EcoWorld’s largest township, eco Grandeur, located in Puncak alam, Selangor.
ECO World Development Group Bhd (EcoWorld) is renowned for its bold vision of creating sustainable and liveable communities.
The company has long spearheaded environmentally conscious developments that deliver lasting value to customers and society both in Malaysia and internationally.
Its success over the years is largely attributable to the strong team led by Datuk Chang Khim Wah, who has been EcoWorld’s president and chief executive officer since the brand first emerged in 2013.
Bringing with him over three decades of experience in the constantly evolving property sector, he was the ideal leader to chart the company’s rapid and transformative growth.
Despite being one of the newer names in the Malaysian property scene, EcoWorld quickly became one of the country’s most dynamic and influential real estate developers.
Chang’s exemplary stewardship was duly recognised with the Property CEO Award at the prestigious Malaysia Property AwardTM 2024 by FIABCI-Malaysia.
He said the company owed much of its success to the synergistic efforts of its highly experienced management and energetic youth whose innovative vision and bold ideas allowed it to pioneer industry-leading projects and practices.
“This honour as Property CEO is really an accolade for Team EcoWorld and the great people I have been privileged to lead and work with.
“It reaffirms my belief that with a focused, agile and dedicated team we can achieve much, enabling us to deliver sustainable growth for our shareholders and creating enduring value for EcoWorld communities and future generations,” he shared.
Eco Galleria in eco botanic, Iskandar malaysia, is a thriving commercialcentre which attracts both the local community and visitors fromsurrounding areas.
Charting success
Chang spent much of his career pioneering and accelerating the growth of large-scale property portfolios.
He has a knack for identifying promising growth opportunities, as well as leading and motivating multi-disciplinary teams in executing complex undertakings.
As a dynamic and visionary leader, he is also well-regarded for his ability to foster strong, cross-generational and cross-functional relationships. These factors were key to EcoWorld’s rapid rise.
Looking back at how much was achieved in just 11 short years, Chang again credited it to the collective dedication and hard work of Team EcoWorld.
“This includes every member, from senior management to those on the ground.
“We pride ourselves on creating an inclusive culture that values each person’s strengths.
“As a result, we have been able to build an innovative and resilient workforce that is capable of driving the company to ever greater heights,” he added.
Chang said the cohesion and creativity of Team EcoWorld were especially evident during challenging times, such as the recent Covid-19 pandemic.
Due to restrictions of the time, they had to find new ways to conduct business, and pursued digital transformation.
These efforts led to significantly improved customer service, enhanced communication and streamlined processes which in turn allowed substantial cost savings.
(From left) chang, deputy minister of Investment, Trade and IndustryLiew chin Tong, ecoWorld executive chairman Tan Sri Liew Kee Sin andecoWorld deputy chief executive officer Liew Tian Xiong at the launch ofecoWorld’s new industrial revenue pillar, QuanTum.
“A notable innovation during the pandemic was the launch of duduk by EcoWorld, an affordable high-rise brand catering to young urbanites.
“We achieved over RM2bil in sales from more than 5,400 units sold, underscoring the company’s agility in responding to market needs with innovative and accessible solutions,” Chang said.
He added that it was also testament to the trust, collaboration and shared values within Team EcoWorld who work together towards a common purpose, turning challenges into opportunities.
Strategic growth
Under Chang’s shrewd stewardship, EcoWorld built a diverse portfolio of well-received townships, thriving industrial parks and bustling commercial hubs.
Many are landmarks in their respective areas and benchmarks of design excellence.
Besides introducing unique lifestyle concepts, they also epitomise responsible development.
The group’s landbank – across the Klang Valley in the central region, Iskandar Malaysia in the south and Penang up north – also grew from 1,017 acres to 8,969 acres.
These have an overall gross development value (GDV) exceeding RM80bil.
EcoWorld’s robust business model is anchored by five sizeable and diversified revenue pillars known as Eco Townships, Eco Rise, Eco Hubs, Eco Business Parks and QUANTUM.
EcoWorld president and chief executive officer Datuk Chang Khim Wah.
Chang explained that Eco Townships are beautifully designed landed homes set amid lush green backdrops, complete with comprehensive lifestyle amenities.
Eco Rise encompasses an ever-expanding range of high-rise residential developments, including popular and affordable duduk apartments for the young and young-at-heart.
Eco Hubs are shop and strata offices, as well as retail spaces, located within Eco Townships and other integrated developments.
Eco Business Parks are green industrial parks crafted to meet the needs of 21st century industrialists from large multinationals to SMEs.
Meanwhile, QUANTUM offers cutting-edge business parks catered to specific needs of data centres, high technology and high value-added ventures.
Unique ‘DNA’
EcoWorld’s “DNA” – which stands for Design, Nature and Art – ensures every project is built with environmental stewardship and social responsibility at its heart.
Chang chairs its Sustainability Committee, which works to implement eco-conscious initiatives throughout developments in line with the company’s longstanding commitment to sustainability.
This body is composed of senior leaders across various disciplines.
Together, they spearhead unique efforts that promote low-carbon communities and eco-friendly practices.
These initiatives not only enhance the lives of residents but also contribute positively to the planet.
Beyond financial success, Chang said EcoWorld is also deeply committed to social responsibility and improving quality of life for people living in and around its developments.
“We constantly seek avenues to give back to society. For example, through the Eco World Foundation, over 2,000 underprivileged students are supported annually.
“This empowers them through education and provides opportunities for a better future.”
Such meaningful programmes bring significant positive impact for people from all walks of life, embodying the group’s ethos of building better communities for tomorrow.
Looking ahead, EcoWorld is intent on continuing its robust growth and leadership in the property sector.
This includes being a key driver of sustainable urban development, which reflects the team’s shared commitment to innovation, sustainability and creating an environment where people can thrive and businesses can flourish.
Epitomising this future-focused approach is QUANTUM’s series of smart industrial parks for digital and high-tech industries, which offer firms a conducive backdrop to power the world of tomorrow.
Chang’s legacy of excellence at EcoWorld highlights the impact of strategic vision and collaboration.
Together, Team EcoWorld has built a brand that consistently delivers long-term holistic value to all its stakeholders.
As the group evolves, this foundation of forward-thinking leadership paves the way for future generations, ensuring it stays at the forefront of the industry and well-positioned to make impactful contributions that will positively shape Malaysia’s property development landscape for years and decades to come.
