Datuk Johnny Wong on The Significance of SHAREDA’s 47th Anniversary And The Questions He Asks Himself At the End Of Each Day
The association president on the significance of its anniversary, the objectives of his committee’s current term, and the questions that he asks himself at the end of each day.
Affinity, which was the theme for SHAREDA Nite 2025, is meant to highlight the “strong connections and unity within the housing and real estate industry, between the association and its partners, and the wider community”, says Datuk Johnny Wong, the association president for the 2025—2027 term.
“To be SHAREDA’s president as it marks its 47th year is a profound honour and a significant personal responsibility. I am leading an association that has not only endured, but has also consistently grown and remained the key voice for the entire real estate ecosystem in Sabah. This longevity is a testament to the dedication of our past leaders and the relevance of our mission.
“The biggest challenge is making quality housing accessible to Sabahans.”
“SHAREDA’s continued relevance must be earned through proactive leadership. My personal goal is to build upon this legacy by championing a bold, future-oriented vision for the industry, through championing sustainability by pushing for the adoption of Green Certification standards and innovative, cost-effective building materials to future-proof our developments.
“We also continue to work hand-in-hand with the state government to streamline policies, thus making development processes more efficient and transparent for our members, which ultimately benefits the homebuyer.
“The biggest challenge is making quality housing accessible to Sabahans. We are committed to working with the government on targeted incentives, land provision for affordable housing, and addressing high construction costs. In short, my role is not just to represent property developers; it is also to ensure SHAREDA remains a strategic partner in shaping a vibrant, sustainable, and economically prosperous Sabah for the next 47 years and beyond.
“Our focus is more on promoting types of projects and support initiatives that create a broad economic multiplier effect, which inherently supports job creation and new business avenues. These comprise key projects, such as landmark mixed-use and urban revitalisation projects, tourism-oriented developments that work synergistically with the tourism industry to create high-value jobs, and the Sabah-MM2H (Malaysia My Second Home) programme, which helps attract foreign direct investment and positively impacts secondary industries such as education, services, and local trade.
“My most valuable business lesson is that sustainable value is created through cooperation, not competition, and is built on trust and alignment towards the greater good. At the end of each day, and before I allow myself to switch off, I perform a quick mental audit: have we made forward momentum on the things that truly matter to Sabah? Did our advocacy for the digitalisation of the approval process move the needle? Did we find a new, cost-effective way to source materials that helps with affordability?
“Knowing that the hard work today contributed, even slightly, to making a more efficient, modern, and affordable state for the next generation is the true, quiet satisfaction that I carry home.”
Photography: Jemmie Chew, and Hailey Tan/COOP Studio
Production assistant: Yiyee Tan/COOP Studio
Backdrop: Within TheOccasions
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