Innovating Leadership: Gim Teck Yew’s Vision for Gamuda Land

This article first appeared in City & Country, The Edge Malaysia Weekly on March 9, 2026 – March 15, 2026

Driven, sharp, and approachable — these traits come to mind when you meet Gim Teck Yew. At just 35, this thoughtful, well-informed leader appears anything but young in his demeanor and insights. As the new CEO of Gamuda Land, the property arm of Gamuda Bhd, Gim represents a blend of youth, wisdom, and resilience that could not come at a better time for the company.

A Rapid Transition

Since assuming the CEO role last December, Gim has been on a whirlwind journey across four to five countries. “In another three months, I will have visited seven cities,” he joked in an interview with City & Country, adding, “There are mornings when I wake up in a hotel and genuinely have to pause and ask myself, ‘Where am I today?’”

Despite the frenetic travel schedule, Gim exhibits a remarkable adaptability. “At Gamuda, change is the only constant,” he explains. His comfort with discomfort is an essential mindset for navigating the dynamic demands of the real estate sector.

Early Inspirations

Gim’s roots lie in Johor, where he spent 12 formative years before moving to Singapore for further studies. An encounter at the age of 18 set the course for his life. “Back when I was in Johor, the one township that really impressed me was the 1,228-acre Horizon Hills,” he reminisces. “I thought: When I graduate, I want to be involved in building townships like this.” That aspiration led him into the property industry, ultimately guiding him to Gamuda Land in 2021.

He started by leading the marketing team for Gamuda Cove, where he successfully boosted annual sales from RM200 million to RM750 million in just a couple of years, highlighting his proficiency and strategic insight.

A Vision for Growth

Now, as CEO, Gim has set ambitious goals for Gamuda Land. His aim is to double the company’s revenue, net profit, and total sales by FY2028. The target is formidable: after record sales of RM5 billion in FY2024, the figures dipped slightly in FY2025 due to market fluctuations. “We expect our Malaysian portfolio contribution to reach RM3 billion to RM3.5 billion in sales,” he outlines, expecting the international segment to bring in an additional RM4 billion to RM5 billion.

The key to this ambitious plan lies in adopting a Quick Turnaround Project (QTP) strategy, which is designed to accelerate capital recycling and steady earnings through strategically located, mid-scale developments.

Fostering a Culture of Empowerment

Leadership for Gim is not just about setting targets; it’s about fostering a culture of critical thinking and accountability among team members. His approach balances empowerment with responsibility. “My leadership style is to give our talent space to work on ideas and tasks, which trains their critical thinking,” he shares. This principle has been pivotal in Gamuda Land’s success in Vietnam, showcasing the importance of a skilled workforce capable of thriving even in challenging environments.

Local Developments and Market Dynamics

In Malaysia, Gamuda Land has laid out a clear roadmap for its existing townships, including Gamuda Gardens, Gamuda Cove, and Horizon Hills. As these communities mature, the focus will be on increasing population density and vibrancy. “We are also offering more affordable homes to cater to families aged 35 to 40,” Gim notes, reflecting the changing demographics and housing needs in Malaysia.

Johor’s Horizon Hills is particularly intriguing, as it enters its final phase with premium offerings targeted at affluent buyers, showcasing how regional strategies can differ based on market demand.

Exploring International Potential

While expanding domestically, Vietnam is at the forefront of Gamuda Land’s international efforts, expected to account for 50% of the company’s launches in the following year. Gim explains that Vietnam’s burgeoning economy, combined with a housing supply that lags behind demand, presents a unique opportunity for growth. “Our focus is on premium and prime segments, targeting the mid- and high-income groups,” he explains.

In addition to targeted project launches in major cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, Gamuda Land is venturing into Hai Phong, a key port city benefiting from increased trade activity due to ongoing geopolitical dynamics.

Future Developments in Singapore and the UK

Gim also elaborates on the company’s plans to enter Singapore through a mixed-use development that combines residential and commercial spaces. The Singapore project illustrates the importance of maintaining a balance between established markets like Malaysia and emerging markets like Vietnam.

In the UK, Gamuda Land continues to build a sustainable income stream through purpose-built student accommodation and residential redevelopment projects. Such diversification not only mitigates risks but also aligns with international trends in education and housing.

Lessons in Leadership

Leading a major property development company at such a young age comes with its own set of challenges, and Gim finds motivation in adversity. Inspired by Nvidia’s founder, Jensen Huang, he believes that facing obstacles head-on fosters real growth. “When hardships come your way, don’t run. Grind through them,” he emphasizes, conveying a mindset that not only resonates personally but also sets the tone for company culture.

Through his thoughtful leadership and strategic vision, Gim Teck Yew is not merely shaping the future of Gamuda Land—he’s setting a standard for younger leaders in the industry, proving that success and innovation often come from the willingness to embrace change and adapt.