From land chief to wellness CEO

Therme Group has appointed veteran Singapore executive Tan Boon Khai as chief executive officer of Therme Group Singapore, tasking him with leading the development of Asia’s first next-generation urban wellbeing destination at Marina South.

Tan brings more than three decades of experience across Singapore’s public and private sectors. He previously served as chief executive of the Singapore Land Authority and held senior leadership roles at CapitaLand and Ascott Limited, where he was regional general manager for Singapore and Malaysia.

A lawyer by training, Tan began his career as a justice’s law clerk and later worked in both private legal practice and government service before moving into senior management roles in real estate and hospitality.

Therme Group founder and chief executive officer Robert Hanea said Tan’s appointment comes as the company accelerates its global expansion in the wellness sector.

“We warmly welcome Boon Khai as a key member of Therme Group, as we embark on our global expansion, building on the success of Therme’s social wellness infrastructure over the last 15 years,” Hanea said. “Boon Khai brings with him a proven track record in development, management and hospitality, and we are delighted that he has joined us in developing the next evolution of Therme’s wellness experience in Singapore, and bringing wellness to all locals and visitors in Singapore and the surrounding region.”

Therme Singapore, a S$1 billion state-of-the-art wellbeing resort scheduled to open in 2030, will be the group’s first destination in Asia and its first large-scale social wellbeing development in the region. The project will occupy a four-hectare waterfront site beside Marina Barrage and Gardens by the Bay.

Designed as an inclusive destination, the development aims to make holistic wellness accessible to a broad public while promoting healthy living, social connection and community engagement. Once fully operational, it is expected to attract around 2 million visitors annually, about half of whom are projected to come from overseas.

Mah Bow Tan, chairman of Therme Group Asia, said Singapore offers a strong platform for showcasing the group’s wellness concepts and technology.

“Therme Group’s entry into Singapore marks a significant milestone in realising the vision of Therme Group to make wellness accessible to all,” he said. “Boon Khai’s leadership track record, deep expertise and strong stakeholder relationships will be invaluable in ensuring that Therme Singapore becomes an iconic wellness destination in Singapore, enhancing the vibrancy of the new Marina South Coastal area, and delivering on Therme’s vision of Wellness for All.”

Tan said he was joining the group at a pivotal moment in its expansion.

“I am honored to join Therme Group at such an exciting and pivotal moment in its global journey,” he said. “Singapore is uniquely positioned to become a leading hub for urban wellbeing in Asia, and I look forward to working closely with our partners and stakeholders to bring Therme Singapore’s vision to life — creating a world-class destination that enhances quality of life for both locals and visitors.”