Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Tang Yong Chew, Executive Chairman of Goldstone Holdings, has always been drawn to the ocean. For him, the ideal retreat involves a remote oceanfront getaway where he can unwind and reflect. “A luxurious villa overlooking the water, with time to relax, swim and think—that’s my perfect getaway,” he says. It’s this connection to the sea that now drives his latest venture: Wyndham Semporna Resort, a development set to transform Semporna, Sabah, into a global destination.
Semporna, which fittingly means ‘perfect’, is etched in the collective imagination of Malaysians as an idyllic paradise. Evoking images of unspoilt natural beauty, its crystalline waters, vibrant coral reefs, and languid turtles that drift among them have long secured Semporna’s status as a treasured holiday destination for Malaysians. Although it may hold a special place in the hearts of locals, Tang’s vision goes further. He aims to introduce Semporna to the world.
By partnering with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest hotel franchising company, Tang is bringing his vision to life through the development of 188 overwater villas, each designed with direct access to Sabah’s pristine coastline. Already, the project has received significant acclaim, winning the Luxury Resort Masterplan Excellence Award at the SHAREDA Excellence Awards 2024. Upon completion in 2026, Wyndham Semporna Resort will be the first internationally branded resort in the region and the largest overwater villa development in Sabah. Investor interest has been swift, according to Tang, with half the villas sold during the teaser phase alone, signalling strong demand for this landmark project.
But for Tang, this success is not simply about the right project at the right time. “At Goldstone Holdings, we’ve always focused on creating strong, lasting partnerships,” he notes. “We’ve collaborated with international hotel brands such as IHG, Accor and Wyndham to bring fresh and exciting experiences to Malaysia.” For Tang, the mark of success isn’t about being the loudest in the room. Rather, it’s about nurturing strong business relationships and having the foresight to position projects that thrive in an ever-evolving hospitality property market. Tang’s ability to identify under-served market segments has been pivotal in Goldstone Holdings’ success.
Wyndham Semporna Resort is not Tang’s first venture into ambitious development. One of the most defining moments in his career came with the launch of Ibis Kuala Lumpur City Centre, the largest Ibis hotel in the world with a total of 684 rooms. The project marked a turning point, cementing Goldstone Holdings’ reputation for delivering high-quality, large-scale developments. “It opened doors,” Tang reflects. “It set a new benchmark for us and led to further collaborations with top-tier brands, and proved that we could not only meet but also exceed the expectations of both local and international tourists.”
With decades of experience, Tang has learnt the value of patience, boldness and trust in the process. “There were moments of doubt early on,” he admits, “but embracing uncertainty and making bold decisions led to transformative outcomes.” His advice to his younger self? Take calculated risks and surround yourself with the right people: partners, mentors and teams who share your vision and navigate challenges together.
As Wyndham Semporna Resort progresses, Tang’s ability to turn a quiet local treasure into a world-class destination seems well within reach. After all, who wouldn’t want the perfect holiday destination that’s so close to home?
Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Tang Yong Chew is the Executive Chairman of Goldstone Holdings. His latest project, Wyndham Semporna Resort, Sabah, won the Gold Award for Luxury Resort Masterplan Excellence at the SHAREDA Excellence Awards 2024.
Stay tuned to read more stories about other SHAREDA members: Datuk Chua Soon Ping, Datuk Susan Wong, Datuk Matthew Tan, Gilbert Ee, Wilson Loke, Datuk Quek Siew Hau, Tan King Hong, and Soh Wai Fong.
Photographed by Xerxes/Awesome Image
Make up and hair by Celin Chin
Art Direction by Penn Ey, Chee
