Datuk Dr Gordon Loke On Seizing Opportunities, Mastering Negotiations, And Family Values

When a person has fought for every step forward, “making it” holds a meaning that goes far beyond success itself. Navigating financial strain, family needs, or limited opportunities often cultivates a deep sense of resilience that’s built to last. Over time, these weathered hardships become a fortitude that shows up in their work ethic, problem-solving, and ability to stride through setbacks.

Datuk Dr Gordon Loke’s upbringing reads almost like a blueprint for this principle of uncovering fortitude through adversity. “I come from a very poor family and started working at a young age, which is why I value money. Even though my children (Wilson, Stella, and Nelly) were born into comfort and I’m able to give them anything they want, I never spoil them. I’ve raised them to work hard and they need to earn it,” Loke says. Perhaps it’s this foundation of grit that has spurred him—and now the next generation—into breaking new ground in Sabah’s property development landscape.

Following in the wake of its ACE Market listing last year, KTI Landmark now manages projects exceeding RM2 billion. And at the recent SHAREDA Nite in October, the company came out on top, winning the laurel for Sabah Top Developer of the Year at the SHAREDA Excellence Awards 2025.

“In business, you have to give and take. I have never failed any negotiations. I always get what I want, because I know what the other party wants and what I can offer.”

“Winning this award is a great achievement for my team, who have worked very hard to reach this milestone,” Loke reflects. “KTI Landmark has been in the market for 40 years, and it’s high time the public knows the broader story of who we are, what we do, and what we can build. We’re immensely proud of this recognition.”

“Opportunity is very important. I always say, when an opportunity is given to you, you must grab it, and put your heart and soul into it. I studied building construction so I didn’t really know much about the business side of things. When I first started, I was given a chance. I began as a supervisor for 10 months, then I was promoted to site manager. Six months later, I became an office manager. Two months after that, I became an executive director at the age of 19.

“In business, you have to give and take. I have never failed any negotiations. I always get what I want, because I know what the other party wants and what I can offer. Clients appreciate transparency. If something cannot be done, I tell them outright.

“I have been in the market for about 47 years. My wife (Datin Chin Mee Leen) used to worry—would I get stressed? I told her no. Our momentum for the future now rests with the next generation; they are equipped with new ideas, global insights and a commitment to advance Sabah’s property landscape through innovation, sustainability and long-term value creation.

“My children are eager to work and genuinely interested in what they do. After their graduation, I fell sick and was undergoing treatment for nose cancer. Stella had been working at KPMG, Nelly in marketing, and Wilson in corporate finance. I needed help with the business so I could focus on my treatment, and all of my children decided to step in. This was important—there was no forcing them, yet they all chose to contribute.

“Their sense of purpose has greatly helped in giving KTI Landmark a new growth engine—to bring a fresh lens into the entire business that is in sync with the current and even future market expectations. This adds a long-term strategic vision to our historically key strengths: a strong development track record as well as robust financial fundamentals.

“You see this in our projects such as the 18-storey Puncak Gloxinia in Kinarut, which proves that we can deliver large-scale Industrial Building System (IBS) projects; reducing construction waste; improving structural performance; and being in line with an environmental responsibility within ESG principles. Likewise, The Logg in Luyang, a mixed-use project that redefines luxury living, will attract affluent homeowners and global investors looking to make a home at one of Kota Kinabalu’s premier addresses.

“Our next generation will continue to drive the group’s commitment to elevating community well-being, environmental stewardship and sustainable development. As Sabah’s first IBS manufacturer to embed ESG principles into its development framework, KTI Landmark Berhad has set new benchmarks for efficiency, sustainability, and construction quality.”

SHAREDA

Photography: Jemmie Chew, and Hailey Tan/COOP Studio

Production assistant: Yiyee Tan/COOP Studio

Backdrop: Within TheOccasions