Malaysia Property: Mr. Dennis Ng Yew Khim (CEO) of United Malayan Land Bhd

World Leading Developer Companies' Interview No. 5

Mr. Dennis Ng Yew Khim (CEO) of United Malayan Land Bhd

Mr Dennis Ng was born in Singapore and raised in Vancouver, Canada where he graduated with a Bachelor of Computer Science degree from the University of British Columbia.    He went on to work for 5 years in Singapore at CPG Consultants, a premier AEC consultancy firm, followed by a 10 year stint at King George Financial Corporation, a public listed real estate development investment company in Canada.  Subsequently, Ng joined UMLand in Malaysia in 2013 as Executive Director and was re-designated as Group Managing Director of UMLand on 1st March 2016.

Company Profile

United Malayan Land Bhd (UMLand) has been an established property developer in Malaysia for over 20 years.  UMLand operates as its core business two development divisions, the Township and Niche Divisions. The Township Division looks after five mixed township developments while the Niche Division manages residential serviced residences and both are located in high growth areas in Malaysia, namely Kuala Lumpur and Johor. The Group has over 1,800 acres of undeveloped land.

What aspect do you think are the most important to manage UMLand?

Property development is a resource intensive business which requires knowledge and skillsets spanning a multitude of disciplines. As such, the key and experienced leaders and staff within the organisation is the most important aspect of the business.  A culture of sharing, teaching, integrity and leading by example enables the company and its people to operate effectively and seamlessly and grow.

What is your target for UMLand in 2017?

The years 2017 to 2018 will be a turning point as we are seeing signs of improvement in the building and property sectors.  Most of the large niche projects in UMLand are under construction and will only be completed in 2018.  As such a large part of our focus this year is to ensure smooth and efficient construction and delivery of our products. In addition, UMLand has just developed and opened its first hotel, the Amari Hotel Johor Bahru.  UMLand will continue to build its hospitality portfolio over the next few years.

What is the latest project for UMLand?

In May this year, we launched the Amari Johor Bahru, a hotel managed by the renowned ONYX Hospitality Group. The hotel, located in the heart of Johor Bahru City Centre is within walking distance for visitors coming into Malaysia from Singapore via the customs checkpoint. Amari JB is part of the Suasana Iskandar mixed development project which comprises a 36 storey upscale serviced residential tower and the F&B and entertainment themed Zenith Mall.

What are some of the greatest projects for UMLand?

Our first project that was started 20 years ago in Johor Bahru, Bandar Seri Alam, continues to grow today as a model township with quality homes and a thriving community of over 80,000 residents. The township is also recognised as the “City of Knowledge” by the local authorities for its cluster of more than 10 academic institutions within the township and has reached a state of maturity and liveability that is attracting many international operators such as TESCO, Starbucks, McDonalds, and many more.  This is quite a change from its origins as a rubber plantation. Over the years, we have grown our portfolio from building township developments to designing iconic architectural projects. Star Residence is a high profile development located right in Kuala Lumpur City Centre.  It comprises 3 towers of approximately 60 stories set to enhance the KL skyline and a luxury retail space specified to house world famous restaurants. UMCity is another exciting mixed-use project slated for completion next year.  Located in Medini, the development will feature serviced apartment towers operated by Citadines and Shama, a hotel block operated by Ozo, a destination shopping mall, and an office tower all facing a centrepiece lake.  The UMCity office tower won the prestigious Best Office Development award at the International Property Awards held in London in 2015.

What kind of strength does your company have in proceeding projects?

Over the past 20 years, we have grown from strength to strength in accumulated experience and innovation in property development. We strive to be on the leading edge and we leverage on partners who are global industry leaders to produce stellar products.  For example, we work with Samsung C&T and Samsung Electronics to provide the very best in construction quality and smart home appliances to our customers.

Which one are you focusing on, local or foreign customers?

We have a diverse range of offerings that cater to different market segments.  Our products range from affordable landed housing to luxury condominiums and shop offices to upscale office towers. We do have products which cater for foreign customers.  For example, Star Residences in KLCC will be appealing to foreign buyers due to its top notch location.  As well our developments in Medini, Iskandar such as UMCity (Shama, Citadines, Office) and Viridea are upscale developments designed for foreign customers as the Medini zone is specially incentivized for foreigners.

What is your message for the overseas investors?

Malaysia, as a growing economy, offers many business potentials. Foreigners can enjoy all the conveniences of a modern city without the high cost of living, high population and pollution that is common among other countries in the region. Property prices in the country is still mostly undervalued with lots of room for capital appreciation. Our advice for Japanese investors is to come to Malaysia to take a firsthand look and to explore the unlimited potentials being offered.

<<Projects of United Malayan Land Bhd>>
Star Residences Two : High class luxury tower residences located in the best district, closed to the Twin Tower.

Shama Medini :【Guaranteed yield: First 5 years, 6% return】Hotel Apartment, Investment only

Suasana Bukit Ceylon : Infront of the KL Tower, nearby KLCC and Bukit Bintang