Even in fast-paced urban settings, human interactions remain essential. Urban communities today are more than just clusters of buildings; they are dynamic ecosystems shaped by culture, commerce, and connection. As cities grow, people seek neighbourhoods that support meaningful living.
GN Wong, managing director of North Borneo Land Properties (S) Sdn Bhd (a subsidiary of Eng Han Group), envisioned creating a holistic urban community inspired by Kuala Lumpur’s high-rises, where lifestyle, greenery, and connectivity converge to elevate daily living. The ambition, however, was not to replicate these developments, but to reinterpret these principles through a Sabahan lens.
His development of SkyMillion Residence—a luxury condominium with curated facilities—earned him the Best Urban Community Development award at the SHAREDA Excellence Awards 2025. “This project has proven to be a success. The NBLand team is now planning an exciting new development next to SkyMillion Residence, featuring both high-rise and premium landed Super Villa properties,” Wong says.
“The greatest lesson is that property development is, at its core, about people and society. Market trends, materials, and technologies will continue to evolve, but trust and integrity remain constant.”
“The project began during the COVID period and is located in Nosoob, Penampang. It is surrounded by essential facilities, such as schools, shopping outlets, banks, healthcare institutions, and sports amenities. I felt it was the right time to introduce more comfortable homes in Penampang, especially for young families. This led to the creation of SkyMillion Residence—the name reflects prosperity in life, career, and family. We prioritised spacious and comfortable layouts for family living, with built-up areas ranging from 930 sq ft to 1,860 sq ft to suit different needs. Every layout is designed to maximise living space while keeping the pricing affordable.
“Many developers in Sabah have been doing exceptionally well. As developers, we’ve been in the industry for more than 30 years, and I believe strongly in the Sabah market. We’ve built a solid track record and a well-known reputation from day one. NBLand has never slowed down—continuing to build, contribute, and deliver meaningful value to the community. To me, these are the things that matter most.
“The greatest lesson is that property development is, at its core, about people and society. Market trends, materials, and technologies will continue to evolve, but trust and integrity remain constant. I’ve learned that delivering on our promises, listening to feedback, and creating enduring value are what truly earn long-term loyalty, from both our customers and our team.
“I admire Jack Ma the most because he started with almost nothing—no capital, no connections—yet he had a clear vision and relentless drive. He championed the goal of ‘making it easy to do business anywhere’, tying commercial value to social responsibility in the creation of Taobao, Alipay, and more. Profit naturally follows when trust and value come first, when you understand people and create solutions that genuinely benefit them. A true leader stays the course and inspires the team to persevere when the path gets tough. I’ve also learned the importance of gathering people who share the same vision and moving forward together.
“The future of NBLand is ambitious and grounded. We envision shaping Sabah’s next generation of urban living with projects that blend architecture, technology, and community spirit into lasting value. We’re exploring designs that are more sustainable, more connected, and more human, where people feel inspired to build their lives. Our past track record serves as proof of concept, showing that Sabah can deliver developments of exceptional quality.
“Beyond physical growth, we’re also investing in our brand reputation and after-sales experience to ensure every NBLand homeowner feels proud of their choice. Over the next five years, we aim to strengthen our presence across Sabah’s urban and suburban corridors, while maintaining the same human-centric DNA that defines our brand.”
Photography: Jemmie Chew, and Hailey Tan/COOP Studio
Production assistant: Yiyee Tan/COOP Studio
Backdrop: Within TheOccasions
