AFFORDABLE HOMES

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COVER STORY
The Champion of
AFFORDABLE HOMES
LEADING PROPERTY DEVELOPER, LBS BINA GROUP BERHAD (LBS) STARTED FROM
HUMBLE BEGINNINGS AS A SMALL CONSTRUCTION COMPANY 33 YEARS AGO, BY A
FAMILY OF FOUR BROTHERS.TODAY IT IS ONE OF THE MOST SUCCESSFUL DEVELOPERS
IN MALAYSIA, HAVING BUILT MORE 30,000 HOMES OVER THE PAST THREE DECADES
AND STILL GOING STRONG - HITTING THEIR CURRENT TARGET OF RM1 BILLION IN
PROPERTY SALES IN 2015.
BY GERALD CHUAH
Helming the success of the company is the astute Managing Director
Tan Sri Lim Hock San and his visionary leadership. Looking calm and in
control, Lim seemed unperturbed by the speculation of property slump,
due to the current economic climate, and negative reports in social
media.
Looking far into the horizon, Lim is optimistic and believes there is
always a silver lining, which is the vision the company has held for
years – Believe, Become, Behold; and he believes that the country is not
in such a bad shape afterall despite the naysayers. Lim said: “Decent,
affordable, and secure homes are fundamental to family and community
life. This has propelled LBS to do everything we can to ensure this
project provides opportunities for Malaysians to have a home that is
not only strategically located, but comfortable and at the same time a
valuable asset for the family,
“At LBS, we believe that property development is never just about bricks
and mortar, it is about providing the means for fellow Malaysians to fulfil
their inherent quest for betterment - to reach for higher quality of living,
better experiences, peace of mind and the need to belong in a better
community,” as he outlined their mission statement:
“Our Vision: To be an internationally recognised developer enhancing
community living by building and inspiring delightful spaces, and
THE BRANDLAUREATE • BUSINESS WORLD REVIEW
Our Mission: To consistently deliver exceptional performance through
progressive creations, realising value to all stakeholders and enriching
communities at large.”
THE BEGINNING
The LBS journey began in the 80s as a construction business, inspired
by the vision of its founder Dato’ Seri Lim Bock Seng. After a decade
of rapid growth, LBS ventured into the property development sector in
1992 where it started its first project of Jelapang Maju Light Industrial
Park in Ipoh. Lim joined the family business soon after completing his
BSc Civil Engineering with 1st Class Hons 1982 from University of Wales.
Recounting his early days, Lim said he helped his dad to collect debts
around Taman Cempaka area. “As I moved around, I saw a big demand
for affordable properties amongst the low and medium income group
and I thought we should take the business upstream into property
development. Although it was challenging, we slowly worked our way
there, and there was no turning back since ”.
Another project by LBS in the early years was the 70-acre industrial park
in Seri Kembangan which was completed within 5 years, and they soon
began to invest in more land as the demand for property increased, and
built many houses in Seri Kembangan and Balakong areas. Within a few
years, its stable of projects established LBS as a reputable developer and
a dominant player the Malaysian property sector.
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image:
The aeriel view of BSP21 serviced residence during the day
In the 80s, we built low to
medium cost houses all the
way, and we were known
as `Champion of middlecost houses’ but today we
focus more on affordable
and medium cost houses,
depending on the location.
When we started, we tried to
convince people to buy our
houses, but today, we don’t
need to do that anymore
because people know who
we are. We take pride in
building affordable homes,
but there must also be profit.
Soon the name LBS became popular amongst the
residents and many people were happy with the quality
of homes built, as the company gained a foothold
amongst the Chinese community there. Part of the credit
goes to the visionary patriarch of LBS, having groomed,
educated, and instilled in his family the values of
respect, hard work with good business acumen as well
as giving back to community.
“In the 80s, we built low to medium cost houses all
the way, and we were known as `Champion of middlecost houses’ but today we focus more on affordable
and medium cost houses, depending on the location.
When we started, we tried to convince people to buy
our houses, but today, we don’t need to do that anymore
because people know who we are. We take pride in
building affordable homes, but there must also be
profit,” added Lim.
BRAND LEADERSHIP
On December 6, 2001, Lim was appointed Managing
Director of LBS Bina Group Berhad (LBS). His excellent
business foresights, technical expertise and 33 years of
management experience have well positioned him as
the Key Leader.
Under Lim’s capable leadership, LBS and its subsidiaries
(Group) have grown and developed as one of the major
players in property development, and was listed on the
main market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad in
2002.
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In 2003, LBS went through a major restructuring and
that’s when he appointed his dad as the chairman.
Since then, the group has re-strategised their business
model, launching a brand new image, identity, and
direction as part of its long term objective to be
an internationally recognised developer, building
inspiring lifestyle spaces that enhance community
living. As a leader, Lim believes that business,
friendship and family are separate matters, and the
best decisions must be made for the sake of the
company.
Today, LBS has grown tremendously, and will further
rebrand itself in line with its aggressive growth and
expansion drive. To mark this new direction, LBS
extended its portfolio of quality homes to the high-end
market and has embarked on a progressive journey of
change, which includes the areas of product, customer
experience, after-sales services, sustainability, green
technology and design.
Over the years, Lim has seen property prices increase
several folds and even weathered the storm during the
economic downturn in 2007. Things have never been
same since then. “At the turn of the millennium, you
could still buy a house for less than RM100,000, and
even as low as RM60,000 but those days are gone now.
Today we focus on mid to high price properties from
bungalows to condominiums costing RM500,000 and
above.”
images:
01)Tan Sri Lim Hock San winning The BrandLaureate Hall of Fame
Lifetime Achievement Brand ICON Leadership 2015
02) Tan Sri Lim Hock San is presented the WCES award by HRH Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah,
Sultan of Perak Darul Ridzuan, Malaysia (second from left) & H. E. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono,
Former President of Indonesia (second from right). Also in the picture are Tan Sri Lee Kim Yew,
Co-Founder and Patron of WCES (most left) and Tan Sri Dr. Jeffrey Cheah,
Chairman of ASLI and Sunway Group (most right)
Presently, LBS is engaged in the development of residential
and commercial properties primarily in Malaysia. It also
offers turfing and landscape contracting, insurance
agency, building, project planning, implementation
contracting, project consultancy and civil engineering
services.
With currently 17 projects at hand, Lim is taking things
in his stride and not unduly worried about the property
outlook despite warnings of market slum ahead. He said
many people have warned him, including his father that
next year will be a tough year in the property market.
“So what if times are bad? Sit down and do nothing?” he
retorted, choosing to remain optimistic as the Chinese
saying goes: “There is always a Better Tomorrow”.
NOTABLE AWARDS
Over the years, Lim has also won many international
awards for his outstanding entrepreneurship, leadership
and achievements in raising the profile of the company
in the country and abroad. On November 5, 2015, he
received the The BrandLaureate Lifetime Achievement
Brand ICON Leadership Award 2015. Held at The
Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur, The BrandLaureate is
a prestigious leadership award to honour individuals
who take on the baton and drive their organizations
and countries to greater heights.
On top of that, Lim was conferred the Lifetime
Achievement Award for Leadership in Enhancing
Relations with China (Guangdong Province) at the
World Chinese Economic Summit 2015 held at Savoy
Hotel, London from November 10-12, 2015. The
award by WCES serves to honour individuals who have
made significant fundamental contributions in their
respective field of work. In respect of his endeavours in
China, the award recognizes Lim for enhancing bilateral
relations with China, especially Guangdong Province.
The award was presented by Sultan of Perak, Dr. Nazrin
Muizzuddin Shah and former President of Indonesia,
Susilo Bambang. This prestigious annual event brought
together over 200 policy-makers, entrepreneurs,
researchers and thought-leaders from all around the
world.
In June 2015, Lim was among 24 people to receive the
Darjah Panglima Setia Mahkota (PSM) which carries the
title “Tan Sri” in conjunction with the official birthday
of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim
Mu’adzam Shah.
Lim said: “We are delighted and honoured to have
received these awards over the years. This recognition
proves that we are on the right track to achieve our
vision as an internationally recognised developer.
This inspires us to continue building a place that is
comfortable, safe, and secure for our prospects - a place
called home,” said Lim.
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LBS BINA GROUP BERHAD’S
AWARDS & ACCOLADES:
ENTREPRENEURSHIP/ LEADERSHIP AWARDS:
1. 2014: International Alternative Investment Review (IAIR)
– Best Company for Leadership of Property Development
2. 2012: Asia Pacific Entrepreneur Awards 2012
– Entrepreneur of the Year Award
For this, we are confident
and bullish that with
new launches over the
next three years, worth
RM 6 billion, we can
further demonstrate our
commitment towards
a sustainable business
that contributes towards
the social and economic
development of Malaysia.
3. 2011: SME Recognition Award 2011
– Platinum Entrepreneur Award 2011
CORPORATE AWARDS:
1. 2015: Asia Pacific Property Awards 2015 – 2016
a.Title: Best Architecture Single Residence Malaysia
Project: Barrington Homes
Star: 5 stars
b. Title: Best Development Marketing Malaysia
Project: BSP Township
Star: 5 stars
c. Title: Apartment Malaysia
Project: BSP21
Star: Highly Commended
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images :
1) Lim Associations
2) Tan Sri Lim Hock San visiting project sites
2. 2014: Asia Pacific Property Awards 2014 – 2015
a. Title: Best Residential Development Asia Pacific
Project: Skyvilla@ D’ Island Residence
b. Title: Best Residential Development Malaysia
Project: Skyvilla @ D’ Island Residence
Star: Highly Commended
a. Title: Best Interior Design Show Home Malaysia
Project: Balvia @ D’ Island Residence
Star: 5 stars
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b. Title: Development Multiple Units Malaysia
Project: Apicalia @ D’ Island Residence
Star: Highly Commended
c. Title: Development Marketing Malaysia
Project: D’ Island Residence
Star: Highly Commended
4. 2013: Malaysia PR Awards 2012
a. Title: Corporate Branding Campaign of The Year
Project: Corporate Rebranding Exercise
Star: Honourable Mention
5. 2013: Marketing Excellence Awards 2013
a. Title: Excellence in Product/Packaging Design
Project: Cameron Golden Hills (The Way Life Should Be)
Star: Bronze
b. Title: Excellence in Public Relations
(Internal/ Employee) Communication
Project: LBS Corporate Rebranding Exercise
Star: Bronze
6. 2013: Property Press Awards 2013
a. Title: Best Urbanic Scenic Development
Project: D’ Island Residence
FUTURE PLANS
2015 has been an exciting year for the family and the
company. On the family turf, the chairman Dato’ Seri Lim
Bock Seng and Datin Seri Liew Sok Boon celebrated their
65th wedding anniversary on June 6, 2015. The couple
have led the family through good times and bad, and today
their greatest joy is centered around their 10 children and
their families, which include 49 grandchildren and 15
great grandchildren. They celebrated marital bliss with
family members, relatives and friends at SJK (C) Sungai Way
convention hall. The reason for not celebrating the event at
a major hotel is because they were brought up here - Sungai
Way, from courtship to starting their big family. This is a
place rich with the fondest memories.
On the business front, LBS announced their ambitious
planned to line up RM6 billion worth of new projects with
a series of aggressive expansion activities to be launched in
the next three years. In its continuous effort to create living
spaces to enhance communities, LBS plans to launch 12
projects for 2016 in various parts of the country. These new
projects are mainly featured in the Group’s key development
areas namely Bandar Saujana Putra and D’ Island Residence
in Klang Valley, Cameron Highland in Pahang, as well as
Batu Pahat in Johor. Among the exciting projects include BSP
Village Shop Offices and BSP21 serviced residence in Bandar
Saujana Putra, Corallia semi-detached homes, Skyvilla
condominium, and D’ Island Residence amongst others.
LBS reported revenue of RM 668 million for its financial
year ended December 31, 2014, up 20 per cent as
compared to the RM 534 million reported a year ago.
“For this, we are confident and bullish that with the new
launches over the next three years, worth RM 6 billion,
we can further demonstrate our commitment towards a
sustainable business that contributes towards the social
and economic development of the country.”
In 2015, the projects totalled 2,600 units with a GDV of
RM1.7 billion. It is projected in 2016, some 4,000 units
will be launched in Selangor, Pahang, and Johor with a
total GDV of RM2 billion; and another 5,100 units by
2017 with a GDV of RM2.2 billion, bringing the grand
total to RM6 billion in three years.
c. Title: Interior Design Show Home Malaysia
Project: Nautilus @ D’ Island Residence
Star: Highly Commended
3. 2013: Asia Pacific Property Awards 2013 – 2014
Lim said: “2015 has been a good year for LBS. We
achieved RM234 million of sales in the first quarter,
which is an increase of 38 per cent over the same period
last year. This year, we outperform and achieved RM1
billion of sales by November, which is our sales target
for 2015. The stellar performance of 2015 was mainly
due to the overwhelming response from the Corallia
semi-detached homes and Skyvilla condominium in
D’ Island Residence and BSP21 serviced residence in
Bandar Saujana Putra which is affordably priced. These
sought-after developments are strategically located
and contributed 84 per cent of the total sales as at
November 2015.
FLAGSHIP PROJECTS:
• BANDAR SAUJANA PUTRA (BSP)
Launched in 2003, LBS’s flagship development, Bandar
Saujana Putra (BSP) is a self-sustainable township
located at a strategic location near Petaling Jaya and
Kuala Lumpur. It is a self-contained, matured township
with approximately 8,400 properties completed todate with a population of 30,000, and still growing. The
well-planned township offers modern style living in an
exclusive yet affordable setting which makes it very
attractive to homebuyers with accessibility to education,
commercial and leisure establishments, as well as
infrastructure and amenities such as schools, hospitals,
recreational parks, shopping centres and hypermarkets.
This is one of the projects that Lim is most proud of,
as it caters to the middle income group. He said: “We
managed to turn a huge piece of deserted land into a
residential hub. We even built a road interchange there”.
Today, Bandar Saujana Putra is the hub for education,
commercial and leisure as well as residence to form a
modern township, equipped with fully developed firstclass infrastructure and amenities.
“We believe in making Bandar Saujana Putra a
connected community, not just connected to all other
major locations in Klang Valley, but a township that
is connected to the future,” added Lim. BSP is also
strategically located in the southern corridor of Klang
Valley, and is easily accessible via Puchong and several
2015 has been a good year
for LBS. We achieved RM234
million of sales in the first
quarter, which is an increase
of 38 per cent over the same
period last year. This year,
we outperform and achieved
RM1 billion of sales by
November, which is our sales
target for 2015.
images :
BSP21-Entrance View and BSP Village-Boulevard View
7. 2011: BCI Asia Top 10 Developers 2011
THE BRANDLAUREATE • BUSINESS WORLD REVIEW
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We believe in making
Bandar Saujana Putra a
connected community, not
just connected to all other
major locations in Klang
Valley, but a township that
is connected to the future.
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major highways -- the New Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE),
Lebuhraya Damansara-Puchong (LDP), Maju Expressway
(MEX) and North-South Expressway (ELITE). It only takes
minutes to reach Petaling Jaya, Sunway, USJ. Subang Jaya, Shah
Alam, Puchong, Seri Kembangan, Cyberjaya and Putrajaya.
• BSP21 Serviced Residence - Located at Bandar Saujana
Putra, this high-rise residential development incorporates
the most extensive range of lifestyle-inspired facilities and
infrastructures that Bandar Saujana Putra has to offer. This
project comprises 10 blocks of serviced residences, and is
situated on a 21-acre piece of land within BSP township
designed for singles and young families, offering an extensive
range of lifestyle-inspired facilities with over 70 fitness and
recreational amenities for residents of all ages, designed to
inspire creativity, active, healthy lifestyle and community for
urban living. It was the main sales contributor in 2015 with
the launch of new phases for BSP 21 serviced residences and
BSP Village shop offices.
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images :
1) BSP Rumah Selangorku was officially launched by Y.A.B. Tuan Mohamed Azmin Bin Ali, Dato’ Menteri Besar of
Selangor, Tan Sri Lim Hock San, Managing Director of LBS, Dato’ Noordin bin Sulaiman, Selangor State Financial
Officer, Dato’ Iskandar bin Abdul Samad, Selangor Housing, Building Management and Urban Life Executive
Councillor, Datuk Wira Joey Lim Hock Guan, Executive Director of LBS.
2) Group photo taken during the Launch of BSP21.
3) Tan Sri Lim Hock San visiting project sites
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• RUMAH SELANGORKU - This is an affordable housing
project, located in the flagship BSP neighbourhood and was
officiated by Y.A.B Tuan Mohamed Azmin Bin Ali, Dato’ Menteri
Besar of Selangor Darul Ehsan, this May. The 5-block, 12 and
13-storey apartment comprising 1,312 housing units and 24
shop units, is built to help lower and middle income earners
to own houses at reasonable prices, in line with the state
government’s commitment to build more affordable homes
in Selangor.
We are truly delighted to witness the extraordinary response by the public
during the launch. We believe that Rumah Selangorku will open doors for
homeownership amongst first-time homebuyers, from young graduates to
the middle income group, to realize their dream of property ownership at an
affordable price.
Lim said: “Every person needs a place to call home and
this affordable home supports the state government’s
effort in realizing the goal of providing affordably priced
homes for every family”. LBS is happy to partner with
the state government on this programme, and thanked
Y.A.B Tuan Mohamed Azmin Bin Ali, Dato’ Menteri Besar
of Selangor Darul Ehsan for officiating the event, in line
with LBS’s commitment to address homeownership
gap amongst first time home buyers and the rising
cost of living. “We are truly delighted to witness the
extraordinary response by the public during the launch.
We believe that Rumah Selangorku will open doors of
homeownership for more first-time homebuyers, from
young graduates and the middle income group, to
realize their dream of home ownership at an affordable
price.”
With a selling price of RM 150,000 and RM 180,000,
for 800 sq feet and 900 sq feet respectively, the total
gross development value (GDV) of the project is RM 234
million. The project is also blessed with a wide range of
amenities and infrastructure in Bandar Saujana Putra,
LBS’s self-contained township - and easily accessible
to major cities around Klang Valley as well as Kuala
Lumpur International Airport. Among the criteria for
eligibility are: one must be a Malaysian citizen above
18 years old, household monthly income of RM3,001RM8,000, applicant (husband/wife) does not own any
type of property in Selangor, single/unmarried applicant
with family commitments may apply. The purchase
of residence is strictly for own stay, and transfer of
ownership is only allowed after 5 years.
• D’ ISLAND RESIDENCE - This is another unique project
that LBS is working on. It is surrounded by the scenic
lakes of Puchong; a habitat born of a vision of exquisite
living for the privileged few. Imagine luxury homes
nestled amidst lush blooms and natural flora. Lim said,
“Imagine jogging past a scenic lake with your children,
a life of complete serenity and security. This is another
quality home development, made unique due to its prime
location, about 15 minutes from the capital of Kuala
Lumpur.”
• SKYVILLA – The first condominium project set within
the idyllic enclave of D’ Island Residence, Skyvilla delivers
an island-themed contemporary living experience
surrounded by lakes. Close to various commercial centres,
this project has an easy access to many important
highways within the Klang Valley.
• CORALLIA – Free from high-rise development within the
parcel in Puchong, Corallia offers ideal homes for families
that look particularly for exclusivity and privacy. Designed
with contemporary modern facade with spacious layout,
this landed property is an idyllic getaway.
images :
1) D’ Island Residence Aerial View ( Night)
2) Corallia Elevated facade view and street view
• BARRINGTON HOMES - This award-winning 2-storey
semi-detached home with Tudor country-style luxury and
modernity is located in the township of Cameron Golden
Hills. It is designed as the ideal getaway from the hustle
and bustle of city life, so that the entire family can enjoy
a retreat for family bonding.
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Nowadays, I just give them instructions via
SMS. I may not know the fine details, but most
importantly I let them know what I want, and it
is also easier to communicate this way.
“Now, as we approach 55 years since the company was established,
it is our commitment to build a better community together, and
give back to the community where we come from and where our
business is located,” he said, adding that the foundation’s launch is
extra meaningful for the family, as it coincides with the 65th wedding
anniversary of their parents!
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images :
1) Dato’ Seri Lim Bock Seng, Chairman of LBS Bina Group Berhad
together with his four sons contributed to PIBG Sungai Way during the
launch of LBS Foundation.
2)The signing of MoU by Datuk Wira Lim Hock Guan (second from
right) & YB Datuk Wira Hj Naim Bin Abu Bakar (second from left) and
witnessed by Chief Minister of Melaka, Datuk Seri lr. Hj. Idris bin Hj.
Haron (third from left) and Tan Sri Lim Hock San (third from right) at
Chief Minister’s office at Ayer Keroh, Melaka
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Other property projects in the pipeline include: Midhills at
Genting Resort-Style development, Somer Homes 2-storey
semi-detached homes, Ivory Garden 2 double-storey terrace
house, Royal Garden double-storey semi-D from Batu Pahat,
2 & 3 storey shop office from BSP Village @ ONE BSP,
Sinaran Mahkota latest social hotspot in Kuantan, High Rise
- Bandar Saujana Putra and BSP Rumah Selangorku.
BRIDGE TO CHINA
In April 2015, Lamdeal Investments Limited, a whollyowned subsidiary of LBS signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) with the Chief Minister of Melaka
to establish a cultural museum in China. The MadeIn-Malaysia Excellence exhibition hall one-stop centre
within Zhuhai International Circuit (ZIC), will showcase the
heritage and culture of Melaka. ZIC, is a joint effort between
Lamdeal and Zhuhai Jiuzhou Holdings Group Limited, a
Zhuhai state-owned enterprise, which was formed in 1992.
ZIC is in the process of upgrading into an integrated modern
mixed commercial development. The cultural museum
and exhibition hall will be built to showcase the rich
heritage and significant culture and customs of Melaka to
Guangdong Province, People’s Republic of China (PRC).
Lim said: “This is a good platform to build the bilateral
diplomatic ties between Malaysia and China in line with
the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road strategy introduced by
China’s President Xi Jinping, and the strategic location of
Guangdong being an important province in the forefront
of commerce, culture and politics. We believe this friendly
cooperation, will further promote Malaysia’s tourism and
attract more investment to the country.”
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Lim said LBS is happy to be able to play the bridging role
to build stronger ties between both countries through the
“One-Stop Centre” to smoothen the flow of information
on tourism, trade and cultural activities for Melaka in the
Guangdong Province in China. LBS is also the management
company of the Zhuhai International Circuit, a prestigious
car racing site of international recognition, which is visited
by people from around the world.
GIVING BACK TO SOCIETY
Launched on June 6, 2015, LBS Foundation is a corporate
social responsibility platform for the Group to accelerate
their ongoing efforts to give back to the community improve the quality of life and benefit the community at
large. So far, it has contributed a total of RM400,000 to 20
organizations and associations.
As an advocate of social and community work, Lim’s
leadership and commitment to philanthropic causes is
reflected in his position on various board of charitable
organizations. Lim said: “LBS Foundation aspires to create
a strong and harmonious society by improving the wellbeing of the community, and promoting a sustainable
development where we can provide, promote, assist and
enlist positive actions towards making a sustained positive
impact,
“When my father, Dato’ Seri Lim Bock Seng started his
entrepreneurial journey in 1961, he believes it is apt to seek
better ways to give back to the community, and the belief
was nurtured in me since young. He once said to me. “Giving
back to the community essential.”
Now, as we approach
55 years since LBS Bina
Group was established,
it is our commitment
to build a better
community together
and to give back to the
community where we
come from and where
our business is located.
Over the years, many people have benefited from charitable efforts
made by LBS, and this commitment is delivered in many forms,
that benefit the younger generation and underprivileged, including
partnering with the Selangor State Government to build Bandar
Saujana Putra Rumah Selangorku.
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To kickstart the fund, an additional RM1,000 was added to the
foundation for each property sold in June, July and August 2015,
which will be channelled towards four pillars: Education – to create
a better nation by providing financial assistance and better learning
environment to students and schools; Community – to build a strong
and harmonious society by improving the general well-being of
the underprivileged group and promoting heritage, sports, arts and
culture; Environment – to protect and preserve the environment
through education and partnering programmes; and Health – to
improve the health and welfare of the needy.
MOVING FORWARD
Lim has no thoughts about retiring soon. He clearly enjoys his
work and looks forward to more profitable years ahead. His sound
reasoning and clear direction of the business has steered it to
where it is today, and even helped open doors to mega development
projects in China, which can be a challenging and risky endeavour if
you do not know what you are doing.
Lim is no ordinary person, he is currently the President of The
Federation of Malaysia Lim Associations, Director of Zhuhai
International Circuit Ltd, Committee of China Federation 9th Plenary
Session, Committee of China Chamber of International Commerce,
Vice President of Fujian Overseas Exchanges Association Fifth Council,
Committee of Fujian Provincial Federation, Committee of Zhuhai
Municipal People’s Political Consultative Conference (Zhuhai CPPCC)
China, President of Malaysia-Guangdong Chamber of Investment
Promotion, President of The Malaysian Chamber of Commerce and
Industry in China – Guangdong, President of Gabungan Persatuan
Cina Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Vice President of the Ann Khoe
Association Selangor & Wilayah Persekutuan, Director of Selangor/
KL Lim Clansmen Association, Chairman of the Board of Governors
of SMJK Katholik and Chairman of the Board of Governors of SJK (C)
Sungai Way. With a successful track record and huge network, he
continues to attract new opportunities. Even land owners from China
have personally offered Lim to develop more properties there.
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images :
1) LBS contributed RM 120,000 at the 32nd Kiwanis Motor Treasure Hunt 2015
in support of the Kiwanis Down Syndrome Foundation.
2) LBS sponsored the STEP-UP Programme by The Star for 3 consecutive years. (Below, from left) The
principal of SJK (C) Sungai Way, Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, Managing Director of Star Publications (M) Bhd,
Tan Sri Lim Hock San, Managing Director of LBS, Puan Sri Karen Lim, wife of Tan Sri Lim Hock San.
Back home, Lim has no problems juggling 17 projects at once, with a capable team of leaders and
engineers at his command. “Nowadays, I just give them instructions via SMS. I may not know the
fine details, but most importantly I let them know what I want, and it is easier to communicate this
way.” Lim also offers a personal touch whenever it comes to problem solving, and makes frequent
site visits to ensure that everything is on time and on track.
“I take pride in solving problems fast, and I’ll do whatever I can to ensure their needs are met. If
there are problems, I will inform the engineers to rectify repair works within 30 days as stipulated
in the agreement. I give the homebuyers the value that they pay for. If they pay RM400K for the
property, I will give them back RM400K worth of building materials, and likewise for a RM1 million
property. I appreciate happy customers and I will go out of my way to attend to their needs, within
reason”.
For Lim, it is always a sunrise industry where properties are concerned. As the company marches
into 2016, he believes that the next few years will be even better, as he executes his LBS Masterplan.
DECEMBER-JANUARY ‘16 #ISSUE31
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country branding series
PRIDE VS. POSITION
Pride vs Position
The first step when it comes to stepping into your
position is to dispel false thoughts. Such bogus
judgements often come from within – what you
deem others may be thinking about you or what you
may believe your limitations are. These thoughts
may range from your inner voice telling you that
you’re not good enough to claiming your rightful
position is in fact prideful (false or otherwise). So
we may make the common mistake of thinking that
our rise to position is somewhat impaired or limited
by the world outside us. The reality of the matter is
the actual challenge most often lies within. Face the
inner demon! In similar reflection, when it relates to
Country Branding, our homeland constraints tend to
obscure our vision and hamper us; when in reality the
whole world is our playing field! If we can move past
such petty distractions and remove the false veil of
blind pride and instead focus on the bigger picture;
for instance the pressing matters at hand which
require our urgent, undivided attention, then coming
into position is no longer an option – it becomes a
necessity, and in certain instances, compulsory. In
short, your brand must take its rightful position. So be
bold and rise up to claim it!
“The reality of the matter is
our real challenge lies within.”
FIND YOUR BRAND’S PURPOSE
Position Equals Purpose
The next step is to view position as you would
purpose. In truth, it is position that gives purpose to a
brand; and in that purpose a higher position is born.
Unless and until you embrace that position, you will
never know what your true purpose is; nor will you be
able to fathom the full extent of said purpose. A brand
is set to discover its purpose through position. For
coming into position will open up new dimensions
– new horizons. When a brand is placed in its rightful
place, it does what it is ordained, purposed or even
destined to do. It’s just like our bodily organs – each
part has its own function and we will not even know
it is doing its work unless something goes wrong, for
instance an organ failure. But don’t wait for t to come
to that. In the arena of Country Branding, placing
your country, the ultimate brand, aptly in the global
jigsaw is a wise thing to do. If the nation has a dream,
a vision, or a mission – do everything in your power to
make it a global dream, a global vision, a and global
mission!
“In truth, it is position that gives purpose to a
brand; and in that purpose
a higher position is born.”
MULTIPLY YOUR BRAND
DR KKJOHAN
What is a brand if it is not in
its rightful place?
The Rightful Position Enables Replication
on a Larger Scale
It is vital to ask yourself this when it comes to
brand positioning: Why is it important for a brand to
take its position? The answer is simple: To make a
difference. When a brand chooses to be seen, perhaps
as a role model or leader, what it is actually doing
is putting itself out there for everyone to appreciate
and emulate. The brand inadvertently evolves from
a singular entity that was only concerned about its
own survival at one time to one that is reborn a
pacesetter, trendsetter and even market leader. In the
TAKE YOUR BRAND POSITION
THE BRANDLAUREATE • BUSINESS WORLD REVIEW
DECEMBER-JANUARY ‘16 #ISSUE31