Behind every skyline shift and new development rises in Sabah are the efforts of many hands coming together, and the Sabah Housing and Real Estate Developers Association (SHAREDA) is often at its centre. Just three years shy of five decades, the association has stood at the crossroads of community needs, shaping housing policies, nurturing sustainable building practices, and strengthening the local talent pipeline.

This year marks the association’s 47th anniversary, with now more than 170 members and a newly elected council for the 2025-2027 term. At the helm is president Datuk Johnny Wong Chen Yee, supported by deputy president Benny Ng Su Pei and vice presidents Datuk Quek Siew Hau, Wesley Chai Meng Kong, Raymond Xavier Chan, and Wilson Loke Choon Syn.

Guiding the administrative and financial pillars are secretary general Seth Quek Teck Seng; deputy secretary general Roland Ling Leh Hiap; treasurer general Joanne Wendy Ching; and deputy treasurer general Denise Chin Shin Yee. Complimenting them is a council of seasoned industry figures: Reggie Sua, Jen Kah Gen Fon, Datuk Matthew Tan Yaw Tzuu, Ir. Edwin Fong Kim Wai, Nick Chu Kian Fui, Erica Lim Fui En, Sharmine Chia Siau Shuen, Datuk Anthony Lau Bong Horng, and Dato’ Jimmy Pang Kia Lock. Youth leadership enters a new chapter with Jonathan Wong Kar Gee, while honorary advisors Datuk Susan Wong Siew Guen and Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Tang Yong Chew lend their guidance to the association.

October saw the return of SHAREDA Nite, the association’s principal annual gathering and defining highlight of the year. The glittering affair at The Magellan Sutera Resort’s grand ballroom welcomed more than 1,000 guests. Among them was guest of honour, Sabah deputy chief minister II and state minister of housing and local government, Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Joachim Gunsalam, alongside government officials, corporate stakeholders, and industry peers.

SHAREDA’s mission, Datuk Johnny Wong Chen Yee reflected, had always been to work hand in hand with the state government to strengthen Sabah’s economy and broaden pathways for its people. He noted that this year’s theme, Affinity, represented the shared trust and cooperation between developers, government bodies, and communities working toward a unified future. Benny Ng, who chaired the gala’s organising committee, remarked that the event had always been more than a yearly gathering, but an evening reserved for acknowledging milestones and celebrating camaraderie.

The SHAREDA Excellence Awards spotlighted eight exemplary recipients from across the state, with honours spanning sustainability, township planning, and urbanisation. The evening’s highest accolades went to KTI Landmark’s Datuk Dr Gordon Loke for Sabah Top Developer of the Year and to WSG Group’s Datuk Susan Wong for the Lifetime Achievement Award. Another highlight was its charitable initiative supporting the Sabah Autism Society, undertaken as part of the association’s CSR commitment. QR codes directing guests to the society’s bank account were placed on each of the 109 tables and prominently displayed on the stage screen.

Out in the foyer, Robb Report Malaysia returned for its second consecutive collaboration with SHAREDA Nite, bringing the Robb Lounge experience to life, co-organised with interior design firm Iconz Design Consultancy. The curated space featured an exceptional line-up of brand partners, including Cortina Watch; Swiss high watchmaking brand Franck Muller; purveyor of Swiss luxury skincare La Prairie; Swiss cigar maker Davidoff; Spanish porcelain house Lladró; Maison Martell with its 100-bottle limited-edition Cordon Bleu engraved with the SHAREDA logo; German fashion apparel brand BOSS; Italian natural spring waters by Acqua Panna and San Pellegrino; and an adrenaline-charged Lexus showcase headlined by the new RX500F Sport.

Entertainment delivered a gala to remember. The association welcomed back Malaysian comedian Douglas Lim, whose clever humour and witty commentary on current affairs had the audience guffawing. Meanwhile, best-dressed awards went to the evening’s most sartorially outstanding guests, with a RM15,000 BOSS voucher for the gentleman and a RM7,000 La Prairie skincare voucher for the lady. Malaysian songbird Jeryl Lee Pei Ling, whose heavenly vocals earned her victory on the 2023 Chinese reality TV singing competition, The Next, closed the night.

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Photography by George Yong, Samson Liew / One Big Project

Videography by Zain Zulkarnain, Cheri Grace Lee / One Big Project