KUCHING: As a former national swimming coach, Dato’ Seri Dr Charles Voon has always believed that a positive attitude would take one far, and it is with this belief that he has managed to make a drastic change in the industry and is currently chief executive officer of PWP Properties (EM) Sdn Bhd (PWP Properties).
Voon revealed that his family did not always have it easy.
Hailing from humble beginnings in the small town of Bau, he realised that he required an edge and even more hard work in order to carve out a better lifestyle for himself and his family.
“I always knew I had to acquire an unique edge and remain steadfast and determined in order to succeed.
“That was all I wanted to do, succeed.
“I had taken up many types of sports such as table tennis and basketball before I stumbled upon swimming,” Voon said.
However, swimming was no easy feat for him as well, having been introduced to the sport later than the other competitive swimmers.
His humble background meant that he could not afford proper swimming gear.
He had to observe the other trainers from a distance.
He eventually caught the attention of the local swimming coach who then gave Voon free lessons and became part of the local swimming team.
“Upon graduation, I was offered an opportunity to follow in my coach’s footsteps and eventually managed to participate in the Malaysia Games and International Age Group invitation swimming championship Pre-Commonwealth Games as a coach.
“But as I grew wiser, I understood that I needed to pave another path for myself,” Voon added.
This was when he quit his position as a swimming coach and ventured into the property development business in 2001.
Voon then set up his first construction company, APC Development Sdn Bhd in 2002 with partners, an architect, a civil engineer and an established developer cum landowner.
From there onwards, it was not long before a real estate company from Peninsular Malaysia namely Pacific World Properties Sdn Bhd Group of Companies appointed him to set up the first real estate branch in East Malaysia.
“I was then appointed as managing director of PWP Properties (S) Sdn Bhd for East Malaysia.
My business partner, who is the principal of PWP Properties in Kuala Lumpur has 20 years of experience in real estate and property, so I knew it was another good opportunity for me to step up in my career,” he explained.
Voon understood that he played the role of a leader, as such, he meticulously selected each employee under his wing and tried to place them in positions that best made use of their strengths.
Proper planning and implementations were always his priority.
He also explained that ultimately, PWP Properties aimed to provide services to simplify the task of property developers.
He stated that his motto was, “Aim to build a dedicated, young and professional team to serve clients and associates more efficiently and effectively.” Since then, PWP Properties has come a long way in East Malaysia, not only because it has been appointed as the marketing partner for many major projects here locally, but also for its excellent services.
The company was also involved in the Malaysia, My Second Home (MM2H) programme, promoted by the government of Malaysia to the people from all over the world, who wish to stay in Malaysia and regard here as their second home.
“I also dabble in education as a form of Corporate Social Responsibility, to give back to society.
“These efforts are made through another associate company, Pacific World Alliance Sdn Bhd, whereby we have formed partnerships with Open University Malaysia and University Malaysia Sabah,” Voon highlighted.
Concurrently, Voon was also diversifying into other industries.
The company’s latest target was the plantation sector where he had spotted great potential, as a door into international arena.