CEO Datuk Tony Ling on Steering IJM Land Toward a Smarter, Greener, and More Community-Focused Future

As cities grow denser and lifestyles more fluid, IJM Land’s CEO is betting on integrated ecosystems—where homes, green spaces, and innovation go hand in hand

Datuk Tony Ling doesn’t speak like a typical CEO. There’s no corporate jargon, no sweeping declarations of transformation or disruption. Instead, he speaks with the clarity of someone who understands the weight of responsibility and the value of grounded and practical vision, something shaped over years of experience and sharpened by the quiet conviction that good development isn’t just about delivering homes but shaping the way people live.

“I think I just passed through two years with IJM,” Ling reflects. “I was here as the COO, and then the opportunity came for me to rise to the CEO role last year when my predecessor retired. From there, it was really an opportunity to fulfil the milestones we’ve been planning and to optimise the way we operate—whether that’s in terms of manpower or our systems.”

At the top of Ling’s agenda are three priorities: refining operations, nurturing a visionary team, and reshaping township development. “First, optimising our existing operations to ensure long-term value and sustainability,” he explains. “Second, building a strong, forward-thinking team that can drive IJM Land’s vision forward. A great development is only as strong as the people behind it.”

The third priority involves a fundamental rethinking of what townships can be. “We are shifting toward true integrated townships—self-sustaining, mixed-use communities where work, leisure, and living seamlessly coexist,” he says.

This shift isn’t a departure from the IJM brand, but rather an expansion of it. “It’s not a core transformation,” he explains. “It’s about diversification. We don’t just do townships anymore. We’re also doing community-centric, mixed-use developments—like Pantai Sentral Park—where you’re not just living or working, but experiencing a whole ecosystem.”

An example of this vision is Pantai Sentral Park (PSP), a development adjacent to the 200-acre Bukit Kerinchi Forest Reserve. Originally designed as a residential-led area, PSP has since evolved into a model of integrated, sustainable living. “We have refined its master plan to create a true urban sanctuary that blends nature, smart infrastructure, and connectivity,” Ling explains. The development is anchored by Enlace, a vibrant mixed-use hub comprising residences, offices, retail, and wellness facilities—all designed to foster a walkable, self-sustaining community.

The logic behind this direction is strategic. Land scarcity, especially in the Klang Valley, has made traditional township development increasingly cost-prohibitive. “You have to diversify your income,” Ling points out. “If you only focus on townships, you need to keep buying more land. Mixed-use projects, on the other hand, allow for recurring income—from things like commercial offices—so your business becomes more resilient.”

But urbanisation isn’t just about density and convenience. For Ling, it’s also about sustainability—both environmental and operational. “Across all our projects, we are committed to reducing environmental impact through energy-efficient designs, the use of durable, low-maintenance materials, and eco-conscious planning,” says Ling. PSP incorporates biophilic elements, GreenRE Gold standards, and technology-powered features like AI-driven smart control systems that manage energy use, security, and operational efficiency. “By combining thoughtful planning, responsible material choices, and smart technology, IJM Land looks to create communities that are environmentally conscious, future-ready, and built to last.”

And speaking of technology, Ling believes artificial intelligence (AI) will increasingly underpin smart living environments. “We’re thinking about how AI can help reduce operational costs—through face recognition systems for security or by analysing market data to help us design better homes,” he says. “Eventually, AI could be the backbone of our developments.”

Still, Ling is careful not to get swept up in trends without testing their practicality. When asked about Malaysia’s adoption of Industrialised Building Systems (IBS), he offers a candid assessment. “We’re testing the systems, but conventional methods are still more cost-effective in Malaysia. Labour here is cheaper, and the logistics of IBS make it costly. But we are trying—even if it affects our margins.”

All in all, integration between nature and community is central to Ling’s ethos. He reveals, with a smile, that their new show galleries now come equipped with solar panels and EV chargers. And while he remains tight-lipped about a future mangrove conservation project, it’s clear that sustainability will remain a cornerstone of the IJM Land brand.

Still, the road ahead is not without its challenges. “The cost of doing business has increased. Materials are more expensive, and regulatory requirements vary from state to state. That makes planning and execution more complex,” he admits. But Ling remains undeterred. “I like challenges,” he says. “If I can solve them, the satisfaction is there. I like to explore creative and innovative solutions. Otherwise, life gets boring. I don’t like being stagnant.”

Source: Malaysia Tatler
Read more: https://www.tatlerasia.com/power-purpose/leadership/datuk-tony-ling-ijm-land-interview