How did you decide to pursue a career in construction and real estate? Was there is a pivotal moment?
My father was a reputable builder and I would follow him to the work sites and see him in action, negotiating and executing projects. This gave me great insight into the construction industry. During this time, I realised the unique nature of an industry where your job does not see you tied to a desk and where your office is set up in the many sites you may be involved in, whether greenfield land or urban pockets.

This provides opportunities for varied experiences due to a changing landscape that could even be overseas. The pivotal moment for me was when I was given charge of a multimillion-ringgit project after high school. It confirmed to me that there was never a dull moment in this job, working under the open sky, not desk-bound, in a role dependent on one’s leadership and people-centric skills for success.

What are your proudest accomplishments to date?
Being appointed CEO of an award-winning publicly listed property company at the relatively young age of 43 and a year later moving to another publicly listed company, Sunrise (now UEM Sunrise), as its CEO and MD, and remaining at its helm from 1997 to 2008, steering it through the Asian financial crisis profitably and picking up various awards along the way, including being named Malaysia’s CEO of the Year in 2002.

What's the value of the Gen.T List?
The high level of talent and excellence of the Gen.T honourees will motivate young entrepreneurs, innovators and creatives to sit up and want to compete.

What are the traits of a successful leader?
A good leader serves before leading and always sets an example. They wouldn't ask someone to execute a task that they wouldn't do themselves.  

When faced with two equally qualified candidates, how do you determine who to hire?
All things being equal, I look for EQ and personality and, most importantly, a person's values and character. Some of the possible indicators would be a person's extra-curricular activities, such as NGO activity, sport, community service and the desire for continuous study and self-improvement.

What resources would you recommend for future leaders?
Join the association, NGO or advocacy group that represents your industry to get insights on trends and new regulatory or compliance policies. Embark on continuing professional development and education and join or qualify with a professional institution linked to your chosen career. Attending regular short courses and seminars also serves to build up knowledge and is an avenue for networking and fellowship.

How did the process of nominating names for the Gen.T List make you feel about your industry and its future?
I am optimistic about the future of the talents in my industry. They are not only competent technically, they are also tech-savvy, able to discern trends and financially capable. Additionally, they understand the power of branding and marketing using big data, social media and print media. Most importantly, they are focused on customer service and customer satisfaction that will ensure repeat business and references.

Which leader do you admire and why?
Nelson Mandela. Despite the many years of imprisonment, ill treatment, discrimination and a total loss of the best years of his life, he could be forgiven for being revengeful and bitter, but he chose to forgive and move on. He united his nation and became a leader of his country and a respected global statesman.

What are your future ambitions?
To give back what I have gained from the nation and the industry and to help nurture young people to be the best they can be.