In Sadong Jaya, Kota Kinabalu, the 15-storey Sutera Bay rises into the city skyline with unabashed prominence. Its location is a mere stone’s throw away from Imago Shopping Mall, between Kota Kinabalu city centre and the Kota Kinabalu International Airport by Tanjung Aru beach. Here, Sabah’s sensational sunsets meet the charms of a hybrid development kitted out with dual-key residences, wellness and lifestyle spaces, as well as The Sigar boutique hotel, inspired by Kadazan-Dusun culture.
Perhaps the most iconic feature of Sutera Bay, a project by VTS Property Development, is how its architecture pays tribute to the Sigar headgear of the Kadazan-Dusun people, with its elegant folds and vibrant colours, as mirrored by the gentle slopes of the building towards its central axis. Terry Wong, the chief operating officer of VTS Group, explains that though much decision-making relies on data, it is often that inner gut feeling that sparks real innovation.
“The most valuable lesson I’ve learnt is this: people invest in vision, not just a property. A building is bricks and mortar, but a vision is what gives the building its soul.”
“Sutera Bay was inspired by the evolving needs of modern entrepreneurs and travellers. We saw a gap in the market for a space that could serve both business and leisure seamlessly. The idea was to create a hybrid environment where a boutique hotel experience meets flexible commercial suites. It’s about giving people the freedom to work, stay, and grow in a space that adapts to them, not the other way around.the
The 15-storey Sutera Bay, SHAREDA 2025 Gold Excellence Award for Best Innovative Commercial Suite
“Data is important, but it’s often that inner feeling that sparks real innovation. For example, adding wellness and lifestyle features to a commercial space wasn’t the norm, but we believed in the idea. That belief helped us build something unique and ahead of its time.
“One of the key project highlights that helped with such an overwhelmingly positive reception is the design freedom of our flexi suites, allowing owners to tailor their space for retail, offices, or hospitality. Beyond that, its CBD location makes Sutera Bay highly accessible, while the curation—from cafe bar lounges to wellness centres—elevates everyday lifestyle for owners and tenants.
“Success is when a development becomes part of the community’s identity. It’s not just about financial returns; it’s about creating spaces that inspire, uplift, and endure. When people walk into Sutera Bay and feel a sense of belonging, that’s success to me.
“In my years in property development, the most valuable lesson I’ve learnt is this: people invest in vision, not just a property. A building is bricks and mortar, but a vision is what gives the building its soul. If you can craft a compelling story around a project and deliver it with integrity, you earn something far more valuable than capital—you earn trust. And trust is the foundation upon which every successful development is built.”
Photography: Jemmie Chew, and Hailey Tan/COOP Studio
Production assistant: Yiyee Tan/COOP Studio
Backdrop: Within TheOccasions
