Real estate will be critical to the country's economy as it recovers from a pandemic, says REHDA's newly elected president

 By Sharen Kaur - Published by NST Property, July 19, 2022 

(L-R): Datuk Ho Hon Sang, the newly-elected deputy president of the Real Estate and Housing Developers' Association (REHDA) Malaysia, with Datuk N K Tong, the association's newly-elected president.

sharen@nst.com.my

Malaysia is at an economic inflection point as the country comes out of a pandemic, while the world faces headwinds of rising inflation, according to Datuk N K Tong, the newly-elected president of the Real Estate and Housing Developers' Association (REHDA) Malaysia.

Tong, of Bukit Kiara Properties Sdn Bhd, said that real estate will be vital to the country's economy.

"I have faith in our National Council that we will be able to assist the government in navigating the opportunities and challenges ahead," he told NST Property when contacted.

REHDA Malaysia elected its new National Council members for the 2022-/2024 term, following the association's annual delegates conference on July 16, 2022.

One of the meeting's highlights was the handover of the presidency mantle to Tong, following the completion of Datuk Ir Soam Heng Choon's two terms as the head of REHDA.

He thanked Soam for his unwavering efforts over the past four years and for what he has accomplished for the rakyat, REHDA members, and the industry and economy despite the pandemic.

Soam, who held the position from 2018 to 2022, led the association with determination and zeal for the industry's advancement, according to a statement by REHDA.

With nearly four decades of property industry experience, his knowledge and wisdom have been an unending source of inspiration for all National Council members and REHDA.as a whole.

Tong expressed his gratitude and humility for the opportunity to lead over 1,600 REHDA members, who are responsible for more than 80 per cent of the nation's property developments.

Datuk Ho Hon Sang of Mah Sing Properties Sdn Bhd has taken over Tong's previous position as REHDA's deputy president.

Ho served as REHDA's vice president and chairman of REHDA Selangor.

The vice presidents for the new term are Datuk Azmir Merican (Sime Darby Properties Bhd), Datuk Edward Chong Sin Kiat (IJM Land Bhd), and Chan Kin Meng (Beneton Properties).