrastructure in Bengaluru, Chennai and Pune, benefiting more than 2,500 children. In addition, we support the healthcare system through regular donations of medical supplies and equipment to hospitals in Bengaluru, and have provided assistive devices to over 285 individuals with disabilities.
What are the priorities for Mapletree’s India business over the next three to five years?
In India, Mapletree partnered with two large investors in our first office joint venture, with for more office development projects.
Upcoming funds in the pipeline include the Mapletree Emerging Growth Asia Logistics Fund — a closed-end, opportunistic fund with assets under management of about US$1.8 billion with co-investments, slated to close in 2026. Its identified portfolio comprises assets in Malaysia, Vietnam and India, and will leverage Mapletree’s strong logistics track record across Asia.
What personal principles have been shaped by your 10 years of experience with Mapletree India?
I believe in making decisions transparently so everyone stays informed and connected. When clarity is missing, escalation is not a failure but a shared responsibility. We surface issues quickly and act decisively. I also value having a clearly defined project owner who aligns milestones, clarifies role expectations and guides teams towards success.
Timely communication keeps teams aligned, especially across borders and cultures. Success is a collective achievement.
