Our Founders

The founding father of Hatten, Datuk Wira Eric Tan is one of the most preeminent authorities in the local economic sector. With over 45 years of experience in the industry, he has built Hatten from the ground up, guiding the Group on its path towards multi-award, internationally recognised success.

His robust knowledge and keen insight earned the confidence of the Melaka State Government, sanctioning his role as key advisory of the Conceptual Study and Urban Development to modernise Melaka, so the state is on par with other developed cities in the world. At a global level, his expertise has been awarded with an honorary Doctorate of Philosophy (Ph.D) in Business Administration by the Board of Southern California University of Professional Studies.

Despite his illustrious career and revered status in the community, Datuk Wira Eric is warm, friendly and open. Always ready to give advice, offer guidance, and steer the team onto the right path, he is Hatten’s core pillar of wisdom and strength.

The frontman of Hatten, Dato’ Colin Tan is the charming spokesperson of the Group. His outgoing and confident persona makes him a people person, and the most recognisable face among the founders. Behind his youthful charm lies a sharp, intuitive mind, backed by an impeccable academic background in Finance and his flair for leadership.

The serial trailblazer oversees all aspects of land and asset ownership, planning and construction, sale of properties, as well as operations and macro-financing. Always pushing the boundaries of innovation, Dato’ Colin is personally involved in the design and conceptualisation of each project. Under his direction, Hatten’s property development arm swiftly achieved momentous success, establishing the Group as an industry forerunner.

His ravenous appetite for progress and expansion has led to Hatten’s prolific diversification into Health & Wellness, Education, Tourism, Arts, and Cultural projects. Most recently, he launched Hatten’s strategic pivot into digitalisation, exploring the infinite possibilities of the Metaverse, Phygital E-Commerce, Renewable Energy, as well as Cryptomining and Blockchain Technology.

Among Dato’ Colin’s many personal accolades, he was awarded Top CEO of the Year (2017) by Influential Brands.

Strategist and executor Dato’ Edwin Tan is most comfortable behind the scenes. His calculated and meticulous outlook drives his success in the Hospitality and Asset Management sectors. The third pillar of Hatten, Dato’ Edwin leads the Hotel, Mall, Leisure, and Residential divisions of the Group. Under his firm leadership, Hatten Hotels Worldwide is now one of the top names in hospitality in Malaysia’s southern region. Notching up several prominent international accolades, his notable achievements include the successes of Hatten Hotel Melaka, Estadia Hotel and Hatten Place.

His triumphs include spearheading Hatten’s prolific F&B division, bringing in some of the most coveted international food franchises to Melaka. He launched several popular eateries under the Hatten umbrella; Chatterz in Hatten Hotel, Baba’s Lounge in Estadia Hotel, and Coffeevine in Hatten Place. He conceived, recruited, and oversees the award-winning culinary teams at Alto Sky Lounge (Hatten Hotel), Makan Nyonya (Estadia Hotel), Thyme All-Day Dining(Hatten Place), He’ Feng, Gales, Aromas Coffee Club, and The Drift (SkyDeck @ Hatten City). In 2019, Dato’ Edwin clinched The 100 Most Influential Young Entrepreneurs Award.

Ahead of the competition, Dato’ Edwin plans to launch over 5,000 hotel rooms in Melaka and run 8,000 hotels rooms across Malaysia under Hatten Hotels Worldwide. Internationally, he has secured exclusive agreements with major industry players like Hilton Worldwide and Marriott International. His extensive scope includes Hatten’s future ventures into Myanmar, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Australia, and China.