As Borneo Motors Singapore (BMS) celebrates its 100th anniversary, the significance of this centennial milestone resonates far beyond the showroom floor.
For Mr Ng Khee Siong, Managing Director of BMS, the occasion is a powerful statement of legacy, resilience, and renewed purpose.
We had the opportunity to speak to Mr Ng, who shared insights on how BMS has shaped the nation’s automotive landscape, the unique role of each brand in its portfolio, and the group’s roadmap for the future, guided by sustainability, digital transformation, and community care.
100 Years of Trust, Innovation, and Progress
“Reaching 100 years illustrates the trust and loyalty we’ve built with generations of customers,” Mr Ng notes that the milestone reflects not only BMS’s deep-rooted presence in Singapore, but also Inchcape Singapore’s continued role as a mobility leader since acquiring Borneo Motors in 1967.
With more than 200,000 Toyota vehicles on the road (representing one in four cars in Singapore), the figures speak volumes. But to Mr Ng, the true value lies in relationships: with global OEM partners, local communities, and over 600 dedicated team members who have propelled the company forward.
As part of its centennial celebrations, BMS launched a series of community-driven initiatives, including a partnership with The Art Faculty to empower artists on the autism spectrum and a collaboration with Grab to provide 100 complimentary National Day rides for underprivileged communities.
“It reminds us that our greatest asset has always been the people,” he said. “This reaffirms our responsibility to lead the way forward, ensuring a safer, smarter, and more sustainable journey for all Singaporeans”.
A Brand Portfolio with Purpose
Representing Toyota, Lexus, and Hino, BMS’s brand portfolio caters to every facet of Singaporean mobility. Each marque plays a strategic role in the company’s growth and reputation.
“Toyota has always been our backbone,” said Mr Ng. The Japanese brand’s legacy of reliability, hybrid innovation, and value-driven offerings has earned it deep trust across generations. From dominating taxi fleets in the 1980s to pioneering green mobility with the Prius in 2001, Toyota has consistently driven mass adoption of sustainable vehicles.
“In 2024, Toyota remained #1 in total automotive market share in Singapore. That’s a powerful statement of our market relevance,” he added.
Lexus, meanwhile, has elevated BMS’s position in the luxury segment. “Lexus is about progressive luxury and refined craftsmanship,” Mr Ng noted. From the launch of the RX400h to the all-electric RZ and the exclusive LBX Urbanite limited edition, Lexus continues to set benchmarks in performance, design, and customer experience.
On the commercial front, Hino plays a vital role in business and logistics mobility. “Since 2006, Hino has consistently delivered efficiency and dependability. It was recognised as Singapore’s No.1 Commercial Vehicle Brand in 2024,” Mr Ng shared. “Together, these three brands allow us to serve customers across all walks of life, building not just a product line-up, but a mobility ecosystem.”
Paving the Roads Ahead: Sustainability and Innovation
Looking forward, Borneo Motors Singapore is steering its second century with a clear-eyed focus on sustainable mobility, electrification, and digital transformation.
“Our commitment to Singapore is built on a foundation of trust and a vision for the future,” Mr Ng said. That vision includes a multi-pathway approach to electrification, offering hybrids, plug-in hybrids, battery electric vehicles (BEVs), and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). “We’re not betting on one technology. We’re providing the right solution, at the right time, for every customer.”
Toyota hybrids already operate in zero-emission mode for up to 62% of travel time, a compelling contribution to Singapore’s Green Plan 2030.
But beyond hardware, Mr Ng stressed the importance of customer wellness. “We are committed to worry-free ownership, advanced safety, and long-term value. It’s about peace of mind.”
The company is also investing in talent and innovation, with initiatives like a hands-on hybrid showcase for Singapore Polytechnic students. “We want to inspire the next generation to reimagine mobility,” he said.
Celebrating Legacy, Empowering the Future
Anchored in the theme “The Roads Ahead”, BMS’s centennial celebration includes immersive showroom experiences, legacy showcases (such as the last Toyota Crown taxi), and community tributes like the limited-edition Lexus Maze Gashi cake, crafted in collaboration with Pâtisserie CLÉ to reflect Singapore’s multicultural identity.
Mr Ng’s message is clear: “Our journey extends beyond mobility. We will continue to seek out meaningful ways to move people’s lives forward, creating a more accessible and supportive future for all.”
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