Staff training and development were high on the management agenda, with regular training provided, from skill enhancement to accident prevention, first aid and language training.

Regular recreational activities, such as staff outings, bowling evenings, cooking courses, barbecues, table tennis competitions and birthday parties, were also organised for staff and their family.

As part of its caring culture, the group demonstrates a commitment to community services and environmental protection.

'Being a large operation, we feel it is our duty to play our part and to take our corporate social responsibilities seriously. Among countless initiatives, Gateway Apartments organises a joint annual blood donation day for residents and associates,' Mr Holenweger said.

'We have recently been awarded the Indoor Air Quality Certificate - Excellent Class - by the Water Supplies Department, and are the only serviced apartment to achieve this recognition.

'Furthermore, we are honoured to receive the Gold Label Water Quality Certificate by the Environmental Protection Department, making the Gateway Apartments one of only 20 buildings in Hong Kong to receive this prestigious award.'

Another priority of management is its ongoing environmental efforts, according to Mr Holenweger. For example, the company has established an environmental committee to constantly introduce and review green policies.

Initiatives include a garbage recycling scheme; the use of environmentally friendly paint; installation of solar panels on the rooftop; and the use of biodegradable waste bags and cleaning detergent.

'The Salvation Army's annual Red Kettle fund-raising event is greatly supported by our residents and associates.

'Used linen, appliances, furniture and equipment are also donated to the Crossroads Foundation charity for the needy,' he said.

The Gateway Apartments, which are made up of Sutton Court and Hampton Court, provide 499 units across 14 floors of the Gateway office towers in the Harbour City complex in Tsim Sha Tsui.

The management installed 10 solar panels in the project in 2006, and another 90 solar panels are almost installed.

Other green initiatives include the fitting of water-saving showerheads and taps in all the apartments, electricity timers and sensors to minimise power consumption, and replacing halogen lights with LED lights.

Mr Holenweger said the main attraction of the Gateway Apartments lay in its totality, which included its prime location, ultimate shopping and dining convenience within Harbour City, impeccable service, spacious apartments, panoramic views, value for money and the use of the exclusive facilities of the Pacific Club.

'The lifestyle that Gateway Apartments residents enjoy may best be described with four words: location, convenience, comfort and quality.

'Our reputation for impeccable service is well established and the large number of long-term residents and return guests is testimony to our ongoing efforts to constantly improve and evolve,' he said.

He said residents always came first, and that Gateway Apartments was committed to providing a high level of service to their satisfaction. For instance, the housekeeping staff performed regular checks on everything in the apartments, and even the batteries in the remote controls were checked daily.

The management also kept the same housekeeping staff to serve guests so that they grew familiar with the requests and habits of each resident.

'We are fortunate that the majority of our residents have been staying for a long time.

'Some of them moved in when we opened in 1999, making the Gateway Apartments their permanent home,' Mr Holenweger said.

'Due to our well-balanced tenant mix and large number of long-term commitments, our occupancy has remained stable in the high 80s throughout this economic downturn.

'While competition has undoubtedly intensified, we do not view it as a threat, but rather as an opportunity to continue to excel in offering our residents the ultimate living experience.'

Japanese residents account for a relatively large part of the project's tenant profile.

Retirees and entrepreneurs, with businesses on the mainland, are also among the residents.

The recent promotion for the lease of the smallest studio units, measuring 712 sqft at a preferential rental, has attracted strong response from tenants.