Quest for real estate excellence towards attaining financial freedom!
In the world of real estate, there are countless financial investors and property gurus who espouse the fundamentals of wealth creation and the secrets to success. There is however one man who epitomizes the true meaning of real estate excellence. A self-made man as well as a staunch advocate of property and personal development, he believes we can accomplish almost anything which we set our hearts and minds upon. There is no success too big to dream and no dreams too big to fail! Homefinder Malaysia recently has had the utmost privilege to interview the magnanimous Tunku Dato’ Adj. Prof. Sr. Dr. Fauzi bin Tunku Dato’ Abdul Malek Al-Haj who shared his penultimate vision and mission in real estate entrepreneurship, property investment, lifelong education, personal success, and family life. He is an acclaimed property guru, an exceptional entrepreneur, an outstanding property investor, and a no-nonsense champion in social activism.
Envied by his peers and idolized by fellow citizens, his numerous achievements and countless contributions to society, as well as the local real estate industry overall, speak volumes. He is a commanding presence among developers, investors and entrepreneurs; as well as a beloved, inspirational and towering ‘father figure’ to all Malaysians alike. Many who know him personally as well as professionally constantly heap positive praises upon him for his great wisdom and noble intellect, amidst the myriad of challenges in his long and brilliant career. As such, Homefinder Malaysia would like to congratulate him for an impeccable job as a member of the judging panel of the maiden Noble Excellence Awards 2016.
We are truly honoured by his royal presence amidst our humble publication. He has been a penultimate public figure and an exemplary icon to all Malaysians, particularly those who have had the opportunity to work with him during his many esteemed professions throughout his blessed professional career. We wish to thank him for his effort and dedication, as well as his cooperation and contribution. We would love to honour His Excellency for sharing his immense insight and profound wisdom during this inaugural interview. His ‘down-to-earth’ persona is truly heartwarming, and his graciousness knows no bounds or boundaries. Homefinder hopes that this collaboration will lead to greater things yet to come. We also wish him all the best in his future undertakings. Once again, good luck and cheers! The following is a brief excerpt to the exclusive interview.
As a property guru, what are your aspirations for the future of the local housing industry in relation to real estate development as well as property investment, in particularly homeownership?
Firstly, I feel I have a long way to go before I can consider myself a property guru. Thank you for the high regards. We have come to a cross-road, especially in the affordable homes in major town sector. With land getting more expensive, hence the inevitable rise in property prices. The household income sadly, is not rising at the same rate as price of goods and services. I feel our government have an even bigger role to play in these trying times to ensure that many can afford to own homes. Not just in quality and quantity, but to make it easier to own especially in getting loans. Banks should look at the value of the property more rather than the loan applicants’ background especially in affordable homes and low-cost housing.
How long have you been a chartered surveyor and what drives your passion and quest for success? What are the key factors needed to embark in a noble profession such as surveying?
I have been a member of the Royal Institution of Surveyors Malaysia (RISM) since 1991 in the Property Management, Valuation and Estate Agency Division. First and foremost, you must love what you do. Be passionate about it. You will then become a reliable source of information in your field to your family, friends and clients. You must do your homework and keep in touch with the current trends as well as general directions of the property market.
Being one of the esteemed judges for the Noble Excellence Awards 2016, what are the most memorable moments or highlights, as well as personal impressions with regard to this inaugural property awards by Homefinder?
I am humbly honoured to be chosen as a judge in this prestigious property award. To be given a chance to rub shoulders with other honourable judges whom are highly regarded as gurus in their industry is such a wonderful and great honour for me personally. Getting to talk to and know them on a personal basis makes me understand what makes them tick, and I learn a lot from their vast experience.
On a professional note, what do you think are the relevant traits necessary to be a great investor and a successful entrepreneur?
To be a great investor, one needs to really do their homework. If you are still unsure after that or do not know where to start, please consult a friend who is a property professional. Seek their advice on how to get the property you want.
How would you rate Tahir Hussain as a maverick global investor?
Tahir Hussein is the brother that everyone should have. I am honoured to know this man. He is my business partner, advisor, mentor, and most importantly my brother. We share a lot of things in common and one of it is a passion for the property world. He is a source of inspiration and has more years of experience than his age. He views things in different perspective and sees the good side of people first. He does his due diligence carefully before investing and advising other people to invest. He is one great guy. He is truly unbelievable, and he is absolutely unstoppable!
If you could change the world, what is the first thing that crosses your mind? How would you go about changing your own world?
So many things I want to see change. But from the property point of view I would say more affordable homes ready in the near future especially near public transportation. These public transportation systems must be improved and be affordable for the public. This will cut down on traffic jams as the number of cars on the road would reduce, henceforth, lessening the impact on the environment.
Any advice or messages to those who wish to emulate your career path and profession? What do you believe makes a truly successful person in life?
I would advise everyone to pave their own path. As for me, I tried to do too many things at the same time. By this, I mean it is related to the property line. I believe one should stay focused on your target and dream, and go get it! With the right attitude, knowledge and skills, it should get you to where you want to be. Do not give up so easily. If you get stuck, find some other ways to get around it.
Do you have any inspirational icons or heroes whom you look up to, admire profoundly and worship dearly? Please do share with us!
Well, my first superhero was Spider-Man! I liked the idea of being a mere mortal one minute, and a superhero the next moment when the need arises. I suppose that is a way of challenging yourself and your limits. Next is my father. I guess many would look up to their parents. My dad is a quiet man with strong principles in life. He would get his work done with little fuss. In the property world, I would have to say YBhg. Tan Sri Senator Abdul Rahim bin Abdul Rahman. He created an empire and brand that the whole Malaysia knows – a brilliant individual that really knows his stuff and goes out there to realize his dream. Great man, both personally as well as professionally!
Tunku Dato’ Adj. Prof. Sr. Dr. Fauzi Tunku Dato’ Abdul Malek Al-Haj
Y.M. Tunku Fauzi is from the Kedah Royal House. He furthered his studies in the United Kingdom where he completed his BTEC HND in Estate Management and later pursued a Bachelors’ degree in Land Administration at the University of East London. He came back in 1990 and started his property career with Knight Frank Baillieu as an executive and was placed in the estate agency and then the valuation division. He later went to work with Malaysia Building Society Berhad (MBSB) as a Project Manager and Property Manager. Malaysian Assurance Alliance Berhad (MAA) then offered him the post of Senior Manager of Property Income Investment where he managed all the properties belonging to MAA.
After several years in the corporate sector, he joined Firdaus & Associates Property Professionals (FAPP) as an Associate Director, and was in charge of the Estate Agency department. He was also involved in consultancy work on property management and design of condominiums, office towers as well as townships. He joined Prince Court Medical Centre (PCMC) after getting his Masters (MBA) and Doctorate (DBA) degrees in Business Administration, specializing in Branding and Marketing from Universiti Utara Malaysia and Asian Institute of Management respectively. There he was the Director of Business Development and Corporate Affairs. Before venturing on his own and setting up Property Champions, he was the head of estate agency for Selangor with Rahim & Co (Sel) Sdn Bhd. However, he is now back as a partner in FAPP after merging his company in January 2016.
He is a very active person in the property fraternity in Malaysia whereby he is a Registered Valuer, Estate Agent and Property Manager with the Board of Valuers, Appraisers and Estate Agents Malaysia (BOVAEA), Fellow of the Royal Institution of Surveyors Malaysia (RISM), former Chairman of the Property Management Valuation and Estate Agency Surveying Division of the RISM, Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors UK (RICS), Member of the Private Sector Valuers, Estate Agents and Property Consultants of Malaysia (PEPS), Member of the Malaysian Institute of Professional Property Managers Malaysia (MIPPM), and Member of the Malaysian Institute of Estate Agents (MIEA). In addition, he is also a committee member within several of the abovementioned institutions.
He is an integral part of the Estate Agency Practice Committee of the Board of Valuers, Appraisals and Estate Agents of Malaysia (BOVAEA) that is trying to protect the Estate Agency profession by help creating awareness of using illegal brokers, and the creation of the Real Estate Negotiators (REN) and Real Estate Agents (REA) tags. He is also part of the team that goes regularly to Parliament and Putrajaya to campaign for the use of registered property managers as opposed to unlicensed or unregistered property managers in the interest of the general public. He is also a recognized speaker and trainer for RISM on property matters. He is also a well-known image and protocol consultant as well as public speaker together with his wife. He regularly gives corporate talks on business strategies and entrepreneurship aside from being an avid motivational speaker.
He is the present Chairman of the Property Management, Valuation and Estate Agency Surveying Division, and was the Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Institution of Surveyors Malaysia (RISM). Whilst at RISM, he was conferred the Adjunct Professorship (Adj.) by University Utara Malaysia (UUM) which also made him a Fellow. During his spare time, he coaches football to underprivileged children. He played football in the English League Division 4, and holds a coaching certificate from the English FA. He was also the first Malaysian to play in the English Football League. Apart from that, he also organizes charity sports and social events such as golf, futsal, bowling, buka puasa, aidilfitri open houses and family days to help raise hundred thousands of ringgit for the Sultanah Bahiyah Foundation, Sultanah Haminah Foundation, Cancer Awareness campaigns, orphanages and underprivileged students via the RISM Royal Charity Golf Tournament of which he is currently Chairman.
He was conferred the Darjah Paduka Mahkota Palembang (1st Class) DPMP via his involvement in getting a collaboration with MAPPI, the Indonesian Professional Valuers Association and the Pingat Setia DiRaja Kedah, SDK for his contribution to the property profession overall. He had represented Malaysia at property, business and motivational conventions and seminars around the world, as both speaker and participant. He holds senior management positions in the following companies: Associate Director of Firdaus & Associates Property Professionals Sdn Bhd, Executive Chairman of Total Football Academy, Business Partner of New Image Sdn Bhd, Chairman of Vision Ventures Management Sdn Bhd, Chairman of Ptx Perkasa Sdn Bhd, Executive Chairman of Fazmira Enterprise, Chairman of Smart Media Technologies Sdn Bhd, Director of Segi Perkasa Sdn Bhd and Director of Asian Union Laos Development Sdn Bhd. Tunku Fauzi is also active in politics and is currently the Information Chief of Parti Ikatan Bangsa Malaysia (IKATAN).
