Ambition in a person often reflects a rich inner world—one shaped by values, purpose, and a grounded conviction to keep evolving. You see it in the way they approach challenges with clarity, how they treat effort as an art form, and how they walk through life with an internal storyline. It’s as though their drive reaches toward what could be, telling the world: “I’m here to do something that matters.” This inner compass unfolds as a beacon in practice, whether through leadership, innovation, or societal contribution.
In Erica Lim’s case, being the daughter of Tan Sri Datuk Paul Lim Pau Chang, founder of TP Group, she gained an early exposure to the construction and property landscape. But rather than letting expectations dictate her direction, her academic curiosity led her to pursue psychology in Australia and undertake a Japanese language programme in Tokyo. Yet, what ultimately drew her back was family. “Construction has always been our family’s core background, but I’ve had the opportunity to explore property development and hospitality as our company ventured into new areas,” she says. “At first, it was something I naturally stepped into but, over time, it became something I genuinely love.”
“Not every project needs to be large to be meaningful. By reimagining a single forgotten building, we can demonstrate how cities can evolve sustainably—respecting what already exists while adapting to new needs.”
It’s this combination of genuine intent and global perspective that guided Lim’s Monocolo Boutique Hotel, developed under Akasbadi Sdn Bhd, to receive the Urban Revival Excellence Award at the SHAREDA Excellence Awards 2025. “I began to see how much thought and creativity go into shaping the spaces people live in and move through,” she reflects. “Working in a hotel has given me a unique perspective on how hospitality can influence experiences. It’s not just about buildings but also about creating environments that connect people, inspire interaction, and make a place feel alive.”
“Land is becoming increasingly scarce, especially in prime areas. Quality land with the right balance is hard to come by. What drew us to this space was its location: close enough to the city, yet far enough to enjoy calm and escape the daily hustle. The place carried layers of memories for the community; people still spoke of it with nostalgia and affection. We saw the potential to honour that emotional connection while giving the space a new purpose suited to today’s society.
“Not every project needs to be large to be meaningful. By reimagining a single forgotten building, we can demonstrate how cities can evolve sustainably—respecting what already exists while adapting to new needs. Monocolo shows that renewal can be both creative and responsible, encouraging others to see old spaces not as relics, but as opportunities for transformation. A small project may not change our skyline overnight, but it can shift the way we value our built environment. When more developers adopt this mindset, that’s when real, sustainable urban transformation begins.
“The biggest risk we took was choosing to work with the existing building instead of tearing it down. At the time, it might have seemed easier to start fresh, especially since the structure was originally an office building with limitations in layout and function. Navigating those constraints, rethinking the spatial flow, and finding beauty in what was already there was challenging. On the other hand, we maintained a sense of continuity for the community. People who once knew the place now experience it in an entirely new way.
“Hosting some of the Unduk Ngadau pageants at our hotel left a lasting impression on me. It’s not merely a celebration of physical beauty but also of intelligence, grace, and cultural pride. The contestants are judged not just on appearance, but on their knowledge of Kadazan-Dusun culture, their ability to speak the language, and their understanding of Kaamatan’s (Sabah’s annual harvest festival) deeper meaning. That’s what makes this cultural renewal so inspiring. It’s a reminder that our heritage is not static—it evolves with every new generation that celebrates it in their own way.
“Structured planning sessions help me map out goals, collaborate with the team, and test ideas. But some of my best insights come during quiet moments, and by that I mean travelling. Experiencing new places, cultures, and perspectives sparks creativity. Observing how people live, move, and interact in different environments helps me reimagine spaces, hospitality experiences, and design concepts.”
Photography: Jemmie Chew, and Hailey Tan/COOP Studio
Production assistant: Yiyee Tan/COOP Studio
Backdrop: Within TheOccasions
