Auzir (fourth right) with his team on site at Kota Iskandar, Johor.

FIABCI Malaysia’s Property CEO of the Year 2017, Mohd Auzir Mohd Tahir, dedicates his professional life to co creating futures for the betterment of humanity.

Throughout his illustrious career, the current CEO of Cahaya Jauhar Sdn Bhd (CJSB) is arguably living his childhood dream of ‘building something extraordinary’.

“Each development is always special to me. What sets them apart is the impact it makes on the lives of the many.

“Then our work goes beyond smarter strategies and world-class infrastructure to become something more meaningful.

“In reality, we are collaborating on societal evolution through commercial success. That is why I love what we do and why there’s so much work to be done,” he said.

Graduating with a Second Class Upper (Honours) Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Wales’ Institute of Science and Technology in Cardiff, he brings with him vast experience of over 36 years in civil engineering consultancy, project management and property development.

A true visionary and expert integrator, he has served in various capacities with companies such as Rocpoint (Pty.) Ltd in South Africa, as well as Pengurusan Lebuhraya Bhd, Bandar Nusajaya Development Sdn Bhd and UEM Land Berhad in Malaysia, and is credited with a talent for translating strategy to reality.

Passionately advocating greatness in this world, Auzir has led projects (greenfield or otherwise) through the complexities of design, engineering, and development so that successful standout results are achieved.

No stranger to mega infrastructure developments, Auzir played an integral role in landmark projects such as the North-South Inter-urban Toll Expressway, Malaysia-Singapore Second Crossing Expressway, Nusajaya Development, the KL International Airport in Sepang, the Bukit Jalil National Sports Complex, the Putra Light Rail Transit and the Tanjung Tokong Land Reclamation Development in Penang.

His prowess in catalyst developments had far-reaching effects, from the Noi Bai Industrial Zone Development in Hanoi to the South African Point Waterfront Development in Durban.

Clearly what defines him, apart from his transformational leadership style, is his relentless entrepreneurial drive and honest-to-goodness humility.

That is why you will often find Auzir promoting sustainable development best practices at various forums, including the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) organised by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Tourism and Culture, and at corporate knowledge-sharing sessions with real estate professionals, civil servants and academia world-over.

One of his favourite keynote topics is about Public Private Partnership (PPP), anchored on the success of Kota Iskandar.

Developer with the Midas Touch

Today, Auzir’s name is inextricably linked to various iconic developments in Johor.

He recalls fondly, “Some 18 years ago, when the UEM Group first entrusted me with the masterplan review of Iskandar Puteri (formerly Nusajaya) during the economic slowdown, the die was cast”.

“The turnaround effort became a personal challenge. This led to the birth of a regional development with multi catalysts for business, education, healthcare, and recreation.

“With the Johor State Administration Centre as our lead catalyst, we created an integrated eco-system of theme parks, medical and education hubs, as well as signature waterfront living, complete with a world-class marina”.

“Thereby, bolstering the economy by creating a strong pull factor into Johor.”

The Iskandar Puteri Masterplan has come a long way since its approval in 2004. It is now a thriving 24,000-acre regional destination. The Malaysia Property Award and FIABCI World Prix d’Excellence Award bear testament to its resounding success.

Auzir’s contribution to the flood victims at the Flood Relief Centre in 2007.

Kota Iskandar, Johor’s visionary State Administrative Centre, seamlessly integrates government departments in an open environment across 272 acres.

It was designed to make state machinery more efficient and accessible for everyone – Johoreans, staffs, investors and visitors alike.

Each component was crafted thoughtfully and aligned along the Qiblat Axis with the mosque located at the highest point along the Axis. It is here that Johor’s historical, cultural and natural heritage legacies come to life amidst design-rich symbolism throughout the destination.

Designed with the future in mind, Kota Iskandar has factored in projected workflows, which will ensure that ‘Johor’s living legacy’ always evolves with the people’s needs.

Led by Auzir, Cahaya Jauhar co-created with stakeholders to help Kota Iskandar fulfil its stretched goals of education, tourism, sociability and culture.

Unlike other administrative centres that are purely focused on their function as a political arena, Kota Iskandar has challenged norms as Asia’s first experiential parliament.

Since it opened its doors in 2009, Kota Iskandar has become a must-see destination in Johor and is expected to receive its millionth visitor by end of 2017.

Across urban planning, spaces and forms, Kota Iskandar exemplifies innovation, from the translative interpretations of architecture to the integrated District Cooling System (which is the first outside Kuala Lumpur) and the integrated solid waste collection and disposal system (the first in Malaysia).

Other notable achievements include its financial innovation, where the first-of-its kind Sukuk (rated AAA by RAM) was structured for project financing; branding innovation by integrating branding strategy in the developmental stage; and service innovation, when CJSB extended its involvement past handover to facilities management and locked in a contract for maintenance.

As such, Kota Iskandar’s trendsetting ways was honoured at the Malaysian Institute of Planners (MIP) Planning Excellence Award for Planning Innovation in 2007.

The list of accolades continues with the Iskandar Malaysia Accolades (TIMA) Award 2016/2017, the Malaysia Property Award and FIABCI World Prix d’Excellence Award Runner-up.

Peer recognition for its town planning, property, branding, tourism and landscape has made Kota Iskandar a stellar benchmark.

This has inspired the creation of other state administrative centres such as the Sabah State Administrative Centre (SSAC) and KotaSAS, Pahang.

Recognising the pivotal role of Kota Iskandar in transforming Johor’s landscape, Auzir expressed his appreciation to the state government.

“From day one, the Johor state government has been receptive to unconventional ideas and was brave enough to let us see it through. For that, I can’t be more thankful,” he highlighted.

Sustainability’s best advocate

In the true spirit of sustainability, Auzir has instilled core principles of sustainable development within Cahaya Jauhar.

These social, environmental and economic considerations are evident in the company’s mission to be the leading developer of quality real estate developments that integrate communities and the environment.

As Auzir aptly quips, “When a design is evergreen, it has character. While a development is rightly judged by its built environment, design processes and what it offers, it must also live up to its value to humanity every step of the way.”

In various client engagements, CJSB is always mindful to move in the eco-sustainability agenda. By giving due consideration to operational efficiency, cost efficiency, design efficiency and maintenance at the developmental stage, the company is able to eco-innovate.

Hands-on community builder

Auzir is a CEO who goes to the ground and is sincere in helping when it matters. That is why he is the go-to person for any community emergency programmes.

He negotiated the Iskandar Puteri Resettlement Programme, led the UEM Group/ Khazanah team in flood relief efforts in 2007, and established the Fire and Rescue Station at Iskandar Puteri when Legoland and Pinewood Studios required emergency services to be put in place.

He also lent support to the state by completing the Johor State Pavilion at the Malaysian Agriculture, Horticulture & Agrotourism (MAHA) Exhibition, Serdang in record time.

Remarkable people builder

CJSB’s remarkable achievements are attributable to the backbone of the company — the employees. Needless to say, Auzir’s belief in life-long learning is well-embedded in the organisation.

Under his leadership, a culture of open communication, collaboration and commitment to the personal growth of each employee, has led to phenomenal employee loyalty.

“To me, leadership is not a position or title. It is the worthy work of showing up as your best self everyday, and through your action or example, make a lasting positive impact on people, teams, customers – even society,” Auzir opines.

In an age where the average staying power of employees is one to two years, CJSB is clearly the exception. Department heads have been with CJSB for more than 10 years and managers for at least 6 years.

For Auzir, one of the most important things he ever learnt was from his uncle, that one should “be a professional, and not a politician.”

Offering his own sage advice, he adds, “Life is a cycle that keeps going round. It has its ups and downs, no matter who you are and what position you hold.

“Always welcome ideas, comments and criticism. Being open, inclusive and hands on will go a long way in everything you do.”