Alex Chua

Alex Chua is the Founder of GB Helios, who is a member of the Goldbell Group - Singapore's market leader in commercial vehicle distribution and leasing. He led Goldbell’s strategic leap into financial services in 2015 with the founding of GB Helios, marking a pivotal diversification beyond mobility and setting the stage for the group’s broader business ambitions. Known as “an SME lending to SMEs,” GB Helios has rapidly grown into one of Singapore’s leading non-bank financial institutions and is a recognised Participating Financial Institution under Enterprise Singapore’s Enterprise Financing Scheme. Recognising a market gap as GB Helios expanded, Alex innovated beyond traditional banking to assist businesses, especially SMEs who are struggling with funding shortages due to information asymmetry, collateral constraints, and high transaction costs. Under his leadership, GB Helios launched several subsidiary companies and initiatives to strengthen its ecosystem: - Polaris - A strategic capital solution providing venture debt to fuel growth for digitally native companies and startups. Unlike traditional equity financing, it offers access to capital while allowing founders to retain ownership.
- Pilon (Philippines & Singapore) - A digital supply chain financing platform that streamlines factoring processes for suppliers and their corporate buyers, enabling seamless online financing.
- GB NXT - A technology leasing solution that helps companies manage assets sustainably, advancing the circular economy and supporting global net-zero goals.
- AutoMate - A free online platform that boosts operational efficiency for automotive dealers. In recent years, GB Helios has also diversified into the consumer market, capitalising on emerging lifestyle and consumption trends. The latest ventures include:
- Aquarius - A rental option for consumers for home appliances and furniture, promoting sustainable consumption through flexible ownership models.
-Two Of A Kind - A direct-to-consumer contact lens subscription service operating in Singapore and Malaysia, combining convenience, affordability, and quality.
- Helios Fitness - A growing fitness and wellness portfolio that includes recovery equipment (e.g. cold plunge pools), BFT functional training gyms, and a racket sports academy, catering to the rising demand for holistic health and lifestyle experiences.
- AC Concepts - An esteemed restaurant consulting company that manages a popular chain of Spanish and Italian restaurants in Singapore, featuring renowned establishments such as Barrio, Cenzo, Chicco, Humo, Kulto and Nomada.
Antares - A manpower solutions provider blending boutique-level personalisation with enterprise-scale capabilities to connect talent and business success across healthcare, aviation, facilities management, and technology. Alex's career highlights include:
● The Enterprise Award, Singapore Business Awards by The Business Times Singapore, 2023
● Tatler Asia's 500 Most Influential Singapore, 2022
● EY Family Business of the Year, Singapore, 2021
● EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2021 of the Financial Services category.
● Board member of Food from the Heart, 2015 to 2023
● Co-Opt Committee Member of Restaurant Association of Singapore, 2024 - Present
In his personal capacity, he is an avid Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt practitioner, foodie and traveller. His individual achievements include:
● Gold medal (Purple Belt GI category), 2018 Tokyo International Open IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship
● Gold medal (Purple Belt GI category), 2018 Master International IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship, Tokyo
● Bronze medal at the 2018 IBJJF Worlds Masters Championship, Las Vegas