Malaysia-born property developer keen to develop city in Malaysia

Malaysian-born property developer, Maha Sinnathamby, who is now in the midst of developing Australia's biggest city, Greater Springfield, is keen to develop one here (Malaysia) if there is an opportunity.

Sinnathamby, 75, was born in Rantau, Negeri Sembilan. He is the founder and Chairman of the Greater Springfield Land Corp Pty near Brisbane.

The developer, who remains passionate about Malaysia, said the country has potentials to grow further.

He said Malaysia has many races and there are potential areas to be expanded into a city.

"I always have a plan to develop a town here (Malaysia), but unfortunately there is no time for me to make it happen now.

"You need to do research and find at least five potential areas to develop a city and most importantly, have self-belief," he told Bernama after been conferred 'The BrandLaureate Premier Brand ICON Leadership Award 2015' here recently.

The BrandLaureate Brand ICON Leadership Awards recognise leaders who are in a league of their own and whose achievements have contributed significantly to the development of their countries and communities.

Sinnathamby said Malaysia should be the shining example for Asia as the country has tremendous resources, beautiful climate, multi-racial society and talents that made it rich.

"We have more tremendous potentials as we have a lot of resources, tremendous sources of energy as the young generation has many ideas," he said.

Sinnathamby's Greater Springfield project has been declared the world's best master-planned community by the International Real Estate Federation.

It has so far attracted over A$11 billion (A$1=RM3.12) in both public and private investments, including a A$2.6 billion government-funded rail line to Brisbane.

He also has won an award for the design and engineering of his development from University of New South Wales, the world's best master-planned city at the 61st World Congress of the International Real Estate Federation in Bali and the award recipient for the Gopio International Renowned Entrepreneur Excellence Award 2010 for his achievement in the Greater Springfield project, which focuses on development of education and health for the local community.