Datuk Paul Khong’s insights for lasting impact

The StarProperty Awards 2024 Realtor Edition’s Chief Executive of the Year recipient, Datuk Paul Khong, group managing director and head of Savills Malaysia, exemplifies resilience, vision and leadership. Over his 30-year career, he has navigated challenges with a steadfast focus on excellence and innovation. 

His journey from university to leading one of Malaysia's most prominent real estate firms is a testament to the power of perseverance, adaptability and strong leadership principles. As he graciously accepted the award, Khong shared invaluable advice for leaders aspiring to make a lasting impact in their organisations.

The crucibles of leadership

Reflecting on his career, Khong candidly discussed the hurdles he faced, particularly the unprecedented challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Life, however, was not a bed of roses throughout,” he shared. The pandemic, he described, was a period of immense uncertainty that tested businesses across the globe. For Savills Malaysia, it marked a critical juncture as he took the helm amidst a leadership transition. Despite the daunting circumstances, he led his team with three clear focus:

• Adapting swiftly: Key decisions were made to ensure cashflow remained positive and profitability was preserved.
• Prioritising people: Remarkably, Savills Malaysia provided increments and bonuses during this challenging period, a testament to Datuk Paul's commitment to his team.
• Maintaining long-term vision: While weathering short-term storms, he never lost sight of the company's overarching goals.

The result? A resilient organisation that not only survived but thrived, thanks to the unwavering support of its clients and the dedication of its team.

Khongl emphasises that leadership is about maintaining a positive mindset, even during turbulent times.“As a leader, it’s critical to have a strong front and to stay focused without signs of giving up,” he said. Confidence, he believes, is contagious and a leader’s ability to inspire a team can be the difference between stagnation and progress.

Drawing from his experiences, he emphasised on the importance of staying financially prudent by maintaining reserves for rainy days. He also highlighted the value of fostering team unity, as challenges become easier to overcome when the team is cohesive and committed. Finally, he stressed that leadership is about empowering others to succeed, creating a ripple effect of motivation and innovation.

“When the going gets tough, the tough get going,” he said, quoting the famous adage that became a personal mantra during challenging times.

Building a legacy through leadership

For aspiring leaders, Khong offers straightforward yet profound advice. He stresses the importance of trust and integrity as the cornerstones of any successful organisation. He underscores the need to value teamwork by actively listening to team members, supporting them and fostering effective collaboration. He also emphasises that true leadership is not about control but about empowering individuals to reach their full potential.

Khong credits much of his leadership style to his late father, a disciplined and dedicated property valuer. Growing up in a family steeped in the real estate industry, he absorbed valuable lessons that shaped his career path.

“My father never forced me to follow in his footsteps, but I’m sure he must be proud,” he reflected.

A vision for the future

Looking ahead, Khong is focused on building a culture of growth and performance at Savills Malaysia. His goals include expanding portfolios and partnerships, fostering innovation and nurturing the next generation of leaders. Currently, in the works include bringing Savills Malaysia to greater heights through strategic collaborations and the relocation to a green-certified office at Pavilion Damansara Heights to reflect the company’s commitment to environment, social and governance (ESG) principles and employee well-being: Khong is also passionate about mentoring young talents, ensuring the organisation’s legacy of excellence continues. He is particularly proud of the enduring loyalty and commitment of his team, some of whom have been with him for over two decades.

“I dedicate this award to my family and the incredible team at Savills Malaysia. Your unwavering support and dedication have made this journey possible,” expressed Khong, clearly displaying his humility and focus on collective success underscore why he is not only a respected leader but also an inspiring role model in Malaysia’s real estate industry.

A blueprint for success

Khong’s journey offers a masterclass in leadership, resilience and innovation. For those aiming to leave a lasting impact, his words resonate as a guiding light:

• Stay adaptable and resilient in the face of challenges.
• Lead with integrity, trust and a commitment to empowering others.
• Build a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.

As Malaysia’s property market continues to grow, leaders like Datuk Paul Khong remind us that success is not just about profitability but about building strong teams, fostering innovation and contributing to the broader community.

For Khong, the journey is far from over. With an eye on the future, he remains committed to driving Savills Malaysia to even greater heights, ensuring its place as a leader in the real estate industry for years to come.

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