REAL ESTATE PROFILE
A Q&A with Kheng Ly
Kheng Ly, president and CEO of Groupe Brivia, exudes warmth and optimism. He is of Chinese origin, the youngest of eight children, born in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. During his childhood the country was at war, under the Khmer Rouge regime; millions of people died of disease and starvation, including two of his sisters. His teen years were spent in a refugee camp.
In 1988, at age 18, he arrived in Montreal with his family. Thanks to government programs, he qualified for free education. Ly was a good student and loved learning — he picked up English and French quickly, but had to leave school to support his parents and sponsor his fiancée, who was waiting in Cambodia.
During our meeting, at his office on René-Lévesque Blvd., Ly served fragrant teas and mooncakes — traditional mid-autumn festival delicacies.
What was your first job in Montreal?
I did general work in a textile factory, earning minimum wage. It was ideal because it allowed me to learn all about this type of business. After a few years, my brother and I opened our own textile facility with financial help from friends. We did contract work for manufacturers — sewing, pressing and finishing of garments. Our company did well, but by the year 2000 the industry became tough because this work could be done less expensively overseas.
How did you get into real estate?
I was introduced to a local developer who was building condos in Ville St-Laurent. I joined him in this venture and brought in other investors from my community. I put all of my energy into the project and was rewarded with great success.
I continued to learn along the way. During the next 10 years, I worked with several developers. My knowledge and abilities grew. In 2012, I launched my own realestate development and management firm, which I named Brivia, inspired by my children’s names: Alexia, Vivian, and Brian. We have built an excellent team of professional and hardworking individuals. They make me very proud.
What are you working on now?
Our most exciting project is YUL — one of the largest luxury residential skyscrapers under construction in Montreal. It is located at René-Lévesque Blvd. and Mackay St.
YUL will consist of 800 luxury condos in two identical 38-storey towers, with avant-garde architecture, above a 23,000-square-foot private courtyard/garden. The project also comprises 17 highend townhouses. Amenities include Montreal’s longest indoor lap pool, a glassed-in fitness centre facing the garden, a spa-salon, and a sky lounge with unobstructed panoramic views including the St. Lawrence River and Mount Royal. The lounge features exclusive furnishings by Armani/Casa.
For YUL, we have partnered with Chinese investor Tianco Group, the Canadian subsidiary of Gansu Tianqing Real Estate Co., which is the biggest developer in China’s Gansu province. Premier Philippe Couillard witnessed the sealing of this partnership in Beijing.
Who do you envision living at YUL?
It’s perfect for anyone who loves our central location and exquisite workmanship. We have sold units to professionals — doctors, lawyers and dentists. Empty nesters are also showing interest; a few have purchased a second unit for their children who will be attending Concordia or McGill University, both within walking distance.
What about other projects?
Our newest venture is Stanbrooke, a 19-storey, high-end rental property at Stanley and Sherbrooke Sts. We anticipate its completion for July 2018.
Another development is C3, on Cavendish, in N.D.G. It consists of two phases — one is condos, the other rental units.
What are your interests outside of work?
It’s all about family. My mother is 88 years old and my dad is 89; they live with us. I have a very beautiful and supportive wife named Kinh Bang. She is amazing. I work more than 70 hours a week so she takes care of everything — which includes driving our children to all of their activities. When I get home, I jog for 45 minutes to recharge my energy. Then I often leave again for evening meetings.
I have been fortunate and believe in giving back. Last year I was honorary president of the MontrealChinese Hospital. I support the Jewish General and Sainte-Justine Hospital Foundations, Young Chinese Professional Association, and many other organizations.
What puts the spring in your step?
I love this business and feel tremendous responsibility to our stakeholders. I came here, with nothing, 28 years ago; I am very pleased with my accomplishments. But I would never have been able to do any of it without tremendous support from my wife.
Hopefully, one day I will be able to do what she loves — ballroom dancing! I am not very good at it. But, like any exercise, I imagine I can get better with practice. You never know — one day I may surprise Kinh with a tango or a chacha-cha.
I came here, with nothing, 28 years ago; I am very pleased with my accomplishments. But I would never have been able to do any of it without tremendous support from my wife. Hopefully, one day I will be able to do what she loves — ballroom dancing!