Rykadan and JERDE Forge Alliance to Reshape Asian Cityscapes

HONG KONG – April 23, 2026 – Hong Kong-based investment firm Rykadan Capital Limited (SEHK: 2288) today announced a landmark strategic alliance with JERDE Partnership, the globally acclaimed architecture and urban design firm. The collaboration is set to pursue and develop a new generation of design-led properties across Asia, merging financial acumen with a philosophy centered on human experience.

This alliance signals a significant evolution in Rykadan Capital's growth model, pairing its robust expertise in real estate investment and asset management with JERDE's four-decade legacy of creating destination-driven environments. The partnership aims to redefine urban spaces by focusing on new developments, mixed-use projects, and asset repositioning initiatives that prioritize enhanced design, functionality, and long-term performance.

A New Blueprint for Urban Development

The collaboration moves beyond the traditional metrics of property development, aspiring to create spaces that are both commercially successful and culturally significant. It represents a direct response to a growing global demand for real estate that offers more than just shelter and services, but also fosters a sense of community, identity, and well-being.

Mr. William Chan, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Rykadan Capital Limited, articulated this vision, stating, "Real estate today must go beyond functionality — it should endure as a work of art. Through this alliance with JERDE, we aim to create spaces that are not only commercially resilient, but also culturally meaningful."

This sentiment is echoed by JERDE, a firm that has long championed a 'people-centric' approach. "Our shared vision for the alliance is to regenerate spaces in ways that respond to what people value most today — comfort, identity and joy," said Phil Kim, Chairman of JERDE. "Together, we believe design and investment can shape the next generation of sustainable city living."

This shared philosophy will guide their joint ventures, focusing on creating holistic environments where architecture, landscape, and programming converge to craft unique and memorable experiences for residents and visitors alike.

The Power of 'Placemaking' in Practice

At the heart of JERDE's contribution is its pioneering concept of "placemaking." Founded in 1977, the Los Angeles-based firm has built an international reputation by designing experiences first and foremost, with architecture serving as the stage. Their extensive portfolio, which attracts over 1.5 billion visitors annually, includes iconic projects that have transformed their urban contexts.

One prime example is Namba Parks in Osaka, Japan. Built on the site of a former baseball stadium, JERDE envisioned the project as a natural intervention in the city's dense fabric. The development features a sprawling, multi-level rooftop park that cascades down through a commercial center, creating a green canyon that offers a dramatic public amenity. It is celebrated for successfully integrating nature and commerce, fostering community engagement through public gardens and recreational spaces.

Similarly, JERDE's work on Roppongi Hills in Tokyo, one of Japan's largest private-sector redevelopments, helped create a "city within a city." The 28-acre mixed-use project seamlessly blends office, residential, retail, and cultural venues with extensive open spaces, transforming the area into a vibrant cultural and commercial hub. These projects demonstrate JERDE's ability to create destinations that are not only commercially successful but also socially sustainable, fostering connectivity and enhancing quality of life.

A Calculated Strategy for Differentiated Returns

For Rykadan Capital, this alliance is a calculated strategic move to gain a competitive edge in Asia's dynamic property markets. With a history of investing US$1.6 billion in assets and currently managing a portfolio valued at US$430 million, the company has built its reputation on a "disciplined, value-oriented approach." The firm's financial history, which includes periods of fluctuating returns on assets, underscores the strategic imperative to find new avenues for generating sustainable, long-term value.

By partnering with a design leader like JERDE, Rykadan is betting that superior, human-centric design can unlock "differentiated opportunities" and drive enhanced asset performance. This strategy moves beyond simply acquiring and redeveloping properties; it focuses on creating unique, experience-led real estate that commands a premium and fosters lasting loyalty. The firm has already tested this model with its Rykadan One headquarters in Hong Kong, which was cited as a successful fusion of distinctive architectural expression and advantageous commercial outcomes.

The alliance allows Rykadan to leverage its capital discipline and development expertise while integrating JERDE's world-class creative vision, creating a powerful synergy aimed at producing a portfolio of landmark properties that set new industry benchmarks.

Targeting Asia's Evolving Markets

The partnership has set its sights on key markets across Asia, including Malaysia, Indonesia, South Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Mainland China. Both firms have expressed strong confidence in the long-term opportunities within these regions, which are characterized by rapid urbanization and evolving consumer expectations.

In markets like Malaysia, significant infrastructure growth, such as the RTS Link in Johor, is creating new hubs for development. The alliance is well-positioned to capitalize on the rising demand for integrated mixed-use projects that can define these emerging urban centers. Meanwhile, in Indonesia, a rapidly expanding middle class and pro-investment government policies are fueling robust expansion in the real estate sector, with a growing appetite for modern, well-designed living and commercial spaces.

In established hubs like Singapore, a distinct "flight-to-quality" trend is evident, with investors and tenants seeking premium, sustainable, and well-designed assets. The Rykadan-JERDE partnership is poised to meet this demand for redevelopment and high-caliber properties that stand out in a competitive landscape. By tailoring their approach to the unique cultural and economic conditions of each market, the alliance aims to deliver projects that resonate locally while reflecting a global standard of excellence. This strategy directly addresses the shifting lifestyles and community needs that are shaping the future of Asia's cities, promising a new chapter in urban development for the region.