Although their fundamental traits may be similar, leading developers have unique characteristics that make them different.
BY LEE YAN LI
lylee@thestar.com.my
Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah with the Star Media Group chairman Datuk Fu Ah Kiow on his left, along with (from left) Star Media Group Bhd group managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, and the All-Star Award – Top Ranked Developers of the year winners Datuk Koe Peng Kang (S P Setia Bhd), Datuk Wan Hashimi Albakri (Sime Darby Property Bhd), Datuk Teo Chiang Quan (Paramount Corp Bhd), SM Faliq SM Nasimuddin (Naza TTDI Sdn Bhd), Ng Chai Yong (Mah Sing Group Bhd), Tan Sri Lim Hock San (LBS Bina Group Bhd), Datuk Soam Heng Choon (IJM Land Bhd), Teh Chin Guan (IOI Properties Group Bhd), Tan Wee Bee (Sunway Bhd) and Datuk Roslan Ibrahim (UEM Sunrise Bhd).
Creativity, innovation, and prioritising customers and communities are essential traits for established and reliable developers. However, unique characteristics define their identities, making them different from their peers.
Expertise and financial clout are considered important traits for IOI Properties Group Bhd as a township builder. Chief operating officer for property development Teh Chin Guan cited the importance on the ability to plan and bring good components for townships, as well as owning large tracts of land and having strong financial fundamentals to sustain developments throughout their lifespans.
Talent, hard work, and dedication are also key characteristics that defines Mah Sing Group Bhd. Managing director Tan Sri Leong Hoy Kum said, “I am very proud that Mah Sing has an entrepreneurial spirit, coupled with professional management.”
In the case of S P Setia, executive vice president Datuk Koe Peng Kang shared that in a challenging market, branding and the successful execution, implementation, and maintenance of innovation and creativity will enable the company to survive.
Innovation is also the key for sustainable growth. Sime Darby Property Bhd head of property investment and asset management Datuk Wan Hashimi Albakri said, “Moreover, ‘Customer First is a philosophy that we inculcate in all of our employees, because by getting our customer advocacy right, everything else will rightly fall into place.”
The support of customers is indeed important to the success of developers. Sunway Bhd property development division for Malaysia and Singapore deputy managing director Tan Wee Bee commented that the effort to deliver on promises in building more sustainable homes and liveable environments for communities across regions will continue.
UEM Sunrise Bhd chief operating officer for development Datuk Roslan Ibrahim added that within sustainable communities that are built for the future, eco-systems and communities that are created should ultimately improve the quality of life of the people living there.
Being relevant to customers by being attentive to new property trends, driving new initiatives or providing homes based on demand are also ways that enable developers to build loyalty among their customers.
LBS Bina Group Bhd managing director Tan Sri Lim Hock San shared, “We want to build houses according to what the purchasers want, whether in designing for medium cost houses or for the higher end.”
Paramount Corp Bhd looks for ways that benefit their customers and community. Chairman Datuk Teo Chiang Quan shared, “We build with people in mind when meeting the housing and property needs of the country and we always ensure quality in our products. This is how we live up to our brand promise of being the people’s developer.”
In the case of IJM Corp Bhd, its reputation as a developer for the people builds on creating communities that live well and thrive. Managing director Datuk Soam Heng Choon commented, “As a developer with a strong legacy, we remain committed to continue driving new initiatives and programmes so as to enhance the value of our developments and make impactful contributions to the community.”
The developers may embark on different journeys of their own, yet ultimately they lead to the same destination, to make a positive difference and serve the customers and communities.
>> Want to contribute articles to StarProperty.my? Email editor@
