Real estate giants share unfiltered views on their commitment to the sector
By Joseph Wong
Marking the historic 55th Anniversary of Star Media Group, StarProperty is proud to announce the launch of the StarProperty Real Estate Titan Series—a landmark editorial showcase dedicated to the visionaries who have built the modern property face of Malaysia.
Over the coming months, StarProperty will provide an unprecedented series of in-depth conversations with the absolute heavyweights of the industry. These are the individuals whose decisions dictate the skyline, whose developments redefine community living and whose leadership has navigated the property sector through decades of economic transformation.
The series kicks off by looking into the strategies of the industry’s most revered pioneers. In June, we sit down with Tan Sri Sir Dr Jeffrey Cheah KBE AO, the visionary behind the Sunway empire, to discuss the evolution of sustainable integrated townships.
Following closely in July, StarProperty will chat with Tan Sri Ong Leong Huat, the executive chairman behind OSK Holdings Bhd, whose strategic foresight has powered the conglomeration forward.
We also explore the entrepreneurial powerhouse of Berjaya Corporation Bhd chairman Tan Sri Vincent Tan in August and the relentless innovation of Mah Sing Group Bhd founder and group managing director Tan Sri Leong Hoy Kum in September.
The lineup continues with UOA Group managing director Kong Chong Soon, a master of long-term resilience, followed by Matrix Concepts Holdings Bhd founder and group executive deputy chairman Datuk Seri Lee Tian Hock, who has redefined regional dominance and the global branding brilliance of Eco World Development Group Bhd executive chairman Tan Sri Datuk Seri Liew Kee Sin.
Legacy and strategy
The StarProperty Real Estate Titan series is not just about the bricks and mortar. It is about the philosophy of property. Readers will gain exclusive insights from the strategists driving modern urban expansion as StarProperty delves into the enduring legacies of KLK Bhd executive chairman Tan Sri Lee Oi Hian, alongside the high-level industry advocacy and entrepreneurship of Sunsuria Bhd executive chairman Tan Sri Ter Leong Yap as well as the infrastructure and township expertise of LBS Bina Group Bhd founder and managing director Tan Sri Lim Hock San in 2027.
The months ahead will also feature the construction-to-development prowess of E&O Bhd executive chairman Datuk Seri Tee Eng Ho and the corporate agility of Sime Darby Property Bhd group managing director Datuk Seri Azmir Merican.
The seasoned leadership of SP Setia Bhd president and chief executive officer Datuk Zaini Yusoff and IJM Land Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Tony Ling Thou Lung will also be featured. Look forward to future instalments of the Titan series, which will also feature companies like Glomac Bhd, led by group managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Seri FD Iskandar, known for his diverse portfolio approach to property development. StarProperty will also be highlighting the evolving leadership featuring the next generation.
A masterclass in real estate
In an era of shifting demographics and digital transformation, these Titans share their unfiltered views on their commitment and contribution to the real estate industry. From the integration of ESG standards to the challenges of urban densification, this series serves as a definitive masterclass for investors, homeowners and industry professionals alike.
Join StarProperty every month as our pullout deconstructs the journeys, the triumphs and the future visions of these giants who have turned land into legacies.
The story of Malaysia’s development is inextricably linked to the bold moves made by these leaders. When StarProperty look at the transformation of former mining lands into award-winning townships like Sunway City Kuala Lumpur or the conversion of rubber estates into the thriving residential hubs of Negeri Sembilan, we see the fingerprints of the Titans. Their work has provided more than just shelter. It has provided the infrastructure for a middle-class explosion, created millions of jobs and established Malaysia as a premier destination for international property investment.
In the 2026 landscape, the challenges have changed. The Titans are no longer just fighting for market share. They are fighting for the future of the planet. Sustainability, once a buzzword, is now the core of the Titan strategy. Whether it is Sunway’s focus on biodiversity or Sime Darby Property’s commitment to net-zero carbon, the industry is undergoing its most significant shift since the post-independence construction boom.
The challenges of the new frontier
As we sit down with these leaders, we will explore the pains of progress. The rise of the 15-minute city, the implementation of Industrialised Building Systems (IBS) and the integration of Artificial Intelligence in facility management are all on the table. How does a legacy developer pivot toward a digital-first audience? How do they balance the need for affordable housing with the rising costs of raw materials?
The Real Estate Titan series will address these questions with candour. We will go behind the press releases to understand the personal motivations of these leaders. What keeps them awake at night? What is the one project they haven't built yet? And most importantly, what advice do they have for the next generation of developers?
One of the most exciting aspects of this series is the diversity of leadership styles. From the seasoned traditionalists who built their empires on grit and land-banking to the modernists who are redefining luxury through tech-enabled living, the series offers a 360-degree view of the industry.
For the average Malaysian, property is likely the largest investment they will ever make. Understanding the mindset of the people behind the developers is critical. When buyers purchase a home from a Titan, they are not just buying four walls, they are buying into their vision for the next 30 years. And this series gives them the due diligence they need to see which vision aligns with their future.
Coming this June: The first chapter in the StarProperty Real Estate Titan Series will feature Sunway Group founder and chairman Tan Sri Sir Dr Jeffrey Cheah KBE AO.
Stay ahead of the crowd and enjoy fresh insights on real estate, property development and lifestyle trends when you subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.
