An artist impression of the aerial view showcasing the Aera township.
Hgd's journey of growth and vision for Northern Malaysia
Every remarkable legacy begins with a modest dream and for Heng Guan Development (Hgd), it began with a single bicycle. In the 1920s, Lim Heng Guan arrived from Fujian, China with just 20 cents and founded a small bicycle business in Alor Setar, guided by ambition, resilience and an unwavering belief in the future.
That simple shop, built on trust and hard work, would set into motion a journey spanning generations and industries, laying the foundation for what would eventually become one of Northern Malaysia’s most respected business groups.
As Malaysia evolved, so too did the Heng Guan Group of Companies. From its beginnings in bicycle trading, the group diversified into hybrid engine oil production from rubber oil during wartime, then expanded into transportation with United Transport Company (UTC), connecting communities across the northern states. It later became the sole distributor of Opel Automobiles in the north and ventured into finance through AA Anthony Securities. Strategic land investments eventually paved the way for its entry into real estate—a natural progression for a company committed to building communities.
Today, Hgd builds on its heritage under the guidance of chairman Datuk Seri Lim Tiong Chin and managing director Datuk Wira Lim Teong Kiat, who uphold the group’s founding values while guiding its future. Leading the next chapter is chief executive officer Lim Tiong Haan, joined by executive directors Andrew Lim Hwa Eng and Melvin Lim Hwa Aik—forming the next generation of Lim family leadership, dedicated to enduring excellence and long-term generational growth.
From Left are Hgd chief executive officer Lim Tiong Haan and executive directors Melvin Lim Hwa Aik and Andrew Lim Hwa Eng.
Hgd’s new Aera
At the heart of Hgd’s future is Aera, a 150-acre master-planned township in North Sungai Petani, Kedah, boasting a gross development value (GDV) of RM828mil. Designed as a fully integrated township, Aera blends residential, commercial, educational and hospitality components into a harmonious whole, offering a sustainable and inclusive urban lifestyle for future generations.
The Aera township will be developed in five strategic phases. Phase One comprises both residential and commercial elements, setting the foundation for a vibrant, integrated community. Phases Two and Three, targeted for launch by 2028, will introduce approximately 1,100 additional residential units. Phases Four and Five will further enhance the township with the addition of commercial, educational and lifestyle components, completing the vision of a fully integrated sustainable development.
The township’s first phase, Aera Gardens, set for completion by early 2026, offers 129 landed homes tailored for first-time homeowners—balancing affordability, quality and room for future growth. Adjacent is Aera Business Centre, a commercial hub along Jalan Utama Sungai Petani, featuring 61 shop offices designed to support local enterprise and community needs.
Complementing the first phase is the flagship, One Aera, a 100,000 sq ft lifestyle and neighbourhood retail destination set to become the heartbeat of the community. More than just a mall, it offers a vibrant space for residents to gather, shop, dine and connect. With a curated mix of retail, F&B and experiential spaces, One Aera reflects Hgd’s forward-looking approach to placemaking. Anchored by a major retail tenant and attracting strong interest from future-focused brands, its prime location and walkable access make it the premier lifestyle destination in North Sungai Petani—where community, commerce and convenience converge.
Forward trajectory
Building on this momentum, Hgd is set to make its mark in Penang with a landmark 40-storey tower on a prestigious 0.5-acre site along Gurney Drive—one of the island’s most iconic waterfront addresses. Featuring a thoughtfully curated mix of serviced residences and hospitality components, the tower is designed to deliver a sophisticated guest experience—seamlessly blending contemporary architecture with the rich cultural charm of Penang.
As Hgd embarks on this new era of growth, it does so with deep respect for its past, bold confidence in its present and unwavering optimism for the future. Guided by the entrepreneurial spirit of its founder and powered by a dynamic new generation of leaders, Hgd is set to redefine the landscape of Northern Malaysia—one thoughtfully crafted community at a time.
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