Robb Report Malaysia celebrates five leading Malaysian ladies who are recasting the world in their vision, driving the agenda in altruism and the professional spheres with verve, determination and hard-earned wisdom. We are honouring them as trailblazers and to start the series meet KSK Group CEO Joanne Kua.
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Joanne Kua’s vision for 8 Conlay, a mixed development compendium comprising YOO8 branded serviced residences and the five-star Kempinski Hotel along with a lifestyle retail component, is set to transform Kuala Lumpur’s physical and luxury landscapes. 8 Conlay is heralded as the world’s tallest spiralled twin residential towers upon completion. Its branded residences at YOO8, according to Kua, who is KSK Group’s CEO and executive director as well as KSK Land’s managing director, are all about “vertical living” – a way of life “where neighbours can be transformed into friends”.
Five-star amenities and standout communal areas dominate. These include the two sky bridges designed by landscape architect Pok Kobkongsanti that bring into the fold elevated jogging paths, luscious shared spaces, rippling pools and dewdrop-inspired cabanas.
Kua, who was on Forbes Asia‘s inaugural 2018 Emergent 25 List that honours businesswomen making their mark in regional enterprises, is all about game-changing the various sectors the KSK Group is involved in. These span property and hospitality industries as well as general insurance and technology businesses. She describes the branded residences, which are called YOO8 serviced by Kempinski, as “the crown jewel of 8 Conlay”. These residences feature curated design concepts by world-renowned interior designers Steve Leung and Kelly Hoppen.
How did these stellar yet distinct components meet? It was through Kua’s persistence and ingenuity. “At KSK, we’re not just creating a business, we are also creating a brand and a vision that can and will stand for generations to come, and I feel a sense of great accomplishment whenever I see the KSK tribe come together as one, singular group of diverse but like-minded individuals who are full of passion, drive and grit to make this happen,” says Kua.
Joanne Kua defines success as building a legacy. “Whenever the company and the KSK tribe grows and succeeds, I succeed, and that gives me a sense of fulfilment,” she says. The world, however, is not without its challenges. Kua also considers the impact of events such as geopolitical fractions and climate change down to black swan occurrences, such as the Covid-19 virus, that “can directly affect our businesses and our people”. Her approach to counteract these obstacles is pragmatic and matter-of-fact. “It’s about the knowing that we do not need to face these hurdles alone that there is power in teamwork. This allows me to keep calm and solve problems one step at a time,” she contends.
On Joanne Kua: Theory dress, Stella McCartner jacket and Bulgari B.zero1Design Legend bangle bracelet & B.zero1 rose gold bangle bracelet.
Hairstyling: Keith Ong/ Keith Hair Styling
Makeup: Deirdre Chong
Stylist: Cho Wee Chee
Photography: Micky Wong
