What do shipping and property investments have in common? Well, not much, except for the fact that they are both key pillars of our guest’s business.

Listed on the Singapore Exchange since 2007, Uni-Asia is an alternative investment group that specialises in creating alternative investment opportunities. Its investment targets are mainly handysize dry bulk ships and properties. 

But what does this mean exactly? Well, ship investors can approach UniAsia for ship investments, while operators can reach out to the firm for ship chartering and management. 

On the property side of things, Uni-Asia develops small residential properties in Tokyo under its ALERO brand, which are sold for profits. Aside from building properties for sale, the firm also provides property assessment management services in the country. 

As you can see, the two engines of growth are very much uncorrelated. But the question is – how far has that boosted the firm’s resilience? 

Meanwhile, Uni-Asia had in August reported a 74% on-year drop in first half profits. But why is this the case? How does the firm assess its reliance on the two drivers of growth? Does it intend to move beyond its niche in the near term?

On Under the Radar, The Evening Runway’s finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed these questions to Lim Kai Ching, Group Chief Financial Officer, Uni-Asia.