Suntrust Reshuffles Board as Westside City Push Continues
Suntrust Resort Holdings Inc., listed in the Philippines, has initiated a swift reshuffle of its board of directors as it pushes forward with the long-delayed Westside City integrated resort project in Parañaque’s Entertainment City. The company confirmed the appointment of two new directors following the departure of two existing board members, with the changes taking effect on December 26, 2025.
The board turnover marks Suntrust’s second significant corporate action this month, aligning with its stated objective of opening the Westside City resort during the third quarter of 2026. According to the company’s disclosure, Yip Ho Chi and Lam Hung Tuan have joined the board, replacing Jose Alvaro D. Rubio and Neoli Mae L. Kho, who both stepped down citing personal reasons. Their resignations were effective immediately, with no continuing involvement in the company. Westside City has now faced three project delays since its inception.
Financial Leadership Strengthened
Yip Ho Chi, aged 56, joins the board with extensive experience in financial governance and listed-company management. In addition to his new directorship, he currently serves as Suntrust’s Chief Financial Officer and brings more than 20 years of senior finance experience across Hong Kong–listed firms.
His professional background includes leadership roles at SA Holdings, MelcoLot Limited now operating as Crypto FlowTechnology Limited and Sandmartin International Holdings Limited. Earlier in his career, Yip spent eight years at Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, where he developed expertise in initial public offerings and corporate structuring. He is a fellow of both the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the UK-based Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, equipping him to manage the financial demands of a large-scale resort development.
Technology and Gaming Operations Expertise Added
Complementing Yip’s financial background is Lam Hung Tuan, 48, who brings decades of experience in technology and gaming operations. Lam currently holds a role at LET Group Holding Ltd. and previously served in a senior technology position at Hoi An South Development Ltd., where he accumulated over 20 years of industry experience.
Lam’s career has focused heavily on gaming-related technology, positioning him to support the operational and technical preparations for the Westside City casino. His expertise spans areas critical to modern integrated resorts, including gaming systems, security infrastructure and player management platforms.
Funding Momentum Continues
The board changes come as Westside City continues to gain financial backing. In September, reports indicated that Philippines Travellers International Hotel Group Inc. a subsidiary of Alliance Global Group Inc. alongside the Suntrust group, was considering an investment of up to US$450 million to support the project’s completion.
With an estimated total cost of US$1.25 billion, the resort’s progress now rests on a leadership team combining financial oversight and operational technology expertise. As Suntrust advances toward its targeted opening timeline, the company signals renewed focus on execution after years of delays.
Focus Shifts to Delivery
The revised board structure reflects an emphasis on readiness and stability as construction advances. Yip’s experience with listed entities and Lam’s depth in gaming technology suggest a strategy centered on operational efficiency rather than structural disruption. Industry observers will closely monitor how the new leadership navigates the competitive and highly scrutinized gaming landscape of Parañaque’s Entertainment City.
