The state property sector is a pivotal element in the economic transformation agenda as it contributes to the Malaysian and state's economies.

"Sabah is experiencing positive growth through flow of investments, enhanced economic cooperation and improved trade relations, rise in project momentum, gradual economic diversification and greater interest by foreign investors" said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman.

He also emphasised that the property sector will not be affected by any negative event which includes the security issue that has been the main concern in the state.

In his officiating address at the CEO Roundtable Conference yesterday, Musa said the decade-old Sabah's Halatuju or Development Agenda focusing on tourism, agriculture and manufacturing is potential in benefiting the property sector.

Musa further reminded the stakeholders to be cooperative with the federal and state agencies for matters related to economic coordination, planning and implementation.

In relation to the local property sector, "SHAREDA has played an important role in driving Sabah's property market in tandem with the government's vision for greater private-driven initiatives which spur investor confidence" said Musa who is also the State Finance Minister, in his speech delivered by Local Government and Housing Minister, Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor.

Establishing its partnership with the government, SHAREDA has contributed to the property growth at diverse levels which include infrastructure development and supply chains, providing leadership, building community services and sponsorships and joint efforts in seminars, conferences and property awareness.

Musa assured that the State Government will consider the proposals submitted by the HAREDA committees in early June while conveying his contentment for the initiatives taken by SHAREDA in order to boost the real estate and housing industry in this state.

This includes a property exhibition namely SHAREDA PropEX in September, study tour to China with the purpose of promoting properties in the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme, joint effort with the Ministry of Local Government and Housing to foster more than 10,000 units of affordable homes construction throughout the state.

Moreover, the co-chair of the Focus Group Dealing with Constructions Permits (DCP) who is also the president of SHAREDA in collaboration with State and Federal authorities promoting "1 STATE 1 DCP CHAMPION” with the objective of attracting overseas investors.

"This represents a multi-authority collaboration to dive into current rules that has posed a hindrance" he added. Investing in young people who will be the future leaders, Musa praised the SHAREDA Youth's development while outlining the digital and online spheres provide opportunities for the youth to excel.

In the conference, Hajiji presented the SHAREDA Top CEO Award 2017 to Quek Siew Hau, managing director of WMG Holdings Bhd.

Quek obtained his Higher National Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from Portsmouth Polytechnic, United Kingdom in 1978 and post-graduate Diploma in Management Studies from Brighton Polytechnic, United Kingdom in 1979.

His first appointment was as the Director of Wah Mie in 1979. He was made the Deputy Managing Director of the Target Companies in 2002 and began carrying out his present role as the Managing Director in 2013.

Being the first Sabah-based property development company listed on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad on July 31, WMG Holdings Bhd has built over 15,000 various types of housing units.

In 2013, the Group also received the "Platinum Award” under the SHAREDA Affordable Homes Award 2013 by SHAREDA and the Ministry of Local Government and Housing for its contribution in building more than 11,000 affordable homes.