IN a landmark recognition of his indomitable spirit, vision, and unwavering commitment to the growth of Malaysia’s construction industry, Tan Sri Datuk Seri Lim Keng Cheng has been awarded the Prominent Player Award at the Malaysian Construction Industry Excellence Awards (MCIEA) 2024. Known for his pioneering leadership, Lim has dedicated over three decades to shaping Malaysia’s built environment through a unique blend of resilience, innovation, and social responsibility. His infrastructure, real estate development achievements, and staunch commitment to sustainability have distinguished him as a prominent industry figure and left an indelible mark on Malaysia’s construction landscape.
A COMMITMENT TO MALAYSIA’S GROWTH
Lim’s journey in construction began right after completing his schooling, where he cultivated expertise across various fields, including construction, civil engineering, turnkey projects, and property development. He completed his high school education at Sekolah Menengah Chong Hwa, Kuala Lumpur in 1980 and pursued further studies at Sekolah Menengah Tinggi Setapak, earning the Malaysian Higher School Certificate (STPM) in 1982.
Over the years, Lim has overseen and successfully completed projects valued at more than RM20 billion, a testament to his leadership and depth of experience in the construction field. Today, he continues to influence the industry in his roles as a Non-Independent Non-Executive Director of Ekovest Berhad and Non-Executive Chairman of Lim Seong Hai Capital Berhad, listed on the LEAP Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad. These roles highlight his strategic vision and commitment to advancing Malaysia’s construction and property sectors, where his expertise and forward-thinking approach continue to shape the industry’s future.
His vision is exemplified in projects such as the Duta-Ulu Kelang Expressway (DUKE) and River of Life in Kuala Lumpur, initiatives that have transformed urban mobility and revitalised public spaces. He also oversaw and ensured the timely completion of several design-and-build projects, namely Labuan Financial Park, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) in Sabah, and Universiti Tun Hussein Onn in Johor.
Reflecting on his career journey, Lim shares, “In this industry, success isn’t just about building structures; it’s about creating sustainable environments where communities can thrive. Each project is an opportunity to contribute to Malaysia’s growth and enhance its people’s quality of life.” This sentiment reflects the philosophy underpinning his career, driving him to complete projects and create a lasting infrastructure that harmoniously integrates into Malaysia’s urban fabric.
His visionary approach is evident in his emphasis on building connectivity and mobility. Through projects such as DUKE Phases 1, 2 and 3 (phase 3 is now known as Setiawangsa–Pantai Expressway, SPE), he has redefined the concept of urban highways as critical arteries that facilitate travel and enhance the overall accessibility of Kuala Lumpur. “We’re not just constructing highways; we’re building lifelines for cities, creating pathways that bring people closer together and enable economies to flourish,” he reflects.
SPE DUKE 3 Interchange.
